Seeing Gion agree so readily, Saint Gawain smiled with satisfaction—his choice had indeed been correct.
Though both Chaton and Gion were Admirals-in-waiting, Chaton resembled Borsalino in his slyness and Kuzan in his laziness, without Sakazuki's sense of duty. Chaton would never be influenced so easily by someone else's ideals, unlike Gion. However, no matter how infectious Gawain's words were, it didn't change the fact that the moon was high in the sky. Gawain took one last glance at the moonlight, then snapped his fingers.
Snap!
The crisp sound caught Gion's attention, and she looked at Gawain in confusion. His voice was warm and kind as he said, "That's enough for tonight. I troubled you earlier at Marineford, and we drank quite a bit afterward. It's late—time to get some rest."
Gion was momentarily taken aback. Never in her life had a man urged her to rest. Bowing her head slightly until her chin nearly touched her chest, she gave a small hum in response.
"Very well. Please choose your room, Saint Gawain. I'll find a place nearby and keep an eye on your safety with my Observation Haki."
Gawain waved a hand dismissively. "No need, no need. We're in the Sabaody Archipelago—none of the Yonko would dare move against a Celestial Dragon here. You should relax too, Gion."
As he spoke, Gawain rounded the courtyard, leaving the banquet hall behind, and made his way toward a treehouse in the distance, guided by the servants. Gion trailed after him, issuing a calm but serious reminder:
"Master, please don't think that way. It's true the Yonko or other major figures may avoid directly harming a Celestial Dragon, but that doesn't mean we can ignore smaller threats. There are plenty of reckless individuals willing to take dangerous chances. With so many Devil Fruits out there, we can't know if one with assassin abilities might fall into the hands of someone unaware of the significance of attacking a Celestial Dragon. You can sleep soundly tonight, Master—but only because I am here, not because the world is safe."
Her tone grew heavier as she spoke.
"Master," she said firmly, "please always remember: there is no truly safe place in this world. Even with me by your side, never underestimate anyone."
Hearing these words, Gawain suddenly stopped. Gion, accustomed to moving in perfect harmony, halted instantly, avoiding any awkward collision. Gawain turned to face her, locking eyes with her in a serious gaze.
"I didn't expect you to say that. I can feel your trust in me, Gion."
He inhaled deeply, then turned back toward the path, continuing his slow steps.
"You've given me a valuable reminder. Not everyone knows who I am, not everyone understands the status of a Celestial Dragon, and not everyone is incapable of harming me. It's true: kings may be easier to deal with, but troublemakers are the real threat. Fortunately, I have you."
He gave her a knowing smile. "By the way, that little kick under the table earlier? Nicely done."
"Huh?!"
Gion's face flushed slightly. She thought Gawain hadn't noticed.
Gawain entered the treehouse, disappearing from Gion's sight. Once he was out of view, she let out a deep breath, her thoughts swirling. She was increasingly certain: this man—her master—was unlike anyone else in the world. There was no one like him.
Still lost in thought, Gion perched sideways on the windowsill, glancing up at the night sky.
"Heh... The moon really is beautiful tonight."
Meanwhile, back in Mary Geoise, inside the grand palace of Charlos's Castle, Saint Shalria was furiously berating her slaves.
"Not this one! It's too crude! Swap it for that one—Gawain will definitely like something cleaner."
She pointed to a towering man. "What's his name? 'Red Sea Overlord'? Does the Red Sea even exist? Five hundred and forty million berries on his head? He's got some reputation in the New World, I guess. Fine, he'll do!"
Snatching up a pair of shackles, Shalria mounted her enslaved "steed," dragging the captured pirate along. Leading a procession of servants through the streets, she made her way toward Gawain's estate.
At the front gate stood the captain of Gawain's personal guard, Winslett, maintaining a resolute stance. The moment he saw Shalria, his steel-like resolve melted away, and he fell to one knee.
"Greetings, Saint Shalria. Are you here to see Saint Gawain?"
"Obviously! Now, move aside. Is Gawain awake? I hope I'm not too early."
Winslett hesitated. "Saint Gawain isn't in residence. He left Mary Geoise yesterday afternoon with Saint Mjosgard."
"What?!"
Shalria had been about to dismount from her enslaved steed, but Winslett's words froze her in place. She slumped back onto the pirate's back, muttering in frustration:
"It must be Mjosgard! He took my Gawain just to spite me!"
She yanked the chains, forcing her slave to scurry away at a frantic pace toward a bubble gondola. As she was about to board, members of Cipher Pol called out from a distance:
"Please wait, Saint Shalria!"
"Get lost!" she snapped, storming into the gondola.
The agents exchanged glances, their leader gritting his teeth before speaking up again: "Saint Shalria, this concerns Saint Gawain!"
Shalria paused, rolling her eyes. "Fine! I suppose I'll let you filthy commoners ride with me. Hurry up!"
Relieved, the Cipher Pol agents hurried aboard. Inside the gondola, the lead agent knelt respectfully and spoke softly:
"Saint Shalria, Saint Gawain left without providing a Vivre Card. We were dispatched to assist you, ensuring we locate him without disturbing him unnecessarily."
"Gawain forgot his Vivre Card?! How careless. Fine, you can stay with my slaves—just don't bother me. As Gawain's future wife, it's up to me to keep his affairs in order. I'll mention the Vivre Card to him when we meet, hmph!"
Turning away from the agents with a huff, Shalria closed her eyes, lost in thoughts of Gawain's every smile and expression.
On Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 72, sunlight streamed through the windows, rousing Gawain from his slumber.
Jingle!
The sound of bells rang in the distance, and the faint shuffle of footsteps echoed outside his door. On the windowsill, Gion rested with her arms crossed, her hand lightly gripping the hilt of Konpira. Seeing over twenty maids gather at Gawain's door, she rolled her eyes.
"At last, he's showing a bit of what it means to be a Celestial Dragon," she muttered.
The door swung open, and the maids poured inside, shutting the door behind them. Outside, Gion's Observation Haki remained vigilant. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she cleared her throat, reminding herself:
Everything is for the safety of my master. Nothing more.
After a few minutes, Gawain emerged from the room, fully dressed. Seeing Gion waiting at the door, he paused in surprise.
"You... woke up early?"
"I don't need much sleep. With only me guarding you, I must remain alert."
"You stayed outside my door all night?"
"Of course." Gion's voice brimmed with pride. In both the Marines and elsewhere, she believed there was no one more qualified than herself.
Gawain was silent for a moment, then gave a thoughtful nod.
"From now on, I'll sleep in rooms with partitions. You'll have a bed in the next room—and perhaps some plush toys, if you like them."
"What?!" Gion was stunned.
"Toys?" she stammered. She clutched Konpira nervously, the hilt suddenly feeling strange in her hand.
Chuckling, Gawain strolled past her toward the exit. "Let's go explore. We'll grab some Sabaody snacks and stop by an interesting tavern."
As they walked, Gawain gave her a sidelong glance.
"By the way, Gion… ever been swindled before?"