Fortunately, thanks to Charlotte Linlin's presence—her unique personal charm and her clear loathing for adult men—everyone on the ship kept a great distance from any men who approached them.
Otherwise, there was no guarantee that these simple Damselettes from Nine Snake Island wouldn't have their hearts stolen by people with ulterior motives on this 'Island of Love and Passion'.
Amidst the joyful atmosphere, a clear look of worry appeared on Gloriosa's beautiful face:
"Linlin, it's good that everyone is happy, but shouldn't we consider our itinerary? The Marine has been in Dressrosa for over ten days now, and I'm worried that if we stay any longer..."
Before she could finish, Ripley immediately pointed at her with a fork, looking like she had seen right through her, and interrupted:
"Sister Gloriosa! The Marine has been here for so many days, and you're only saying this now? Is it because it's our turn to accompany Linlin shopping tomorrow, so you want to slip away early?"
Over the past half month, they had visited almost all areas of Dressrosa open to tourists, except for those heavily guarded places open only to nobles. It was indeed time to leave.
According to the rotation, tomorrow was the day Charlotte Linlin would accompany Ripley and Gölz ashore to play.
Gloriosa's thoughts were exposed, but she didn't feel embarrassed at all. Instead, she said righteously:
"Not at all, I am truly considering our safety. Although I don't know which Marine general has arrived, it would still be very troublesome to be discovered by the Marine."
Of course, deep down, she really didn't want Linlin to go out with those two tomorrow, wanting her to stay and guard the ship. After all, a day without Charlotte Linlin felt as long as a year to her.
Charlotte Linlin took a sip of fresh mixed fruit juice, thought for a moment, and made a decision:
"Gloriosa's concern is not without merit. However, I just promised to cover everyone's expenses; I can't go back on my word immediately. How about this: we will depart the day after tomorrow in the morning."
Her words sounded fair, but they revealed a hint of indulgence toward Gloriosa's little scheme.
Gloriosa's eyes lit up, and she immediately followed up:
"Actually... thinking about it carefully, staying for two more days to prepare thoroughly would be fine too."
If it could be postponed for another day, then according to the rotation, she would be able to spend time alone with Linlin the day after tomorrow!
Even though she had already spent several days alone with Linlin, she still felt it wasn't enough.
Seven days felt like only seven seconds to her; time passed in a flash, and then she would have to wait another year to experience that one happy second again.
Charlotte Linlin looked at her with amusement and reached out to lightly tap her forehead with her knuckle:
"Enough, don't push your luck. We depart the day after tomorrow. The Marine staying here certainly isn't just for a vacation. I'm afraid this island will soon be troubled; it's better for us to leave this place of strife as soon as possible."
"...Alright." Gloriosa touched her tapped forehead, a look of disappointment on her face.
Then, Charlotte Linlin turned her gaze to the other side of the dining table.
Ever since the word 'Marine' was mentioned, the moods of Vina, Sia, Shi Yue, and Viya—the four girls she had rescued from the den of evil at the Naval Base—instantly plummeted.
They lowered their heads in silence, their utensils coming to a halt, their eyes swirling with complex emotions: fear, but even more so, deep-seated hatred.
Charlotte Linlin's voice softened as she said gently:
"Vina, Sia, Shi Yue, Viya. If you want to do something, before we leave, you can go and scout the specific locations and information of the anchored Marine warships."
She paused, looking around at all the Crew members who were watching her, her tone resolute:
"On the day we leave Dressrosa, we will send a parting gift to those scum who wear the cloak of 'justice'!"
"Yes! When the time comes, I'll use arrows imbued with Armament Haki to shoot down their Marine flag as a gift for you, Vina!" Lilith was the first to respond, her voice full of indignation.
"That's right! Count me in!"
"Me too! I've long been sick of those hypocritical Marines!"
"Avenge Sister Vina!"
The other warriors of the Heavenly Punishment Pirates also shouted in agreement, their passions running high.
Although they didn't know the past experiences of Vina and the other three, they knew that their sisters' pain originated from the Marine, and that was enough.
Standing up for their partners and seeking justice from the perpetrators was, in their eyes, a matter of course!
Feeling the unreserved support and warmth around them, Vina and the others could no longer suppress their emotions, and tears burst from their eyes.
"Thank you... thank you, Captain!"
"Thank you, everyone!"
Within their sobbing thanks was a profound sense of being moved and relieved.
They had once been sold out by 'family' with whom they shared blood ties, pushed into the abyss created by the Marine.
But now, on this pirate ship named the st. freya, they had found their true family, partners they could trust without reservation and who were willing to stand up for them!
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