The crisp click of high heels resounded through the tavern, acting as an unmistakable signal in Rayleigh's ears.
The woman entering was none other than Shakky, the proprietor of the adjacent pub, and the former reigning Queen of amazonia in her prime and a formidable pirate.
While Shakky's age showed in the slight sagging of her skin, her tall and graceful figure remained. Especially noticeable were the tightly wrapped short sleeves accentuating certain aspects of her physique.
With black hair neatly arranged, an air of anger marked her slightly wrinkled face.
Seizing Rayleigh by the hair, she demanded, "Old man, why are you coming home so late?!"
"I even dressed in your favorite attire today!"
Rayleigh, however, merely flaunted his state and mumbled inebriatedly, "Had a bit too much to drink today."
"Next time, there's always next time..."
With that, he slumped onto the bar and drifted into sleep.
"It's alright. The tavern has a hangover soup ready. It won't delay the two of you to have a bowl." Ron grinned, adding insult to injury.
A glint appeared in Shakky's eyes. "Thank you, young man."
Ron nodded with a smile, but soon realized something was off.
If this were a scene from a movie, wouldn't my role be that of the subordinate escorting the inebriated leader home, the tenant of the landlord who's perpetually hungover, or the brother overseeing the drunken groom at a wedding banquet?
A few minutes later, Rem prepared the hangover soup, brought it from the kitchen, and handed it to Shakky.
"Come on, let's wake up and take your medicine." Shakky positioned Rayleigh upright and poured the hangover soup into his mouth.
Though Rayleigh resisted, Shakky's authority prevailed, and he reluctantly drank it.
"This stuff is really effective." Rayleigh feigned surprise upon waking up, then cast a sorrowful glance at Ron.
While men may all desire to unravel the mysteries of black holes, for an old man nearing the end, his body often dictates otherwise.
"Come back with me!" Shakky pulled Rayleigh out of the tavern, casting a wink at Ron before departing.
"I'm heading off, young man. I'll sample your wine when I find the time," she remarked.
Ron's eyelids twitched suddenly, beads of cold sweat forming.
At Shakky's age, sitting on the ground and eating dirt is not just a casual expression.
During their journey back, Shakky lit a cigarette and spoke with a wry smile, "Garp is coming to Sabaody Archipelago."
"According to intel, neither Sengoku nor the Marine high command has sanctioned his involvement in this operation."
Upon hearing this, a meaningful smile graced Rayleigh's lips.
...
Early the next morning, perhaps due to the previous night's indulgence, Ron rose unusually early.
While showering with Rem and Ram, Rem blinked curiously, "Master, why doesn't Uncle Rayleigh want to go home with that aunt?"
"The two of them are going to have a fierce argument when they get home," Ron explained with a smile. "Rayleigh can't win against Shakky, so he's quite apprehensive."
Rem nodded thoughtfully, "Uncle Rayleigh always covers his waist every morning."
"He still curses a lot."
Ron: "..."
I should never walk recklessly in front of the two sisters in the future.
What if they end up knowing more than me, and I'm the one taking orders?
After getting ready, Ron had breakfast and perused the newspaper freshly delivered that day.
[Decrypted: Disgusting Habits of the World's Noble Celestial Dragons—The Heartbreaking Reason!]
[Why does Renowned Tycoon Tesoro Wear Only a Ring on His Ring Finger? A Touching Tale Behind the Scenes]
[Shocking: Young Photos of Suspected BIG MOM Unveiled, Drawing Countless Admirers to Reward Themselves!]
Morgans' newspaper really knows how to grab attention with these headlines... Ron chuckled and shook his head.
Just as I was engrossed in observation,
With a resounding "bang," the door was forcefully kicked open, and Rayleigh stumbled into the tavern.
In this moment, the old man's complexion was pallid, and an intense resentment seemed almost tangible, ready to burst forth from his very being.
Rayleigh approached the bar and sat down, demanding, "What did you put in the hangover soup last night?!"
Last night... was indeed a night to remember.
"Obviously, it's for your well-being. What did you experience last night?" Ron shrugged.
The hangover soup had been prepared well in advance.
Ron even added a few unconventional ingredients, tailored for men with peculiar inclinations when inebriated.
After all, it's not easy for a drunken soldier to stand up and salute.
"Forget it," Rayleigh sighed. "Just a bottle of milder tonic."
"Goji berry wine suits you well right now."
Ron turned and retrieved a bottle of red fruit-infused wine from the liquor cabinet, handing it over.
Rayleigh, filled with skepticism, poured a glass and took a sip.
Gulping it down...
As the liquid slid down his throat, Rayleigh was certain that this time, Ron hadn't played a trick on him.
The bitterness and sweetness of the wolfberries harmonized perfectly with the white wine's sweetness.
Following the initial spiciness of the alcohol alone, the rich aroma of wine and medicinal herbs immediately filled his mouth.
"Not bad," Rayleigh nodded in satisfaction.
Though this wine may not be as invigorating as tiger whip wine, it still warmed Rayleigh's belly.
Simultaneously, the body that had endured a night of torment felt significantly better.
Before he could savor it fully,
The door was kicked open once more with another "bang."
Kicking the door once again... Ron furrowed his brows, prompting Rayleigh to immediately turn his head to look.
Under the combined scrutiny of the two, Doflamingo swaggered into the tavern with an expansive stride, sporting an arrogant expression. He was accompanied by Diamante, a member of the Donquixote family dressed in tribal attire.
Simultaneously, Doflamingo surveyed the tavern with great interest. His eyes, shielded by sunglasses, subtly flashed with disdain upon observing the material of the tables and chairs.
If he weren't aware of Ron strength, he would have been obliterated the tavern before leaving. What kind of establishment uses cheap furnishings in his eyes?
As Doflamingo approached the bar, ready to take a seat, Ron gestured to the door with a welcoming smile. "Welcome, Mr. Doflamingo."
"But before you indulge in your drink, please be so kind as to close the door, both of you."
Doflamingo froze in place, a cascade of question marks swirling in his mind.
Close the door?
Did he hear correctly, or was Ron really addressing him?
Meanwhile, Diamante berated angrily, "Boss, watch your words. Doflamingo is a majestic Shichibukai, the king of Dressrosa!"
Yet, Doflamingo remained silent. Even under Diamante's horrified gaze, he turned around and silently closed the door—not because he wanted to, but due to the pressure exerted.
The silver-haired old man sitting at the bar with his back to Doflamingo exuded a formidable aura. Although the old man skillfully restrained his presence, the faint aura was still discernible when the color of knowledge enveloped him—roaring like a tiger, commanding and domineering.
Doflamingo surmised the identity of the old man, Dark king Rayleigh!
Yet, that was secondary.
Most importantly, he spotted the twin maids...