บท 23: Chapter 24: The price of deception
Josh found himself fabricating an elaborate story to answer Robin's questions about how he knew her identity.
He began by claiming that he had encountered one of the pirate crews she had once worked with. According to his story, a pirate had hinted at what she was doing. Josh, who had been aimlessly touring the sea at the time, had doubts about the legendary ancient weapons and had met someone who had previously survived an encounter with Crocodile.
Meanwhile, Mikita, who was standing to the side, widened her eyes in surprise.
She knew Josh was making up the story, as it was clear their real goal was to obtain money. Josh was doing this to access Crocodile's wealth.
However, Josh's convincing storytelling even made Mikita question what was real and what wasn't.
After a brief moment of thought, Mikita realised that Josh was just trying to find a way out of the situation.
Ms. All Sunday, the striking brunette, was strong enough to kill both of them quickly. The mere thought of it unsettled Mikita.
'Probably, it's the blue-haired girl who informed him… In any case, I have to let him speak,' Mikita thought, fiddling with her hat and using it to shield her face from Robin.
"I see. You don't want innocent people to die. And you told Vivi to come here and report on the mission," Robin said, leaning back on her chair made of arms and crossing her long legs.
Josh nodded. "Believe it or not, that's the truth."
Robin didn't sense any deception. Josh's body language appeared honest as well.
She had learned to read such cues the hard way. In this world, there were no lawyers, as most courts were controlled by the World Government's military.
Robin reached into her chest area and pulled out a small communication snail.
Josh turned his head and coughed. The snail resembled an avatar of Crocodile.
For a brief moment, Josh wondered what it would be like to be a snail but kept the thought to himself.
"Yes, boss. The mission is complete. Mr. 7 has done a good job. The rebels and the dealers managed to escape, while the soldiers were knocked out peacefully... the rebellion will not be harmed."
Josh glanced at the bodies on the ground.
Knocked out peacefully?
They looked like they would need days to recover from their cracked bones and necks.
The snail began to speak in Crocodile's voice.
"Miss All Sunday, good job. Is Mr. 7 with you?"
"Yes, he is."
Robin nodded and extended the snail toward Josh. He stood up and took the snail from her hand.
"Boss," Josh said, unconsciously giving a military salute, a mocking expression on his face.
"You have something to say?"
"I won't add much to what Miss All Sunday has said, except that the last twist," Josh glanced at Robin, "was unexpected."
"Such things happen often," Crocodile sighed from the other end.
"Hmm… so does this mean the mission is accomplished?"
"Yes."
"Boss."
"What do you want?"
"My payment. We agreed I would receive this month's salary in advance."
Josh looked around.
Robin widened her blue eyes, reacting to his request.
Josh shrugged his shoulders and waited for Crocodile's response.
Robin rested her elbow on her crossed leg, her hand on her face, trying to stifle a chuckle.
"…"
After a moment of silence, Crocodile sighed deeply.
He told Josh not to push his luck too much. A reward would be transferred to him later, and then he could rest.
Josh was to receive five million Berries.
Josh was dissatisfied. Five million Berries was a modest amount, and Crocodile's offer was too low for his liking. Adding this to his original sum, Josh thought it was time to consider opposing Crocodile.
There were better ways to make money.
One of those ways was to hunt pirates for himself.
"Well, thank you, boss," Josh said with a forced smile, rolling his eyes.
"Return to your posts."
Crocodile then ended the call.
Josh suppressed the urge to slam the snail onto the cold ground.
It was nighttime, and the desert was cold.
"Your boss is stingy, isn't he?" Josh remarked, looking at Robin.
Robin smiled and nodded. She then stood up to her full height and walked toward Josh.
"So, what are you going to do?" Josh asked.
"I'll observe you, what you say, and what you do. I'll act accordingly when the time is right."
She scrutinised Josh.
"Hmm… what do you expect from me?" Josh asked.
"Follow your path, the one you have carved for yourself."
Robin suddenly placed her hands on his cheeks. Before he could react, she leaned down and kissed his cheek.
Josh's eyes widened as he felt her smooth, full lips on his cheek, sending a tickling sensation that made his blood rush.
Robin leaned back and smiled at him.
Mikita was stunned but remained silent. Robin was far stronger than her, so she chose not to interfere.
"In any case, you're a good boy. Be patient."
"Ah…" Josh said, nodding. Her proximity and the kiss had their effect on him. In his mind, thoughts of defiance were trying to fight a a losing war.
"I'm an adult."
"No. I am THE adult."
"Maybe I need an adult?"
Robin turned her back to him, allowing him to admire her curvy figure.
She began walking away.
"You'd better find somewhere to stay. It's going to get cold here, very soon," she said, approaching a nearby camel.
Josh continued to stare at her as she left. A kiss from a beauty… He shook his head, reminding himself to stay focused. Things were getting complicated.
*Bang*
Josh held the back of his head and turned to see Mikita frowning at him. When their eyes met, she crossed her arms, turned her head, and scoffed.
"Humph."
Smiling, Josh walked up behind her.
"Leave me alone," Mikita said, but she made no move to stop him.
Instead, she pressed her hips against his crotch.
"Come on. You know I had to do that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have done it in front of you," Josh lied.
"Really?" Mikita turned to face him.
"Of course. Why would I leave a tasty lemonade like you?" Josh wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in to kiss her neck.
"Swear," she demanded, her weight becoming lighter as she relaxed in his embrace.
Josh swore as he continued to kiss her neck.
The cold night made it imperative for them to warm each other up.
"Oh, Joshy… don't do that again. Ah~" Mikita moaned as her pale skin flushed red, a sign of her arousal.
"Cough…" Josh faked a cough, not wanting to have sex on the sand. "Mikita, how about we stay at the palace for the night?"
Josh turned to look at Mikita.
Blushing slightly, Mikita said, "You mean, Vivi or whatever?"
"Bingo. We also need a little loan from them," Josh said.
He needed as much money as he could get from the king.
He planned to play the lottery.
With only a month left to complete his task, the outcome depended on the lottery Josh intended to play.
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