Chapter 119: Claudius—The Most Eligible Celestial Dragon Bachelor!

Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Claudius—The Most Eligible Celestial Dragon Bachelor!

After a brief conversation with Corinnelu, Claudius had her both charmed and somewhat confused, but she smiled with obvious delight.

Claudius's current status was well-known. No longer the disgrace he once was, he had become one of the most brilliant figures among the Celestial Dragons in recent years. As the head of the esteemed Donquixote family, he wielded considerable power and influence.

And unlike many of his peers, Claudius was noted for his striking looks, which only amplified his reputation among the female Celestial Dragons. He was, in fact, quite the sensation, embodying everything one might want in a perfect match.

With his status and charm, it wasn't surprising that many noblewomen dreamed of becoming Claudius's wife.

Yes, among the Celestial Dragons, Claudius was now seen as the golden bachelor, an ideal "son-in-law."

The rumors swirling around Mariejois about him having an illegitimate child? Hardly an issue for the Celestial Dragons. Nearly everyone had a skeleton or two in their closet. Claudius's case just happened to be more visible, making it a frequent topic of teasing.

But in the world of Celestial Dragons, where lineage and legal recognition mattered most, an illegitimate child without formal acknowledgment posed no threat whatsoever.

After a few pleasant exchanges with Claudius, Corinnelu felt she'd moved a little closer to her dream of possibly becoming his wife someday.

Not that Claudius gave it much thought.

He soon shifted the conversation, his eyes turning to the trio of young girls standing behind Corinnelu. A smile spread across his face. "I overheard you saying you're looking to offload these three slaves. As it happens, I'm here today looking for potential acquisitions myself. You mentioned they've all consumed Devil Fruits? That piqued my interest. If you're selling, why not sell them to me?"

Claudius's interest in Devil Fruits was well-known among the Celestial Dragons. Years ago, he'd been tricked into eating one himself, and it had been a source of amusement for many. While no one dared to mock him now, it was common knowledge, so his statement raised no eyebrows.

Corinnelu smiled easily. "If Claudius wants them, how could I refuse? And as for selling, there's no need for you to pay me. I'm happy to gift them to you."

She wasn't here to make a profit; this was just entertainment for her, a whimsical way to pass the time. If it had been a slave trader making the request, she would've charged without hesitation. But Claudius? She couldn't bring herself to ask for payment.

Claudius chuckled and patted Corinnelu's smooth, platinum-blonde hair. "I couldn't possibly accept without paying. I wouldn't want to diminish the wealth of someone as lovely as you."

And yet, Claudius knew he was complicit.

Though he felt a pang of guilt, he knew better than to let it show. There was nothing he could change at the moment, and indulging in guilt served no purpose.

Stopping in front of a cage that housed four or five young children, Claudius gave them a once-over. None of them particularly stood out to him, but it wasn't an important matter.

"These kids will do. Buy them all," Claudius instructed.

Nia nodded and moved to negotiate with the slave merchant.

Just then, a commotion erupted from another section of the market. Voices shouted, and it sounded like someone was desperately calling out.

"Stella!!!"

"Stella!!! I'm here! Don't worry! I'll save you, I promise!"

A young man, imprisoned in a cage, reached out and waved frantically toward the source of the disturbance. The direction he was shouting in led to a Celestial Dragon who held a beautiful woman by the arm—a fellow slave, it seemed.

"So, a slave hoping to rescue another? Must be lovers. How tragic," Claudius thought with a touch of melancholy.

Celestial Dragons were notorious for their excesses. Taking beautiful women by force was almost routine, and Claudius could easily piece together the story. This man had been lucky to survive at all.

After a moment's pause, Claudius looked away. Nia had completed the transaction and was making her way back toward him.

Suddenly, Claudius Froze.

***

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