After a brief conversation with Corinnelu, Claudius had her both charmed and somewhat confused, but she smiled with obvious delight.
Claudius's current status was well-known. No longer the disgrace he once was, he had become one of the most brilliant figures among the Celestial Dragons in recent years. As the head of the esteemed Donquixote family, he wielded considerable power and influence.
And unlike many of his peers, Claudius was noted for his striking looks, which only amplified his reputation among the female Celestial Dragons. He was, in fact, quite the sensation, embodying everything one might want in a perfect match.
With his status and charm, it wasn't surprising that many noblewomen dreamed of becoming Claudius's wife.
Yes, among the Celestial Dragons, Claudius was now seen as the golden bachelor, an ideal "son-in-law."
The rumors swirling around Mariejois about him having an illegitimate child? Hardly an issue for the Celestial Dragons. Nearly everyone had a skeleton or two in their closet. Claudius's case just happened to be more visible, making it a frequent topic of teasing.
But in the world of Celestial Dragons, where lineage and legal recognition mattered most, an illegitimate child without formal acknowledgment posed no threat whatsoever.
After a few pleasant exchanges with Claudius, Corinnelu felt she'd moved a little closer to her dream of possibly becoming his wife someday.
Not that Claudius gave it much thought.
He soon shifted the conversation, his eyes turning to the trio of young girls standing behind Corinnelu. A smile spread across his face. "I overheard you saying you're looking to offload these three slaves. As it happens, I'm here today looking for potential acquisitions myself. You mentioned they've all consumed Devil Fruits? That piqued my interest. If you're selling, why not sell them to me?"
Claudius's interest in Devil Fruits was well-known among the Celestial Dragons. Years ago, he'd been tricked into eating one himself, and it had been a source of amusement for many. While no one dared to mock him now, it was common knowledge, so his statement raised no eyebrows.
Corinnelu smiled easily. "If Claudius wants them, how could I refuse? And as for selling, there's no need for you to pay me. I'm happy to gift them to you."
She wasn't here to make a profit; this was just entertainment for her, a whimsical way to pass the time. If it had been a slave trader making the request, she would've charged without hesitation. But Claudius? She couldn't bring herself to ask for payment.
Claudius chuckled and patted Corinnelu's smooth, platinum-blonde hair. "I couldn't possibly accept without paying. I wouldn't want to diminish the wealth of someone as lovely as you."
The truth was, Claudius wasn't particularly smitten with her looks but preferred not to owe favors, which could lead to future complications. A simple business transaction was cleaner and less binding.
Corinnelu blushed at his words and, flustered, quoted a price of 500 million berries.
It wasn't cheap. Devil Fruits alone rarely started below 100 million berries for even the most basic types. With three Devil Fruit users, the combined value easily exceeded 600 million berries. Zoan-type Fruits typically fetched at least 200 million.
If Claudius had to estimate the true value of Hancock's Paramecia-type Love-Love Fruit, it would be priceless. In his mind, the deal was a steal.
Nia ever efficient promptly handed a check for 500 million berries to Corinnelu. Business concluded, Claudius made his exit without further conversation. He did, however, extend a gentlemanly invitation for afternoon tea in the future, which made Corinnelu positively beam.
At that moment, Nia held the three iron chains connected to the Boa sisters, who followed silently behind her. Claudius didn't spare them a glance, signaling their insignificance to him at that moment.
After walking a short distance, Nia asked, "Your Highness, shall we continue searching?"
Claudius glanced at her and replied, "Of course. These three girls aren't going to be Ace's playmates."
"Understood," Nia said, nodding.
Hancock, walking behind them, had a glimmer of wariness in her eyes. Whatever thoughts were swirling in her mind, she kept them to herself.
Hancock was twelve, while Ace was only about three. The idea of the two playing together was laughable. Claudius needed children closer to Ace's age.
They reached a section where the slaves were notably younger. Taking a few steps further, they came across rows of cages housing children no older than five or six.
"This is just despicable," Claudius muttered to himself.
He could understand enslaving pirates or criminals and might even have applauded it. But capturing innocent children for slavery? That was something Claudius found repugnant.
Each child represented a broken family, another casualty of the world's injustices. This slave market was steeped in hidden crimes.
And yet, Claudius knew he was complicit.
Though he felt a pang of guilt, he knew better than to let it show. There was nothing he could change at the moment, and indulging in guilt served no purpose.
Stopping in front of a cage that housed four or five young children, Claudius gave them a once-over. None of them particularly stood out to him, but it wasn't an important matter.
"These kids will do. Buy them all," Claudius instructed.
Nia nodded and moved to negotiate with the slave merchant.
Just then, a commotion erupted from another section of the market. Voices shouted, and it sounded like someone was desperately calling out.
"Stella!!!"
"Stella!!! I'm here! Don't worry! I'll save you, I promise!"
A young man, imprisoned in a cage, reached out and waved frantically toward the source of the disturbance. The direction he was shouting in led to a Celestial Dragon who held a beautiful woman by the arm—a fellow slave, it seemed.
"So, a slave hoping to rescue another? Must be lovers. How tragic," Claudius thought with a touch of melancholy.
Celestial Dragons were notorious for their excesses. Taking beautiful women by force was almost routine, and Claudius could easily piece together the story. This man had been lucky to survive at all.
After a moment's pause, Claudius looked away. Nia had completed the transaction and was making her way back toward him.
Suddenly, Claudius Froze.
***
For every 500 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 40+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.