Chapter 92: Visiting the Gardens of Rosande
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The atmosphere in the harbor of Rósande was tense since one hour has passed from the Mistress of the Island advancing with full spirit and valor to defeat once again the enemy pirates who disturbed the daily lives of the townspeople.
In this tension, some women who were wearing Knightly attires kept the worries of the people watching the brown-black Caravel who approached closer to their harbor but without yet anchoring down.
From a distance, only a large white-haired man with brown complexion and black wings that reached the back of his knees could be noticed by the townspeople, and by the time a black-haired woman followed by another pink-haired one made their appearance it brought confusion to the public.
Whispers ensued, which annoyed the young Lunarian who could pick on all of their conversation with his keen hearing, and after a couple of minutes a woman from the retinue of Maidens, who had brown hair, wearing knightly armor got to the end extension of the Harbor and shouted at the ship in close distance.
"Why aren't you anchoring the ship? You don't seem to be pirates."
"..."
Dalyon choose to ignore the woman not bothering himself with the lowborns as he liked to call the humans, even Titania, Eleine and Bonney minded their own troubles as they talked in the kitchen about something silly if Vlad would eavesdrop on their discussion.
"Does it seem like we have a new threat in that redhead?" asked Eleine directly, while crossing her arms with a serious allure around herself, only to be met by Titania's confused expression.
"A new threat? Who? That woman Catherine? Besides, why do you see her as a threat, is not as if Vlad would be interested in her."
"Ahem, Eleine, don't ask me for my opinion on this matter."
"Exactly, she is too young to even understand those womanly feelings."
"Come on stupid Fairy, is obvious why Vlad invited that woman, to try and court her, impress her."
Titania still gave Eleine a questioning look, later on shaking her head as if disagreeing with everything the black-haired woman had to say, and it improved her mood greatly knowing only she understood Vlad's intentions.
"If this is what you've understood, you Harlot … Then don't bother yourself with that woman. You'll just embarrass Vlad by trying to push around your luck in getting answers from the red-haired woman. Besides, she is the leader of this new island, do you think all women are like you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Is obvious that Vlad is interested only in her plants, and so you know, the reason we journeyed to Isle of Gardens is that while back in Picodras, he heard information about this location holding various rare plants. It's in his interest to find various plants to help him with his eyesight."
Eleine started tapping on her lower lip with the tip of her nail, giving a contemplating look and based on what she understood from her interactions with Vlad, she couldn't deny that what Titania said made sense.
Even Bonney was agreeing with Titania, making the Fairy look smugly at the black-haired woman, glad that she put her in place.
The girls continued to talk about another subject, until Bonney couldn't hold on a curiosity of hers, as she questioned the girl with extra information from the source based on the close tie she had with the target.
"Titania, didn't Vlad say his eyesight recovered?"
"He… You could see him wearing his glasses far more often since departing from Everfall, right?"
"Right."
"He is slowly losing his sight, returning back to the state where he couldn't see anything."
"..."
Bonney kept her quiet, with her expression shifting to a sad one, while Eleine focused on Titania with her legs crossed one above another, as she asked her calmly, but coldness could be felt in her undertone.
"From what I understand, he searches for those Keys in dangerous locations to get to some treasure. Does this treasure hold something that can cure his eyesight?"
"We don't know … the story says that inside the resting place of the Great King Atlas … a treasure that could fulfill anyone's desires and dreams is waiting to be claimed."
As she said that, Titania couldn't help but remember the visions that she experienced inside the Underground Cavern in Yehimal Mountain, along with two important names that she couldn't get away with regardless of how hard she tried … Amad and Seelie.
Their large figures didn't make sense by human standards, with shadowy figures that looked to be outworldly, she once again went blank while both girls could see her not being focused on them.
"Oyy, stupid Fairy. What's got into you again? You keep on blacking out quite frequently."
"Ahh, no, nothing. Can you repeat your question?" asked Titania, trying to give the impression she was focused on the conversation.
"Yeah sure. Can you tell me how certain you are that this "Great King's" Tomb actually hides away this fabled valuable treasure with such powers? What if we are scammed?"
"There's no we … It's only me and Vlad in this, while if you two feel like not continuing on this journey, are always welcomed out." added Titania with a serious tone, as she remembered the pleasant months she and Vlad spent by themselves, struggling around on a daily basis.
The blind and the tiny Fairy, out on the Sea.
There was enough material to create an entire Novel out of it to spellbound your readers.
They continued their discussion in another direction until the door of the Captain's Cabin was heard opening, followed by Vlad's and Catherine's voices sounding calm as they were discussing something in a cordial fashion.
"Of course it would be my pleasure to give you, Mister Dracul, a tour of my Island. By now, I am sure my girls cleaned the patches of the ground that were affected by the cannon shots. Also, it would be a pleasure to present you to my close aides."
Looking from the kitchen windows toward the stairway to the Upper Floor, they noticed the red-haired beauty being accompanied by Vlad who looked the same, wearing his glasses with a professional smile.
Eleine started sniffing from a distance, and sharp when it came to her "possession" she breathed out in relief which made Titania slap her ear, commenting annoyed.
"The same story applies to you, perverted harlot. Nothing happened between them, and the same could be said in your case, so stop dreaming."
"Sush, stupid Fairy. At least I can keep my man in the same bed. Can you say the same?"
"... Of course, I can keep him in bed." added Titania with her cheeks getting rosy, before shifting her innocent look into an angry one, not liking when Eleine forced her to act akin to a Harlot like herself.
Vlad, who had a lucrative discussion from his pleased smile as he guided Catherine on her way to the main deck, shifted a glance at his three girls that acted rowdy in their "meeting" room. Not giving them too much attention, he turned at Dalyon telling him with a suggesting tone.
"If you don't mind, we can anchor safely without the "lowborns" bothering you."
"Hmph, don't order me around, Dracul."
"I don't. I just told you something that you might want to do."
Dalyon scoffed at Vlad from his location at the steering wheel, revealing to Catherine a deeper insight in the relation he had with his crew members, but she had no place in discussing the white-haired man, whose powers could drown her in the bottom of the sea.
In no time, Dalyon took the ship at the harbor acting casual and relaxed when pulling the anchor down using his bare hands, a show of prowess he did for the red haired woman who picked his interest, only to be ignored when she waved her right hand at the Maiden he ignored for quite some time.
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She jumped on the ship, pulling her thorny sword and with vigilance in her eyes, grabbed Catherine behind her.
"Cate, are you okay? Did those pirates do something to you? Coerced you like those arrogant marines coming from that jackass, Kirin Nalthis."
Vlad kept his quiet but registered the name of the marine "Kirin Nalthis", while Dalyon stepped toward the Maiden clad in knight's armor building an invisible pressure that washed over the brown-haired young woman and Catherine.
"Adra, they are not pirates, instead travelers from Picodras, whats more, mister Dracul is an acquaintance of Patrick Cochrane."
"Then what about the pirates? They got their ships not far from here."
"They've been dealt with by mister Dracul before I could even handle the situation."
"Really?"
The brown-haired girl looked skeptical at Vlad who while having a tall frame that made her look like a little girl, his appearance was refined, with scholar glasses, and expensive clothes, whereas his long ink-black hair was held in a loose tail behind his back.
All in all, Vlad gave her the impression of a High Noble from Briss Kingdom or Kaysang Kingdom who was up to date with the clothing trends.
Catherine got closer to the young woman, and started whispering to her about what she saw in the Rackham's Flagship, dispersing any of the preconceptions that he was their enemy, instead the mood swinged for the better while Catherine stepped on the harbor's wooden platform looking at the townspeople gathered ready to defend their land from pirate invaders.
"Lower your weapons, my people. We have guests to welcome, and it wouldn't look good for me, taking my guests around the gardens with you holding your spears up-high."
"Yes, Mistress. We are glad you've taken care of the pirates as always. We don't know what would be of us without you watching over Rósande." called out an elder who had the attire of a farmer, later on bowing at Catherine who stepped forward.
She smiled warmly at the old man, and waving her hand peacefully it gave a sensation that everything will be fine for the Islanders of Rósande, and watching this scene from his ship, Vlad started thinking of the inner workings of the new island he arrived at, even though he wasn't required.
Yet, habits die hard for the Prince, and his vigilant and skeptical mind continued on helping him even in a second life.
"You asked the woman about the marines? There's none right?"
"Mmm? Why ask?"
"I want to also relax a bit, not just stay holed down in the ship. Besides, I am curious about this place."
"Is that so?"
"What else could it be?"
Vlad only smirked, as he glanced shortly at Dalyon whose red eyes followed the figure of the red-haired beauty, mentioning casually. "I didn't ask, but I am pretty sure there are no marines in this place. Also, open your ears, and listen to what those islanders have to say before asking me questions.
Tch, so unlike you, young man, I know that at a young age you are easily impressed by beautiful women, but to get done like this."
"Mind your business." retorted Dalyon while some sparks began igniting around his back, giving the impression to the girls he was about to get into a fight with Vlad.
Nonetheless, Vlad was quick to dismiss the young Lunarian, jumping from the ship to the platform of the harbor while laughing at the expense of the pure child.
"If it helps your morale, I can tell you that I am not interested in her. Also, if you are a good boy, I might stay in this place for one or two weeks."
"Shut up, Dracul. Since when do I need you to tell me how long we will stay here? If I feel like I can always drop down to an island and let you get lost."
"I see, then when will you stop pestering me, boy?"
He was playing around with Dalyon, while the girls who were initially in the kitchen were quick to follow along with the boys, not long after anchoring the Caravel they were stepping deeper in the Rósande Town as Catherine introduced to her faraway guests.
She even makes sure to explain to her how the name of "Isle of Gardens" came into being, and it resulted in Vlad having a hearty laughter.
"It was when Sir Patrick arrived 8 years ago with business, and I just settled down on Rósande, beginning working on arranging the flower beds and creating some of the gardens you will soon meet.
Because people don't really care or know how to arrange their courtyards or fields, it left him shocked, telling me he will rename the Island to Isle of Gardens instead of Rósande."
"That foolish old man really was itchy at that time. Him doing as he wished probably brought you a lot of trouble, with idiots adventuring toward this island thinking they will find some Legendary plants."
"... Well, I can't complain against Sir Patrick since he was a generous patron that bought a lot of medicinal plants, and also willing to trade for necessary goods for the townspeople, from the important cloth fabrics from Picodras and Valent required by the Tailors of Rósande, to the furs, naval supplies even the metalworking."
"All in all, your place benefited a lot from the trade deals with Picodras and Valent."
"Enormously. I can't even describe it properly in words.
If when I first arrived in Rósande, there was only some agriculture and basic plant cultivation, now the Island developed a lot in 8 years of being the "Mistress" but please … don't use any titles when addressing me. We don't lack anything here in Rósande, and I am sincere when I say this."
While Vlad was having his discussion with Catherine, the rest of the entourage followed next by, watching the architecture of the small town along with the ornaments in the people's courtyards, which gave a vibrant color and aesthetic looks, sometimes getting in the conversation of the two leaders.
The damage caused by the Rackham pirates was something the townspeople worked in repairing, and it made for a great sight for Vlad who saw people helping one another, leading to him remarking with touched emotions that he rarely showed.
"Those people … it's probably in their culture to help one another, especially those in need."
"How can you tell?"
"... I can feel it."
"Indeed, I was initially shocked when I discovered their kind nature, and how their culture revolves around giving back from the additions they can afford."
Vlad could tell, and in his mind he started contemplating while watching those people, until he stopped suddenly with a little boy and little girl tripping over in his group's path, from their curiosity of observing the newcomers and the Mistress.
"Ahhhhh, W-We are s-sorry."
Panic washed over the little kids who were faced by the scary-looking giant man who gave off an invisible repulsing force that was easily picked by the children.
Yet, it suddenly shattered when the glassed, black-haired man lowered down to pick them from the ground, and with a warm smile patted their heads.
"Be careful next time."
"Y-Yes, mister!"
Titania beamed with a smile when seeing Vlad showing his warm personality, looking at the kids who bowed down, moving out of the group's path, and from where she was flying behind him, she heard him comment.
"If I had such people back then, everything would have been different."
"Miss Catherine, you are truly fortunate to have been welcomed by such people, and conferring in them the trust in trusting your vision." added Vlad after his whispering comment that was targeted for himself.
"I am trying my best for my people and friends."
The group continued on their tour, with Catherine bringing Vlad and the others to her mansion, a house located at the periphery of the Rósande Town, where the first thing welcoming them was the extensive lush gardens.
"Mister Dracul, do you wish to continue with a tour of the entire island before I host you with some local food?"
"We can't lose out on such a pleasant day."
Receiving his confirmation, the red-haired woman who was accompanied by three young ladies, lead by the brown-haired Maiden, Adra, tasked with securing her safety while around those travelers, shifted around with cordial professionalism, continuing with the tour of her exterior Gardens.
Even from outside Vlad could sniff out all sort of rare plants, matching with the fragrance description of his Botanical Manuals, and he starts opening about some of them with Titania, reminding himself of the time he spent alone with her, with the cheerful woman throwing all sort of questions about plants in his lap.
"Titania, do you remember when you asked me how to spot the difference in plants of the same species who match in description?"
"Yes?"
"I got you an example right now. Niphredil is the white plant located in the shade of that Fanger Fir, it has a matching appearance with Calla Lily not far from it, however what separates them can be the small details.
When you look at Niphredil from a distance, a patch of its pale white flowers in bloom will appear to be shimmering as the stars do, while Calla Lily has a generic white flower appearance."
Titania flew and landed on Vlad's nose looking at the direction his face was facing and with her golden eyes, they fired up when noticing the exact looking flowers matching with the description given. She turned to Catherine, and started contemplating if she should ask for permission or just go into inspecting."
"Don't mind me. Just be careful to not disturb Niphredil since it will bloom in 2 months." remarked the red-haired woman with a serene tone, making Titania nod with a small smile later on appearing as she took off from her airstrip.
Getting closer to the flowers in question, she observed both of their appearances, and to Eleine's annoyance, because she was dragging too long with some stupid plants, she took her time, to the delight of a young man who finally made up his courage to speak up with Catherine.
"So … I have a curiosity if you don't mind me."
"Please, go ahead, mister?"
"Mhm. I-I haven't introduced myself, my apology. Dalyon síl Silvelar."
"Catherine." said the red-haired woman with a smile on her face, as she noticed the white-haired man get out of his tough shell to talk with her.
"It's only a curiosity of mine, but I've noticed that some of the plants you've gathered in your personal garden are from the regions of Paradise. Some of them are even from the … New World."
"My, my, sir Dalyon you really have keen eyes. While it's correct that I am not originally from South Blue, instead from St. Poplar, an island located in the Grand Line, those plants I've taken from Briss Kingdom and from Valent City.
If I might be fair, I tried to bring some sense of home into Rósande, nicknamed the Island of Spring Queen. However, the rest is filled with native species of South Blue since the soil here is rather fertile and can fulfil even the pickiest flower requirements."
"Except for winter ones." added Vlad casually, making Catherine to lower her gaze a bit, resulting in Dalyon remarking in favor of the young woman.
"You can always make conditions for such plants by using external powers, like a devil fruit. So the premise of "except" winter plants is wrong."
Vlad watched Dalyon with interest before shifting a look at Catherine who nodded at what was previously said, and instead of following up with a comment that would shut down the inexperienced Lunarian, he allowed for the argument to be lost, just so Dalyon could look gentlemanly for the red-haired beauty.
Eleine was like a cat who was bored to death by all those plants but couldn't help remaining in the group for fear Catherine might pull one over on her, whereas Bonney got to the flower field arriving next to Titania who asked her for her opinions.
"Tell me, Bonn, is there really a difference between those two flowers? Or I am just … color blind?"
The pink-haired girl looked at both targets, and couldn't help but point at the one called Niphredil.
"Titania, this one has more fleshed-out features and, also smells better."
"Can't you use your powers to age the flower 3 months and confirm it can bloom."
"W-Well … I don't know. I can try if it helps you."
Vlad who was like an omniscient person hearing everything around him like a wild creature, even the hidden, whispering conversation the two girls were having at the flower field, instantly got a red signal when noticing Bonney released some of her pink shine.
"Bonney, don't. It's not fair to interfere with the flowers' natural cycle just for fun."
"Ahh. Sorry. Titania, just trust me, it looks different."
"Fine."