When Lloyd heard the news that Teach was going to marry Chiffon, he was momentarily stunned.
In the original story, the one who married Chiffon was Bege. The two had shared a close bond and even had a child together.
But in this world, Bege had already died at Lloyd's hands on Sabaody Archipelago. Sanji of the Straw Hat Pirates had met the same fate.
Lloyd had assumed that the arranged marriage on Whole Cake Island would never happen again. Yet now, another one had surfaced.
It did not take long for him to understand why.
A faint, playful smile formed on his lips as he spoke, his tone low and deliberate.
"Interesting… so they are afraid. Gathering together like this, trying to keep warm."
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, a charming smile appeared as Stussy spoke softly.
"That is because Master's reputation has grown too overwhelming. Even the Yonko are beginning to fear for their own safety."
There was no flattery in her voice. With Lloyd, she had no need for it. Every word she said was sincere.
She continued, her tone steady.
"Master, many forces will be attending this wedding. According to the latest intelligence, the Revolutionary Army will also make an appearance."
Lloyd nodded, unsurprised.
Not long ago, Dragon had approached Shanks in an attempt to form an alliance, even leaving behind an arm in the process. With that path closed, it was only natural for him to turn his attention toward Big Mom.
To some extent, pirates and revolutionaries shared a common enemy. Cooperation between them was not impossible.
According to what Lloyd knew, several major figures would attend this wedding. Among them were the rulers of the underworld, including Stussy herself.
Doflamingo would normally be among them, but as a Shichibukai closely tied to the Navy, it was unlikely he would receive an invitation.
Still, the Big Mom Pirates, the Whitebeard Pirates, and the Revolutionary Army…
With all three gathered in one place, it was the perfect opportunity to eliminate them in a single strike.
The corner of Lloyd's lips lifted slightly.
"Stussy, accept the invitation. I will accompany you to Cake Island."
Stussy paused briefly.
"Master… could it be that you…"
A faint chuckle escaped Lloyd.
"It would be a waste to miss such a grand wedding. I will attend on behalf of the Navy and prepare a proper gift."
…
A month later, an elegantly designed ship slowly approached the shores of Cake Island.
A crowd had already gathered to receive the guests. At the front stood a tall and beautiful woman draped in a purple feathered coat.
She was Charlotte Galette, the Minister of Butter and one of Big Mom's daughters.
Once the ship docked, attendants lined up neatly as Stussy stepped forward.
She wore black high heels and moved with effortless grace.
Today, she was dressed in a bright red short dress, paired with a white top hat adorned with a vivid red rose. A white fox mask covered the upper half of her face, adding an air of mystery.
Beside her stood a tall man in a white suit.
He also wore a mask, though his was far simpler. It fully covered his face, completely white, with only two black crescent shapes for eyes. The expression seemed like a smile, yet not quite.
Behind them followed a group of men dressed in black suits.
Galette stepped forward as Stussy presented the invitation.
After confirming it, Galette spoke in a flat, slightly arrogant tone.
"Welcome, Stussy. I am Charlotte Galette, here on behalf of the Charlotte Family."
Stussy smiled faintly, her red lips curving with elegance.
"Hello, Galette."
Galette's gaze shifted to the mask covering Stussy's face.
"Please remove your mask."
Stussy lightly covered her lips with her hand, her voice gentle.
"I apologize, there are too many people here. I am not used to it."
She paused briefly, then tilted her head slightly.
"Or is Galette doubting my identity?"
Galette did not answer immediately. She simply narrowed her eyes and observed her carefully.
Stussy responded with a soft snap of her fingers.
The red rose on her hat began to shift, turning into strands of crimson liquid that gathered at her fingertips.
Seeing this, Galette's expression eased.
"It is indeed Blood Rose."
Though they had never met in person, Galette knew of Stussy's reputation. The Queen of the Pleasure District, also known as Blood Rose, was famous for her ability to manipulate blood.
With her doubts gone, Galette turned her attention to the man in white beside her.
"And him?"
Stussy's smile deepened, carrying a hint of charm.
"My personal bodyguard. I call him Zero."
"Personal bodyguard?"
Galette paused, then seemed to understand something as her gaze lingered briefly on Zero.
Given Stussy's influence in the Pleasure District, particularly within the entertainment and adult industries, it was not difficult for Galette to draw her own conclusions.
She found nothing unusual about it. After all, her own mother had dozens of husbands.
To her, they were little more than tools.
Shaking her head, Galette gestured forward.
"Please, follow me."
As she turned to lead the way, Stussy glanced back and stuck out her tongue playfully at Zero.
His mask concealed everything, but his hand moved with incredible speed, unnoticed by anyone else.
"Ah…"
A soft moan escaped Stussy.
Galette immediately stopped and turned back.
Before she could speak, Stussy regained her composure.
"Galette, are you not waiting for the other guests?"
Galette blinked, slightly caught off guard.
"No. I am not the only one receiving guests. My siblings are stationed elsewhere."
Stussy nodded calmly.
"I see. Then let us continue."
Galette gave her a strange look but said nothing more and resumed walking.
Stussy maintained her elegant posture, betraying nothing.
Yet beneath her mask, a faint blush had spread across her cheeks.
When Galette turned away again, Stussy subtly rubbed her lower back and slowed her pace, drifting closer to Zero.
Their bodies nearly touched as they walked.