บท 200: Asking For Advice

"You're also stubborn," Maxieno mused with a hint of tease. 

He remembered how Edna lied about being injured because of falling down the stairs. Even after he destroyed all the stairs in the castle, she still refused to confess and stubbornly relied on a ladder borrowed from Luffy for her access to the castle.

"I'm stubborn?" Suri echoed, her disbelief evident in her voice.

"Yeah, you're the most stubborn human I've ever met."

Maxieno reached out to hold Suri's hand. The girl reflexively pulled away, but he tightened his grip, ensuring she couldn't escape anywhere.

"But you are a good person, Suri," Maxieno added. "I know your blood is special. I also know that despite your reluctance to use your blood, your immense empathy has compelled you to help others with it."

"You know?" Suri asked in a half-whisper.