Happy Times

A flicker of pain flashed through Tesoro's eyes.

He remembered that many years ago, another red-haired woman had been the same.

Gentle, kind, willing to sacrifice herself for others.

Stella...

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I've wronged you."

Brook shook his head helplessly.

It sounded as though he were some tyrannical landlord forcing himself on men and women.

"All right. Once Baccarat boards the ship, she'll be a member of the Cloud Wanderer Pirates. I won't mistreat her."

He rose to his feet. "As for Gran Tesoro... if you run into any trouble you can't handle during this year, you can contact me."

This was both a promise and an exchange.

Tesoro fell silent for a few seconds before finally nodding. "...Thank you."

He knew this was already the best possible outcome.

Brook turned to leave, but when he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and looked back at Tesoro.

"Oh, there's something I want to tell you."

Tesoro looked up.

"Some things are more important than money." Brook's voice was soft. "Like someone willing to take a blade for you, or someone who won't betray you even in the face of death."

He glanced at Baccarat, then looked back at Tesoro.

"Treasure them. Not everyone gets that lucky."

With that, he pushed open the door and left the private room with Hermione.

As for Baccarat...

They could take her with them when they were ready to leave.

Tesoro and Baccarat were left facing each other in silence.

Tanaka secretly activated his Through-Through ability and left.

Outside the window, Gran Tesoro's nightscape remained dazzling. Fireworks bloomed in the sky, their golden light illuminating the entire heavens.

After a long while, Baccarat finally spoke softly. "Lord Tesoro, I..."

"There's no need to say anything." Tesoro interrupted her,