Chapter 23: The Red-Light District, Huh? Intriguing.

Year 1497 of the Sea Calendar.

Just a few months remained before Captain Roger would turn himself in. One by one, the former members of the Roger Pirates disembarked and vanished into obscurity, scattering to the winds.

Sabaody Archipelago — Red-Light District.

As dusk fell, most of the world settled into the quiet rhythm of evening—workers returning home, families gathering for rest—but here, the night was only just beginning to stir.

In the heart of the district stood a lavish, brightly lit building. Behind its opulent walls, in an upper-floor office, a long-haired young man lay sprawled lazily across a plush chair. One arm was tucked casually behind his head, eyes closed in blissful repose. He looked every bit the picture of leisure.

Behind him stood a silver-haired girl with delicate hands and limpid, doe-like eyes. With an expression of deep concentration, she gently pressed her fingertips against his temples, massaging them with utmost care.

His expression was tranquil, even indulgent. Beside him sat a neat row of juice bottles—whenever he lifted a finger, a black-haired girl at his side would promptly raise one to his lips. When he didn't need a drink, she would instead stretch her long, pale legs across the side of his chair, acting as a living armrest.

"Sigh..."

Noticing the faint crease forming on his brow, the silver-haired girl hesitated for a moment, then leaned in close and whispered tentatively by his ear:

"Lord Ozz... Is something bothering you?"

"…No, it's nothing."

The sigh escaped him unexpectedly—not because of any dissatisfaction, but because, as always, good times never lasted long.

The time had come again... for hard training.