Early the next morning, Cobra was just about to discuss the settlement of the people with the ministers when he heard the guards' report.
"Bad news, Your Majesty! Princess Vivi, she's gone!"
Listening to the guard's report, Cobra's eyes widened, as he was stunned "What are you talking about? Repeat what you just said!"
"Your Majesty, Princess Vivi is missing!" The guard said anxiously. "Her maid went to wake up the princess in the morning, but she found no one in the princess's bedchamber!"
"How... how could this be?" Cobra was confused. "Could she have left the palace for something urgent?"
"Your Majesty, we were all outside! I didn't see Princess Vivi come out!" The guard said grievously. "But the maid said that the window of the princess's bedroom was opened. It's possible that she jumped out of the window and left?"
"Jumping out of the window?" Cobra asked. "And then? Aren't there guards patrolling outside? Didn't they find anything?"
"Nothing!" The guard shook his head.
Cobra had a flash of inspiration, remembering Vivi's desire to join Captain Ron and his crew on their sea adventures. Suddenly, he asked, "What about Captain Ron? Where are the Sword and Rose Pirates?"
"Ah, I don't know. I just found out that Princess Vivi is missing, and I've come to report to you!" The guard shook his head.
"Quick, go and see if they're still here!" Cobra hurriedly gave the order.
After a while, the guards returned, wearing strange expressions "Your Majesty, they're all gone, including Captain Ron and the girls!"
"This..." Cobra's mouth twitched, and he understood what had happened.
"To think they would play such a trick on me!" Cobra sighed, realizing that Vivi had run away with Ron and the others. There was a sense of helplessness in his heart as he gazed at the sky.
"Your Majesty... What should we do now?" The guards asked, looking at each other.
"Let's deal with the matters at hand first. Vivi followed Captain Ron and they went to sea. With Captain Ron's strength, they should be safe!" Cobra waved his hand weakly.
"Your Majesty, shall we not pursue Princess Vivi?" The guard asked, puzzled.
"Pursue her? Can we catch up?" Cobra said helplessly. "Captain Ron and his crew are too powerful; we can't catch them. Besides, there are many pressing matters in the kingdom right now. I'm not in the mood for it. You may all leave now."
The guards departed, leaving Cobra alone. He shook his head and said, "Vivi, I hope you don't regret your choice! That man has so many beautiful women around him... Alas!"
Two days later, the girls departed from Alabasta and arrived at the harbor city of Nanohana. Nami, Robin, and Kaya had unboarded the Going Merry to buy enough supplies while awaiting Ron's arrival.
In the afternoon, Ron took Vivi to Nanohana. By then, Vivi had changed into a beautiful dress, but Ron still held the quilt in his hand. The two of them strolled down the streets towards the port.
"Ron, I'm really upset with you. Did you have to kidnap me like this?" Vivi looked at Ron's indifferent expression, sighed, and said, "My father must be worried sick about me. I bet they've sent people everywhere to look for me!"
"Now your country is in turmoil. There are rebels and refugees to deal with. Your father probably doesn't have the time to worry about you!" Ron smiled and said, "He likely assumes you left with us willingly. After all, you mentioned wanting to accompany us before, right? It's just that your father didn't agree! So, you chose to leave secretly!"
Vivi's eyes widened "So, in my father's eyes, I left on my own accord?"
"Of course, normal people wouldn't suspect kidnapping. And you had expressed your desire to your father earlier, right?" Ron grinned mischievously. "So, this is what you wanted!"
"You're so cunning!" Vivi said weakly.
"Hey, hey!" Ron chuckled, reaching out to hold Vivi's hand. "Do you think you can escape from me now? You're part of the Sword and Rose Pirates now. If you want to leave, I won't allow it. Once you're in, you can't leave!"
"Is that so..." Vivi gave Ron a playful look, her expression cute and beautiful. Ron couldn't help but lean in and kiss her.
"In the middle of the street? Ron!" Vivi blushed furiously, looking at him with annoyance.
"Right, it's not appropriate for the street!" Ron nodded suddenly. "We'll have our private moments later, okay? If you know what you mean. Let's go!"
"You're impossible!" Vivi wanted to kick him, but she restrained herself, reminding herself she was a princess and should act accordingly.