[~1250 words]
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"I don't care who rules Dressrosa, as long as its people can live in peace and prosperity."
"Can the person beside you truly achieve that?"
"Your Majesty!" Tank Lepanto stared in shock. His men had been ready to fight to the death—why was the king suddenly surrendering?
"King Riku, do you even have the right to say something like that? Stop acting so hypocritical!"
King Riku's words only fueled the crowd's outrage. The people looked at him with even greater disdain.
Violet's heart sank. *This is bad.* This wasn't the right place for such a conversation. She turned to James with pleading, pitiful eyes.
James nodded calmly. He motioned for Shura and the others to continue the announcement, then waved his hand, using the Float-Float Fruit to gently lift Violet and King Riku back toward the royal palace.
As for Tank Lepanto? He had no real say in the matter, so he was obediently taken away and locked in the dungeon for now.
Once inside the palace hall, the Divine Soldiers on duty respectfully greeted James. Only then did Violet feel safe enough to speak openly with her father.
In truth, Violet still wished for her father to regain the throne. But James's actions made it clear he wasn't just here to defeat Doflamingo—he intended to claim Dressrosa for himself.
Unlike Doflamingo's brutal takeover, James had essentially avenged the Riku Family. He held no personal grudge against them.
After thinking it through, Violet made her decision.
She would give everything she had—settling for a supporting role if necessary—to win James's favor and convince him to clear her father's name.
If she could truly unite with James, share his bed, and eventually bear his child… then that child could inherit the throne of Dressrosa. In a way, the Riku bloodline would continue to rule.
Facing Violet's sincere and heartfelt proposal, James had no reason to refuse.
There was no downside for him. He would gain a beautiful, devoted princess who had given him her heart and loyalty. Why wouldn't he accept?
When Violet told King Riku that her future child with James would become the ruler of Dressrosa, the former king gratefully promised he would harbor no rebellious thoughts.
King Riku had no sons—only two daughters. His eldest, Scarlett, had gone missing during the chaos years ago and was presumed dead.
His second daughter, Violet, was sensible and filial. Naturally, the throne would pass to her and her child.
With fate now intertwined, the future seemed to be heading back in the direction he had once hoped for.
His only remaining concern was seeing his granddaughter Rebecca—Scarlett's daughter—and ensuring she was living well. He had heard that her identity had caused her great suffering.
Seeing the father and daughter opening up to each other, James spoke calmly,
"You two haven't seen each other in many years. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about. I still have things to handle, so I'll leave you be for now."
"Mmm!" Violet responded softly.
"Please go ahead with your business. Don't mind us," King Riku added.
James nodded. He took a few steps, then gave a meaningful wink to the Divine Soldiers standing guard on both sides. With them supervising, he wasn't worried about King Riku getting any foolish ideas.
He strolled back to the other women. By then, Shura had nearly finished the public announcement.
After giving the girls a few brief instructions, James transformed into lightning and vanished from the spot.
Earlier, when Shura had gathered the citizens, James hadn't spotted Rebecca. He assumed Kyros had hidden her away somewhere. But today, he was determined to find her.
Whether it was her "special" identity, her strong and lovable personality, or her exquisitely beautiful face—even one of those traits would have been enough for him to claim her.
As Scarlett's daughter, she was also a princess of a fallen kingdom. How many princesses was that now?
Violet, Mansherry… and now Rebecca. She would be the third?
When he got back, he'd bring together all his cherished Princess Consorts in one of their preferred luxurious rooms to happily discuss matters of love.
Of course, he could have used Violet's help to make conquering Rebecca much easier. But that would be too cruel to Violet.
She would have to actively persuade her own niece while overcoming the emotional hurdle in her heart.
Their relationship was far too special—putting too much pressure on her might trigger rebellion, which would be counterproductive.
If James made the move himself, Violet could comfort herself by thinking he didn't know the truth. That way, the "happy ending" wouldn't feel like something she had personally orchestrated.
.....
In a beautiful flower field, James's lightning flashed continuously through the air. His Observation Haki spread out freely while electromagnetic waves rippled from his body in every direction.
At this moment, he was like a living human radar.
Wherever his Observation Haki couldn't reach, the electromagnetic field swept through without mercy, detecting every living being.
Finally, inside a small, charming house, his waves picked up a tense, petite figure.
Without hesitation, James flashed forward in a streak of lightning and appeared directly in front of the house.
The surrounding plants were lush and well-tended, clearly cared for with love. The fragrant scent of flowers wrapped around the little home, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.
It seemed Kyros had done his best as a father to give Rebecca, who had lost her mother, a peaceful life.
James walked forward and called out cheerfully,
"Anyone home? Join God's Divine Kingdom today and enjoy all kinds of benefits~"
There was no reply. James smirked. Using the Door-Door Fruit, he opened a side entrance and stepped inside—only to find the toy soldier Kyros attempting to ambush him at the main door.
"Hello there, Mr. Toy~ What are you doing holding that little toy gun? You weren't trying to ambush me, were you?"
"Nani!?" Kyros was startled. *What the hell? What kind of person doesn't use the front door…?*
His expression turned serious as he pointed the toy gun at James.
"Who are you!? Trespassing like this—I won't be held responsible if I shoot you dead!"
"Oh, really~?"
James's figure suddenly vanished. Kyros's face changed drastically. Without looking back, he swung the toy gun violently behind him.
But it was already too late.
An irresistible force struck the back of his head. It felt like a powerful tail. The ground rushed up to meet him.
**Bang!**
Kyros slammed face-first into the floor.
"That's what you say, but you really shouldn't show hostility so openly to someone much stronger than you."
A surge of electricity crackled through the air. Kyros's fragile toy body couldn't withstand it. In just a few breaths, he was electrocuted into unconsciousness.
James retracted his dragon tail and walked forward calmly. His footsteps creaked against the wooden floor, making Rebecca—who was hiding in the secret underground passage—tremble with nervousness.
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