Night fell, stars glittering around the moon.
In the palace garden courtyard, a gentle breeze swept across the tender green lawn, silver light spilling over the swaying shadows of the trees.
Along the stone path leading to the pavilion at the center of the garden, countless Homies bustled about, carrying platter after platter of food.
Judge entered with Reiju and the others, crossing the garden toward the pavilion.
Beneath the pavilion stood an enormous round stone table large enough to seat thirty people, covered with lavish desserts.
Several people were already seated at one end of the table.
The Three Sweet Commanders: Katakuri, Smoothie, and Cracker, who had rarely shown his true body.
Also present was the Charlotte Family's eldest son, Perospero, the Minister of Candy with a bounty of 700 million Berries.
Katakuri's two younger triplet brothers, Daifuku and Oven.
And Snack, once one of the Sweet Commanders, the Minister of Fried Foods with a bounty of 600 million Berries.
It was practically the Charlotte Family's strongest lineup.
"Nice to meet you. Welcome to Whole Cake Island."
Perospero stuck out his lewdly long tongue and licked the candy cane scepter in his hand. "Please, take your seats, members of the Vinsmoke Family."
Judge led Reiju and the others to the round table and sat down. After scanning the area without seeing Sanji, he asked in a low voice:
"Where is Sanji? Why isn't he attending such an important occasion?"
"Don't be so impatient."
Perospero smiled without warmth. "Tomorrow is his wedding day with Pudding. We ought to leave the young couple some time alone together."
"Is that so? It sounds like Sanji and his fiancée are getting along quite well."
Judge folded his arms and leaned back. "I originally thought he would be dissatisfied with this marriage. At least