Chapter 83: Ship

Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Ship

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the palatial quarters of Claudius, a certain quietness had settled in. With Crocodile off on his own adventures, the palace felt emptier, and Enel, left without his usual companion, seemed a bit lonely. To fill his time, he threw himself into intense training.

Meanwhile, Claudius sat leisurely by the pond, enjoying a chat with two beautiful mermaid sisters who had been gifted to him by his cousin, Doflamingo. They had become quite the conversation partners in the otherwise grand but quiet palace.

"So, is Fish-Man Island really as amazing as you say?" Claudius asked, a smile on his face. "One day, I'll have to visit. Maybe I'll bring you two along for the trip."

The two mermaids were eagerly sharing tales of the island's enchanting beauty, the unique underwater scenery, and the vibrant, colorful coral reefs. It was clear they missed their homeland, and they painted a picture of Fish-Man Island as a true paradise under the sea.

Yet, as Claudius mentioned taking them back someday, he noticed a mix of excitement and hesitation in their expressions. Seeing this, Claudius chuckled softly.

"When the time comes, you'll be free to return home," he said warmly.

One of the mermaids, named Mero, looked at him in surprise. "Truly, Your Highness? You would let us go?"

"Of course. When have I ever broken my word?" Claudius replied, a genuine smile playing on his lips.

The other sister, Lenny, slapped her tail against the water in excitement, her face lighting up. "Your Highness, you are truly kind!"

After their initial excitement, the sisters exchanged looks, and Mero added with a touch of sadness, "But... after all this time, it would feel strange to leave. You've treated us well, Your Highness. Unlike others, you never saw us as mere 'fish' or slaves. Life here, though different, has been comfortable. It's hard to imagine leaving."

"Are you saying you'd miss me?" Claudius teased.

Both mermaids blushed slightly, and Mero admitted, "Perhaps a little. We'd worry you'd be lonely without us here."

Claudius glanced around his grand yet mostly empty palace. Unlike most Celestial Dragons, he kept few servants, only Nia and a small group of maids to manage his affairs. He wasn't exactly surrounded by throngs of people.

"Yes. I'm tired of grabbing whatever vessel happens to be available in Mariejois's port. It's about time I had something custom-built to my own tastes," Claudius said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "A powerful ship, designed exactly how I want it. We could travel comfortably, without relying on the standard issue Marine ships."

Stussy chuckled. "If you want a ship, Your Highness, I'm sure there are plenty of shipwrights who'd be eager to build one for you. In fact, you'd probably have a fleet of luxury vessels gifted to you if you asked."

Claudius shook his head. "No, this has to be different. I want one of the best ships in the world... or at least one that rivals them," he said, clearly envisioning something grand.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Stussy asked, "And do you have a particular shipbuilder in mind?"

Claudius grinned. "Yes, the best. I'm thinking we should head to Water 7. Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson, was built by a shipwright there a man named Tom. I want him to build our ship."

"Should I make the arrangements?" Stussy asked.

Claudius nodded. "Yes. Let's leave as soon as possible. Knowing Garp, he might decide to drop by here if he doesn't hear from me soon. I'd rather avoid getting roped into whatever he's planning."

"Understood, Your Highness. I'll start the preparations immediately," Stussy said, already turning to handle the details.

After Stussy left, Claudius turned back to the mermaid sisters, who had been listening intently. "Would you two like to come along? I imagine you get pretty bored stuck here all the time."

"Really, Your Highness? You'd take us with you?" Mero asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Of course," Claudius said with a reassuring smile. "It's a small thing. Consider it a change of scenery."

The sisters looked at each other, grinning, and Lenny beamed, "We'd love to go, Your Highness!"

Claudius laughed. "Good! Then get ready. We're off to Water 7 to commission the grandest ship the seas have ever seen!"