Leno had no idea about the turbulent winds and hidden undercurrents outside; he only knew that the past few days in Dressrosa had been incredibly comfortable.
If he ever decided to retire in the future, the standard of living would definitely have to be raised to this level.
Sunbathing by the pool like today, personal service from maids and the like — all of it had to be included.
Whoever suffered, it certainly couldn't be himself.
Rolling over casually, he cursed inwardly. 'This is so damn decadent. I love it!'
Dressrosa really was a great place!
Doflamingo, the so-called "arrogant king," had personally overseen every detail of the reception. Everything had been arranged flawlessly for Leno and his crew, leaving absolutely nothing to complain about.
If he had to describe these past few days in one word, it would be "professional"!
Even Yamato and the others couldn't help praising Doflamingo when they met him. "You're actually pretty impressive."
Under the guidance of their escorts, the group had practically experienced every entertainment venue in the country.
The colosseum, casinos, food streets — they visited them all. After figuring out what each person enjoyed most, everyone split up to do their own thing.
Nami, Chopper, and several others lingered in the casinos. With some behind-the-scenes manipulation by the Donquixote Family officers, they made money hand over fist.
The thrill of earning money as easily as picking it up off the ground ignited their enthusiasm, and they almost became regulars at the casino.
Meanwhile, Yamato, Kuina, and a few others were fascinated by the colosseum, occasionally stepping down to compete themselves.
They quickly gained fame there. Every time they appeared, challengers lined up endlessly.
Doflamingo even helped Uta organize a concert, drawing participation from the entire nation. The scale of the event was astonishing.
However, Leno also noticed that their guides intentionally avoided certain areas.
For example, Green Bit Island, which was separated from Dressrosa by only a single bridge. Another was the kingdom's factory district.
Even some familiar faces from his memories — like Viola and Rebecca — were nowhere to be sensed by his Observation Haki.
They were probably imprisoned or turned into toys.
After realizing this, Leno couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Truly cautious.
As expected of someone who had long operated within the underworld; everything was handled with meticulous precision.
Seeing how sensible the guy was being, Leno thought that if any miscellaneous matters came up in the future, he might as well let him handle them.
As long as he promised to save Doflamingo's life at a critical moment, the other party would likely be more than willing to work for him.
That former underling he had recruited, Urouge, was still buried in his own "startup venture." It would be a long time before he entered the New World.
Now that Leno was such a powerful figure, he couldn't possibly handle every trivial matter personally. That would be beneath him.
Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly noticed that the maids massaging his shoulders and legs had quietly withdrawn.
Opening his eyes, he saw them leaving in an orderly manner under Monet's direction.
Watching Monet approach with her hair tied up and wearing a bikini, Leno's eyes flashed with confusion.
Wait — things were going perfectly. Why did everyone suddenly leave?
Only when Monet sat beside him did Leno realize — was this a new service?
"My lord, from here on, Monet will serve you personally."
Duang.
A field of dazzling whiteness filled his vision; she came at him with overwhelming directness.
So straightforward?
Taking a deep breath, Leno raised his head and looked at Monet with surprise.
"Doflamingo is really willing to send even you over?"
"Mhm."
She wrapped her arms around Leno's neck and spoke gently.
"My lord, Monet came willingly…"
"Is that so? Then what about her?"
Leno raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the courtyard entrance, where Baby 5 stood in a burgundy maid outfit.
Her face was flushed, her eyes fixed on them without blinking, as if she would rush over the moment Leno called for her.
"She… she also came willingly…"
"So you're saying you admire me and voluntarily offered yourselves…" Leno said playfully while toying with her. "And it has nothing to do with Doflamingo?"
"Th-That…"
Hearing his words, Monet's delicate body stiffened, her eyes trembling as a conflicted expression appeared on her face.
If she admitted that, the young master's expectations would be ruined, and her sacrifice would be for nothing.
But if she told the truth and angered Leno, neither she nor the young master would end well.
For a moment, Monet found herself caught between two choices, even ignoring the wandering hand at her chest.
Just then, Leno's voice sounded again.
"I suggest you tell the truth. Since this is a transaction, shouldn't we at least confirm a price both sides are satisfied with?"
"…Yes. The young master only said for us to serve you wholeheartedly… nothing else…"
Regaining her senses, Monet suddenly felt powerless. Why didn't this lord follow the usual script?
But under the current circumstances, she didn't dare resist.
"…In that case, how about the two of you in exchange for one promise from me?"
A faint smile curled at Leno's lips as he lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"At a critical moment, I'll save his life."
"As for the exchange, from now on you follow me — and have nothing more to do with Doflamingo."
"..."
Monet blinked, unable to make a decision for a moment.
Th-this wasn't part of the plan. What should she do now?
Looking at her confused and adorably blank expression, Leno felt a little tired.
Did this woman grow her brain in her chest? He had spoken so plainly — how could she still not understand?
Did they think that by offering the two of them, he would become Doflamingo's subordinate instead? What an international joke.
Helpless, Leno waved toward the entrance and called softly:
"Baby 5, come here. I need you."
"..."
After waiting with no response, Leno looked over — and instantly felt a vein throb on his forehead.
Baby 5 was sitting collapsed on the ground, hands cupping her face, tears pouring down endlessly.
She kept muttering, "Someone really needs me… My lord actually needs me…"
Leno: …
Seriously, Doflamingo — what kind of people did you send over…
…
…