54. Princess Vivi -3
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The people's unwavering trust in Anos had grown to unimaginable heights.
It was something almost palpable in the streets of the Tru, also a Kingdom once barren, now flourishing under his wise and resolute rule.
In just over two years, Anos had completely transformed the landscape of Tru.
What was once a dry, desolate land had become a rich and progressive kingdom, a place where prosperity no longer seemed out of reach.
To the people of Alabasta, this miraculous change sparked envy and curiosity.
Princess Vivi, though young, felt the weight of her kingdom's plight. Alabasta had always been her home, a place rich in history and culture, but it was crumbling under the weight of poverty and drought.
The people were suffering. And each day, Vivi watched her father, King Cobra, wear himself thin, his once jet-black hair now streaked with grey as he fought to keep their kingdom from falling apart.
It was this deep love for her kingdom and her father that made Vivi so attentive as Suzu and Daiki, two visitors from Tru, spoke casually about the transformation their country had undergone.
Though much of their conversation was wrapped in humour, perhaps to entertain the young princess, Vivi took every word seriously.
The spacious room was warmly lit by the flickering lanterns, their glow casting long shadows on the walls.
The trio sat in an informal setting, the two adults lounging in preparation for bed, while Vivi stood near the large window, gazing out into the night.
Outside, the desert winds howled softly, carrying with them the scent of sand and the memory of oases long lost.
"Is what you're saying true?" Vivi's voice broke the momentary silence, her tone much more serious than before.
Gone was the playful, carefree child they had seen just moments ago.
Now, she was the princess of Alabasta, standing tall with concern etched in her young face.
Suzu and Daiki exchanged curious glances before sitting back down, intrigued by the sudden shift in Vivi's demeanour.
It was unusual for such a young girl to be so focused on matters of state, but then again, Princess Vivi had always been different. Her heart was with her people, and her mind seemed much older than her years.
"Well, of course, it's true," Suzu responded, smiling softly as she adjusted the cushion behind her. She could see that Vivi's question was not idle curiosity.
There was genuine concern in her eyes, a weight no child her age should have to carry. "But what exactly are you asking about, Princess Vivi?"
"Is it possible to lift Alabasta out of poverty? Right now, my kingdom isn't what it used to be. Many of our people don't even have enough food to eat anymore," Vivi said, her voice trembling slightly.
"I have seen my father working day and night. His hair is turning white from all the worry, and he's still young... I want to help him. I want to do something anything that will make a difference."
Tears began to pool in Vivi's blue eyes as she spoke, and Suzu's heart ached for her.
Despite her best efforts to remain composed, the young princess was overwhelmed by the burden she felt.
It wasn't right that someone so young should feel such responsibility, but then again, Alabasta's problems weighed heavily on every soul within its borders, young and old alike.
Suzu took a deep breath, composing her thoughts before responding. She knew she had to tread carefully with this conversation.
"What I said earlier is true, Princess. Your father, King Cobra, speaks highly of King Anos. He respects and values our king's leadership, which speaks volumes about your father's wisdom as well."
Daiki, who had remained silent thus far, nodded in agreement, adding, "Two years ago, Tru was far worse off than Alabasta. You may not believe it, but we didn't even have enough water, let alone food."
"Our lands were dry and cracked, and the people were losing hope. But look at us now we have industry and agriculture, and while we may not be wealthy, no one in Tru goes hungry anymore."
Vivi listened intently, her hands clutched tightly together as if trying to absorb the hope radiating from Suzu and Daiki's words.
"Our king worked tirelessly to ensure that every citizen had a job, a goal, something to strive for," Suzu continued. "People no longer have to fear for their safety or their future. And when you walk through the streets of Tru now, you can see the joy in people's eyes. That's what King Anos has done for us."
As Suzu spoke, her voice was filled with pride, and it was clear she wasn't just telling a story to comfort a little girl.
She was speaking from her own lived experience. Vivi could sense this, and though she didn't fully understand the mechanics of governance and economy, she could tell that what Suzu described was real.
Tru had changed for the better, and it was all because of King Anos.
"Princess Vivi, you don't need to worry about these things right now," Daiki interjected gently. "King Anos will be visiting Alubarna tomorrow. Your father will meet with him, and they can discuss these matters in detail."
But Vivi was no longer paying attention to Daiki's reassurances. Her mind was racing, and her heart was pounding in her chest.
Suddenly, a wild idea took root, one that she couldn't shake. It felt reckless and impulsive, but at that moment, it was the only solution that made sense to her young, determined mind.
"I've made up my mind," Vivi declared, her voice firm and resolute. "I want to marry him."
Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither Suzu nor Daiki could react. They stared at the young princess, dumbfounded by the boldness of her statement.
"Haha… little Vivi, don't you think you're too young to be thinking about marriage?" Suzu asked, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "Besides, King Anos is much older than you. We shouldn't rush into such decisions."
But Vivi didn't waver. "I'm not that young," she insisted. "And I can wait. Ten years at most. If marrying him means saving Alabasta, I'll do it. I don't care how old he is."
The conviction in her voice left Suzu and Daiki speechless. They exchanged worried glances, unsure how to respond to such a serious declaration from someone so young.
"Suzu, this is your mess. You'll have to deal with it," Daiki muttered under his breath, quickly standing up. "I'm going to bed."
Before Suzu could stop him, Daiki had already disappeared from the room, leaving her alone with Vivi.
Suzu sighed, glancing at the young princess who stood before her, still determined, her tear-filled eyes reflecting a strength far beyond her years. What was she supposed to do now?
She couldn't just ignore this Vivi was serious, and it was clear she wasn't going to drop the subject easily.
"Little Vivi, let's go to bed for now," Suzu said gently, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. "We've been at sea for days, and we all need rest."
But Vivi wasn't about to let go. She stared at Suzu, her large blue eyes filled with a mixture of desperation and hope. "What if my father doesn't agree? What if he doesn't want me to marry King Anos?"
Suzu sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to think of a way out of this conversation. "Vivi, listen, what I said earlier doesn't count, and neither does what you said."
"When we return to Alubarna, you can speak with your father. And when your father meets with King Anos, they can discuss things. But marriage? That's not something you or I can decide."
"But the people of Alabasta can't wait much longer," Vivi whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "My father told me that the oases are disappearing faster than ever, and the crops are failing. I don't know how much longer we can survive like this…"
Suzu's heart broke as she watched the tears finally spill from Vivi's eyes. The weight of her words hit hard, and Suzu regretted ever bringing up Tru's success in the first place.
She hadn't meant to plant such heavy thoughts in the young girl's mind.
"I shouldn't have brought this up," Suzu muttered to herself. But she forced a smile and took a deep breath. "Vivi, our Kingdoms are far apart. Tomorrow, when your father and King Anos meet, they'll talk. But for now, let's get some rest, okay?"
Vivi wiped her tears, managing a small, tired smile. "Alright… I understand."
"Good," Suzu said, relieved. "Now, off to bed."
As Vivi climbed into bed, Suzu couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. The young princess was carrying so much weight on her small shoulders, and Suzu only hoped that tomorrow's meeting would provide some relief for both her and her father.
But for tonight, at least, they could rest.
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