One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 207: Big Mom’s Tea Party Begins!

In a room overlooking the island, Claudius stood by the window, a cigar clenched between his teeth. He wore a black coat made of flamingo feathers, his expression calm yet slightly amused. Unlike his usual flamboyant style, there was no paint or makeup on his face today, his real appearance was on full display.

He wasn't worried about being recognized. Both CP and the ultra-secretive CP-X had gone to great lengths to keep Claudius's image a closely guarded secret. As long as he didn't want to reveal himself, no photograph of him existed in circulation.

As such, he didn't feel threatened by being on Cake Island. Unless he ran into someone who already knew him, there was no chance of being exposed. And since he'd never had any dealings with Charlotte Linlin, the likelihood of running into such a person was slim. He was, after all, a figure who operated from the shadows.

"What are you staring at?" asked Gion, seated not far away. Dressed in a maid's outfit, she sipped juice from a glass and looked at him inquisitively.

Without turning to her, Claudius chuckled and said, "I'm looking at Cake Island's scenery. After today, it's likely this place won't exist anymore. Might as well take it all in while I can."

"What's there to see in a pirate's lair?" Gion said dismissively, her tone laced with disdain. "No matter how dreamy it looks, it's still a cesspool of filth and corruption."

"Oh, forgive me," Claudius replied, feigning regret.

Gion froze for a moment before asking, "What's with the regret? Don't tell me you've grown sentimental about Charlotte Linlin. That's not like you."

Claudius smirked and said, "Sentimental about that old hag? Not a chance. What I regret is that the mission is about to officially begin."

"Didn't it already begin when we infiltrated Cake Island?" Gion asked, confused.

Claudius shook his head, still smirking. "I mean the part where we actually take action. This peaceful lull will be over soon. Who knows when I'll next have a chance to sleep soundly with you by my side? That's what I regret."

Hearing this, Gion's cheeks flushed, and she stammered, "Stop spouting nonsense. This is just part of the mission. It's not like I had a choice..."

Claudius turned and gave her an amused look. "And that's why I regret it. If I'd known, I would've come here a month or two earlier. We could've spent some quality time together before all this."

"Rogue!" Gion muttered, her voice low but filled with indignation.

"Now hold on," Claudius teased, "you're the one who insisted on cuddling up every night. And now I'm the rogue? Don't you think that's a bit harsh? You seemed pretty comfortable sleeping in my arms."

Gion huffed, choosing to ignore him. Just as Claudius opened his mouth to tease her further, there was a light knock at the door. Stussy entered the room, her expression calm but slightly amused.

Stussy smiled. "By the way, Your Highness, Umit is dead."

"Oh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "That was quick."

"Originally, Spandine planned to wait until after Tezolo completed his task. But he got word that Umit was on his way to the tea party. Worried that Umit might recognize you and jeopardize the mission, he acted ahead of schedule. Umit was intercepted mid-journey and executed in secret," Stussy explained with a smirk.

Claudius nodded, satisfied. "Efficient. But how did you get the news so quickly? Aren't you also on Cake Island?"

Stussy gave a proud smile. "Your Highness, don't underestimate me. No matter where I am, I always get the information I need."

"Impressive," Claudius said, though his tone carried a hint of playful sarcasm.

At that moment, another knock came at the door. Doflamingo walked in, his grin as wide and unsettling as ever. "Corazon," he said, "get ready. The tea party is about to begin."

Claudius flicked his cigar out the window, adjusted his black feathered coat, and gave a devilish smile. "Is it time already? Let's go."

Stussy left first to gather Mihawk, Enel, and Crocodile for the event. Gion stood from the sofa and approached Claudius, who promptly grabbed her wrist and led her out with Doflamingo.

Gion hesitated, her instinct telling her to pull away, but ultimately, she didn't resist. Claudius couldn't help but feel a pang of amusement—and perhaps a touch of regret. Over the past few days, Gion had been sleeping soundly at night, her head resting against his shoulder. It was proof enough that, despite her protests, she found comfort in his presence.

"Your Highness," Gion suddenly said, her voice soft.

Claudius stopped and turned to her, curiosity in his eyes. "What is it?"

"After this mission..." she hesitated, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I have three months of vacation saved up. Never mind, it's nothing," she said, shaking her head quickly.

Claudius laughed, his grin widening. "Oh? Would I have the honor of inviting you to my home? Or maybe we could meet somewhere else, how about Little Garden? I hear it's a fascinating place."

Though she didn't look up, Gion's response was barely audible. "Alright."

***

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