Half a day later, Vir and Shirahoshi arrived at the waters surrounding Amazon Lily right on schedule.
The electric ship, which didn't need sails, ran incredibly smoothly in this windless zone.
However, Vir, who was currently standing at the bow of the ship, wore an expression that was somewhere between lifeless and resigned.
Last night, Shirahoshi's attempt at cooking green beans had nearly sent Vir to an early grave. They weren't even properly cooked. And this time, not a single grain of salt had been added—because all the salt had already been used up.
Vir instantly gained a crystal-clear understanding of Shirahoshi's culinary skills. From now on, it'd be best to keep her out of the kitchen. They weren't that hungry anyway.
A few minutes later.
Two figures appeared on the shores of Amazon Lily.
Vir walked ahead, while Shirahoshi trailed behind him like an anxious puppy.
Shirahoshi's mood was still a little uneasy. Vir had told her they were coming here to introduce her to some new friends.
For someone with severe social anxiety like her, this was no small challenge. Right now, she was unbelievably nervous.
Head lowered, she followed Vir at a sluggish pace as the two of them steadily approached the palace.
Along the way, many people recognized Vir and greeted him warmly. But when they saw Shirahoshi beside him, their eyes turned strange.
It wasn't for any particular reason—it was just that Shirahoshi was too beautiful.
As everyone knew, their Empress had feelings for Vir. But now, Vir had brought back a girl whose beauty was in no way inferior to their Empress. This... was not good news.
Who knew how their Empress would react?
Vir glanced back at Shirahoshi, who was dragging her feet, and couldn't help but turn around to grab her hand.
"Hurry up, dummy! No one's gonna eat you."
But no matter what Vir said, Shirahoshi was still Shirahoshi—nervous as ever.
Before long, the two arrived outside the palace hall.
Before they could even step inside, a figure flashed into view at the entrance, appearing right in front of them.
"Vir, you've finally returned. This Empress has missed you dearly."
The speaker was none other than Hancock, who had just returned from Marine Headquarters.
Her cheeks were tinged with a lovely pink, and her expression was slightly agitated.
Her eyes were filled with longing for Vir.
But as soon as she finished speaking, she felt a little embarrassed.
'How could I just confess to Vir like that? Isn't that a bit too forward? But I couldn't help it—I missed him so much!'
Just as Hancock nervously wondered how Vir would respond, her peripheral vision finally caught sight of Shirahoshi standing behind him.
Her brows furrowed instantly, her gaze turning sharp, like a predator spotting a rival.
The reason was simple: even she found Shirahoshi's beauty breathtaking.
But when her eyes traveled downward and she saw Vir holding the girl's hand, Hancock's heart clenched.
Words like cheating, affair, and trading the old for the new immediately flooded her mind.
Outwardly, she remained composed, but inwardly, she had already imagined countless scenarios of Vir breaking up with her.
Her expression gradually darkened.
At that moment, the others finally arrived upon hearing the commotion.
When they saw Vir holding a girl's hand, their faces twisted in disbelief.
And when they got a good look at the girl's face, that disbelief only deepened.
Rayleigh's expression stiffened.
He hadn't expected Vir—who already had two women—to bring back yet another unbelievably beautiful girl, and now he was even holding her hand?
This guy's greed knows no bounds!
Rayleigh's face darkened as he cursed internally.
Nearby, Shiki also silently scorned Vir in his heart.
That girl clearly isn't even an adult yet, and this bastard still went for her? What a goddamn animal!
Even Robin, who usually showed little emotional fluctuation, had a slight shift in expression.
She, too, sensed something unusual in the air.
Seeing that everyone had gathered, Vir pulled Shirahoshi forward and introduced her.
"Let me introduce you all—this is my patient. Princess Shirahoshi of Fish-Man Island."
Vir smiled faintly.
But upon hearing this, everyone's faces filled with confusion.
Princess of Fish-Man Island?
What the hell? You're telling us she's the princess of Fish-Man Island?
Glancing at Shirahoshi's long, human-like legs, then back at Vir's smiling face, they couldn't help but feel he was blatantly lying.
"If you're gonna lie, at least come up with a better one! What kind of fish-man is this?"
Shiki pointed at Shirahoshi's legs, looking at Vir as if he were an idiot.
Meanwhile, Shirahoshi, under the intense scrutiny of everyone's predatory gazes, grew even more frightened.
She was starting to think that Vir's friends might not be the easiest to get along with.
Her small hands clenched tightly together, and she kept her head bowed, not daring to look up.
"I turned her into a human. Don't scare her—she has severe social anxiety, depression, and autism. If you traumatize my patient, you're taking responsibility, Old Lion."
Vir's casual words stunned everyone once again.
What? This young girl has so many mental illnesses? What kind of trauma did she go through to end up like this?
Autism AND depression?!
Shiki, who had just been pointing at Shirahoshi's legs, immediately regretted his actions.
'Holy hell, what did I just do?! Where are my manners?! I'm a goddamn monster!'
Even Hancock's gaze softened with a hint of pity.
No wonder she hasn't looked up this whole time...
She's suffering from so much.
But Rayleigh, on the other hand, cursed Vir internally once more.
'You animal! Even after all that, you still went after her?! You're a damn disgrace!'
Robin, watching Shirahoshi's trembling, near-tears expression, felt an unexpected pang in her heart.
It reminded her of her own past.
After a moment of hesitation, Robin stepped forward and took Shirahoshi's pale hand.
"Little one, has your doctor ever bullied you? Come with me—let's get you something to eat."
Robin smiled gently, her tone warm.
After shooting Vir a glance, she led Shirahoshi into the palace hall by the hand.
Both Vir and Shirahoshi were stunned by Robin's sudden kindness.
Shirahoshi hadn't expected this cold-looking big sister to be so nice to her.
Vir, meanwhile, was surprised that Robin—who usually showed little interest in anything—was being so proactive.
Before long, everyone else followed inside.
After introductions were made, they all got to know Shirahoshi a little better.
Vir glanced at the ostrich now chatting with Robin and had to admit—Robin really was good at taking care of people.
Then, he asked Chopper if he had packed everything, as they'd be setting off soon.
He also inquired about Jina's arm.
Though Chopper answered without changing expression, Jina, standing nearby, was already wearing the expression of pure suffering...