Mary Geoise, the Gawain Family, around 1:20 PM that day.
Gawain sat upright on the sofa, raised his wine glass from afar, and asked softly.
"So, you want to know if I'm that tough?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain gently handed the cup forward.
Across from him, Stussy licked his lips with his little tongue, then picked up his glass and bowed to Gawain.
After downing the drink, Stussy narrowed his eyes, then stuck out the tip of his tongue and licked the rim of the glass.
As she licked, she observed Gawain's expression.
When she saw Gawain's calm and composed expression, she smiled, retracted her tongue, and then pursed her lips with interest.
"Your Highness, haha, I have never witnessed your strength, nor dare I attempt to understand it."
But I do quite admire your ruthlessness and indifference.
As soon as he finished speaking, Stussy bent down, placed his hands on the table, and looked up at Gawain again.
Her slender waist arched in the air, her beautiful lines stretched out freely, and Stussy was constantly displaying her sexiness to everyone, even to the air itself!
Seeing Stussy's behavior, Hancock, standing next to Gawain, curled her lip in disdain.
She already knew Stussy's background; he was an old codger who had lived for who knows how many years, and she looked down on him completely.
This guy thinks he can seduce my brother?
Hmph, I can't even be bothered to say anything about her.
Once you say it, it makes you seem like you're worried about even something as basic as this, which makes you look a bit insecure!
With this mindset, Hancock disdainfully crossed her legs, pressing her fair feet under her thighs.
She wiggled her toes lightly as she turned to look into the distance.
Heh, Moria's little girl seems quite lively these days.
He says he doesn't like it, but doesn't he still become the leader of the kids?
Her Devil Fruit power was too much of a threat to children who didn't have Haki to protect them; even Luffy was dragged along by the ear to play house with her.
Tsk tsk, even children's games are much more interesting than the intricate thoughts in the mind of an old man like Stussy.
After all, the kind of things older people enjoy are only truly enjoyed by themselves.
Across from him, seeing Hancock's demeanor, Stussy's lips curled into an even wider smile.
Leaning on the table, she smiled slightly at Gawain.
"My lord, it has been a long time since I have returned to Mary Geoise, and this is the first time I have had the honor of being a guest of the Gawain Family."
So, may I sit down and chat with you?
You wouldn't want to leave a young girl like me hanging around, would you?
"Oh, please sit down. Take your preferred seat."
Gawain smiled and nodded, then gestured around.
"I don't have any rules here, everyone sits very casually, if possible, sit closer together."
Next, I'll be talking to you about quite a lot more.
I hope you remember this clearly, and consider it carefully.
"Oh?"
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Stussy smiled deeply, then raised his hand to cover his lips and teeth.
"Sit closer? But how close should I sit so that the adults can understand my enthusiasm?"
While making a joke, Stussy straightened up and sat down on the sofa to the left of the table.
Next to the sofa was Shakky. Seeing Stussy sit down, she casually flicked her cigarette ash and said expressionlessly.
"Stussy, stop joking around. My captain isn't one of those big shots you used to deal with."
You old codger, instead of showing off here, you should try to be more practical.
In that case, perhaps the captain will smile at you a little more.
"Okay, Sister Shakky, heh."
Hearing Shakky's reminder, Stussy smiled mischievously, then turned around.
She took off her shoes, put her slender legs on the sofa, twisted her waist, and looked at Gawain while supporting herself on the sofa armrests.
Noticing Gawain's slightly furrowed brow, Stussy narrowed his eyes apologetically.
"Your Gawain, please forgive my rudeness."
I am not a king, nor a princess, and I do not even have powerful elders like Garp and Tsuru.
Compared to those lucky ones, all I can hope for is Your Highness's appreciation.
But I've been wandering this world for so long, and I'm bound to bear the marks of it. If this displeases you, then I'll have nothing left to rely on.
After saying that, Stussy winked slyly, then reached out and picked up a glass of wine from the tea table not far from Gawain.
Stussy gently raised her glass and downed it in one gulp. When she put the glass down, she didn't become serious at all; instead, she seemed even more unrestrained.
Because she not only stretched, but also took off her shawl, exposing her well-defined shoulders, neck, and collarbone to the air.
Across from him, seeing Stussy's increasingly audacious behavior, Gawain knew what she was planning to do.
She was just gambling.
Not everything that is forbidden is forbidden because the person who sets the rules doesn't like it.
Stussy simply felt that no matter how much Gawain needed to maintain the rules on the ship, he himself wouldn't dislike beautiful things.
The reason why beautiful things are beautiful is precisely because both men and women know how to appreciate them.
As for the so-called "worldly air"...
Hehe.
Isn't that unpretentious, sophisticated charm the epitome of femininity?
If it's just about facing and admiring, what man would dislike a woman with such charisma, displaying her charm to him?
Even those guys with more unique tastes, when they see a beautiful woman, don't they also want to learn the woman's charming side?
Even men with unique, masculine tastes, wouldn't they want their partners to improve through learning?
Who doesn't want a better version of themselves? Who doesn't want a better lover?
They really like it!
Faced with this Stussy, Gawain frowned, scrutinized him for a moment, and then nodded slightly.
"Your lazy demeanor doesn't quite fit the proactive spirit of our ship."
However, you are indeed more suitable for my plans for you.
Shakky, have you spoken to Stussy about what I asked her to do?
If not, then I will explain it to her next."
Gawain looked at Shakky, Shakky nodded, indicating that she had made herself clear.
As for those standing to the side, after hearing Gawain's words, Stussy narrowed his eyes with amusement.
"Oh, Shakky, this is the first time I've ever heard you address me like that."
Well then, Your Gawain~.
If I accept your invitation and become your media manager.
"By then, will you still call me 'Auntie'?"
As he spoke, Stussy subtly reversed the position of his feet, placing his left foot under his right.
As she moved her legs, her toes twitched playfully, and then she said something.
"Although I prefer to hear adults call me 'little sister'."
Or maybe it's my older sister...?
But if it makes you more excited by the idea that I am your elder.
Although I do not wish to, I am still willing to unconditionally satisfy Your Highness.
"Ha ha."
As soon as Stussy finished speaking, Gawain burst out laughing. This woman with such a mysterious identity really liked to play it safe.
While laughing, Gawain raised his glass and said.
"I've never really been very strict with everyone. Rather than being captain and crew, we're more like like-minded friends."
If you're willing to be my friend, how could I let my friend feel disappointed?
So, Stussy, stop beating around the bush.
Tell me, will you join my side?
The preliminary work for my new industry has already begun, and the application for the snail biosignal channel has been approved.
If you're not willing to be the helmsman of new media, then smile at me more. Perhaps you think you can leave a better impression on me with your smile.
For example...?
A sexy and beautiful corpse.
Or perhaps we can become friends, in which case we might as well give ourselves more freedom.
Who knows if you actually enjoyed the process of seducing me?
I just wish my friends didn't have to wear masks in front of me.
What do you think?
At this point, Gawain's gentle gaze gradually sharpened.
A year ago, Gawain would have been interested in chatting with everyone.
At that time, he had nothing but his status, and he was willing, but also unwilling, to waste his time on people who were worth winning over.
But now.
If Gawain continues to treat everyone who might join him with the same kindness as before...
That would not only be a waste of Gawain's personal time, but also a disrespect to the elders around Gawain.
Therefore, Gawain chose to be quick and to end his communication with Stussy as soon as possible.
Stussy is not a necessity, or rather, only strength is a necessity on this sea!
If Stussy were Mihawk, Gawain would be willing to spend months entangled with him.
But Stussy wasn't, so everyone knew she wasn't worthy of Gawain doing what he did.
At least, at this moment, among the scattered resting crowd around us.
Doflamingo was already showing signs of impatience!
On the sofa to the left, upon hearing Gawain's words, Stussy gently pursed his lips.
"Your Highness's words are quite amusing, a beautiful corpse, hehe."
Even in death, Your Highness still thought of praising me, and I was truly moved.
However, I don't like the word "death." My past life wasn't about striving to die today, was it?
So, Your Highness, from now on I should call you "Sir," right?
As soon as he finished speaking, Stussy raised his glass for the third time.
After a hearty drink, accompanied by a charming breath, Stussy chuckled.
"Sir, let's talk about my upcoming work."
Although Shakky told me in detail, because I hadn't agreed to join at the time, she still held back a lot of what she said.
So, sir, what you're doing with your so-called self-media...
I don't need to endorse it; the innovative ideas behind live streaming various scenes and programs using Den Den Mushi) were bound to be incredibly popular.
The reason you want me to take over those things is probably so that you can assist me in developing and utilizing this channel to the fullest extent, right?
Having an interesting program doesn't automatically make people believe the news broadcast in between.
It's not enough to insert a few interesting news items to make viewers focus their attention on us.
Even if we seem to have gained their approval and trust, thus giving our media credibility in the eyes of ordinary people, it doesn't mean we can motivate them and make them work for us.
You, sir, are familiar with the format of media broadcasting, but I know better than you how to coordinate various programs within the media and maximize media popularity and audience engagement.
Most importantly, I know how to get their support.
I know even better how to make them revere you like a god!
As soon as she finished speaking, Stussy licked her lips contentedly. If this media project succeeded, would she no longer need to hide in the shadows, but instead stand in the brightest light, basking in the world's attention?
I've been living in the shadows for far too long. I really don't want to continue this life where I have a certain amount of power and status, but I can't even get the spotlight!
Even if I set sail to become a pirate, even if I bring along a few other not-yet-complete clones to stir up some waves on the high seas.
Even if it means dealing with more risks, I want to be in the open!
How could a woman as beautiful as myself be so aloof and self-absorbed!
I must let the whole world see my brilliance!!!
Gawain ignored the blazing fire in Stussy's eyes; after a moment's thought, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Very good, you know exactly what I want."
To a certain extent, we must control public opinion and seize control of the propaganda machine; this is what we must do next.
As long as what we do is not extremely heinous or monstrous.
As long as we are on the right path, the way we take steps, that is, our thoughts, must be known to more people!
The World Economic Journal has been circulating worldwide for decades, and its authority is something we simply cannot compete with. If we attempt to find a breakthrough in print media, our newspapers and distribution channels will not be able to withstand the impact of the World Economic Journal.
Besides, even if I had the chance to talk to Morgans like you and I do, and to make him my friend,
Even so, I would not feel comfortable having the functions of being watched by the world and speaking to the world piled on one person.
Even you, Stussy, even if I temporarily hand over full control of the media to you.
You also need to compete in this industry.
While I will not allow a second media outlet in the world to exist that is not under my control, I need some of us to be able to support other channels.
I'm entrusting you with the world's most interesting entertainment channel, Stussy.
As for the other channels, the music channel is managed by Uta, the science channel is jointly managed by Franky and Robin, and even a series of specialized channels such as the agricultural technology channel are managed by Binz and a group of other people.
However, Stussy, those are not the pressures you need to face.
Compared to others, I will open up martial arts instruction to the public to a certain extent after the media has expanded to a sufficient scale and we have gained enough influence and cohesion.
Yes, doing so might be dangerous. Providing more people with the knowledge and upward mobility that give them a slight chance to become stronger will inevitably impact the existing class hierarchy at sea.
And I will become the target of everyone's criticism because of this!
So..."
Gawain gently tapped the table, and at this moment, Stussy finally stopped flirting and sat down nervously.
In this atmosphere, Gawain continued.
"You should be able to understand how dangerous what I'm about to do is. What I want to do is hand over guns to more people who shouldn't have any ability to resist."
So, Stussy, I demand that before I do that, you must use the media you manage to make almost everyone aware that I am not someone they need to rebel against!
Sufficient influence isn't just talk; you must understand exactly how much influence I need!
Now, answer me, are you willing to do it...?
And can it be done?!