After Dracule Mihawk was "escorted" out of Bernia by a Marine fleet, Aaron Ball's life seemed to return to a strange sort of peace.
The Steel Heavy Industry Consortium's daily operations had developed into a finely tuned system-Nico Robin, as its chief executive, coordinated government affairs and external strategy; Emporio Ginny assisted as a "special assistant," while actually establishing supply channels between the West Blue base and the Revolutionary Army; with Thatch and Hokushin Ichiteru overseeing things, the security company worked alongside Capone Bege's Mafia forces to methodically consolidate order in the West Blue Underworld.
Even the Kent Family's pair of roses-Chloe and Allison-had found a new way to exist. No longer merely "political gifts," they began participating in some of the Earl's Estate's social engagements and domestic affairs. Pressure from their family had taught them to maintain their value through gentler means: elegant bearing, just the right amount of care, and compliance with certain "understandings."
An unspoken rule had formed among the women: during the day, Boer belonged to "everyone"-handling official business, receiving visitors, occasionally sharing afternoon tea; but the nights always belonged to Robin's room.
That morning, after finishing his unwavering morning training routine, Boer soaked in the panoramic bath on the main castle's top floor.
The bath was carved from obsidian, its edges inlaid with thin, heat-retaining metal plates, its water kept at a constant temperature by a heating system. Steam curled beneath the ten-meter-high glass dome, while the windows offered a sweeping view of the entire Silver Capital awakening in the dawn light.
Boer reclined in the pool, letting the hot water envelop his body. The mental exhaustion brought on by intense planning, battles, and maneuvering slowly dissolved in this rare moment of empty-minded rest.
In the adjoining lounge, Schumann's "Träumerei" flowed from the fingertips of