"Lillian, are you in there?"
Suddenly, a clear voice called from the forest edge, startling the three women absorbed in their plans.
"Hm?" Lillian recognized Tsuru's voice. "It's Tsuru—I'd better go."
Signaling to Nef and Stussy to hurry with their plan, she headed out of the forest, where Tsuru waited, glancing around.
"Tsuru…" Lillian ran up and hugged her, her expression tinged with guilt. She looked away, trying to sound casual. "What brought you here?"
"I saw you heading this way with Nef and Stussy and thought I'd come see what you were up to," Tsuru replied, her gaze perceptive as she saw through Lillian's casual demeanor. She smiled but chose not to call her out. "Want to grab a drink with me?"
Tsuru had noticed Nef and Stussy leading Lillian into the forest and, curious, had followed. As she approached, she overheard their secret plotting. She couldn't believe how bold they were, especially Lillian, who was so captivated by El that she'd sometimes come to Tsuru's place just to talk about him. Occasionally, she'd mutter El's name in her sleep, clutching Tsuru as if she were him, smiling in a way that left Tsuru speechless.
"Sure!" Lillian took Tsuru's hand, pulling her toward the bonfire. "But let's dance first, Tsuru!"
"Wait, Lillian…" Tsuru started to protest, but seeing Lillian's determination, she stopped. She sighed inwardly, knowing nothing she could say would change her friend's mind now.
…
Not long after, Nef and Stussy sprang into action. Acting casual, they roped in Moss and a few others to help haul about a dozen barrels of liquor from Atlantis. These barrels, bought on Drum Island, were filled with a strong brew in which Nef had infused her absinthe-inspired concoction, letting it steep for over ten minutes.
"Everyone, try a taste!" Nef called, patting the side of the oversized barrels—each about half a meter wide and nearly two meters tall.
Wearing a pink cheongsam that highlighted her elegance, Nef gestured to the barrels with a pleased smile. "This is a special blend I created, a blue fairy liquor called 'Dreams Come True.' I guarantee it'll be the best drink you've ever had!"
This wasn't just any brew—it was one Nef had been developing for a while, intended to launch when Hell Trading Company entered the liquor market. Using rare ingredients, she planned a three-tiered series of liquors to dominate the high-end, mid-range, and budget markets. This blend was extremely smooth and potent, without the burn of most high-proof liquors. Though this wasn't the debut she'd planned, it seemed perfect for the occasion.
"Is that so?"
"Blue Fairy? Like the giants' Green Fairy?"
Rufe, Rock, and Little Oars perked up at the mention of the new drink. Even Linlin, Gerd, and Lily—who had just finished a dance with El and were grabbing some barbecue—seemed intrigued.
"Oh?" Dr. Kureha's interest was piqued as well. She held out her wooden cup. "Pour me some!"
"Of course—"
Dr. Kureha took a sip, raising an eyebrow as her face lit up with approval. "Not bad at all! It's intense but doesn't burn—smooth, with a depth that lingers."
"It has some special ingredients, doesn't it?" she added with a grin. "Looks like it'll give everyone some lovely dreams."
Nef grinned, giving a thumbs-up. "You're sharp as ever, Dr. Kureha! Nothing gets past you."
She and Stussy had decided not to hide anything from Kureha, knowing she'd figure it out. By showcasing the drink openly, everyone would know it was a high-proof blend, and if anyone overindulged, it wouldn't fall back on her.
"Always full of schemes, this one," El mused, raising an eyebrow. He had to admit, though, that the liquor was exceptional. Nef had outdone herself—this would surely be a hit and a moneymaker for their group.
"Me too!"
"Pour me some!"
"It makes you dream?"
"Really?"
In an instant, everyone wanted a taste.
Not only the Fallen Angel Pirates but also the warriors of the Shandia tribe stepped forward. As expected, those with lower tolerance soon found themselves dozing off after just a cup or two of the "Blue Fairy." Bodies started dropping as Rufe, Sak, and Rock, who had indulged in a few rounds, soon fell into a deep, drunken slumber.
"Come on, Linlin, let's toast!" Gerd said mischievously, grabbing a barrel of the potent liquor and pulling Linlin and El into a round of toasts.
"Alright, cheers, Gerd, El-oniichan!" Linlin responded with a bright smile, lifting her cup.
However, Gerd underestimated Linlin's tolerance. Though her expression was innocent, Linlin's eyes gleamed shrewdly, hinting that she was well aware of Gerd's intentions. Both women seemed to be playing the same game: each one determined to outlast the other, knowing El wouldn't be the one to lose control.
Indeed, Nef's "Blue Fairy" was potent. Even Little Oars, with his giant tolerance, was knocked out after five or six barrels, snoring thunderously. Soon, the others who'd only managed a couple of barrels found themselves similarly sprawled, blissfully passed out. With Nef's dozen barrels emptied, Gerd and Linlin also succumbed, faces flushed as they slumped to the ground, sound asleep.
Around them, nearly all the Fallen Angel Pirates had succumbed, dreaming with soft smiles. Not even Mermaid Ily, dancer Baka, or the twins Rena and Luna were spared—all lay sound asleep, lost in dreams.
Seeing this, El summoned the Homies from Dreamland to carefully transport the intoxicated crew back to Atlantis one by one.
…
That evening, in the warmly lit upper floor of the large wooden house in Dreamland, El had barely returned to his room when three figures, looking both mischievous and slightly nervous, stepped forward. With a knowing smirk, he looked at the three women approaching him.
"So, this was your doing?" he asked, amusement in his tone. He had been aware of their plot all along, but as their "target," he didn't mind. He wasn't one to shy away from his admirers, especially since he bore the responsibility of reviving the Lunaria race.
"Hehe, we knew we couldn't fool you, El-sama!" Nef grinned, unfazed. "It's not like we were trying to hide it."
"Please don't blame us, El-sama," Stussy chimed in, stepping closer with a playful smile, kneeling at his feet with longing in her gaze. "Linlin and Gerd keep you to themselves, never giving us a chance!"
"And you, Lillian?" El's gaze shifted to her. He wasn't surprised by Nef and Stussy's alliance—they were bold and ambitious. But for Lillian, the shy, starry-eyed girl from the Three-Eyed Tribe, to join? That was unexpected.
Blushing furiously, Lillian stammered, "I-I was only… influenced by them…" She looked down, fidgeting with her hands, but then looked back up, eyes determined. "But… I really do like you, El-sama!"
With a burst of courage, she threw her arms around him, looking up at him with sapphire eyes shining with innocence. "Besides, El-sama belongs to everyone!"
El's expression softened as he looked down at her. With a slight smile, he used his "Life Return" technique, shrinking down to about three meters in height. Gazing at the determined Lillian, he replied, "You know, actions have consequences. Once you cross this line, there's no going back."
Lillian's face flushed deeper, but she held her ground, eyes closed tightly. "I won't regret it, El-sama!"
"El-sama, you wouldn't forget about us, would you?" Nef and Stussy added, each standing beside him, eyes filled with mischief and admiration. They, too, were ready to show their loyalty and devotion.
And that night, under the warm glow of the lamps, the bonds within the Fallen Angel Pirates grew even stronger.
~~~
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