After a while, Carl's voice could be heard faintly from the bathroom.
"Come on, Sugar. Training your abilities in water can yield twice the results with half the effort. Try gathering a wind current in your hands... Yes, focus on the rhythm of the wind..."
"Young Master, is this speed okay?"
"Not bad. Keep going at this pace."
Sugar's voice grew inexplicably hurried, a suppressed excitement laced within it.
"Huff... huff... does this feel good, Young Master?"
This time, Carl didn't respond with words, merely letting out a few hums of acknowledgment.
...
No one knew how much time had passed before the bathroom door finally swung open. Amid the hazy steam, Carl and his companions emerged.
Monet sighed as she glanced at Sugar, who lay limply in her arms, completely drained. She scolded her teasingly,
"Sugar, you were way too forward just now! How could you—"
Recalling the scene in the bathroom, Monet's face flushed, and she couldn't even finish her sentence.
Sugar, however, pouted indifferently. Then, she lifted her delicate, fair hand and stuck out a tiny pink tongue, licking her palm. Monet's eyelid twitched at the sight.
Sugar shot Carl a sultry glance, her voice sweet and coquettish.
"Silly big sister, how could that be considered forward? Young Master, were you satisfied with Sugar's service just now?"
Carl tapped her smooth, fair forehead with his finger and chuckled.
"Very satisfied. Now, tell me—where did you learn those techniques?"
Sugar giggled mischievously, licking her lips.
"Of course, from the books Robin keeps hidden away~ I've been studying diligently, you know~"
Her playful demeanor was undeniably enticing. Unable to resist, Carl reached out and took Sugar from Monet's arms.
As soon as she landed in Carl's embrace, Sugar became restless again, twisting and wriggling like a slippery little snake.
Carl lowered his head and planted a firm kiss on her pouting lips, making her burst into a fit of giggles.
Shalria stood behind Carl, her head hanging, face etched with an expression of sheer defeat.
Looking at the situation, tonight's final victor was none other than this little devil—Sugar!
...
At this moment, Sugar was in an especially bold mood. Just moments ago, she had been giggling, but now she suddenly put on an innocent, pitiful expression, blinking her big eyes as she asked,
"Young Master, can I sleep with you tonight? I want you to guide me on how to develop my Wind-Wind Fruit further~"
The moment she spoke, Hancock—who had been considering making the same request—immediately conceded defeat.
Carl smirked devilishly.
"Sure. I'd like to find out just how sweet Sugar really is."
With that, he effortlessly scooped her up in a princess carry and strode toward the bedroom, leaving Monet and the other two women standing there, exchanging looks.
It wasn't that only one person could share Carl's bed each night, but everyone understood what this moment meant for Sugar. This was her first time.
When it came to first experiences, there was a silent understanding among the women. Shalria, in particular, had her own boundaries regarding such things.
As Carl's bedroom door clicked shut, the three women dispersed to their own rooms.
...
Speaking of rooms, per Carl's arrangements, they had long since moved out of the old maid quarters and into the palace chambers. Hancock and the Monet sisters shared a room, while Olvia, Robin, and Pudding shared another. Shalria now had a private room of her own.
On the way back, Monet hesitated before speaking softly,
"I'm really sorry, Lady Shalria. I apologize on Sugar's behalf."
Smart as she was, Monet had easily picked up on Shalria's feelings tonight. Sugar had clearly interrupted her 'plans.'
Shalria gave an awkward smile and waved her hand dismissively.
"There's no need to apologize. There's always time. By the way, since Sugar won't be there tonight, how about I sleep in your room instead?"
Monet was momentarily stunned before quickly responding,
"Of course! But... there's only one bed. If you don't mind..."
"Don't say things like 'mind' or 'not mind.' I have no such concerns. Besides, if Carl-sama found out, he'd definitely be unhappy!"
Shalria had already come to terms with everything. If she wanted to stay by Carl's side, she had to get along with Monet and the others. Sharing a bed was only a matter of time, so why not get used to it sooner?
As they chatted, they arrived at their room. Just as Hancock was about to open the door, a voice suddenly rang out from the adjacent room.
"Robin, what's with all these books? Where did you get them?"
"Mama, I'm not a child anymore. The things in these books will be useful one day..."
"Nani? Robin! What exactly is going through your head?! These... these are forbidden books!"
"How can they be forbidden? The World Government has never banned them. Besides, I'm not the only one who's read them—Pudding has too!"
"Robin-sis!!"
"What are you shouting for, Pudding? Oh, so you two think you're clever? Come here! Both of you, stack these books on your heads and stand in the corner!"
"Aunt Olvia! I'm innocent!"
"I won't yield to you, Mama!"
...
Outside the door, Monet, Hancock, and Shalria coughed awkwardly before exchanging knowing smiles. After all, they, too, were avid readers of Robin's 'collection.'
Monet nudged Hancock with her elbow, signaling her to hurry up and open the door. Snapping back to reality, Hancock quickly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was not only luxuriously decorated but also fully furnished. The bed, though singular as Monet had mentioned, was spacious enough to fit even three large individuals comfortably.
Having just finished their baths, Monet, Hancock, and Shalria were each wrapped in white towels. Without hesitation, they cast aside their towels and climbed into bed without even changing into sleepwear.
Shalria turned her head to look at Hancock lying beside her and gasped in admiration.
"Hancock, your figure is truly amazing!"
Caught off guard by the sudden compliment, Hancock instinctively pulled up the blanket to cover herself.
Shalria sighed, exasperated by Hancock's bashful reaction. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, she turned to Monet and asked with a sly grin,
"Monet, what do you think Sugar is doing right now? Still... training her Devil Fruit?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Shalria's face turned red. She was clearly asking something she already knew the answer to.
Monet pursed her lips, unsure how to respond.
Tonight, the thing being 'developed' wasn't the Wind-Wind Fruit—it was its user...
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+180 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg