novelnext Chapter 165 Confession
Chapter 165 Confession
Chapter 165 Confession
"King Riku, that hypocritical old man, has occupied Dressrosa for so many years, it's time for him to give up his position."
"A kingdom of love and passion? Hmph, nothing but a flock of lambs to the slaughter. Only when it is in my hands will this kingdom have any real meaning."
His plans for Dressrosa are not only for the land and its wealth, but also for its geographical location and as a key piece in his future strategy to control the world order.
"The plan remains the same."
Doflamingo turned around, flicked his finger, and an invisible String-String Fruit power wrapped around his fingertip.
"First, undermine King Riku's rule, create chaos, and make the people lose faith in him."
"Then, I will appear as a savior and, naturally, take over everything."
He had already calculated everything perfectly. The people of Dressrosa were kind and simple-minded, and with just a little provocation, he could get them to overthrow their own king.
Torrepol suddenly remembered something and blurted out, "Young Master, the pawn we planted in the Dressrosa Palace—"
"You mean, Monet?"
Doflamingo's smile deepened.
"That's right."
Torrepol nodded.
"She has successfully infiltrated the palace and become an ordinary palace maid. With her around, we can receive the most accurate intelligence and even take direct action against the royal family at crucial moments."
Monet, a user of the Snow-Snow Fruit, is fiercely loyal to Doflamingo. For his sake, she willingly infiltrates the foreign kingdom's palace, enduring humiliation and waiting for the moment to deliver a fatal blow.
"very good."
Doflamingo raised his hand and waved it lightly, his tone carrying an undeniable domineering authority: "Pass down the order to inform Monet to be on standby at any time."
"The plan is officially launched."
"It won't be long before Dressrosa changes its name to Don Quixote!"
Diamanti, Pica, and Torrepol bowed simultaneously, their voices in unison and respect: "We obey the young master's orders!"
In the dim light, Doflamingo threw his head back and laughed, his laughter filled with madness and ambition.
He could almost see King Riku kneeling and begging for mercy, the people of Dressrosa worshipping him, and the entire Kingdom of Flowers becoming his plaything.
Meanwhile, as night deepened at the Dressrosa Palace, the grand feast continued.
Violet blushed slightly and said softly to Bai Yu, "Lord Bai Yu, the night is beautiful tonight. Would you like me to show you around the palace? The night view of the palace is the most beautiful place in Dressrosa—"
Her tone was expectant, her eyes shy, and her heart was filled with the person in front of her.
Bai Yu raised her eyes and looked out at the deep night.
He had a premonition that a conspiracy was rapidly approaching this peaceful kingdom.
The lights in the royal palace were still gently flowing when Violet's shy yet expectant invitation fell, and the atmosphere of the entire banquet paused subtly for a moment.
King Riku looked at the undisguised excitement in his daughter's eyes, and a knowing and gratified smile appeared on his aged face. He gently stroked his beard, his eyes full of tacit approval and encouragement.
Princess Scarlett looked tenderly at her sister and nodded gently, as if to encourage her.
The royal family members tacitly slowed down their movements and even lowered their voices, as if afraid of disturbing this rare moment of beauty.
The expressions of the people around Bai Yu were all quite varied.
Robin held his wine glass, took a small sip of the fragrant wine, and a knowing smile appeared on his lips. His gaze swept between Violet and Bai Yu, carrying a hint of gentle teasing.
She wasn't jealous. Robin had her own logic when it came to things. With the outstanding Artoria, Retsu Unohana, and Rangiku Matsumoto by her side, it was clear that Shiraha wouldn't belong to her alone. Moreover, Robin was able to judge that Dressrosa was actually very dangerous, and that the country's geographical location was destined to be exploited by ambitious people.
If Violet and Shiraha can get together, perhaps Dressrosa in the future will also help Shiraha, becoming one of everyone's fallback options.
Artoria put down her knife and fork, her golden eyes sweeping over the blushing princess. There was no displeasure in her eyes, but rather a hint of approval for the princess's straightforward affection.
Unohana Retsu lowered her eyes and smiled gently, as tender as flowing water under the moon, quietly watching the scene before her.
The most straightforward example is Matsumoto Rangiku.
She rested her chin on her hand, her golden eyes curving into mischievous crescents. She gave Violet a knowing, ambiguous raise of her eyebrows and subtly gave her a thumbs-up, mouthing silently, "Good luck~"
That teasing yet encouraging gaze made Violet's ears burn, but she stubbornly raised her head, staring intently at Bai Yu, waiting for his answer.
Connor's mouth was full of sweet cake. His little head tilted back and forth. He looked at Violet, whose fingers were clenched tightly in tension, and then at Bai Yu, who had a calm expression. His big eyes were full of curiosity, but he was sensible enough not to make a sound to disturb her.
Amidst the gentle, playful, and encouraging gazes of the crowd, Bai Yu slowly stood up.
His dark robes swept lightly across the ground, his posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his temperament was as calm as an abyss.
"Since the princess has extended such a warm invitation, let's go."
.
The simple sentence, like heavenly music, instantly struck Violet's heart.
She suddenly raised her head, her eyes shining as if filled with starlight, a mixture of surprise and shyness on her fair cheeks, giving rise to a captivating blush.
She quickly curtsied slightly, her voice as soft as a feather: "Thank you—thank you, Lord Baiyu."
After speaking, she carefully walked to Bai Yu's side, not daring to get too close, yet unable to resist wanting to get closer, her steps as light as if she were walking on clouds.
The two walked out of the main hall side by side, their shadows lengthened by the warm yellow light, leaving behind a room full of meaningful gazes and soft chuckles.
The palace gardens were far more beautiful than Violet had described.
The night was as dark as ink, with countless stars gently casting their soft glow, and the moonlight, like water, flowing over layers of roses and violets.
The air was filled with the rich fragrance of flowers, mixed with the freshness of grass and night dew. A gentle evening breeze brought a cool breeze, dispelling the tipsiness of the banquet and stirring the emotions that the young girl could not hide.
Underfoot is a path paved with white pebbles, with exquisite stone lanterns standing on both sides, casting a warm, hazy light that makes the garden look like a dream.
The fountain flows quietly, water droplets falling into the pool, making a crisp and melodious sound, like the gentlest nocturne.
Violet walked beside Bai Yu, her hands nervously clasped in front of her, occasionally stealing glances at the man beside her who had captivated her at first sight.
Moonlight fell on his sharply defined profile, his deep eyes calm and undisturbed. She knew very well that within his body lay a power capable of shaking the world.
Bai Yu didn't speak, he just walked quietly, but just walking side by side like this made Violet's heart race uncontrollably, almost jumping out of her chest.
Violet took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady and gentle, and began to tell the story of the country where she had grown up.
"These roses are the most famous variety in Dressrosa, and their fragrance is strongest at dusk."
"The cherry blossom trees here were brought from afar a long time ago. In spring, they will shower down pink petals, as beautiful as snow."
"When I was little, I often sneaked here, hid in the flower bushes, listened to the songs on the street, and watched the sunset in the distance —"
She talked about everything from the palace gardens to the bustling town; from childhood anecdotes to her dreams for the future. She didn't talk about anything earth-shattering, but just rambled on about those ordinary yet heartwarming little things, as if she wanted to show him everything about herself from childhood to adulthood.
She told him that she didn't like the constraints of the palace; no, she longed for freedom, for sincerity, and for a safe and warm companionship.
She told him that before meeting him, she never knew that a person could be so powerful that the world could be in awe of them, and so gentle that people could feel at ease with them.
We walked and talked along the way.
Her voice was soft and melodious, with a sweet, youthful quality that gently echoed in the quiet garden.
Bai Yu listened quietly the whole time, without interrupting or urging anyone.
Occasionally, he would respond with a faint sound or a slight nod, but even such a simple response filled Violet with joy, making her more daring to speak her mind.
Unbeknownst to them, the two had reached the observation deck at the highest point of the garden.
Standing here, you can overlook the entire capital city at night.
The lights twinkled like stars scattered across the earth, and cheerful music could be faintly heard from the streets in the distance. The gentleness of this land of love and passion was fully displayed in the night.
Violet gazed at the myriad lights below, then turned her head to look intently at Bai Yu beside her.
The moonlight shone on her, her pale purple dress like a blooming violet, her skin as white as snow, her eyes clear as water, filled with undisguised admiration and courage.
She took a deep breath, as if using all her strength, turned around, looked up at him, her voice trembling slightly, yet unusually firm.
"Lord Shirayu—I—I have something I want to say to you."
Bai Yu stopped and looked down at her. His deep gaze fell on her flushed cheeks, calm and undisturbed, yet seemingly able to see through all the turmoil in her heart.
"I like you."
Four words, spoken softly and gently, yet carrying the courage of a do-or-die spirit, rang out clearly on the silent observation deck.
Violet's eyes welled up slightly, and her cheeks burned, but she stubbornly refused to look away, staring at him intently, revealing all her feelings.
"I know, I'm just an ordinary girl. I don't have great power, nor do I have any extraordinary status. I'm just an ordinary princess of Dressrosa—"
"But from the first moment I saw you, I couldn't control my heart."
"I admire your strength, your composure, your gentleness towards those around you, and the way you make people feel incredibly safe just standing there."
"I envy Miss Robin, who can always stay by your side; I envy Miss Artoria, who can trust you without reservation; I envy Kanna, who can rely on you without any defenses—"
"I also want to be that kind of person."
"I want to stay by your side, no matter how much wind and rain or danger lies ahead, I am not afraid."
"I just want to be with you, to go wherever you want to go, to do whatever you want to do —"
Her voice grew softer and softer, tinged with unease and trepidation. Her fingertips gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, and she held her breath, anxiously awaiting his reply.
The night breeze gently blew by, stirring her slightly wavy long hair, brushing past her reddened eyes, and also stirring up the girlish thoughts she couldn't hide.
Just as she was about to suffocate from nervousness, Bai Yu finally spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an answer that would make her ecstatic.
"Great, come aboard, we're partners now."
Bai Yu's words, though spoken casually, struck Violet's heart like a thunderclap.
She suddenly opened her eyes wide, unable to believe her ears, and tears welled up in her eyes instantly—tears of joy and excitement.
"Bai—Bai Yu-jun—what—what did you say?" she asked tremblingly, afraid that she had misheard.
Looking at her teary-eyed, surprised yet delighted expression, Bai Yu felt a faint tenderness in his eyes.
I said, I accept.
This time, it was clear and certain.
Violet could no longer contain the surging emotions within her; joy overwhelmed her like a tidal wave. Ignoring her reserve and shyness, she suddenly stood on tiptoe, stretched out her arms, and gently wrapped them around Bai Yu's neck. Filled with joy and love, she tilted her head back and gently pressed her soft lips to his.
The moonlight was gentle, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air.
The fountain murmurs gently, and the night is enchanting.
This kiss, innocent yet passionate, contained all the girl's excitement and anticipation, and it also destined that her fate would be inextricably linked with his from that moment on.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Dressrosa was still shrouded in the gentle morning light.
Violet arrived at Bai Yu's residence early, her cheeks still flushed, her eyes brimming with sweetness and joy.
She changed into a light and beautiful light purple dress, her long hair loosely tied up, revealing her slender and graceful neck. She looked radiant and charming, like a violet with morning dew.
Seeing Bai Yu and Robin walk out of the room together, she immediately walked up to him, naturally took his arm, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her smile as bright as the morning sun.
"Good morning, Shiraha-kun!"
"Today, I'll show you around Dressrosa!"
She was like a bird that had been freed, excitedly flitting through the streets and alleys of the capital with her white feathers.
She took everyone to eat Dressrosa's most famous desserts: sweet and soft cakes, crisp and delicious cookies, and creamy ice cream.
She led everyone to see a street performance. Enthusiastic dancers danced to lively rhythms, and musicians played rousing tunes. The whole street was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Violet held Bai Yu's hand, not minding that Robin beside her was doing the same, swaying gently to the rhythm, her smile brighter than the sun.
Colorful flowers, exquisite handicrafts, and fresh, sweet fruits—a dazzling array of goods.
Like an ordinary young girl, she looked at everything with curiosity, occasionally picking up cute little trinkets and smiling as she handed them to Bai Yu.
She led him to a high place, overlooking the entire land of love and passion.
Flowers are in full bloom, houses are scattered about, the sea is blue, and the scenery is beautiful.
"Everyone, look, this is my favorite country."
Violet nestled beside him, her voice gentle and content.