Hey everybody,
so glad I could make it. Have been sick for a few days and work is just building up, but I wanted to keep my word, so here's the next chapter.
Hope you like it ;-) I have read your lovely comments, thanks a lot, I will answer them properly, but not right now (I'm heading to bed now^^') so have a great weekend!
Chapter 16 - Visitor
-Mihawk-
"Did you understand me? I will not repeat myself."
She rolled her eyes.
"Yes, it's not that hard. But do I really have to change?"
"You cannot show yourself to the outside world like that. You have to look reputable at least and that is not possible with your clothing style."
"What do you have against my clothes?"
He had to keep calm, but this brat was really a true test of patience.
"I do not care about your clothes. But for a confidant of Lady Loreen you dress too ordinary. Noble and elegant, do you get that or not?"
The ghost girl puffed her cheeks.
"So old-fashioned and prudish? Yes, of course, it won't be that hard."
"Well, then go, change, and help Roronoa. Remember, respectful and polite manners. And it would not hurt to remind Roronoa of that as well."
Again, she rolled her eyes.
"Stop bossing me around, I am not your maid, and I'm doing you a favor right now!"
He turned to the mirror and perfected his hairstyle, of course he looked impeccable.
"You have decided to stay here and not to travel with the merchant ship to the Sabaody Archipelago. I did not invite you. You owe your life only to Roronoa's kindness, so behave accordingly."
"Oh Geez, you're so annoying. Compared to you, even Zoro is a prince charming."
But she went out and hopefully to Roronoa.
A few minutes ago, they had rushed to the castle, because Eizen was almost at the door. Roronoa would need at least a few minutes to transform, wash off sweat and dirt, and to dress reasonably acceptable.
They had already expected that Eizen would appear sooner or later, but that did not mean that they had been looking forward to it and this early even Mihawk had not reckoned with the politician.
Once again, he cast a look in the mirror. Then he threw his sword over his shoulder and went to the entrance hall. He would welcome Eizen with all his presence, making clear whose home this was and who was only visiting uninvited.
It meant a lot that the politician arrived with staff this time; it was obvious that he did not trust Mihawk, but that was based on mutuality.
In the anteroom he waited, his gaze fixed on the double-sided gate.
Loudly it knocked three times. The blows hollowed through the vastness of the old castle. As if by magic, both sides of the gate glided open simultaneously.
"Eizen," he said coldly, "I was already waiting for you."
The old man with opaque sunglasses bowed swiftly. Unlike Mihawk, he obviously wanted to preserve etiquette.
"Lord Dracule. It is reassuring to see that not all Shichibukai fell victim to the war."
A nod to Gecko Moria, a concealed threat, this promised to be interesting.
"No Shichibukai fell in the war," he replied cold, openly admitting that he knew about the Marines' intrigues, openly showing that he was not willing to be intimidated by hidden warnings. "What gives me the honor of your visit, even accompanied?"
The four men at the side of the politician did not move by a millimeter.
"Oh, as if you wouldn't know, Dracule. Of course, I have no interest in you. I would like to talk to your acquaintance. I am certain Lady Loreen would love to keep me company today."
A sleek smile darkened his old facial features.
"Well, I doubt that anyone would like to keep you company, Eizen, but since Loreen is indeed here, she can tell you that herself."
"I am very surprised, your Lordship, usually you hide your dislike for me better."
"Oh really? My apologies, it will not happen again."
Eizen laughed softly.
"You really still think you're a taker, aren't you, Dracule? Then please let me be clear: you are nothing more than a pawn, nothing more than a pawn sacrifice to be exact."
"Should a guest really behave that insolent towards his host?" Roronoa came in through the door behind Mihawk and his actually fine choice of words surprised him, but not as much as his appearance.
Except for a few strands, Roronoa wore his long hair open. In the simple white dress with grey and black appliqués, he seemed even paler than he already was, or was it just because he was not as tanned as he was as Zoro?
However, he seemed really exhausted and also slightly sickened, whether intentional or not, it would bring its desired effect.
"My dear Lady Loreen. It's been so long since we have spoken to each other."
Eizen bowed deeply and skillfully overplayed Roronoa's rebuke.
Zoro nodded sharply. "That's probably true. I apologize for not being able to meet with you in Mary Joa."
"By all means. As I have heard, you were sick. I hope you have recovered by now, my dear."
Roronoa played his character too well once again.
"You don't have to worry about my health. Hopefully, you haven't taken the uncomfortable journey just to ask about my wellbeing."
The politician took a step into the house and his security guards followed at once.
"My dear Lady Loreen, I would like to make you a new offer and I am absolutely certain - no, I even know - that you will not turn me down this time."
His choice of words troubled Mihawk. Eizen had not corrected his words by chance, he was far too skillful for that. But Roronoa did not seem to have noticed.
"I don't think any cooperation is possible," Roronoa said directly.
Shortly he looked over to Mihawk, he obviously did not know how to get out of this situation.
Mihawk took two steps in front of his little frog.
"You heard it, Eizen. Lady Loreen has no interest in your offer. I apologize for the fact that your trip was in vain, but I ask you to leave now."
The old man tilted his head slightly and an almost mischievous smile spread over his face as he shook his head slightly.
"Oh dear, Lord Dracule. It always surprises me how confident you are in yourself. I thought I had made myself clear." He still sounded extremely friendly, but Mihawk could feel his anger. The mighty man was not used to someone confronting him, but that was the one thing Mihawk could do just too well.
"And I thought I had made it clear that I am not interested in your opinion in the least, Eizen. You are not welcome here!"
For a fraction of a second, the old man met Mihawk's glare almost at eye level, but suddenly his aura changed when he looked at Roronoa. His smile became more real, his attitude more open.
"My dear Loreen, I understand that your acquaintance is very concerned about you and wants to protect you. But I do not pose a threat to you. All I want is a short conversation only between you and me. You are not obliged to accept this offer, but at least listen to it. You do not want me to tell the five elders about this rude treatment, do you, my dear? It would be a great pity if, after Jimbei and Moria, the ranks of the Shichibukai were weakened by another member."
"Eizen!" Mihawk growled. This was no longer a concealed threat, no hidden warning. It was pure and obvious blackmailing.
Mihawk could not have foreseen that Eizen would go as far as to challenge his title. He had already difficulties fathoming why the politician was that deeply interested in Lady Loreen in the first place, but there was no reason why Lady Loreen would be important enough for him to take such measurements, that could easily destroy his career.
It was not as if Eizen could simply determine on his own to take Mihawk's title away, he would have to convince the five elders, offer them something in return. After all, Hawk Eyes was not anybody, not some pirate, no, even for the five elders, it would be uncomfortable if the name of former World Aristocrats were to be even more tainted.
Mihawk was quite indifferent to his legacy, but in this context, it was useful for him, Eizen would have to move heaven and earth if he wanted to turn his threat into reality.
So, the actual question was whether the other was just bluffing. Mihawk doubted whether the other had the power to jeopardize his title and whether he would really go all the way, only to be able to have a conversation with Roronoa.
For a moment it was quiet and then Roronoa had lowered his gaze.
It is a hoax. Do not fall for it!
"Well, my dear? Can you spare me a few minutes of your precious time?"
The enchanted woman looked up.
"Mr. Eizen," Roronoa said coolly. "If you would like to follow me to the library."
"What in...?" He grabbed the other's arm.
"It's alright, Mihawk. He just wants to talk. I'm not obliged to do anything."
But the way the other looked at him made it very clear to him that the younger one did not want to risk anything. The other would not risk his title.
Damn it! Why did this child think that Mihawk needed to be protected by him?!
"Please, be so kind and ask Perona to serve some tea."
"Eizen!" He snarled at the politician, knowing far well that he could not argue Roronoa out of his decision. "If you dare to lay a finger on..."
The old man laughed.
"Oh, Dracule. Please, unlike pirates like you, I do not think that violence is an effective solution. But if it calms you, my men will wait with you. I think we all agree that a frail old man like me is not a great threat to a young woman in her prime."
Then he turned to Roronoa.
"Please, my dear. Show me the way."
Once again Roronoa looked over at him, then turned around and walked through a door to the left of Mihawk. Eizen immediately followed him, a victorious, almost grotesque grin on his lips.
"Just a pawn sacrifice," the politician whispered as he walked past Mihawk, who clenched his fists.
From the other side of the door he could hear the ghost girl talking: "Milady, my apologies, but the library is in that direction. May I accompany you?"
Her voice sounded deeper than usual, almost grown up. The choice of words of the brat surprised him even more. If Mihawk had not known that it had to be her, he would not have recognized her.
He turned around.
"You can follow me or wait here," he offered to the politician's bodyguards, walking away. Their harsh steps followed him.
Arriving in the fireplace room, he took the newspaper from the dining table, even though he had already read it in the morning, and sat down on his armchair.
"Do not touch anything!" He said to the heavily built men, who were visibly impressed while inspecting the large hall. It may not be Mary Joa, but it was impressive, nonetheless.
He pretended to read, but in truth he was on absolute alert.
Of course, Eizen's danger was not in his fighting technique, but that just did not calm him down a bit.
He was just hoping that Roronoa would not let himself be lulled in, not let himself be taken by surprise. The youngster had no idea about political stage plays. On the other hand, Roronoa had been able to defend himself quite well during the Marine ball. Perhaps his concern was unfounded.
After a few minutes, the door opened and the ghost girl came in, pushing a tea wagon in front of her.
Her sight surprised him. She had her pink hair braided back and wore a long black dress with ruffles and cross embroidery. Like a typical maid, she wore a hood and apron. He would not have recognized her. It was not quite as neat as Kanan would dress, but it was far more decent than he had expected this girl to look like.
She handed him a cup and offered tea to the men as well, who all refused.
Afterwards she stood at the door and waited. Mihawk realized that she had recognized the danger of the situation, and although she would probably never admit it, she too seemed to worry about Roronoa.
It was the first time he was not annoyed by her. For the first time, he felt they had the same opinion.
He nodded to her briefly and then sipped his tea, which fortunately was not quite as sweet as he had feared.
-Zoro-
Quietly, the door of the library fell close behind his back. He was hot, whole streams of sweat chased down his back.
He didn't trust the man behind him at all, and that Eizen had just threatened to deprive Mihawk's title didn't really make it any better.
But he had already been able to get rid of Eizen twice, had already been able to retract his offers twice; he would do it a third time.
Zoro put on a smile and turned around.
"Well, Mr. Eizen. We are among us as you wanted."
"Indeed," replied the elder, smiling at him as well, "thank you for your courtesy."
Zoro would have preferred to punch him right now.
"I want to make it clear that I only agreed to this conversation because you left me no choice. I absolutely agree with Mihawk, you are not welcome here."
The old man laughed quietly, and his steps echoed through the room as he approached Zoro.
"To hear such words from you is very hurtful, my dear. Nevertheless, I hope that we will find a consensus."
Whatever the old man meant by that.
"We should sit down," Zoro dodged, pointing to a round table with several extravagant chairs.
At that moment, the door opened and Perona came in. Her big, round eyes stared at him, they briefly hustled over to the politician and he could almost see a shudder shaking her body.
"Tea?" She asked clearly too loud.
"That would be kind of you, Perona. Thank you."
She was afraid, maybe she even knew who Eizen was or she had realized how much power this man had, that he could even threaten one of the seven Shichibukai.
After Perona had given out the tea and placed a bowl of colorful cookies in the middle of the table, she hurriedly left the room.
"Who is the young lady?" Eizen asked, taking one of the calorie bombs directly.
"Her name is Perona," Zoro replied briefly.
"And she's the housemaid? A servant?" The biscuits seemed to taste good to the politician.
"No, no, she helps me in my everyday life. She's my court lady."
Word for word, he told the lie the Shichibukai had imposed on him, without even knowing what a court lady was.
"I understand." Eizen bent to the side and lifted up a briefcase. "As much as I would like to hear more about your everyday life, my tight schedule urges me. So, let us get down to business."
"That's fine with me."
Zoro sipped on his tea, which was bittersweet. It was the first time he was alone with Eizen and Zoro was just thinking about whether he should kill him if worst came to the worst with a book and make it look like an accident. His gaze fell on an ugly bust directly behind Eizen and smiling quietly, Zoro decided to not reject this plan directly. A dead Eizen could not suggest anything anymore to the five elders.
The politician opened the briefcase and pulled out a white folder.
"The temporary contract, my dear," he calmly declared, handing it to Zoro.
He picked up the folder and opened it.
The contractors were Lady Loreen and Rishou Eizen. The World Government or Mihawk were not even mentioned.
Zoro was supposed to support the politician in organizational tasks and social events as it was said there on request. Whatever that meant. For this the politician offered Lady Loreen legal immunity and a monthly alimentation. Because of the Berry sign and the many digits behind the word alimentation, Zoro assumed that it was some kind of payment. This should also be paid, even if Lady Loreen would not be requested by Eizen for months. Another addition stated that Lady Loreen was only allowed to refuse a request due to illness.
Eizen wanted to buy him.
After two lines, he knew that it was exactly the same contract the politician had already sent him more than six weeks ago and which Zoro had ignored without any further thought. Only the amount of the salary and the sickness apposition were new.
"If I'm not mistaken, it's the same contract you presented to me on Sasaki," he said, looking at the politician.
He nodded. "Indeed, I have only adjusted your value and taken your health condition into account. Otherwise it is still the same contract."
Zoro suspiciously eyed the papers in his hands.
"So why do you think I would agree to us working together this time when you couldn't convince me last time?"
The elder was silent.
"As you know, money does not interest me, and I do not need the immunity you offer. I don't see any reason why I should sign this contract."
Eizen folded his hands and put his chin on it.
"So I can't convince you to sign this contract even though it could guarantee you power, wealth, and reputation? Are you unaware of the possibilities that working with me can offer you?"
Zoro looked at him cold and sipped his tea.
"Nothing you just mentioned interests me and so I want to declare the negotiations to have failed."
"Too bad," said the elder, taking another biscuit.
For a moment, they both remained silent.
That had gone better than expected. The other had come to terms with his defeat relatively fast and in relation to the last two times he had not come so dangerously close to Zoro.
"Say, my dear, don't you wonder at all why I would like to sign a contract with you? Don't you ask yourself, why I make such an effort to come after you, invite you to a ball of the nobility, even threaten your acquaintance just to get the chance to talk to you?"
Zoro assumed that the other looked at him, but through the glasses it was impossible to say for sure.
Could it be that he was mistaken? Could it be that the dangerous part of the conversation was just beginning?
Hesitantly, he placed his cup on the table.
"You once told me that I had the ability to enchant people, which wouldn't work on you. You said you wanted to use this power to influence the masses, even though I have no idea what you were talking about. But I think that's what you're talking about right now as well, isn't it?"
Smiling, the other nodded.
"Indeed."
Again, they remained silent.
"But as I said, I don't know what you mean. I don't have that ability."
"Lady Loreen. I want to tell you a story."
"What?" Slowly, Zoro was more than confused. He did not understand what the other wanted.
"About 70 years ago there was a little boy of a middle-class family. His grandparents had been hard-working people and had exhausted their bodies in the service of their duties. His only memories of them were those of their deathbeds. Although his father was always diligent, always tried to improve and to be of worth for the community, he had not made it very far. He barely managed to feed his family of four. One day, however, the father's wife became very ill and although the family had a doctor in the circle of acquaintances, he could not treat the mother, the medications were too expensive. So, the man of this family had spent his life and sacrificed himself for the public only to watch his wife die."
It was pretty obvious that the politician was talking about his own childhood, but Zoro didn't know why. Why did a stranger tell him his life story?
"So, the boy started working hard quite early in his life to support his father but was barely able to help his mother; there was no hope of a better life. At that time, the boy understood that only power and money are important in this world. Because with power you get money and with money you get power. But what does someone do who has neither?"
He didn't expect an answer, not that Zoro had any, he had never really thought about such things.
"One day the boy saw the mayor sharing an intimate moment with the doctor's wife and he came up with an idea. Neither the mayor nor the doctor's wife would want the community to know about their respective infidelities. So the boy continued to watch the two and gathered evidence. He then sold his silence to them and provided his mother with the necessary medicine."
"So, a happy ending for everyone," Zoro tried to end the story.
"Oh no, that wasn't the end. It was the beginning. For now the boy knew what was even stronger than power and money, namely knowledge, knowledge of secrets and longings. Everyone wants to have something or avoid others finding out something. Everyone has something that can be used against them or for which they would do anything. And so the boy came to power and money. A favor here, a secret there."
"What is your point? Your way of life contradicts my views."
The elder smiled slyly.
"You have special abilities, Lady Loreen. It is a gift that every person wants to trust you. Neither Homura nor Dracule are immune to this. They all believe you no matter what you say. Truly impressive. However, you are not the only one who has special abilities. Thanks to my gift, I can see through your spell. I know who you really are."
Zoro laughed hesitantly.
"Oh, do you?" Why did this moment feel so dangerous?
Eizen took off his sunglasses and put them aside. He fetched a monocle from his briefcase. Then the politician looked at him again, and for a moment Zoro believed that these unremarkable brown eyes flashed up in bright red.
"Of course, my dear Lady Loreen." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Or should I rather say Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro?"
