Elder Nyon was at a loss for words.
Every Amazon Lily Empress, without exception, had suffered from lovesickness at some point.
Back in her youth, she herself had been unable to bear the torment of longing, which was why she had left Amazon Lily and ventured into the outside world.
She had always believed that Hancock—proud, willful, and utterly disdainful of men—would be the exception.
But now, it was clear: Hancock was just another love-struck fool.
"Are you planning to betray Amazon Lily as well, Hancock?"
After a long silence, Elder Nyon finally spoke, her tone filled with disappointment.
Back when she had left Amazon Lily, the World Government and Marines had yet to develop warships capable of crossing the Calm Belt freely.
There had been no fear of invasion back then.
But times had changed.
If Hancock were to abandon her position as Empress, Amazon Lily would be left vulnerable.
"Anyone from Amazon Lily can question me—but you have no right to."
Hancock's voice carried her usual arrogance.
"Besides, no matter what I do, the people of Amazon Lily will forgive me."
"Because I am simply too beautiful!"
She fluttered her lashes and made a delicate, vulnerable expression, her finely arched brows knitting together.
Elder Nyon was instantly captivated.
Her eyes turned into heart shapes, much like a fan girl seeing her idol up close.
A moment later, she snapped herself out of it, slapping her own cheeks to regain focus.
Sanders watched the scene unfold, an amused smile on his face.
Once again, he gained a deeper understanding of Hancock's overwhelming charm.
The Sweet-Sweet Fruit suited her too well.
In the hands of another, it likely wouldn't have the same effect.
Just by standing there, Hancock could ensnare hearts.
Even Vice Admiral Momonga had been forced to stab his own hand just to keep his mind clear in her presence.
Of course, Sanders wasn't pleased that Elder Nyon was trying to separate Hancock from him.
But seeing how wholeheartedly devoted Hancock was to him, any trace of displeasure vanished in an instant.
Besides, he understood.
Elder Nyon was only thinking of Amazon Lily's safety.
If the World Government learned that Hancock was his woman, it was entirely possible that Amazon Lily would be targeted.
Of course, he could simply lift the entire island into the sky—
Or relocate it to the New World.
But whether the people of Amazon Lily would be willing to leave was another question entirely.
"The World Government and Marines mean nothing to me~."
"Sanders will protect me."
Hancock's voice was soft but filled with unwavering certainty.
Her stunning eyes gazed at Sanders with deep affection, a hint of warmth and shyness in her expression.
"That's right. I will protect you."
Sanders smiled and nodded.
Then, he turned to Elder Nyon.
"You don't need to worry about Amazon Lily's safety."
"With me here, the World Government won't dare act rashly."
"And besides, Hancock can continue to hold her Warlord title. No one even knows I came here."
For now, the Warlord system was still useful to Amazon Lily.
There was no need for Hancock to give it up just yet.
There were barely any Warlords of the Sea left.
Doflamingo had escaped from prison, and his title had long been revoked.
Crocodile had joined the Beasts Pirates and voluntarily left the Warlords.
If Hancock were to step down now, the World Government might send the Marines to attack Amazon Lily just to save face.
After all, Hancock was not only a Warlord but also the Empress of Amazon Lily.
Even though she presented herself to the world as an arrogant and capricious tyrant, this was still her homeland.
"Since Sanders doesn't want me to leave the Warlords, then I won't leave."
Hancock declared, acting as if she was entirely at Sanders' disposal.
Elder Nyon let out a sigh of relief and finally felt at ease.
Having the protection of an Emperor of the Sea was good, but the Warlord status granted more than just immunity from Marine attacks—it also allowed for legal plundering.
She didn't want to disrupt the peace of Amazon Lily.
Just as Elder Nyon was about to speak again, Sandersonia and Marigold entered, carrying a large tray laden with delicious food.
The enticing aroma filled the room.
Feeling his hunger intensify, Sanders instinctively touched his stomach.
"Put the food down, and throw this old woman out. She is not allowed to come back in."
Hancock ordered coldly, looking at her two sisters.
Without hesitation, they set down the food, each grabbing one of Elder Nyon's arms and lifting her out.
Now that she knew Hancock wasn't planning to quit being a Warlord, Elder Nyon didn't resist and simply allowed herself to be carried out.
"Sanders endured that old woman's nagging for my sake. I'm so touched!"
Hancock placed the table of food directly in front of the couch and pulled up a chair to sit across from Sanders.
Resting her chin in her hand, she gazed at him lovingly.
Sanders didn't hold back and started eating immediately.
Having used his Devil Fruit's restorative ability and then engaged in a battle with Hancock, he needed to replenish his strength.
In just a few bites, he had devoured the meal.
Taking the drink that Hancock handed him, he downed it in one gulp and let out a satisfied burp.
The food on Amazon Lily was surprisingly delicious.
The meat was likely from a Sea King, making it exceptionally flavorful.
"Was that enough? If not, I can ask Sandersonia to bring more."
Hancock gently handed him a napkin and asked with concern.
"No, no, that was plenty."
Sanders wiped his mouth and smiled.
Hancock's attentive care made him feel a little uncomfortable—he had never been treated like this before, in this life or the last.
"Removing the mark takes a lot of energy. I can only do it for one person per day."
"Tomorrow, I'll remove yours."
Sanders looked at Sandersonia and Marigold.
After carrying Elder Nyon out, they had immediately returned to the palace and were now watching Sanders with eager anticipation.
He knew exactly what they were hoping for.
Hearing that the mark removal would have to wait until tomorrow, their eyes didn't show the slightest disappointment—only growing excitement.
"That's fine. Whenever you're ready, we're prepared."
Sandersonia said immediately.
Marigold nodded enthusiastically as well.
Both of them were very satisfied with their sister's lover.
Not only was he incredibly powerful, but he was also willing to help them remove the painful marks that had tormented them for years.
They felt lucky to have encountered Sanders back at Sabaody Archipelago.
Perhaps it was fate's way of compensating them for their past suffering.
"If there's nothing else, we'll leave you two alone."
Not wanting to disturb their sister and Sanders any longer, Sandersonia quickly tidied up the trays, picked up Hancock's used clothes, and left the room with Marigold.
As soon as they were gone, Sanders no longer held back. He pulled Hancock into his arms.
Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small box.
"Hancock, I have a gift for you."
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T/N:
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