Vivi's expression remained as warm as ever. She smiled and said, "Then I'll be counting on you, Reiju."
Reiju was flattered. Germa could not compare with Alabasta in either international standing or national strength. What was more, Vivi was much younger than she was.
Vivi picked up Alice and walked over to Rubick. "Rubick, when are we going to have a daughter of our own?" she teased.
"Let's talk about that later," Rubick said at once. "Alabasta is growing right now. We should focus on that."
"It's growing too fast. I'm exhausted trying to handle it alone. Father's getting old, too. I want a man I can lean on."
Alice quietly twisted the knife. "Dad says one thing but means another. He really wants to, but for some reason, he's scared."
"Hey, you little rascal."
Rubick raised an eyebrow. Was his daughter a little too sharp for her age? Vivi hurriedly shielded Alice. "See? Even a child can tell."
Rubick decided not to answer. He looked toward the port, where a ship flying a familiar flag was approaching.
"That's a ship from Dressrosa," Rubick said. "The old king and his family are here too."
Alice delivered another blow. "Aunt Viola's with them, right? Aunt Vivi, she cut in line too."
Vivi shot Rubick a displeased look. "You know too much," he told Alice.
Before long, the Dressrosa ship docked, and King Riku's family came ashore. Viola wore a splendid royal gown today, looking elegant and poised.
Greetings were exchanged all around, and the princesses hit it off at once. They all treated Conis as their big sister, though, which left her a little embarrassed.
Morgans watched from the sidelines, burning with envy. Rubick had somehow become close to so many princesses. He decided he would write a short story about