Ever since her encounter with Saint Charlos and his family, Saint Roselith Seraphina had completely lost interest in wandering the streets of Mary Geoise. What had begun as a rare moment of leisure had been thoroughly ruined by the unpleasant reminder of what lurked beneath the Holy Land's polished surface.
As dusk gradually settled over the Red Line, painting the sky in deep shades of crimson and gold, Seraphina made her decision. There was no point lingering outside any longer. It was time to return to the Marine base, regroup with her subordinates, and prepare for the night ahead.
Meanwhile, in stark contrast to her mood
"Mary Geoise is truly amazing!"
Kuina's voice was filled with genuine excitement as she walked alongside Bruce, her eyes still sparkling from everything she had seen throughout the day. During the period of the World Conference, many areas normally restricted were temporarily opened to visiting delegates and their entourages. The World Government called it "sharing joy with the people," though the reality behind such a phrase was far more complex.
Still, to Kuina, it was nothing short of breathtaking.
The architecture, the vast plazas, the distant view of the sea below the Red Line it all felt unreal.
By the time she returned to the Marine base, however, her energy had begun to fade. It was then she noticed Seraphina approaching alone.
"Teacher! Where is Admiral Kizaru?"
Kuina asked curiously, glancing behind Seraphina as if expecting Borsalino to appear at any moment.
"He had something to take care of and left ahead of me," Seraphina replied calmly. Her tone remained steady, though her mind was clearly elsewhere. After a brief pause, she added, "Kuina, I won't be staying at the base tonight. I have some personal matters to attend to."
Kuina blinked in surprise. That alone was unusual. Her teacher was someone who rarely separated herself from Marine duties unless absolutely necessary.
"Ah? Is something wrong, Teacher?"
"No," Seraphina answered simply. "I'm just going home for a while."
The moment those words left her lips, Kuina froze.
Going home?
Her curiosity was instantly ignited.
Until now, she had never once heard Seraphina speak about her origins. As her disciple, she suddenly felt a strange sense of inadequacy. How could she not even know where her own teacher came from?
Was she failing as a student?
"Teacher… can I come with you?" Kuina asked without hesitation, though her voice carried a hint of nervous anticipation. "If it's inconvenient, then it's fine…"
To her, visiting a master's home was something natural. It meant acknowledgment. Acceptance.
Seraphina glanced at her briefly, then nodded without much thought.
"Alright."
There was no need to hide it anymore. Sooner or later, Kuina would learn the truth.
But in reality, Seraphina's decision to return was not simply for rest.
It was because of someone else.
Tom.
The legendary shipwright who had once built the sea train an extraordinary figure whose existence would play a critical role in Seraphina's future plans. Long ago, she had entrusted his safety to her father, Saint Victor Roselith. Now that she had returned from the East Blue, it was time to confirm his situation personally.
And because of that
She would be staying at the Roselith estate tonight.
"Really?! Teacher!"
Kuina's excitement surged immediately, though it quickly twisted into nervous overthinking.
She was going to meet her teacher's family?
Just like that?
Her mind began racing.
I've been running around all day… I haven't even bathed yet… Is this disrespectful? What if I embarrass Teacher?
Her thoughts spiraled rapidly.
"Bruce."
Seraphina's voice cut through the air as she called toward the barracks.
Inside, Bruce was seated at his desk, a pristine quill gliding smoothly across paper as he completed his reports. His handwriting was sharp and disciplined, reflecting years of meticulous training. Though officially a Marine officer, his role as Seraphina's assigned protector once tied to CP0 meant his responsibilities extended far beyond standard duties.
If he failed to accompany her
Saint Victor Roselith would not be pleased.
"Coming."
Bruce immediately set aside his work and stepped out.
He had originally intended to familiarize himself with the updated layout of Mary Geoise. After nearly two years away, many structures had changed, and such knowledge was essential for someone in his position. However, he had run into Kuina earlier, and considering the risks of the Holy Land, he had chosen to accompany her instead.
Because beneath its brilliance
Mary Geoise was filled with darkness.
Having a CP0 agent nearby meant potential problems could be resolved quickly. And if not
Simply invoking Seraphina's name would suffice.
Within Mary Geoise, her name was more effective than any authority.
Kuina watched Bruce approach and immediately frowned.
Wait… he's coming too?
Wasn't this supposed to be a private visit?
Why is there a third person?!
She shot him a glare so intense it could have pierced steel, but Bruce ignored it entirely.
"Rear Admiral," he said calmly, "are you planning to reveal your identity to Kuina?"
"I'm not hiding it," Seraphina replied. "She'll know eventually."
"?"
Kuina stood there, utterly confused.
Reveal… identity?
Her imagination exploded instantly.
Could her teacher be a runaway princess?
A noble hiding from assassins?
Or perhaps the secret child of a high-ranking World Government official who fled a cruel upbringing to pursue justice?
That sounds amazing…
Before her thoughts could spiral further
"Let's go."
Seraphina interrupted.
As they moved forward, Kuina leaned closer to Bruce, whispering conspiratorially.
"Bruce… tell me secretly. What is Teacher's real identity?"
Bruce didn't answer.
Instead
"Kuina, you'll understand soon enough."
It was Seraphina who responded.
Even without turning her head, she had heard everything. Her hearing, sharpened further by Observation Haki, made such whispers impossible to hide.
The path they took gradually changed.
The lively streets disappeared behind them.
In their place
Silence.
This was no longer a public district.
This was the restricted inner domain of Mary Geoise the territory reserved for the highest authorities of the world.
The land of the World Nobles.
The domain of the Celestial Dragons.
As they advanced, a patrol of guards stepped forward.
"Stop. Please present identification "
The soldiers spoke out of duty, their voices firm at first. However, as they drew closer and finally saw her face clearly
Everything changed.
Their expressions froze.
Recognition struck instantly.
The silver-white hair.
The flawless presence.
The overwhelming aura.
Saint Roselith Seraphina.
Within the guard ranks, identifying Celestial Dragons was a fundamental requirement. And among them
She was unforgettable.
Not only because of her beauty, often whispered as unmatched even among the World Nobles
But because of her reputation.
The "Tyrant."
A title feared even within Mary Geoise itself.
"It It was my mistake!" one soldier stammered, his voice trembling violently as he dropped to his knees. "Please forgive me, Lady Seraphina!"
Panic flooded his expression. Among all Celestial Dragons, offending one could mean death but offending her?
That was far worse.
She was known for showing no mercy.
Even to her own kind.
"Seraphina…-gong?"
Kuina's voice trembled slightly as she repeated the unfamiliar title, her mind finally beginning to connect the pieces.
Her teacher
Was a Celestial Dragon?
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