Chapter 46

An hour later, in a bar, Shanter was awkwardly sipping on a glass of milk, feeling utterly bored. Finally, the long-awaited Robin arrived fashionably late.

"The basic situation has been clarified," Robin said as she elegantly seated herself on a cushioned chair and ordered a cup of coffee. "Those 500 soldiers are all royal guards of the kingdom. The pirates are now locked up in a warehouse. Neither side has any particularly strong individuals, at least none that surpass you."

Robin took a sip of her coffee, moistening her dry, luscious lips. "Apparently, the World Government has sent someone to handle the matter, but it seems they haven't arrived yet."

"The World Government is getting involved?" Shanter swallowed a large slice of lemon. "Well, that makes sense. This incident is quite severe. Mishandling it could indeed tarnish the World Government's reputation."

"So, what about us?"

"No rush. Since the World Government is stepping in, we'll just sit back and watch the show." Shanter decided to stay out of the matter. His earlier encounter with Aokiji had left him inclined toward a more low-profile approach.

At this moment, Shanter still harbored a faint trace of trust in the colossal entity that ruled the world.

"By the way, kiddo, who's the World Government's special envoy?"

"A guy named Rob Lucci. I heard he's only thirteen years old—apparently even younger than me." Robin began adding sugar to her coffee, her mouth slightly open as she nibbled on a small cake that Shanter had handed her.

"Only? Thirteen? Aren't you thirteen as well?" Shanter was somewhat surprised at Robin's dismissive tone.

"I don't know why the World Government would send a child to handle this issue. If he's not a fool, he must be quite formidable." Robin continued speaking, ignoring Shanter's reaction.

"True, he's from our generation. It'll be interesting to see how he resolves this. To be handling such a case at thirteen, he's definitely no ordinary person." Shanter popped another lemon slice into his mouth, then continued feeding Robin cake.

"I'm looking forward to it," Robin chuckled softly.

---

A Few Days Later – A Certain Inn

"Kiddo, how did it go? How did Rob Lucci handle the situation?" Shanter asked, lounging comfortably on the bed as Robin returned from gathering information.

"He went to negotiate, but he ended up getting captured by the pirates. Now, he's locked up with the soldiers," Robin reported. "Also, these past few days, I've been running back and forth while you just sit here doing nothing. Brother, that's not fair."

"Come here, then." Shanter sat up, having already formed a negative opinion of Rob Lucci in his mind.

"Huh? What for?" Though confused, Robin obediently approached. After all, Shanter would never harm her. If he took a little advantage, Robin didn't mind too much. Over the years, Shanter had taken plenty of liberties with her, but as long as it wasn't too excessive, Robin would let it slide without retaliating with her Clutch ability.

"Lie down."

"Huh?" Robin was even more puzzled but complied.

"You've worked hard these past few days. Must be tired, huh?" Shanter's tone was uncharacteristically gentle. "Let me massage your shoulders, pound your back, and knead your legs."

This change in behavior made Robin even more suspicious. Normally, she was the one serving Shanter, while he simply enjoyed himself. He had never offered her a massage before.

If Shanter knew how Robin viewed him—as a lazy, self-indulgent fiancé—he might have burst into tears on the spot.

Unaware of Robin's thoughts, Shanter gently massaged her, his actions unusually careful.

Robin felt physically comfortable, but her suspicions grew. Finally, she couldn't help but ask, "Brother, what are you up to?"

"Hey, hey, what do you mean 'up to'? I just see you're tired and want to help you relax. Not everything has a hidden agenda."

"Alright, I'll take your word for it," Robin replied, though her eyes remained wary.

At first, Shanter truly had no ulterior motives, wanting only to help Robin relax. But as the massage continued, he couldn't help but entertain certain thoughts. Robin's strict control over his behavior in the past hadn't entirely extinguished his impulses.

Robin, despite being only thirteen, had developed well. Her exquisite features, graceful demeanor, and slender, curvaceous figure made her irresistibly alluring. Her radiant smile, soft black hair, and aristocratic poise left Shanter utterly captivated.

"Kiddo, you're so beautiful," Shanter murmured by her ear, unable to contain himself.

"Thank you," Robin replied softly, her eyes half-closed as she enjoyed Shanter's exclusive service.

"You're only thirteen now. When you grow up, will you marry me?" Shanter suddenly blurted out, catching Robin off guard.

"Sure," Robin answered calmly, though a faint blush appeared on her delicate face.

"Then I'll…" Shanter's gaze wandered, clearly lost in his imagination.

"Brother?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"Please don't drool."

"Uh—"

This warm, sweet atmosphere lasted until dinnertime.

---

"What's with all the commotion? Something happen?" Shanter frowned at the chaotic scene in the inn's dining hall.

"I'll find out," Robin said, letting go of Shanter's hand to inquire further. Among the two, Robin often handled external affairs due to her greater approachability as a charming young girl, compared to Shanter's intimidating masked appearance.

Moments later, Robin returned, her expression grim. "Brother, it seems we were wrong about Rob Lucci."

"What do you mean?" Shanter asked.

"He not only killed the pirates but also executed all 500 royal guards!" Robin said solemnly.

"What?" Shanter was shocked. "What happened exactly?"

Robin began recounting the events.

"Bastard!" Shanter roared, slamming his fist onto the table, shattering it and drawing the attention of everyone around them.

Ignoring the startled gazes, Shanter stood up. "Kiddo, we're leaving. We're going to find Rob Lucci."

Robin, realizing Shanter's intentions, almost cried. "Brother, you're not going to fight him, are you?"

"Yes, I can't stand him," Shanter said, his tone brimming with fury. "What crime did those soldiers commit to deserve execution? I'm going to teach him a lesson!"

Shanter's face was filled with murderous intent as he spoke.

---

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