Love Ends Before It Begins

The morning light painted Shells Town's harbor with bright oranges and golds.

The 153rd Branch Warship, not very big, tugged at its ropes, ready to sail.

Roya stood at the edge of the deck, feeling excited as he looked at the wide-open sea. This is my first trip in this new world, full of endless chances!

Too bad the old mop and rusty bucket at my feet ruin the feeling.

"Roya, stop dreaming! Time to scrub!" a loud voice called, breaking his thoughts.

"Coming, coming!" he answered, grabbing the worn tools and joining Fullbody to clean.

The warship, which could hold about a hundred people, wasn't a fancy flagship.

This wasn't a battle trip, so there were only a few sailors. Everyone had to help with the chores.

But Roya didn't mind. The sea called to him, and he wanted to see new places. It was much better than guarding the headquarters.

When they finished their chores, the two sailors, good at avoiding work, went to a quiet corner to relax.

Fullbody, with a sly look, nudged Roya. "So, how did your fight with Sergeant Monka go last night?"

Roya rolled his eyes and sighed. "Do you even have to ask? I lost completely."

Monka had stood like a mountain of stone, not moving when Roya hit him.

Roya had punched with all his might, but his knuckles just hurt against Monka's hard muscles. The man didn't even blink! His body was like a strong wall, making Roya's arm feel numb.

I couldn't even get past his defenses!

Roya realized he couldn't beat Monka with strength. He moved around like a crazy monkey, looking for a weak spot. He planned to kick him or use a special move. But it was no use. Monka slapped him once, and he fell to the ground.

That guy is a monster! So strong!

He wasn't strong enough yet. But when he beat Monka, then he would be famous in the East Blue.

Roya, thinking about their trip, asked, "So, where are we going?"

Fullbody looked at the sun and said, "We should be going to Syrup Village."

Syrup Village was a peaceful place on an island southeast of the 153rd Branch. It was known for one thing: a rich and important person lived there.

The Syrup Family.

The village was named after the family, showing how powerful they were. They had started Syrup Village, and they owned most of the island's fields and businesses.

A super-landlord, for sure.

The Syrup Family also had a big shipyard where they built medium and large sailing ships. They were well-known in the East Blue for this.

Fullbody looked a little jealous. His family was rich, but they were nothing compared to someone like the head of the Syrup family.

"Syrup Village... a tycoon..." Roya said, thinking hard.

Kaya's home! And where Kuro is going. Kuro plans to kill Kaya and steal the Syrup family's money.

"Tycoon... inheritance..." Roya muttered, rubbing his chin.

Wait... if I could win over Miss Kaya, wouldn't that mean I could retire early? A life of luxury?

He would have money and...

She's fair, beautiful, well-mannered, and kind. What's not to like?

He definitely liked her.

Marrying a kind and beautiful woman, or several, was one of his goals, and Kaya seemed perfect.

I have to try my best!

Roya, shaking his head, pulled on Fullbody's sleeve. "Can I borrow your makeup kit?"

"What? I thought you hated makeup?" Fullbody looked at his makeup kit carefully. It was his most prized possession, a special edition from Glass Bead Island, the most fashionable place in the East Blue.

"I'm going to work hard to marry a rich lady!" Roya said, his voice full of determination.

---

In less than half a day, the warship arrived at Syrup Village. They docked at the Syrup Family Shipyard to get repairs.

When he heard the news, the head of the Syrup Family hurried to the shipyard to greet them. He looked happy when he saw Rhodes.

"Cough, cough… Colonel Rhodes!" he said weakly.

"Mr. Syrup, it's been too long! You look healthier than ever," Rhodes answered, sounding charming.

"Ah, I don't know how much longer I'll be around. Please, come to my house! I'll have Merry prepare a feast, and we'll have a drink tonight," Syrup said.

The two men walked towards the manor, talking like old friends.

Roya and Fullbody, acting as guards, followed behind, looking around and secretly watching the wealthy man.

He wore glasses with gold frames, his skin was very pale, and he coughed a lot. He was clearly not healthy.

Maybe it was because he had suffered for years, but he seemed gentle and kind, not at all like the powerful man you would expect.

When they arrived at the Syrup residence, Roya was amazed by how luxurious it was. He wanted to marry a rich woman even more.

Even in my past life, I've never seen so much wealth!

At the entrance of the mansion, Mr. Syrup's wife and daughter, Kaya, stood together, looking almost exactly the same.

They had light blonde hair, delicate features, fair skin, and wore matching light green dresses. They were both gentle and pleasant, and they both...

"Cough, cough, cough…"

Mother and daughter covered their mouths at the same time, coughing in the same way.

They're both sick...

"Uncle Rhodes!" Kaya said, hugging Rhodes happily.

She stayed in bed because she was weak, so she didn't know many people. Rhodes, a friend of her father's, was one of the few people she felt comfortable with.

Roya, standing nearby, was stunned.

Fullbody, noticing Roya's strange look, asked, "Are you okay, Roya?"

"No, mate. I'm heartbroken," Roya sighed, looking up with a sad expression.

His dream was nice, but reality was cruel.

He had forgotten something important: Kaya was just a child, not even a grown woman yet.

I don't like that sort of thing.

Forget it. Women only get in the way of becoming stronger.

As night fell, the dinner was like a royal feast.

Rare and delicious foods from the deep sea were on the table. The chef had carefully prepared everything, showing how great it was to be rich.

It's great to be loaded!

"Delicious!" Roya said, completely enjoying the amazing food.

Colonel Rhodes had only brought the two of them, and the Syrup couple didn't want to be formal, so they invited them to join the feast.

Colonel Rhodes didn't mind, so Roya happily ate, enjoying the chance to taste such wonderful dishes.

While Roya was eating, Mr. and Mrs. Syrup watched him closely.

Earlier, they had talked to Rhodes and learned that he thought highly of Roya. He had even suggested that Roya might become the next commander of the 153rd Branch.

They also had a problem that they needed help with.

Hopefully, he can keep Kaya safe.