Chapter 90 - CHAPTER 90 - Dining Together

The crew delivered the deposit and then left, while Brant wore a satisfied smile. Since they wouldn't be departing until the next day, Rosen wasn't in a hurry. After all, Brant's route was agreed upon with the Marines, and it was best not to alter it arbitrarily. Technically, Rosen could use Moonwalk to traverse the skies to Lantis Island, but the Marines also monitored the airspace. If he were to be attacked mid-air, it could cause unnecessary trouble. Judging by the Marines' strict blockade, it was evident that their control was extremely tight. Even Brant, who was quite familiar with the Marines, was only permitted to land on the island every few days. It was a matter of mutual benefit for both parties. To avoid unnecessary conflict, Rosen decided to follow their rules. Brant had mentioned that he could drop him off at Law's disembarkation point. With nothing pressing to do, Rosen chose not to return to the ship. Since they would be departing at dawn, he decided to find a place to stay nearby. With the sea cow by Robin's side, Rosen felt at ease. The sea cow was quite strong, and ordinary bounty hunters wouldn't be able to pose a threat to it. Frans Island was quite lively at night, especially in terms of trade. However, according to Pitas, before the blockade of Lantis Island, trade had been even more prosperous—now, it was only half as bustling as before. "Sir, this is the best inn nearby—the Sola Maple Inn. The finest cuisine, the most comfortable rooms, and the best wine can all be found here. If there's nothing else, may I take my leave?" Pitas led Rosen and Robin to an imposing building. Despite its old-fashioned design, it looked quite impressive. He grinned apologetically. "I heard from Brant that you're quite familiar with Lantis Island?" Rosen suddenly asked. Pitas was instantly terrified, falling to his knees with tears streaming down his face. "Sir, I was wrong! I truly was! I swear I'll never collect protection fees again! Please spare me, I don't want to die! I beg you!" "Calm down. You don't strike me as a ruthless and heartless criminal. You collected protection fees, but you don't seem particularly bold, which means you must have needed money or something else, right?" Rosen had a keen eye for people and trusted his judgment. Pitas didn't seem like someone daring enough to commit serious crimes. If he had done so, it meant he had no other choice. "Yes, sir! I swear I've never killed anyone! At most, I've roughed up a few weaklings—never even hurt a disabled person! I only did it because I had no other way to make a living. Please, let me go!" Pitas pleaded desperately. "I'll give you ten million Berries. In exchange, you'll accompany me to the island and provide me with basic intelligence," Rosen said after a moment's thought. He realized that having a guide would be necessary; even with a map, finding the right places wouldn't be easy. "T-Ten million?!" Pitas had been about to continue begging for mercy, but the moment he heard the amount, he choked back his words. Ten million Berries—that was an enormous fortune. With that kind of money, he wouldn't have to worry about going hungry for at least ten years. For infamous pirates, ten million wasn't much. But for someone from the lower rungs of society, it was life-changing wealth. Pitas was tempted. Usually, collecting protection fees would only get him one or two million at best. He wouldn't dare mess with the truly powerful, and whenever he did encounter trouble, he often ended up beaten instead. Most jobs on Franz Island were dangerous. And the few safer, legitimate industries wouldn't hire people like him. "Or, let me put it another way," Rosen continued. "Since you attacked me without cause, I have the right to hold you accountable. If you refuse, I can still pursue the matter. But if you agree, the ten million is yours." Rosen didn't want to waste time looking for another local guide. "Do I even have a choice?" Pitas sighed in defeat, though he wasn't entirely unwilling. Ten million—it was still ten million. "Honestly? No. Finding someone else would be a hassle." Rosen smiled faintly and stepped into the Sola Maple Inn. The inn was spacious and luxuriously decorated. If not for the sign indicating it was an inn, Rosen might have mistaken it for a five-star hotel. The service was excellent. Rosen booked three rooms—one for each of them. He didn't intend to force Pitas to stay. If he wanted to run away in the middle of the night, Rosen wouldn't waste time chasing him. But Pitas seemed very tempted by the deal. Rosen looked forward to the world's cuisine—many dishes he had never tasted before. With money to spare, both Robin and Rosen were willing to indulge. After checking out their rooms, they followed a server to the dining area. What was the point of earning money and finding treasures if one didn't know how to enjoy life? Without hesitation, Rosen ordered the most expensive luxury set meal. The main course was an incredibly tender giant crab from the Calm Belt near the Grand Line. "Sir, this is a Neptune Butter Crab, the most famous delicacy of Franz Island. Enjoy your meal." A waiter single-handedly carried in a massive buttered crab weighing at least thirty pounds. Other waiters brought in various side dishes and appetizers. The crab's shell had a pale golden-red hue—an incredibly appetizing color. "Butter crab?" Rosen was surprised. He hadn't expected to find such a top-tier delicacy here, and in such a massive size. But would they be able to finish thirty pounds of it? Even though the shell took up a good portion of the weight, there was still a massive amount of crab meat and roe—plus all the other food they had ordered. Of course, if necessary, Rosen's body could handle overeating, but only if the food was truly exceptional. Normally, he just ate until he was satisfied. He wasn't like Luffy, who could eat endlessly. Besides, in the pirate world, much of the food was highly nutritious. Large portions weren't always necessary; normal meals were usually enough to meet one's energy needs. With the main dish served, fine wine followed. The restaurant was filled with soothing live music performed by a beautiful young woman and two handsome gentlemen. "Hmm, not bad..." Rosen remarked as he took a bite. The combination of crab meat and roe was exquisite—no sauce was needed. It was simply delicious. Food was, after all, one of life's greatest pleasures. "It really is delicious," Robin agreed. The Neptune Butter Crab was quite expensive, but worth it. Pitas, on the other hand, thought that the cost of this one meal could have fed him and his children for two or three months. "Make sure to bring some back to the ship's freezer." "Got it." Pitas snapped off a crab leg and crushed the shell with his sharp teeth, grumbling to himself, "Damn rich people... When I get my ten million, I'll come back and feast again!" The meal was excellent. Though several wealthy patrons recognized Rosen, none approached him. Some curious glances were quickly averted when Rosen met their gaze. Without pirates or bounty hunters around, there was no trouble to be had. The Marine base was close by, just a short distance from the inn. Although much of their force had been redeployed, ordinary pirates wouldn't dare dine here, even if they had the money. This gave Rosen a rare moment of peace. "Hmm, where's the sea cow?" he suddenly noticed. The creature hadn't joined them for the meal and was nowhere to be seen. Had it gone off to roam? Or was it using the restroom? Yes, that was entirely possible. "It probably went to the restroom," Robin replied. "That little thing seems pretty smart. Can it talk?" Pitas was curious. Sea cows were rare in this region, as they mainly lived in Alabasta's waters. Just then, a commanding voice rang out from the restaurant's entrance. "The prince is dining. Commoners, step aside. We will cover the expenses." A young man clad in extravagant attire, covered in jewelry, strutted inside with his entourage. He exuded arrogance and recklessness—clear trouble. Behind him, a metal cage was being carried, and inside it, curled up in the corner, was a captive woman. (End of Chapter) ========================================================= DROP THEM POWER STONES PLEASE SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS PAT REON . COM / TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).