章 146: The Seafarer's Rest #146
Cedric and Khalifa safely landed at the edges of Mock Town, the resort-like town that adorned Jaya Island with its vibrant colors and mixed architectural styles. Cedric glanced around, taking in the lively atmosphere and the bustling crowd of pirates, adventurers, and traders.
"Whelp, we've officially arrived at Jaya," Cedric said, turning to survey the area. "We should find a place to stay for the night and take our time exploring this place."
Khalifa raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion crossing her features. "Take our time? I thought we were on a mission to Alabasta,"
Cedric chuckled, understanding Khalifa's confusion. "We are, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the journey along the way," he explained, a playful smile on his lips. "I've been stressed since meeting those damned celestial pigs..."
"If I don't vent out soon, I might end up climbing the Red Line..." Cedric concluded, shaking his head.
With twitching eyes, Khalifa remarked, "You really are fearless, aren't you?"
Cedric grinned and shrugged his shoulders in response, his carefree demeanor unaffected by Khalifa's observation. "Fearless or foolish, take your pick," he replied, his voice filled with a playful tone. "Sometimes you just have to dive headfirst into the chaos, you know?"
Khalifa let out a halfhearted scoff, her gaze fixed on Cedric. "That wasn't a compliment," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head.
Cedric chuckled, enjoying the banter between them. "Fair enough," he said, his voice filled with amusement.
Khalifa raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Cedric's strong disdain for the celestial dragons. "Still... why? What's your problem with Celestial Dragons?" she asked, genuine curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Well... they piss me off..." Cedric said as he stopped and gave Khalifa a pointed look. "What more reason do I need?"
Khalifa nodded in understanding as Cedric's response lingered in the air. It was a complex issue, and perhaps one better explored at a later time. For now, their focus was on finding a place to rest and regroup.
They made their way through the lively streets of Mock Town, passing by various shops, taverns, and rowdy pirates engaging in boisterous conversations. The scent of saltwater mingled with the aroma of freshly cooked seafood, tantalizing their senses.
After some searching, they stumbled upon a modest inn tucked away in a quieter corner of the town. The inn's wooden sign creaked softly in the breeze, displaying the name "The Seafarer's Rest."
Entering the inn, they were greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of gentle chatter filled the air. The innkeeper, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, welcomed them and offered assistance.
"We have a couple of rooms available," the innkeeper said, her voice gentle and inviting. "Are you looking for a single room or separate rooms?"
Cedric glanced at Khalifa, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let's take separate rooms," he said, his voice playful. "We'll have our own space to relax."
Khalifa rolled her eyes, playfully nudging Cedric. "Don't get any ideas, pirate," she teased. "Not yet, anyway..." She added in a whispering voice that only Cedric could hear.
Cedric laughed, flashing a charming smile. "You wound me, Khalifa. I'm simply interested in getting a good night's rest."
The innkeeper led them to their respective rooms, each with a comfortable bed, a small desk, and a window offering a view of the town. Khalifa settled into her room, taking a moment to appreciate the simplicity and tranquility it offered.
Meanwhile, Cedric wasted no time in heading downstairs to the inn's bar. The room was dimly lit, with wooden beams overhead and a row of stools lining the polished counter. Bottles of various spirits lined the shelves, tempting the patrons with their allure.
Cedric approached the bar, catching the bartender's attention. "A bottle of your finest rum, please," he requested, his voice carrying a note of anticipation.
The bartender, a burly man with a gruff demeanor, nodded and grabbed a bottle from the shelf. He uncorked it with practiced ease, sliding it across the counter towards Cedric.
Cedric caught the bottles. He tossed a few coins onto the counter as payment and made his way back to his room. Settling on the bed, he took a moment to appreciate the comforting ambiance of the room.
With a contented sigh, Cedric raised the bottle to his lips, savoring the rich flavor of the rum as it warmed his throat. He let the drink wash away the weariness of their journey, allowing himself to unwind and drift into a peaceful slumber.
...
Gem stood at the sandy shore of Alabasta, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The warm breeze rustled his hair as he awaited the arrival of Nico Robin, the enigmatic Miss All Sunday. His sharp gaze scanned the seas, searching for any sign of her approach.
Suddenly, the tranquility was disrupted as a large turtle emerged from the water, carrying Nico Robin on its back. The turtle gracefully glided towards the shore, its movements reminiscent of a creature at peace with the ocean.
Gem's eyes widened slightly at the sight, a flicker of awe crossing his face. As the turtle came to a gentle stop on the sandy beach, Nico Robin dismounted with graceful ease. She approached Gem, her expression calm and composed.
"Miss All Sunday," Gem greeted her with a nod, acknowledging her presence. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Nico Robin returned the nod, her eyes fixed on Gem. "Indeed, Mr. 1," she replied in her soft, melodic voice. "Tell me, what transpired in the meeting?"
Gem's gaze turned serious as he recounted the discussion that took place among the agents of Baroque Works. "We discussed two notable pirates, Fire Fist Ace and Eustass Kid," he began, his voice steady. "It was decided that we will actively seek to recruit Fire Fist Ace...."
He paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "As for Eustass Kid, we intend to capture him," he continued, his voice laced with determination. "He wouldn't fit in our ranks, and his bounty is too enticing to overlook..."
Nico Robin listened intently, her gaze unwavering. "There should be another pirate worthy of discussion, no?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Gem's eyes darkened slightly, his expression turning contemplative. "The others did discuss Cedric Strode," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "They came to the realization that he is beyond their level and gave up..."
"It would have been fine if they left it at that, but they decided to recruit one of the Grizzly's shipmates..." He concluded with a grimace.
Nico Robin raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Gem's peculiar choice of words. "They...? You haven't participated...?" she questioned, her voice laced with intrigue.
She couldn't help but wonder why Gem had distanced himself from the discussion about Cedric Strode.
Gem shook his head, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. "No, Miss All Sunday, I have not," he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of self-awareness. "I may be strong, but I'm not crazy enough to mess with the Grizzly."
Nico Robin's frown deepened, a mix of confusion and curiosity swirling in her eyes. "So, you're saying you have some personal experience with this Cedric Strode person?" she inquired, her voice laden with intrigue.
She wondered what had transpired between Gem and the enigmatic young man she met years ago to elicit such caution.
Nico Robin's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing to process the revelation. "Cedric Strode? He sent you?" she repeated a mix of curiosity and uncertainty in her voice.
Gem nodded, his gaze steady and sincere. "Yes, Miss All Sunday," he confirmed, his tone laced with a hint of regret. "He specifically requested that I ensure your safety here in Alabasta."
"I don't know how or why, but he knew about the Barqoue Works before even stepping into the Grand Line..." Gem explained with a frown. "What's more... he knew about the number system and that we'll both eventually join..."
A mix of emotions flickered across Nico Robin's face—doubt, curiosity, and a tinge of gratitude. She was accustomed to navigating treacherous waters, but Cedric Strode's had not only helped her once or twice but thrice already.
"But why would he do that? What interest does Cedric Strode have in my well-being?" she questioned, her voice filled with a blend of confusion and skepticism.
Gem's expression grew contemplative, his eyes meeting Nico Robin's as he carefully chose his words. "I'm afraid I have no idea..."
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