When Ace appeared again, two maids followed behind him.
They came to the transparent coffee table in the middle of the living room, crouched down, and deftly pulled out a concealed mechanism in its middle tier. With a gentle upward tug, the mechanism began to rotate, rise, and unfold-like a mechanical flower blooming.
"Click."
"Click."
"Click."
After several faint sounds, a complete round table took shape. Its surface was smooth as a mirror, reflecting the chandelier overhead.
The cooks filed in.
Carrying exquisite silver platters, they set out the appetizers one after another.
Olives gleamed with oil in white porcelain dishes, freshly baked rolls still steamed, crisp crackers filled plates, and cold cuts, sliced thin with alternating red and white, were arranged in elegant fans.
Garp had just picked up a small savory cracker.
Before he could put it in his mouth-
A rubber arm shot over with lightning speed, seized the entire plate with precision, and snapped back.
Luffy opened his mouth wide and tipped the whole plate of crackers into it.
"Crunch, crunch, crunch."
His chewing rang out loud and crisp, and cracker crumbs showered from the corners of his mouth.
He swallowed, frowned, and complained with a disgruntled look:
"So stingy! That's all there is!"
Garp's hand froze in midair, still poised to pinch a cracker.
He looked at the empty plate, then at his grandson's disdainful face, and a vein twitched at his temple.
Boer gently patted Carina, the little fox who had returned to his lap.
The snow-white fox lazily raised her head and looked at him with pale blue eyes.
"Bring a few bottles from the liquor cabinet in the office."
Boer's gaze swept over Garp's troubled face, and the corners of his mouth rose slightly:
"The stronger, the better."
Carina leaped lightly from