Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
----------
Near Noon.
The sun had long risen, now hanging high in the sky. Its warm rays streamed through the gauzy curtains, casting a gentle light that brightened the dimly lit room.
"Mm..."
Stussy stirred, a soft groan escaping her lips as if waking from a particularly pleasant dream. A moment later, something clicked in her mind, and she opened her eyes abruptly, sitting up in a rush.
The king who had been beside her was gone. Now, the room was quiet, occupied only by Stussy herself and a beautiful maid standing patiently by the door.
For the first time in her life as a spy, Stussy had slept so deeply—undisturbed and comfortable, even in an unfamiliar environment.
A strange warmth lingered in the air, wrapping her in a sense of serenity that made her innate vigilance falter for a moment.
Her thoughts drifted to the events of the previous night.
It seemed that exhaustion had overtaken her. When Pudding had been massaging her, she had unconsciously fallen asleep. She couldn't recall exactly when she'd drifted off, but the realization sparked irritation within her.
For someone who had risen to the rank of CP0 through grit and determination, such a lapse was inexcusable.
Shaking off her frustration, Stussy addressed the maid, her tone measured despite her lingering self-reproach. "Excuse me, what time is it, and where is Master Alex?"
The maid, bowing slightly, responded with a polite smile. "Miss Stussy, it's nearly noon. We've prepared everything for you to freshen up and have a meal. As for His Excellency, he's currently meeting with the King of Germa in the living room."
Two things struck Stussy immediately.
The first was the time. She had never allowed herself to sleep this late before. Her instinct to self-criticize flared, but she found herself quietly excusing it, wondering if Alex's overwhelming strength was to blame.
The second was the maid's transparency. Typically, Alex wouldn't divulge his meetings or plans so freely, yet here they were openly sharing this information. It was clear she had begun to establish herself within Alex's inner circle.
Still, Stussy's composure held firm. She smiled graciously, masking her thoughts. "Thank you. Please prepare what I need to freshen up. I'll handle the meal myself."
The maid bowed once more and left to fulfill her request.
Stussy, however, was already thinking ahead. The noon hour meant her superiors were likely expecting a report soon. She had no intention of delaying her duties further.
The preparations were swift, suggesting the staff had anticipated her waking and made arrangements in advance.
In no time, Stussy was refreshed, her appearance restored to her usual elegance. She stood before the mirror, smoothing out the traces of the previous night's struggles. Yet as she looked at herself, she noticed something peculiar: her reflection seemed... enhanced.
'Is this what they mean by a woman's transformation?'
Her cheeks, glowing with a rosy vibrance, seemed to radiate a charm that was somehow more striking than before.
Unconsciously, she touched her soft, springy cheeks and thought of Alex—the man who had left this lasting impression and claimed her as his first.
The memory sent a flush of color to her face. Feeling her composure slipping, Stussy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. With practiced precision, she suppressed the emotions bubbling to the surface, replacing them with her characteristic calm.
When she finally emerged from the room with the maid leading the way, she had once again donned the poised persona of the Queen of the Pleasure District.
After leaving the first area, where Flower Capital was located, Stussy quickly made her way back to the Pleasure District branch in the second area.
The moment she stepped into the main room, her female subordinates, recognizing her intent with a single glance, discreetly exited, leaving her in privacy.
Once the room was cleared, Stussy extended her Observation Haki, ensuring there were no unwanted presences or lingering auras nearby. Satisfied with the results, she retrieved a Den Den Mushi from her travel bag and set it on the table.
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~
The Den Den Mushi's eyes opened as the connection established.
"Click."
At first, there was only silence on the other end. Stussy, maintaining her vigilance, tapped a deliberate rhythm on the table.
"Da da da da da da da..."
Moments later, a corresponding pattern of rhythmic taps echoed from the Den Den Mushi, confirming the connection was secure.
This method of coded communication was unique to spies, ensuring absolute discretion. Only after mutual confirmation did a voice finally emerge from the other side.
"Master Five Elders," Stussy said quietly, her tone measured and serious.
The slight rustling sound that followed signaled the phone had been passed to the highest authorities in the World Government. Stussy's expression hardened. This level of contact underscored the critical importance of her mission.
"Stussy, is the mission complete?"
A steady, familiar voice spoke. Without hesitation, Stussy replied, "Yes, I've managed to begin infiltrating the Flying Admiral's primary power network. However, full integration will require more time and careful effort."
She knew well enough that her ongoing relationship with Alex would play a pivotal role in furthering her mission.
There was a pause on the other end, followed by the faint sound of someone drawing a sharp breath, as though impressed by her progress.
"Good work!" the elder's voice praised, his tone both approving and commanding. Then, a different voice—a deeper and older one—added, "We are fully confident in your abilities. As of now, you are designated as the commander of this operation. You have full authority to mobilize other CP agents and espionage resources as necessary."
Another voice chimed in, solemn and resolute: "Do not fail us. If you succeed, you will become the true shield of the Celestial Dragons."
"I understand," Stussy responded firmly.
The line disconnected, leaving Stussy alone with her thoughts.
For the briefest moment, a faint emptiness settled over her heart. She had spent so much of her life working toward this recognition—becoming the shield of the Celestial Dragons—but now that it was within reach, the usual thrill eluded her.
Her gaze drifted to the Den Den Mushi, now dormant on the table. Her mind wandered to Alex and the floating kingdom under his control. Despite knowing how challenging and protracted her mission would be, she couldn't suppress the strange, absurd flicker of anticipation within her.
Stussy's brow furrowed. She was surprised—even shocked—by this unfamiliar state of mind.
'What's wrong with me?'
A rare, involuntary laugh slipped from her lips, bitter and incredulous.
'I must be crazy.'