"Hey, hey, what are you trying to do?"
Seeing Elder Nyon staring at Robin in shock, Perona immediately floated over and positioned herself protectively in front of Robin.
"You want to bully Robin-chan too?"
Feeling Perona's hostility, Elder Nyon quickly waved her hands.
"No, no. I'm just surprised."
"I never expected Nico Robin to make it all the way from West Blue to the Grand Line."
Of course, that wasn't really what surprised her.
What truly intrigued her was Kairo.
Since Kairo knew about the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon, he obviously knew Robin's identity as well.
Yet despite being a traveler, he openly kept someone wanted by the World Government as his companion.
That was practically the same as declaring war on the World Government.
And that wasn't an exaggeration.
Robin's bounty had been issued directly by the World Government, not Marine Headquarters.
The fact that an eight-year-old child had received a bounty of seventy-nine million berries was enough to prove how much of a threat the World Government considered her.
By issuing the bounty themselves, they had effectively sent a message to the entire world:
Anyone who chose to stand beside Nico Robin was choosing to become an enemy of the World Government.
Thinking about this, Elder Nyon finally began to understand why Kairo had helped Hancock and her sisters remove their brands.
Perhaps in his eyes, nobles, slaves, and criminals weren't important at all.
What mattered was the person.
What a broad-minded man.
Noticing Elder Nyon's reaction toward Robin, Hancock couldn't help glancing over as well.
Meanwhile, Sandersonia curiously asked,
"Robin-chan is a pirate?"
"Of course not!"
Seeing everyone's attention shift toward Robin, Perona puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
"We're travelers!"
"All of us are travelers!"
"That's right."
Robin smiled at the indignant Perona.
"We're travelers now."
"But before I met Mr. Kairo, I was wanted by the World Government when I was eight years old."
"Eight years old?!"
Sandersonia and Marigold immediately widened their eyes.
Their expressions became exaggerated with shock.
"That's amazing!"
"You people are so boring."
Perona immediately lost interest when the topic shifted from the mysterious brand to Robin.
She grabbed Kairo's arm and began whining.
"Kairo, Kairo! Let's go play!"
"I don't like the atmosphere here."
Hearing this, Sandersonia quickly stepped forward.
"There are lots of interesting places on the island."
"Marigold and I can show you around."
"Really?"
Perona's eyes lit up.
"Then let's go!"
"Mr. Kairo."
Seeing Perona leave, Robin also looked tempted.
"I..."
"Go ahead."
Kairo naturally understood what Robin wanted.
Ever since joining him, Robin had been more of a traveler than he was.
Whether it was the Kano Country in West Blue, Swallow Island in North Blue, or the various places they had visited in South Blue, she always took the time to learn about local customs and culture.
Now that they had arrived at the mysterious nation of women, she obviously wanted to explore.
Soon, Robin and Perona left together with Sandersonia and Marigold.
The palace chamber was left with only three people:
Kairo, Hancock, and the somewhat atmosphere-destroying Elder Nyon.
"Oh right, Mr. Kairo."
Elder Nyon suddenly remembered Hancock's illness and immediately spoke.
"Snake Princess seemed to collapse from sickness today. Could you perhaps—"
"E-Elder Nyon... I..."
Before she could finish, Hancock immediately panicked.
"I-I'm already fine!"
"Fine?"
Elder Nyon blinked.
Then she walked over and placed a hand on Hancock's forehead.
"You're still burning up!"
"How is this fine?"
"I really am fine!"
Hancock slapped Elder Nyon's hand away.
Her face bright red, she lowered her head.
"Y-You should leave first."
"Oh, right!"
"Mr. Kairo and the others traveled a long way to get here. They must be hungry."
"Go arrange a banquet immediately!"
"But you look like you're running a high fever."
Still worried, Elder Nyon turned toward Kairo and bowed slightly.
"Mr. Kairo, could I trouble you to examine Snake Princess?"
"N-No, no, no! That's really not necessary!"
Hancock completely lost her composure.
"Mr. Kairo, I really am fine!"
Kairo remained silent.
He simply looked at Hancock.
Ever since the hidden mission had appeared, he had been wondering how he was supposed to cure her.
After all, he already had a rough idea what was wrong.
And after seeing Hancock's reaction upon his arrival, he was basically certain.
Hancock had fallen for him.
Although he had suspected as much, he was still surprised.
Just because he removed the brand on her back, she had fallen in love with him?
Wasn't that a bit too sudden?
Then again, considering Hancock was practically hopeless when it came to romance, it wasn't entirely unbelievable.
The problem was—
She wasn't actually sick.
Which meant his medical skills were useless.
The only thing that could cure Hancock...
Was himself.
So how exactly was he supposed to treat her?
Make Hancock his woman?
Or would simply establishing a romantic relationship be enough?
Thinking about it, Kairo couldn't help twitching at the corner of his mouth.
This hidden mission seemed surprisingly difficult.
After a moment of silence, Kairo suddenly stood up and slowly walked toward Hancock.
Seeing him approach, Hancock became so nervous her heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
"M-Mr. Kairo... I really..."
Before she could finish speaking, Kairo gently placed a hand on her forehead.
"Don't speak."
Feeling the warmth of his hand and hearing his gentle voice, Hancock felt as though she had been struck by lightning.
Her entire body froze.
Her beautiful eyes stared unblinkingly at Kairo's face only inches away.
Then her breathing gradually became heavier.
The room seemed to spin around her.
A wave of overwhelming happiness crashed over her so strongly that she almost fainted on the spot.
"You're fine."
Just as Hancock felt herself about to lose consciousness from pure bliss, Kairo withdrew his hand and smiled.
"You've simply been too nervous."
"Get a day's rest and you'll be perfectly alright."
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