Tavis strange request

*The Next Day:*

Around the breakfast table sat Carla, Tavis, and Luca enjoying their meal in harmony.

Tavis was telling them how he'd tricked a merchant into selling him quality wood at a cheap price, with Carla playing along and laughing with her husband.

Meanwhile, Luca was planning how to tell them about his departure. I waited for Tavis to finish his little story. Since I sat across from both of them at the table, I looked at them and said, "Tavis-san, Carla-san, thank you for taking care of me this past year and a half. I'll never forget this for the rest of my life."

"Huh? What do you mean, boy?" Tavis said, stopping his meal.

"I hear stories about seas and strange islands every day on this island. I want to see all these things with my own eyes."

"No, Luca! The sea is extremely dangerous and you're still too young to leave!" Carla said, extremely worried about Luca's departure. Finally, something had entered her life that made her truly happy. She didn't want to return to how things were before Luca came.

"I'm sorry, but I've been preparing for this journey for a long time and nothing will change my mind," I said, bowing to them. I was grateful for their care - Tavis had saved me from homelessness and offered me work and shelter, while Carla had cared for me with all her love.

The couple tried to change my mind, but when they saw my determination, they stopped.

Tavis placed his work-hardened hands on the table and whispered awkwardly, "There's... something special. I want to ask you."

Luca motioned for him to continue. "As you know, I... can't have children." His eyes fixed on the coffee cup. "But I want an heir for my workshop. Someone to take care of Carla when I die."

Carla blushed in embarrassment as Tavis continued: "I thought... if you agreed..."

"What the hell is happening?" I thought as I looked at the couple. From Carla's reaction, it seemed he'd discussed this with her.

At first I considered refusing immediately, but when I looked at Tavis, I felt slightly guilty. He'd given me work and shelter - how had I repaid him? By betraying his trust and sleeping with his wife.

"I've been married to Carla for nearly four years without having a child. I've started hearing mocking comments behind my back from friends and colleagues, and I can't take it anymore," Tavis continued explaining his ordeal.

"And you resemble me a little. If Carla bears your child, no one will notice anything strange. So will you do this for me? And for Carla? She's always wanted a son and daughter." He looked at me pleadingly, waiting for my answer.

This must be extremely embarrassing for him to ask. I should end this quickly. I had planned to stay a bit longer anyway to search for stable compasses to certain islands, so there was no harm in getting Carla pregnant during this time. "I'll stay three more months and do what you ask. But if it doesn't work in that time, all I can say is I'm sorry," I told Tavis directly.

"Thank you, Luca. For the next three months, you'll sleep in my room with Carla, and I'll use your room." Tavis approached and hugged me. This clearly meant a lot to him.

"Carla, I'm sorry for putting you in this awkward position," Tavis said to his wife, apologizing under the mistaken belief she was doing this for him. If only he knew she'd already slept with Luca in every corner of the house in every possible way - I wonder how he'd react.

After saying this, he left the house, leaving me alone with Carla.

---

After the door closed behind Tavis, I turned to Carla. She was clearing the dishes from the table, her hands trembling slightly. "If you're uncomfortable with this..." I began, trying to break the silence.

She stopped me with a wave of her hand. "Don't talk like you're making some sacrifice." She placed the dishes slowly in the sink. "We've been doing this for months."

I looked at her in surprise. "But now it's different."

"Not for me." Her eyelids fluttered as she turned her face toward the window. "Three extra months... is that all I get?"

"That's all I can give." She closed her eyes for a moment, then turned to me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "At least we'll have a real bed this time." She grabbed a clean plate and began drying it vigorously. "Tavis will be back in an hour. Maybe we should start tonight." Outside, dark clouds began gathering over the nearby sea.

---

*Tavis's Perspective:*

I'm extremely embarrassed by what I did today, but it's fine. I only have to endure this embarrassment for three more months, and then I'll have a son.

This must be hard for both of them - their relationship was like mother and son, and I'm making them... I'm truly a scoundrel.

I finished work, and though Luca didn't come today, I expected this. Let him work with my wife to create a child for me - that will be enough.

I headed home, and as soon as I opened the door, I heard Carla's moans coming from the bedroom.

"Aah... it's so big, Luca..."

"Don't do it so rough, Luca, you're tearing me apart!"

"Not my breasts..."

Huh? Did they start that fast? I thought they'd need a week or more before doing it. They're really putting in the effort... thank you.

After two weeks, I'd grown accustomed to Carla's sounds. They're doing it in every corner of the house without any consideration for my presence. Yes, I asked them to do this, but doing it so shamelessly... it's somewhat annoying. So I started going to work earlier and working late to minimize my time at home.

*End of Tavis's Perspective*

---

After Tavis made that strange request, my life became somewhat comfortable.

I didn't have to wake up early for work anymore since I stopped going. I'd wake up whenever, find breakfast prepared by Carla who treated me with tenderness and affection. Then I'd go search for what I needed - compasses. Though they were scarce, I searched earnestly.

Afterwards, I'd go to the forest to check on the ship's condition and exercise properly. When I returned, I'd find Carla waiting obediently, and I'd sleep with her until satisfied.

"Life is truly beautiful."

I thought this as I wandered the streets of Loguetown. Two months had passed, and pregnancy symptoms began showing on Carla, though she hid it from Tavis to spend more time with me.

I've turned fourteen, with eight years remaining until Luffy sets out to sea. I must grow stronger - only strength will let me live enjoyably regardless of what happens in the world.