The tavern's second floor had a master bedroom, two secondary bedrooms, a bathroom, and a storage room.
Zhang Da Ye and Tom stayed in the master bedroom, while Artoria was assigned the adjacent secondary bedroom.
Though called a secondary bedroom, it wasn't much smaller, and Artoria didn't seem to have any particular requirements.
Zhang Da Ye just prepared bedding and toiletries for her, quietly thinking—how could a king not come with a blanket?
"You seem to be thinking something improper, Da Ye."
"Nothing like that! Good night, Artoria." Zhang Da Ye quickly fled.
Artoria blinked and started arranging her bed.
Back in his room, Tom was squirming in his little nest before curling up in the most comfortable position.
"Good night, Tom."
Tom waved in response.
"What a fulfilling day," Zhang Da Ye said as he turned off the light and closed his eyes.
…
Early the next morning, Tom came out of the tavern, looked around, smiled, retrieved the newspaper from the mailbox, and carried two bottles of milk back inside.
The milk was pre-ordered, delivered every morning.
The newspaper required leaving coins in the mailbox each night; the next morning, the carrier seagull would take the coins and leave the appropriate number of newspapers, even giving change if needed.
Tom placed the milk and newspaper on the table and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Zhang Da Ye and Artoria came downstairs and sat at the table.
Zhang Da Ye picked up the latest newspaper, while Artoria grabbed an older one—over 300 editions, even the headlines were enough to read.
[Sun Pirates Officer Arlong Captured, Reveals Fisher Tiger's Death!]
A few days prior, Sun Pirates officer Arlong attacked a warship but was captured by Vice Admiral Borsalino. Interrogation revealed Arlong's attack was revenge for Fisher Tiger.
According to Arlong, the original Sun Pirates captain, Fisher Tiger, was ambushed and severely injured by the Navy. Escaping, he refused human blood transfusions, losing too much blood and dying.
Fake news? Zhang Da Ye thought so, but not entirely—it was more that Arlong lied.
Fisher Tiger hated humans and refused transfusions, but didn't want his hatred to spread among other fishmen, so he asked the crew to hide the truth.
Arlong couldn't understand and fabricated a story to incite more anger among the fishmen.
Discrimination and hatred aren't problems that can be easily solved.
After this event, Admiral Kizaru should be promoted, capturing Arlong and revealing Tiger's death would be a major achievement for the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.
"Meow?" Tom came out with a plate, reminding the two to eat.
Two slices of toast, with lettuce and ham, some with meat and tomato, evenly spread with ketchup or mayonnaise. Simple ingredients made different combinations and flavors, cut into triangles and neatly arranged on a plate bigger than Tom.
He also set three glasses, opened the milk, licked the caps, poured into the glasses, and even tried measuring with a ruler.
"Tom, no need to be so precise. I'll just ask the boss to order more today," Zhang Da Ye said, laughing.
Tom finally stopped and sat on his stool. The three began eating.
"Delicious!" Zhang Da Ye exclaimed.
Artoria nodded in agreement, taking two bites per sandwich—talking would only slow her down.
Tom happily accepted the praise, enjoying his work.
Dishwashing was Zhang Da Ye's responsibility. Though he hated it, he feared he'd be the pet being supported by Tom otherwise.
Thinking carefully, his daily routine—eat, sleep, exercise—besides not being cute, really wasn't much different from a pet.
But once the tavern opened, he'd earn money to support both Tom and Artoria. Yes, strive! Fight!
Tom, holding his finger, felt his master's back burning with determination.
Artoria seemed thoughtful—washing dishes could stir such passion?
…
"This is the shipyard, our island's… pillar industry, I guess. Ships are crucial in this world. Over there is the residential area, mostly for shipworkers. The market is nearby, Tom and I usually buy ingredients here."
"The clothing store is two streets over. Actually, these stores are small; the shopping street on Island 30 is better, though I haven't been there. Even if you don't care about clothes, I can't neglect you… By the way, Tom, do you want clothes?"
While walking, Zhang Da Ye pointed out nearby shops to Artoria. Even if she didn't care about clothes, he had to.
She couldn't wear the blue long dress with long underwear forever…
Tom walked alongside Zhang Da Ye, moving like a human. Shaking his head at the suggestion of clothes, he found them too troublesome, only wanting them if a pretty female cat was involved.
Previously, Tom stayed on the shoulder to avoid being mistaken for a fur creature. Now, with combat ability, Zhang Da Ye felt a bit proud.
Artoria followed Zhang Da Ye's directions, observing the world. She held a bubble the size of a basketball. "Even knowing how these bubbles form, it's incredible. No magical energy, formed entirely naturally…"
Zhang Da Ye smiled. "This is mild compared to other wonders. There are floating islands ten thousand meters above, Fishman Island ten thousand meters below, and the Boeing Archipelago full of natural delicacies. I'd like to see them, but I'd probably die being so weak."
Next moment, Zhang Da Ye saw a shadow—Artoria stood before him, held his right hand, shaking it up and down. Her emerald eyes stared at him sincerely.
"Da Ye, please get strong quickly. I'll teach you with all my strength!"
Zhang Da Ye: "Huh?"
Did I say something I shouldn't?
(A/N: The exact timing of the Admirals' promotions is unknown, but it should be after this. Currently, Sengoku is still just an Admiral.)