The finish line of a long courtship

Time passed, and the year became 1522.

Although the Pirates remain as active as ever, engaging in battles of wits and courage with the Navy, the Revolutionary Army and Road Island also occasionally pop up in various minor incidents.

But surprisingly, no Major Crisis occurred, bringing a long-lost sense of Peace to the world.

Except for one bird-man who was rolling around on the ground in distress.

Most people belatedly realized—that's right.

It would be abnormal if Major Incident about once every six months on average.

This Peace lasted until February 2, 1522, when some disturbances began.

The capital of the Alabasta Kingdom, 'Alubarna', was bathed in the morning sunlight.

The Sandora River flows through the Royal City, its surface shimmering with tiny sparkles in the morning breeze, while palm trees sway gently on both banks.

Princess Vivi, accompanied by her entourage, waited in Gazebo Dock the Royal City Inner Harbor.

Princess Vivi wore a Pink court dress that reached her ankles, with a red and gold-trimmed cape draped over her shoulders.

She looked up at the sky. A few strands of her light blue, wavy hair were blown by the morning breeze, falling between her shoulders and collarbone.

Igaram, with his white curly hair and dressed in a simple black robe, stood two or three steps behind Vivi.

"Your Main Hall, given the circumstances today, you didn't need to come to greet me personally."

Igaram's tone carried a hint of displeasure, like that of a resentful old father.

"Igaram, thank you for your concern. But first of all, Lord Sephi is our great benefactor, a hero who saved our country, isn't he?"

Vivi raised her hand and tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. Her tone was gentle, but her attitude was firm.

Igaram, also blinded by concern, responded in a low voice.

"Yes... Your Main Hall."

That's the logic, but subjectively, Igaram has been feeling a bit anxious lately.

Wearing a white headscarf and a white robe, Pell stood on the other side, leaning against a stone pillar, looking at the sky.

"They've arrived."

Pell has excellent eyesight; he spotted the 'dot' on the horizon.

Vivi looked up when she heard this, but saw nothing.

After some time, a 'Flying Church' finally came into view. Vivi smiled and walked towards the Skybridge platform.

Igaram and Pell exchanged a glance and then immediately followed.

A few minutes later, the Red Tears hovered briefly over the Inner Harbor before slowly descending into the river, creating a circular ripple effect, and then smoothly entering the exclusive Dock area of the river harbor.

The main cabin door opens. A wide Mechanical Gangway extends from the door, connecting to the Dock Skybridge.

Sky Island Knights emerged from either side of the hatch, their White Ritual Armor gleaming in the sunlight. They marched in orderly formation along both sides of the bridge.

Sephiroth, dressed in a white Knights's uniform, stepped out of the hatch, followed by Uta, Baby-5, Nami, Carina, and Tashigi.

"Your King Sephiroth, welcome."

Vivi, standing on the Skybridge platform, took small steps forward to welcome the Babylon delegation on behalf of Alabasta.

"Princess Vivi, thank you for your welcome."

Sephiroth walked up to Vivi, took her right hand in his, lowered his head, and gently touched her fingertips with Vivi lips. A faint Pink rose to the tips of Vivi's ears.

Baby-5 in Maid outfit and Tashigi in a military uniform stood on either side, half a step behind Sephiroth, looking very professional.

However, Uta, Nami, Carina, dressed in their everyday attire, strutting around behind Sephiroth like Kujaku spreading their tails, launching a "look, look, look" attack on the shy Vivi.

"Hmm--Sister Uta ~!"

After the official pleasantries, the dignified Vivi regained her lively demeanor and glared back at Uta, the 'leader'.

"Haha~ Little Vivi, your face is red. Let me see~"

Nami jumped out from behind Sephiroth and grabbed Vivi's hand.

Before Vivi could 'struggle', Uta and Carina also clung to Vivi.

Sephiroth expressed his enjoyment of seeing these beautiful girls cuddling together.

"... Your Majesty Sephiroth, welcome."

Igaram appeared like a ghost.

"Oh, Igaram. Your expression right now is very similar to Mr. Cobra's."

Sephiroth made a joke.

In a way, Igaram is practically Vivi's godfather.

After a little commotion, the group, led by Vivi, headed towards the waiting carriage.

Igaram personally opened the door of the first carriage for Sephiroth. Sephiroth, Baby-5, and Tashigi took their seats.

The second carriage was driven by Pell, and Vivi, Uta, Nami, and Carina got in.

The caravan began its journey. The Alabasta Honor Guard led the way, with Sky Island Knights flanking the carriages.

Inside the second carriage, Uta leaned out of the window to glance at the carriage ahead, then pulled back in and moved closer to Vivi. Her red and white hair almost brushed against Vivi's cheek.

"Vivi, you're finally getting married today!"

Vivi, feeling shy, reached out to push Uta's face away.

"Sister Uta ~!"

Nami laughed beside her. She leaned back in her seat, legs crossed. Her orange, medium-length hair was ruffled by the gentle breeze coming through the car window.

We got engaged five years ago; this long-distance relationship has finally come to an end.

Carina chimed in. Her long, pale purple hair swayed gently at her shoulder as she tilted her head to look at Vivi, Little Fox smile playing on her lips.

"I don't have to worry about being cut in line anymore!"

The three of them teased Vivi, one after another. Vivi's face turned red from her ears to her neck, and she pulled her cloak up to cover half of her face.

The four girls were laughing and joking around in the carriage, and the sound of the wheels rolling over the Stone Slab road couldn't drown out their laughter.

... a short while later.

In the Diplomatic Reception Room of the Alabasta Royal Palace.

Cobra sat on a bench in the foyer, the sleeves of his green silk robe draped over the armrest.

Dressed in a white robe and draped in a green Trench Coat, the tall and robust Chaka stood beside him.

As the gate opened, Igaram walked in with Sephiroth, followed by Baby-5 and Tashigi.

Cobra stood up and went to meet him.

"Welcome, Sephi."

"Mr. Cobra, you're too kind."

The two shook hands.

Cobra looked at Sephiroth, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. After today, he probably wouldn't be called 'sir' anymore.

As a prospective father-in-law, Cobra always had mixed feelings about the issue of his 'womanizing son-in-law'.

But Sephiroth was grateful for Alabasta's kindness and never forgot it.

"This isn't the place to talk, please come in."

Cobra led the way, stepping aside.

The group passed through the foyer and entered the Reception Room.

It was a bright room with Arabia-Style Dome and walls inlaid with blue and white tiles edged with gold trim.

The floor was covered with a deep red Persian Carpet, and in the center was a low tea table surrounded by cushioned benches.

The two sat down at the tea table.

Chaka stood behind Cobra, and Tashigi stood behind Sephiroth.

Baby-5 habitually ran to the Tea Corner, only to find herself staring blankly at Igaram.

Both sides backed down and prepared tea for their respective "kings".

Cobra and Sephiroth were nothing out of the ordinary.

As friendly and amicable 'Ally,' their meeting was not very formal, and they interacted quite casually.

But since they were all 'kings' after all, the conversations tended to revolve around state affairs and the current world situation.

When the topic of the Revolutionary Army came up, Sephiroth spoke at length.

When asked about the Bondrewd issue, Sephiroth remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he felt somewhat embarrassed.

After finishing their business, Cobra couldn't help but adopt a fatherly expression and bring up an unavoidable topic from the day.

"Today is Vivi's Coming-of-Age Ceremony... From now on... I'm entrusting her to you..."

Sephiroth put down his teacup.

"Don't worry about it, Father-in-Law. Besides, I've prepared a wonderful gift for Vivi this time."

Cobra was somewhat curious about what the gift was, but he pressed his temple.

"Sephi... you can only change your address after the Ritual..."

This was the old father's last bit of stubbornness.

... on the other side.

In a small, exquisite room within the Royal Palace.

Vivi, Uta, Nami, and Carina sat around the table. Tea and snacks were laid out on the Round Table.

This is Vivi's private Reception Room. The curtains are Pink sheer, and several landscape paintings hang on the walls.

"After the Wedding, Princess Vivi will become Princess Vivi!"

Uta held Vivi's right hand and kneaded it with both hands.

"Uta ~! You're the same way~!"

Vivi reached out her left hand and patted Uta's arm.

Nami picked up her teacup, took a sip, and then put it down.

"Speaking of which, back when Sister Uta got married, I wonder who it was who was watching with such longing."

These words drew criticism from both Uta and Vivi.

Uta, Nami, Carina, these three "veterans," started teasing Vivi, who was about to "go ashore."

The four of them had been friends for many years and got along well. While Vivi was shy, she wasn't averse to it, and the four of them laughed and joked around.

Carina, the most 'mischievous' one, tilted her head, as if she had remembered something, and her eyes curved into crescents.

"Speaking of which, Rebecca still has to wait two years."

Vivi couldn't help but smile when she heard Rebecca's name.

They meant no harm, but it was quite funny as an inside joke.

Rebecca and Sephiroth got engaged a year earlier than her, but because she was too young, she was always pushed ahead of the others.

Originally, everyone was imprisoned together in the 'village of those who were cut off from the village.' Uta was the first to step down as village chief, followed by Nami and Carina.

After today, Rebecca will be the only child left behind.

The four people were laughing when there was a knock on the door.

Vivi said, "Please come in."

The door was pushed open by Maid —and Rebecca appeared in the doorway with a sinister smile on her face.

Her long, light Pink hair was tied into a braid and hung down her shoulder, her Pink pupils bright like two gems. The hem of her orange dress had pleats, which swayed gently as she walked in.

"--Waaaaaah!!"

Rebecca lunged at Vivi, causing a commotion.

... Two hours later.

10:30 a. m., Royal Palace Hall.

Several copper chandeliers hung from the high dome. The surrounding walls were inlaid with geometrically patterned tiles in blue and white. The floor was covered with a deep red carpet.

A long table against the wall was laden with various foods and drinks, including roast lamb, Spiced Rice, grapes, pomegranates, melons, and several pots of steaming Black Tea. It was set up like a buffet.

Princess Vivi's 'Birthday Party and Coming-of-Age Ceremony' will be held here soon.

Before the formal commencement, guests gathered in small groups to chat and engage in informal diplomatic exchanges.

Sephiroth and his entourage sat in a corner at the front of the hall, very conspicuous. However, most ordinary guests dared not easily approach them for conversation.

Titans representative 'Senior Pink', wearing Sunglasses and a dark gray suit, sat quietly on a sofa in the corner, holding a glass of Champagne.

Sorbet, representing 'Trafalgar Law', was dressed in a long black coat, leaning against a pillar with his black hat brim pulled low.

The two of them simply greeted Sephiroth politely and then tactfully left.

However, the representatives of Dressrosa were Princess Rebecca and Kyros. The two of them integrated well into the Babylon team.

However... Kyros also wore a distressed expression, like that of an old father.

Half an hour later, Cobra, Igaram, and Princess Vivi appeared from the inner gate.

Cobra walked to the front of the hall and cleared his throat. The conversation in the hall gradually quieted down.

Thank you all for coming to my daughter's Birthday Banquet today.

His gaze swept over the guests present, finally settling on Vivi.

"Vivi, becoming an adult is a new beginning for you. As your father, I only wish you health and happiness."

Vivi stood beside him, a smile playing on her lips, her eyes slightly red.

"Thank you... Father..."

Vivi grasped Cobra's hand and then thanked the guests.

After the King and Princess spoke, Igaram, acting as the host, exchanged brief diplomatic greetings before announcing the official start of the Birthday Party.

The guests offered their Blessing, followed by the gift-giving ceremony.

Gems, jewelry, handicrafts, rare spices, and treasures from all over the world.

Each gift was displayed, eliciting waves of praise, some polite, some genuine.

The grand finale was Sephiroth.

He walked up to Vivi. All eyes in the hall were on him.

Sephiroth opened a metal box, inside which was a fruit of strange color and twisted patterns. The surface of the fruit was covered with white veins.

"Happy birthday, Vivi. This is a gift I prepared— Logia Snow-Snow Fruit."

Since it's going to be used, and will be used frequently, there's no point in hiding it.

As a member of the Alabasta -Pan-Titans Alliance, it's not necessarily a bad thing for the outside world to know that the Princess is Logia User.

The hall fell silent for a moment. Then, gasps of amazement surged forth like a tidal wave.

"Logia?"

"Snow-Snow Fruit... isn't that...?"

"The Alabasta desert... Rainfall..."

The guests whispered among themselves.

Logia Devil Fruit are extremely precious to any country.

For Alabasta, a desert country, Snow-Snow Fruit means the freedom to Rainfall.

"Thank you... Your King Sephiroth."

Vivi took the fruit with slightly trembling hands, looking at Sephiroth with a mixture of joy and indebtedness.

... Later, at the after-party following the Coming-of-Age Ceremony Ritual, the Snow-Snow Fruit made its appearance and became a hot topic of discussion among the guests.

After the midday cocktail party.

At 2 PM, Vivi couldn't wait to try it out.

Sephiroth and Vivi fly over the Royal Capital, Alubarna.

Vivi took a deep breath and then activated the power of the Snow-Snow Fruit.

A chill spread from her palm outwards. The air temperature dropped visibly, and water vapor condensed into tiny ice crystals in the sky. White snowflakes began to fall from the clouds.

On the streets of Alubarna, people looked up and were surprised to find that... raindrops were falling.

Alabasta is Summer Island and a desert country. Snowflakes melt into raindrops in mid-air before they even reach the ground.

Rain on a sunny day is truly astonishing for Alabasta.

The drizzle fell on the Stone Slab pavement, making a soft rustling sound. People began to cheer.

Children ran out of their homes and played in the rain. Shopkeepers put down their work, came out of their shops, and stood in the rain. An elderly man clasped his hands together and muttered something. A young woman placed a water jug on the ground and let the rainwater fall into it.

Since receiving technical assistance from Babylon and the Titans, the country has indeed become less water-scarce than before. However, water remains a precious resource.

Vivi floated in the sky, looking down at Alubarna. Rain soaked her hair and clothes, but she didn't care. Her eyes reddened, and tears mingled with the rain, sliding down her cheeks.

Five years ago, Sephiroth summoned Thunderclouds and Rainfall to save Alabasta. Five years later, she personally brought rain to this land.

She turned and threw herself into Sephiroth's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder.

"Sephi... thank you..."

Sephiroth caught her, placing his hand on her back. His chin rested on the top of her head, and rain streamed down their cheeks.

Sephiroth said nothing more. He simply held Vivi quietly, suspended in the rain.

... It was six o'clock in the afternoon.

In the Royal Palace Hall.

The guests regrouped and began discussing the heavy rain.

Igaram stood at the front of the hall, feeling somewhat conflicted, but still chose to be the host.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what follows is another important Ritual for today."

He paused.

"The Wedding of His Majesty Sephiroth and Princess Vivi."

The guests in the hall quieted down and didn't think there was anything wrong with continuing the proceedings.

They've been engaged for five years.

They were still a little confused... Logically speaking, some Princess married at an even younger age.

Cobra emerged from the side door and stood at the front of the hall. His expression was calm, but his clenched hand trembled slightly. Chaka followed behind him, his expression solemn.

Sephiroth and Princess Vivi stood side by side in front of Cobra.

Vivi changed into a new dress, a long white gown with a train trailing on the carpet. Her light blue hair was carefully styled, and she wore a silver hair accessory.

Sephiroth stood beside her, his white Knights's uniform, adorned with a gold and red sash, was impeccably tailored, and his short blond hair gleamed in the lamplight.

Cobra looked at the two people in front of him and took a deep breath.

"Sephi, Vivi, as your father, I Blessing you both well."

Then, witnessed by his father, Sephiroth and Vivi exchanged vows of love and rings.

Although some of the guests muttered under their breath, "The Ring" or "The King of Political Marriage."

But most of the guests applauded enthusiastically. Music played in the hall.

... night.

Princess Vivi's bedroom.

The curtains were drawn, and only a bedside lamp was on. The light fell on the deep red carpet, casting two shadows on the wall.

Vivi stood by the window, her back to Sephiroth.

Her heart was pounding, and her fingers gripped the hem of her skirt. It wasn't that she hadn't thought about this day, but now that it had actually come, she didn't know what to do.

Sephiroth stood up and walked behind her. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. Vivi's body trembled slightly, then slowly relaxed, leaning back against his chest.

Sephiroth lowered his head and kissed her earlobe. Vivi's ears turned red, but she didn't pull away.

"Sephi..."

"Um?"

"I... I don't know what to do..."

Sephiroth turned her around. They were face to face, very close.

"Then leave it to me~"

Looking into Vivi's eyes, Sephiroth reached out and brushed the stray hairs from her forehead.

"... Hmph, after all, Lord Sephi is quite skilled at it."

Vivi spoke, before Sephiroth could even speak, she took the initiative to stand on tiptoe, her eyes closed, her expression both awkward and bold.

Sephiroth was captivated and lowered his head involuntarily.

Their lips touched, feeling the softness and warmth.