One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 163: Chapter 163: Rosward: Life Is Too Hard!

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, outside the World Government headquarters, Stussy stood as usual, waiting for Claudius.

Before long, Claudius emerged from the building, looking relaxed. It seemed that his report to the Five Elders had gone smoothly.

As for Lucci's incident, Claudius hadn't brought it up, and neither had the Five Elders. Clearly, it was being treated as a trivial, face-saving matter.

Which made sense, why would the World Government offend a powerful and competent Celestial Dragon like Claudius over a minor king from some pirate-plagued allied nation?

As soon as Claudius stepped out, Stussy greeted him with a smile. She wrapped her arms around his and pressed her lithe figure close to him.

"Hey, careful! You're going to hit me with those," Claudius teased with a chuckle, enjoying the soft sensation against his arm.

Stussy rolled her eyes playfully and said with a smirk, "What? You don't like it?"

"Ahahaha, who in their right mind wouldn't like this? I feel like the luckiest guy in the world right now," Claudius replied, laughing.

Ever since the little escapade with Shyarly on Fish-Man Island, Stussy had been noticeably more confident and enthusiastic in her interactions with Claudius.

Not that Claudius minded. After years of working together, there was genuine affection between them. Stussy's boldness wasn't unwelcome, and Claudius, who wasn't exactly shy about such things, had no reason to refuse her advances. If anything, he appreciated her attentiveness.

Still, Claudius had his boundaries. He never forced anything, though he certainly wasn't above letting things happen naturally.

The bustling activity in front of the World Government headquarters meant that many people saw the two of them together. Observers couldn't help but feel awed, Mariejois's own flower, Miss Stussy, was clearly on intimate terms with Saint Claudius. From that moment, anyone who interacted with Stussy would have to tread carefully and show her even more respect.

Stussy, still holding Claudius's arm, smiled and asked, "So, Your Highness, what's the plan now? Shall we head back for some rest?"

Claudius flicked her delicate nose and teased, "Resting during the day? Do you think I'm the type to waste daylight? Or are you suggesting we go applaud for love right now?"

"Your Highness! You weren't this much of a rogue before. You're getting worse by the day," Stussy said, pretending to pout as she pressed against his arm again.

Claudius felt his resolve waver for a moment but quickly regained composure. With a light flick to her forehead, he said, "Focus. We've got things to do. How about we leave the fun for later tonight?"

Stussy, seeing that her playful attempts hadn't swayed him, nodded in agreement. At least she'd secured a promise for an evening together. "So, what's on the agenda now, Your Highness?"

"I promised the people of Fish-Man Island that I'd free every Fish-Man and Mermaid enslaved here in Mariejois. That's something I can't let slide," Claudius said with a faint smile. "Besides, from what I've heard, one of the slaves in particular is someone worth keeping an eye on. Even if he doesn't work for me directly, he could still be useful in the future."

Instead of returning to his palace, Claudius led Stussy toward the "House of the Gods," stopping in front of one of the Celestial Dragons' estates.

Stussy glanced at the residence, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes, and then looked back at Claudius. "Your Highness, are you planning to pick on someone again? You're too much."

Claudius rubbed his chin, as if pondering her words, before smirking. "It's not my fault—it's fate!"

The estate before them was all too familiar. The gates had clearly been replaced, and for good reason. This was the residence of Rosward, a Celestial Dragon Claudius had "visited" before.

As fate would have it, Fisher Tiger, the Fish-Man who would one day become infamous, had somehow ended up enslaved in Rosward's household.

Thinking about it, Claudius couldn't help but sigh. "No wonder Fisher Tiger hates humans and the World Government so much. With someone like Rosward owning him, it all makes sense."

Without hesitation, Claudius walked up to the gates and knocked loudly. "Open the door!"

Rosward Saint, who had been relaxing in the courtyard with his foolish son, Charlos froze when he heard Claudius's voice.

"Father, that demon is here again!" Charlos cried out, his voice trembling with fear.

"Shut up! Don't make a sound. Pretend we're not home!" Rosward hissed, equally panicked.

As he said this, Rosward felt a pang of despair. How had it come to this? A noble Celestial Dragon, reduced to hiding in his own home, afraid of another Celestial Dragon? Life was truly too hard.

"That damned Claudius is back... Maybe I should take a trip somewhere, get out of Mariejois for a while," Rosward muttered. "At least outside, I'm untouchable as a Celestial Dragon. Claudius might bully me here, but no one would dare outside."

Meanwhile, outside the gates, Claudius chuckled to himself. Do you think my Observation Haki is useless? I can "see" both of you basking in the sun.

"Open up, Rosward! I know you're in there! You've got the guts to enslave people, but not to open the door?" Claudius called out, smirking as he banged on the gates.

"We're a civilized organization here at CP-X. Don't make me break down the door again!"

"Your express delivery is here!"

"Time to pay the water bill!"

Claudius tried a few more lines, but the house remained silent. Inside, Rosward Saint had resolved to stay quiet, no matter what.

Growing impatient, Claudius finally shouted, "Rosward, I'm giving you some face here, but don't push it. I'm counting to three. If this door isn't open, I'll have it sealed up permanently! You'll turn your house into a prison, complete with 24-hour guards. Let's see if you can live like that for the rest of your life!"

Hearing this, Rosward trembled. If anyone else had made such threats, he would've laughed it off. But with Claudius, he had no doubt it could happen.

When Claudius began counting, Rosward panicked and quickly ordered his servants to open the door.

As the gates opened, Rosward stayed far away, glaring at Claudius from a safe distance. "What do you want, Claudius? I haven't provoked you! Isn't it enough that you've already caused me so much trouble?"

Claudius smirked. "Didn't provoke me? You replaced the door I so kindly gave you. I'm telling you now, you've got three days to put that iron door back up. Are you looking down on my gift? Do you not respect me?"

Rosward nearly spat blood. You smashed that door! It wasn't even functional—it was practically a wall!

"What do you want, really?" Rosward asked, his voice laced with desperation.

Waving a hand dismissively, Claudius said, "Relax. I'm not here to torment you. Look at you, acting like a victim. I almost feel bad for you."

You're going to drive me to an early grave! Rosward cursed internally.

"Do you have a red-skinned Fish-Man here? Bring him out. I need him for something," Claudius said firmly.

Rosward's resolve wavered. Knowing Claudius's personality, there was no point in resisting. The man was relentless.

"Go, bring him here," Rosward ordered one of his servants, resigned to his fate.

Claudius grinned and said, "See? That wasn't so hard. If you'd just talked to me like this earlier, we might even be friends by now."

***

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