1 month later
Things had moved rapidly since the announcement ceremony. In less than a full week, the contenders had been gathered and shipped out on a boat for East Blue. One of God's Knights had been assigned as their supervising officer. Unfortunately for Lance, it was Beatrice Eneverdean's uncle, Leopard.
The man stood 5'11. A completely bald head. He was wearing a black overcoat over a white dress shirt and a black tie. He had matching black slacks and shiny dress shoes. The lining on the coat had real gold lace.
Lance found being on the ocean a strange experience. The boat's constant rocking was challenging to adjust to. But it was when he was up on the deck that he experienced just how beautiful the surface world had been. No amount of seasickness could have taken the grace out of the sight of the sea. The sea stretched out endlessly before him. There was a series of large rocks visible off the side of the boat.
While Lance stood on the deck, he looked over the side. Leopard's voice snapped as he came out from under the deck. "Alright, you ruffians. Today is the day we dock. So we're going to go over what's going to happen." As he spoke, all nineteen of the young dragons took their designated spots on the deck, where they had spent the entire month. Lance ended up right in the middle. With Beatrice to his right. Something he was sure she set up with her uncle.
"Now. This Native hunting game is taking place on an island that once held the kingdom of Oykot. A pirate known as the Gold Lion wiped out the old kingdom a little over a decade ago. Since then a small kingdom has spawned out of the ashes. Thirteen years ago we asked if they would pay Heavenly Tribute to join the world government. And as such, it is not under our protection."
There was a pause in his words. This pause gave Lance enough time to consider whether that reason was compelling enough to justify raiding an entire civilization.
"There are two prizes your group is vying for. One is the position of squire among the God Knights. The four with the highest scores will take positions at the bottom of the Knights order. Acting as assistants for four knights. And learning from them directly." Everyone except for Lance seemed pleased at this news. "That prize is reserved for your group. And not something you should expect going forward. The other prize, however. It is something we offer quite regularly. God's knights have acquired three devil fruits. We will award the second prize to the three of you who have the highest scores.
That second prize caught Lance's interest more than the first. The old fart then continued talking. "We should arrive at the island in a few hours. The spectators are already there. Once we dock, you'll have forty-five minutes to speak with your people. Thereafter, you'll be expected to be at the starting position. With that you are dismissed."
The group of world nobles started to disperse in order to attend to their individual affairs. Lance attempted to beeline to below the deck. Needing to make some plans. But Beatrice stepped in front of him. The annoying girl had changed her hairstyle at some point on the ship. The two buns on the side of her head were replaced. She decided to put her blonde hair into a long ponytail that fell down to her waist. Her face was still long like a horse. And her nose was thin and slightly crooked. "So Lance. When I become the top of our generation. Why don't you become my boyfriend?"
Beatrice's attempts to start dating Lance continued to annoy him to no end. "Forget it, Horse Face. I wasn't interested yesterday. I'm not going to be interested today." It was then that the sound of a gun cocking cut off his train of thought. He looked down and saw Beatrice holding a pistol, aimed directly at his stomach. She held a flintlock pistol towards his white t-shirt.
"Cut the crap, Duval." The overly sweet sound in her voice had been totally removed. What remained now was a nasally feminine tone. "Maybe I won't have the sway when I'm just a squire. But once I'm a full member of God's Knights, I will use my influence to wrap you up in my family. And I'll make you love me. Just like I know you've been loving those guards you brought with you on the ship~" That crooked, thin horse face smirked up at him with a knowing look. They both knew his family was one of the most conservative out of the 19.
If he didn't squash this now. Beatrice would think she had something over him. Taking in a deep breath, he grabbed the barrel of her gun. He then pushed the barrel of her gun against his pajama shirt. "You shouldn't threaten people you want to keep alive, Bitch-rice. If you shoot me, who will become your trophy husband? Who exactly will be your trophy husband? Why don't you think a little harder next time?" Lance stared into her eyes. Lance was trying to dissuade her from doing anything irrational.
Beatrice returned an evil smile. With the hammer already cocked, she further pressed the gun against his belly. "If I can't have you, Duval. No one will. Choose your next words wisely."
He was stunned by her motivation. He considered giving her a hookup and seeing if that would settle things… Nah. He didn't feel like sticking his dick in crazy. "Alright, Eneverdean. Let's make a bet." He waited to see her reaction. He only continued after she lightened the pressure against his body and gave him a quizzical look. If you win a position as a Squire and also eat one of the devil fruit prizes, I'll be your boyfriend. However, you must also eat one of the devil fruit prizes. I'll be your boyfriend. Hell, I'll even arrange our marriage personally once we get back to Mary Geoise." He raised his hands in open palms. Showing he had no tricks up his sleeve. Unexpectedly a prompt came up over both of their visions.
[Quest Offered: Your hand in meritocracy. You and Beatrice Eneverdean's long-teased bullet entering your belly. You have offered her an out to finally seal the deal on your marriage.]
[Success Conditions: Scoring a Squire position in God's Knights. Additionally, you must eat one of the three fruits that are offered as a prize in the Native Hunting Game.
Reward: Your hand and cooperation in your marriage. +5 levels to the gambling skill.
Failure: Continuing to pine for your affection with petty threats and pleading. You gain +5 levels with the Gambling skill.
This quest was presented as a bet. You cannot refuse to offer this quest.]
Fuck! Lance cursed in his head. I had no idea I could do that. Soon the prompt detailing the quest automatically closed. Beatrice smiled up at him as she took the gun away from his body.
"Good choice! Now with the proper motivation, I'll school the rest of these idiots. I will finally have the prize I've desired for all these years. But if you try anything funny~" She fired the gun over the railing of the ship. The bullet struck the tip of a rock located off to the side of the boat. "I'll blow your small brains out... And make those five bitches clean it up with their tongues!" She holstered the flintlock with a practiced ease. "See ya later, Future Hubby!~ Eng-hahahha eng-haha!" Her piercing laugh filled his ears as she walked below deck.
"Shit… Yeah, I need to do something about this."