HST: Chapter 48: Formal Invitation

The next morning, despite working hard all night, Caelan walked out of the room looking completely normal.

After breakfast, Nami and Tashigi were a little surprised not to see Vivi, but soon forgot about it, perhaps because they got busy with other matters.

After finishing breakfast, Caelan walked into a courtyard in the palace.

“Hello, Nico Robin.”

Caelan extended his right hand to Robin with a smile.

“Hello, Mr. Caelan.”

Robin hesitated for a moment but still shook his hand.

“Mr. Caelan, are you planning to turn me in for a bounty?”

Robin smiled faintly and spoke calmly.

Besides that, she couldn’t think of any other reason Caelan would approach her.

But it didn’t matter. Maybe her life should have ended a long time ago.

It was just a pity she hadn’t found a true Poneglyph or learned the truth of the Void Century.

“Of course not.”

“I want to invite you to be the archaeologist on my ship and my companion.”

Caelan said directly.

He did need Berries, but not to the extent of selling someone out.

Compared to that, he valued Robin’s help more.

It wasn’t for ancient weapons. He didn’t need those.

He simply wanted Robin to decipher the four Road Poneglyphs and locate the legendary One Piece.

Since he had come to the world of pirates, the legendary One Piece was something he had to see with his own eyes.

He was also genuinely curious about the Void Century.

“If you're after ancient weapons, I won’t tell you.”

Robin immediately became wary and spoke firmly.

She hadn’t revealed the location of Pluton to Crocodile, and she wouldn’t tell Caelan either.

“Pluton is in Wano Country.”

Caelan spoke calmly, with no intention of elaborating.

Sometimes the best way to dispel suspicion is to speak plainly.

“How do you know that? You can read the Poneglyphs too?!”

Robin’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Caelan.

Pluton was a secret Crocodile had been chasing for years, a dream he never realized. Yet Caelan just blurted it out like it was nothing.

At that moment, Robin realized that Caelan wasn't a man who desperately sought the power of ancient weapons.

Sincerity was always a powerful weapon.

“I can’t read the Poneglyphs. I just happen to know this secret.”

“So, will you join my crew now?”

Caelan replied honestly and invited her again.

“I’m someone the World Government wants to eliminate. Are you sure you still want me on your ship?”

Robin looked directly at Caelan, her expression serious and open.

She didn’t want to burden anyone, especially someone as kind as Caelan.

“You’re the last archaeologist from Ohara, the sole survivor of the Buster Call.”

“I have a rough idea of your situation, but there’s nothing to fear.”

Caelan replied confidently.

A Buster Call? With his current strength, he wasn’t worried.

In a few months, he might be able to take a bath while the Buster Call fired around him.

“Do you even know what a Buster Call entails?”

Robin looked at him, both frustrated and amused.

Nothing to be afraid of?

As a survivor, it was her lifelong nightmare.

“Ten top-tier warships, thousands of elite Marine soldiers, and five Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, right?”

“All that combined, even if it were three Crocodiles, still wouldn’t be enough to scare me.”

Caelan rubbed his chin as he recalled.

In his memory, the ones who destroyed Ohara were Sakazuki and Kuzan, now known as Admiral Akainu and Admiral Aokiji.

Even if it was those two, Caelan wasn’t afraid.

He couldn’t beat them yet, but with his overpowered [Noble Phantasm: God Hand: The Twelve Labors], he could hold out.

And escaping would be even easier.

Robin stared at the confident Caelan and fell silent.

That’s right. The man in front of her might look a little scruffy, but Crocodile had ended up gravely injured.

Thinking about Caelan’s incredible feats, Robin couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope.

Maybe this man really could survive what she never thought possible.

Finally, Robin made her decision.

“Alright, I’ll join your crew.”

“If I become a liability, I’ll leave.”

Robin no longer hesitated and accepted the invitation.

He had been honest and open to this point. It would feel ungrateful to refuse.

Of course, if she ever became a true threat to their safety, she would leave without hesitation.

“Welcome aboard, Nico Robin.”

“And don’t worry. I don’t have the bad habit of abandoning my crewmates.”

Caelan said seriously, though he wore a smile.

His moral compass might not be the strictest, but he had his principles.

Besides, with the Heroic Spirit Synchronization System in this life, there was no need to force himself to do anything he didn’t want to.

“Then please take care of me, Mr. Caelan.”

Robin bowed respectfully.

Not abandoning your crew, huh?

…

Later, Caelan introduced Robin to Nami and the others.

There were some bumps at first, but with Caelan’s mediation, the girls finally accepted Robin’s presence.

As for deeper trust, that would take time to develop.

----

At the port of Alabasta’s capital, the Wind Rider was ready to set sail.

“Goodbye, Father. I’m setting out today.”

Vivi held Cobra’s hands tightly, her eyes slightly red.

After careful thought, she had decided to leave with Caelan.

After experiencing Crocodile’s plot, Vivi deeply understood something.

For a country to have lasting peace, it needed its own strong people.

She wanted to follow Caelan’s path and grow strong enough to protect Alabasta herself.

“Vivi, go complete your adventure.”

“Without Crocodile, everything will be fine in Alabasta.”

Cobra looked at Vivi tenderly, his heart aching.

Vivi had sacrificed so much for the country and for him. Now, it was time for her to live her own life.

And since she was going with Caelan, he had nothing to worry about.

This was the hero who saved the country. The man who defeated a Warlord of the Sea.

“Mr. Caelan, I’m entrusting Vivi to you.”

Cobra turned to Caelan with a pleading look.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her.”

Caelan took Vivi’s hand and smiled.

Vivi felt the warmth of Caelan’s hand and smiled sweetly.

Was it really okay to show affection in front of her father?

Cobra’s mouth twitched. He felt like he’d been dealt a blow.

The daughter he had raised for over ten years had been taken away just like that.

“Then, have a safe journey!”

Cobra suppressed his complicated emotions and gave a solemn farewell.

Afterward, he turned and walked away, leaving behind a strong and steady figure.

“Let’s go. Time for us to set sail.”

Caelan patted Vivi’s shoulder and helped her aboard the Wind Rider.

“Wind Rider, set sail!”

Caelan called out loudly.

“Aye, Captain!”

Everyone responded and got the ship moving.

…

The Wind Rider gradually pulled away from the port.

Some distance away, Cobra had turned back at some point and stood watching the silhouette of the ship, deep in thought.

Caelan, Vivi… I leave her in your hands.

(To be continued.)