Chapter 40 - CHAPTER 40 - Robin’s Trouble

"Not tonight. There are too many people, and there's still one person whose stance we haven't figured out. If they turn against us at a critical moment, things could get complicated. I'll go test the waters..." As Rosen spoke, his gaze shifted to Moris, who was drinking. Ever since Balm had begun showing hostility, Rosen had considered striking first. Luca's proposal had even tempted him. But Luca was too unpredictable. Rosen's instincts told him that the captain had deeper schemes at play. No one lays all their cards on the table at the start of a negotiation. If someone does, it means they have ulterior motives. People who assume that shared goals automatically lead to cooperation often end up being betrayed without even realizing it. And then there was Moris. At the entrance earlier, he had provoked Rosen. That meant there was a chance he would turn on him at a critical moment. After all, to those with power, the title of Warlord of the Sea meant little. "Let go of me!" Suddenly, Robin's voice rang out, filled with fury. A rotund merchant, his face full of jiggling fat, gripped her wrist tightly. His expression was twisted with rage. "Nico Robin, you dare betray me? "After all these years, I've finally found you. "I nearly forgot what you looked like, but I never stopped looking. "You've changed, but your luck has run out." "That's Maris, a West Blue merchant," someone recognized the obese man. "The only guest who arrived late tonight—he even missed the opening match. "It seems Balm personally brought him in. "Does he have some kind of grudge against the Warlord's subordinate?" People began gathering, drawn by the commotion in the corner. "Let go? Not a chance!" Maris sneered, his face contorted in hatred. "So, you're working for a Warlord now? "Hah! What a clever trick. "But let's see if your master still protects you once he learns you're a habitual traitor. "Take her away!" Maris barked orders, seething with rage. If not for Robin's betrayal back then, his entire slave trade wouldn't have collapsed. His years of hard work wouldn't have been destroyed. And if luck hadn't been on his side, he would've died that day. It had taken him years to recover from that devastating loss. Now that he had found her, he would never let her go. Even if it meant offending a Warlord of the Sea. After all, he was Balm's most important business partner. And since Balm and Crocodile were technically both Warlords, Crocodile wouldn't start a war over a single subordinate—especially once Maris offered him an easy way out. Moreover, betrayal was universally despised. No matter the industry, traitors were hated. "Let go of her." Rosen's voice was calm but carried a dangerous edge as he stepped forward. The moment he heard Robin's voice, he had sensed that this was more than just a personal grudge. It smelled like a setup. "I won't interfere." Moris spoke quietly as Rosen stood beside him. Then, without hesitation, he picked up his sake jug, gathered his men, and swaggered away. He didn't even look back. But Rosen knew that remark had been meant for him. No one here was an idiot. And the feud between Rosen and Balm was well-known throughout the Wine Capital. Moris' words reassured Rosen—but also raised new suspicions. This drunken brute had an unexpectedly keen sense of the situation. If Rosen was going to make a move on Balm, his biggest concern was Moris' unpredictable stance. The Marines were likely just here to observe. And Luca? He might even betray Balm when the moment was right. From what Rosen had gathered, Luca truly coveted Balm's position. But personal ambition seemed to be his greater motivation. "Warlord Crocodile," Maris turned to Rosen with a confident smirk. "This woman used to be my subordinate, but she betrayed me. "I ask you to hand her over to me. "She's a devil—a master manipulator. "You have no idea how many times she's betrayed her superiors. "I'll compensate you for your loss. "Five hundred million Berries. "How about it?" "The Demon Child?" Some guests only now realized who Robin was. Her infamy wasn't universal. But those who paid attention to bounties had come across her name before. A woman branded a wanted criminal from childhood was bound to attract attention. And now that she had been exposed, recognition spread quickly. "Five hundred million? "That much for one woman? "Maris must be filthy rich." A murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd. It was an immense sum. Maris' offer made his intentions clear—he wasn't trying to provoke Rosen. He only wanted revenge on Robin. Of course, it would be a blow to Rosen's reputation. But Maris believed five hundred million would more than make up for it. At least, that's what the crowd thought. Especially since Robin's dark past had just been brought to light. A woman who had survived by repeatedly betraying her allies? Why would anyone go out of their way to protect someone like that? She wasn't worth it. Pride didn't always have a price. But five hundred million Berries was enough to make most men consider. "It seems you don't understand simple commands." Rosen's expression darkened. "Bones, cut off his hand." Of all the people present, no one understood Robin's circumstances better than Rosen. As long as she remained useful, she was his subordinate. Yet these fools thought this was some kind of spectacle? Was this part of Balm's plan? (End of Chapter)