Night fell quickly. Rubick took the family home, then walked through the streets with Viola following anxiously behind him.
Many pairs of eyes watched Rubick, but he paid them no mind.
Doflamingo hurried back from Punk Hazard. The moment he reached the Royal Palace, he sent a subordinate to summon Viola. He could hardly wait to learn what Rubick was thinking.
On the desolate street, Diamante floated down as lightly as a sheet of paper.
He ordered, "Viola, the young master wants you. Come back to the Royal Palace with me."
Viola looked toward the Royal Palace, then at the unmoved Rubick. After a moment's struggle, she said, "Tell Doflamingo that he and I are parting ways, starting now. He seized my country, and sooner or later, someone will bring him down!"
Diamante's face twisted with anger. He thrust his sword at her. It seemed weightless, writhing strangely through the air like a ribbon, but its point stayed aimed at Viola.
Rubick reached out with Dragon Claw and caught the blade between his fingers. "Viola is my woman now. Get the hell out of here."
Diamante flew into a rage. "Viola, you think sleeping with this guy means you're safe? One word from the young master, and plenty of people will come to kill him. Just wait. You and your father are both dead!"
After that parting shot, Diamante hurried away. He was genuinely afraid Rubick might kill him on a whim. He knew full well Rubick was strong enough to stand against Doflamingo.
Diamante returned to the Royal Palace and told Doflamingo everything he had seen and heard. Doflamingo ground his teeth in fury. He relied heavily on Viola's Glint-Glint Fruit ability; that was why he had spared her and King Riku all those years ago.
Now, though, he