Caelan nodded slightly and said calmly, "Tell me what happened first."
Just as he had guessed, the only possible reason Stussy would come find him was because of Vegapunk.
Of course, he coveted the greatest scientist who was said to be five hundred years ahead of the world.
After all, when Caesar was still tinkering with failed artificial Zoan models, Vegapunk treated the pink Azure Dragon Fruit as if it were garbage.
Things like Green Blood, the Seraphim clones, and Punk Records—these were all revolutionary technologies capable of creating armies from a single individual.
Even if Caesar, Judge, and Queen teamed up, they still couldn't compare to Vegapunk.
Although some criticized Vegapunk's most prominent research, the Mother Flame, as something merely rediscovered from eight hundred years ago, it was worth considering that the World Government had spent eight centuries and countless brilliant minds trying to replicate it and still failed. That alone proved Vegapunk's ability was beyond doubt.
Caelan had long intended to recruit this talent. The only reason he hadn't moved yet was because the final battle against the World Government was imminent. Once that was done, unifying the world would be simple.
That was why he hadn't approached Vegapunk right away. After all, it would be more efficient to deal with Vegapunk and the World Government at the same time a month later and avoid any unnecessary disruption.
But now that Stussy had come to him, it clearly meant Vegapunk was in danger. In that case, rescuing him early wasn't a problem.
Stussy explained everything she knew. "I'm an artificial human created by Dr. Vegapunk, so to me, he's like a father. He's the only person I've ever truly been loyal to."
"After my creation, I infiltrated CP0 under the World Government, then entered the underworld as the Queen of Pleasure Street, serving as their eyes and ears."
"Since then, Dr. Vegapunk rarely contacted me. But two days ago, he suddenly sent a plea for help."
"The new Elder, Figarland Garling, has taken over Egghead and ordered him to complete the Infinite Energy source, the Mother Flame, within two weeks."
"The doctor sensed something was wrong. Two weeks is too short. Although the Mother Flame research is nearly complete, it's still pushing it."
"From Garling's tone and attitude, the doctor realized he would be eliminated within two weeks, no matter the outcome. So, he contacted me for help."
"Lord Caelan, please save Dr. Vegapunk. He's the most brilliant genius in the world. He could accomplish great things for you."
As she spoke, Stussy leaned against Caelan's arm, rubbing it gently, her eyes soft and pleading.
She knew she couldn't save Vegapunk on her own. The only man who could ensure his safety was the one holding her now.
She was prepared to do anything for that.
"Yeah, I understand." Caelan thought for a moment.
Infinite Energy, the Mother Flame. That invention wasn't just Vegapunk's attempt to free the world from energy problems—it was also meant to serve as the power source for the Celestial Dragons' National Treasure.
With the Mother Flame, the National Treasure could break free from many of its limitations. It might even become completely unrestricted.
It seemed that Imu, driven to desperation by the World Government's crumbling position, was desperate for a trump card.
But if Vegapunk anticipated death in two weeks regardless of whether the Mother Flame was completed, that raised a question.
Logically, a scientist of that level should be protected and encouraged to keep working.
Could it be that Imu feared Vegapunk's genius? Or that he worried about Vegapunk falling into enemy hands?
"Lord Caelan, what do you think?" Stussy interrupted his thoughts, her tone anxious. "If you save Dr. Vegapunk, he'll definitely be loyal to you. I... I'll also do whatever you want."
Caelan returned to his senses. "I'll go save Vegapunk. In return, you both will pledge your loyalty to me."
He was very interested in Vegapunk and had originally planned to act after destroying the World Government.
But now that the Government intended to silence him, it was fine to act early.
Even though he could revive Vegapunk as a Heroic Spirit if he died, the valuable research on Egghead wouldn't be preserved that way.
"No problem. Dr. Vegapunk and I are more than willing to serve you."
Stussy agreed without hesitation.
Compared to the dead-end path of the World Government, Caelan's future was full of promise. If not for the Government's control, she and Vegapunk would have fled long ago.
If Caelan could rescue him, she had no doubt Vegapunk would follow him willingly. And she was ready to give everything as well.
"Lord Caelan, there's no time to waste. Let's head to Egghead and rescue the doctor," Stussy urged, her voice filled with urgency.
"Hold on. I'm really agitated right now."
Caelan looked at her with intense eyes.
Stussy had been sitting on his lap the whole time, her soft body brushing against him, her fragrance lingering, and every little movement sending his thoughts spiraling.
With all that, he had a natural desire to take what was offered.
Since he had accepted the job, collecting a little advance payment was only fair, right?
"So... what does Lord Caelan want to do?"
Stussy sensed Caelan's rising desire and suddenly felt nervous.
She was powerful, a CP0 agent and the Queen of Pleasure Street.
She had never needed to rely on her looks to manipulate men, but she wasn't naïve either. She understood how things worked.
But Caelan… was nothing like she expected.
He was overwhelming.
She might die.
"Let's cool things off first."
Caelan pressed her down seriously, determined to take a page out of Crow's book and vent some fire.
After more than ten minutes, Stussy had finished her task of extinguishing that fire.
She looked at Caelan with some resentment. She had never been treated like that before.
Caelan pulled up his pants, feeling completely refreshed. "Let's go. We'll head to Egghead, rescue the doctor, and pick up where we left off."
After all, this was Morgans' office. He shouldn't go too far.
Once Vegapunk was rescued, he could enjoy his rewards properly.
Stussy was left sitting there, dazed, her gaze drifting downward. It took her a while to snap out of it.
"…Right."
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)