Shelter!

"Father, don't burden yourself with too much pressure. This is my decision. As the princess of Dressrosa, I've enjoyed the privileges that come with my status, so in times of crisis, it's only right that I set an example!

Moreover, Dressrosa has just experienced a great calamity, and the people need you to lead them out of this darkness."

Viola gently stepped forward and grasped King Riku's hands, her large, earnest eyes looking up at him.

This battle had brought the most severe destruction Dressrosa had ever faced since its founding. Even when the Donquixote family moved to Mariejois, they only took Dressrosa's accumulated wealth. But now, although the destroyed buildings could be rebuilt, the citizens of Dressrosa who died at the hands of pirates and criminals could not be resurrected.

During the invasion, the vultures of the underworld had also swooped in, engaging in human trafficking and organ harvesting, leading to the disappearance of many Dressrosa citizens. In this vast ocean, a disappearance could only mean one thing...

The nation's army, responsible for protecting Dressrosa, had been heavily damaged during the first wave of the pirate invasion. Thinking of the countless friends and familiar faces who had perished, Viola, Scarlet, and King Riku felt a deep sorrow.

Yet, there was no time for tears.

The events had made it clear that Dressrosa couldn't rely on the protection of the World Government or the Marines. The tribute they paid every year had been for nothing.

They needed to find a new, powerful ally quickly to prevent further pirate attacks. And the easiest candidates, having defeated Doflamingo, were Nicholas and Dragon.

At that moment, footsteps echoed from outside the reception hall.

Everyone in the room instinctively stood up, their expressions becoming solemn as they looked towards the door.

Creak—

Nicholas entered, led by the guards. He saw King Riku, bandaged and standing in the center, flanked by Scarlet and Viola.

"Sit down, make yourselves comfortable," Nicholas said as he took a seat, his calm voice making it seem as if he were the host and the royal family his guests. King Riku and his daughters found themselves sitting down instinctively at Nicholas's words.

As Nicholas scrutinized them, King Riku was also observing Nicholas.

"Nicholas, sir," Scarlet began respectfully. Facing such a powerful figure, using honorifics was only natural, especially since he had saved Dressrosa.

"We—no, all of Dressrosa seeks your protection," she said seriously, looking directly at Nicholas.

"Oh?"

Nicholas's eyes glinted with curiosity as he looked at Scarlet. "Why should I? Our deal was for us to resolve Dressrosa's crisis and take Viola. Providing protection for Dressrosa wasn't part of the deal."

Viola lowered her head, twisting her hands nervously at Nicholas's words, feeling unsure and uneasy. Scarlet glanced at her sister, sighed, and took a deep breath.

She knew that nothing in the world came free of charge.

To get something, you have to give something in return.

But what could Dressrosa offer now?

Scarlet's thoughts raced, and her expression grew serious.

"If you can protect Dressrosa, then everything in Dressrosa is yours to use, including me."

As Scarlet finished speaking, King Riku, Viola, and a one-legged, one-armed gladiator looked at her in shock and confusion.

"....."

Nicholas was silent for a moment before he began to laugh.

"You should have heard about what I've done recently. Do you understand what it means to raise my flag in Dressrosa now?"

"Yes," Scarlet nodded firmly. She knew the implications, but they had no choice. In the New World, they couldn't rely on the World Government or the Marines. They had failed to get help during the invasion and wouldn't expect it in the future.

Raising Nicholas's flag would mark Dressrosa as part of Nicholas's pirate crew, potentially making it an enemy of the World Government. But what did that matter compared to the devastation pirates brought? The World Government's enmity was a small price to pay for Dressrosa's survival.

Scarlet's determination was clear to Nicholas.

"Alright, I'll lend you my flag. As for you, forget it. I already have a wife," Nicholas said with a smile, making Scarlet feel a bit embarrassed about her earlier offer.

Lending his flag to a country on the verge of being ravaged by pirates and the underworld was a minor issue for Nicholas. With his current infamy, anyone seeing his flag would steer clear.

"When we leave, you'll go with Dragon. Of course, you're still mine; this is just a temporary arrangement," Nicholas said, pointing at Viola.

"Ah?"

Viola was stunned, her exotic face showing surprise. She had expected Nicholas to take her in, not hand her over to Dragon. Dragon's calm demeanor suggested they had already agreed on this.

Within seconds, Viola's shock turned into a bright smile. Recent events had matured her quickly, and she knew she couldn't negotiate with such powerful figures.

"Absolutely, my lord Nicholas," Viola replied, meeting Nicholas's gaze.

She understood that Nicholas might need her abilities, but that didn't matter. Even if she worked under Dragon for now, having the protection of two top-tier sea powers meant Dressrosa's future would be secure.

And the cost was just her.

How fortunate.