The journey to Whis' home planet was filled with delightful conversations and playful banter, leaving Coco and Whis blushing as they finally arrived.

As the couple stepped foot on the planet, Coco couldn't help but be mesmerized by the grandeur of the palace before her. The only other place that had left her in such awe was the magnificent manor where she and her friends had once stayed. The evening sun bathed the sky in a breathtaking blend of purples and reds, casting a romantic aura over the surroundings.

Coco turned to Whis, her curiosity piqued. "Is this where you grew up?" she inquired, her eyes wide with wonder.

Whis nodded reassuringly and took a confident step forward onto the stone platform. Coco, however, glanced down and froze in fear. All she could see was a vast expanse of clouds, and the thought of taking the next step filled her with trepidation. The potential of plummeting to her demise loomed over her.

Sensing her hesitation, Whis stepped closer to Coco and offered soothing words to calm her fears. "I understand that the first step can be scary, but trust me, nothing bad will happen," he reassured her, extending his arm for her to hold onto. Coco clung to his arm tightly, as if it were a lifeline, seeking solace in his presence.

Looking into Coco's eyes, Whis asked softly, "Do you trust me, Coco?" Without a moment's hesitation, she replied, "Yes," her voice filled with sincerity and vulnerability. Summoning her courage, she took a shaky step forward, still gripping onto Whis' arm tightly. Her heel disappeared into the cloud, and she felt a mix of fear and relief as her foot made contact with something soft yet solid. Encouraged, she placed her other foot on the ground, and Whis praised her for her bravery. "Good job, my little Coco bean!" he cheered, his voice laced with pride.

Eager to leave the cloudy path behind, Coco mumbled, "Let's just get inside," not particularly enjoying the sensation of walking on clouds. Whis understood her unease and took small, cautious steps to accommodate her. To make the walk more comfortable, he engaged in light conversation. "My father used to tell us stories about our mother's first experience here. Your reaction has been much better than hers," he shared, trying to lighten the mood. Coco loosened her grip slightly and looked around, curiosity replacing some of her initial fear.

Whis felt a need to prepare Coco for what she might encounter inside. "I have to warn you, my siblings are kind of weird," he admitted, hoping to alleviate any potential shock or unease. Coco let out a light giggle, her laughter putting Whis at ease. "That's okay," she responded, her voice filled with acceptance. "My friends have their fair share of weird quirks too."

Finally reaching the front door, Coco extended her hand to knock, but Whis quickly interjected, gently grasping her hand. "You don't have to do that," he whispered, bringing her hand to his lips and planting a tender kiss on the back of it. Coco blushed coyly at the affectionate gesture, a subtle sign of their deepening connection.

The door swung open, revealing a neatly dressed butler who greeted them with a respectful bow before ushering them inside. Coco's eyes wandered in every direction, taking in the opulence of the surroundings, until they settled on a family picture displayed prominently on a nearby wall.

"Is that you as a baby?" Coco asked, her voice filled with excitement and curiosity. She took a step towards the picture, eager to examine it more closely. However, Whis quickly intervened, wrapping his arm around her waist and gently guiding her away from the photograph. His face flushed with embarrassment, realizing they had only just arrived and already his past was on display.

"D-don't pay that picture any mind," Whis stammered, trying to divert Coco's attention away from it.

A mischievous grin appeared on Coco's face as she playfully protested. "But I want to know what our future baby will look like," she teased, her voice filled with anticipation and a touch of blush coloring her cheeks.

Whis's surprise was evident as he stammered, "You want a baby?" His voice held a mix of astonishment and warmth, as the idea of a future together took hold.

Coco nodded, her blush deepening but her eyes shining with sincerity. "Yes," she admitted, her voice filled with a soft, genuine yearning.

Whis smiled, his heart swelling with affection. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied.


As Whis and Coco continued their leisurely walk, engrossed in conversation, they eventually arrived at a spacious sitting room adorned with a mesmerizing, crackling fire. The magnificent fireplace drew their attention, but their focus was momentarily stolen by a couple locked in a passionate embrace on a nearby couch.

Coco's gaze shifted towards a maid standing in the corner, her discomfort palpable as she clutched a tray of champagne. Their eyes met, and Coco instantly recognized the silent plea for assistance reflected in the maid's expression. Determined to lend a helping hand, Coco cleared her throat loudly, intentionally disrupting the intimate moment of the couple.

In the wake of the sudden interruption, a voice filled with arrogance and malice sliced through the room. "Oh, look who's here, the weak link arriving early," Sweet sneered, a malicious smirk adorning her face as she casually finished her glass of champagne. Coco brushed off the taunt, choosing not to engage in Sweet's provocation.

Sweet, eager to assert herself, rose from the couch and smoothed out any creases on her dress. She then approached the uncomfortable maid and obtained another glass of champagne from her, clearly determined to indulge further. Coco couldn't help but express her concern. "You really shouldn't get drunk before the ball, Sweet," she said, her voice carrying a touch of worry.

Sweet responded dismissively, "This is only my second glass."

Coco couldn't resist a playful retort, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, then you should finish that entire bottle of champagne. Perhaps it'll help you be more pleasant for the rest of the night." Her words were delivered with a hint of humor, a subtle jab at Sweet's demeanor. Sweet's eyes narrowed in response, her agitation evident as she moved swiftly to swipe at Coco.

In a timely intervention, Mojito, ever watchful, caught Sweet by the waist, defusing the tension with a teasing comment. "Ha-ha, it seems she must have touched a nerve to get you this riled up," Mojito remarked, his playful tone aimed at Sweet. The room exhaled a collective sigh of relief, as the atmosphere began to lighten with the levity of Mojito's words.

"Sweet got put in her place, and I missed it?" Clover exclaimed, entering the room with a mix of curiosity and regret.

Coco's face lit up as she spotted her best friend. "Hi, Clover!" she greeted with excitement.

Sweet hissed in annoyance. "Oh great, you're here."

"Good evening, Whis. Mojito," Clover greeted the others in the room, maintaining her composure.

Whis and Mojito returned the greeting before Whis inquired, "Where is Vados?"

Clover explained, "Your mother needed to speak with her, so she sent me to retrieve both of you."

Whis leaned in to give Coco a quick peck on the cheek, and Mojito followed him as they exited the room. Sweet opened her mouth, ready to retort, but Clover raised a finger, silently signaling her to hold her tongue. Clover waited until the sound of their footsteps faded before speaking.

"Did either of your partners tell you what's being announced tonight?" Clover asked softly, her voice filled with intrigue.

Coco shook her head in response. "The only thing Whis mentioned was that they always make big announcements at these events," Coco replied, her curiosity piqued.

Clover grabbed the last two glasses from the tray and dismissed the maid from the room. She handed one of the champagne-filled glasses to Coco and giggled mischievously. "Spill the tea, freak. It's obvious you know," Sweet demanded.

Clover took a sip of her champagne and then leaned closer to Coco, lowering her voice. "One of us is getting proposed to," she whispered.

Both Coco and Sweet's eyes widened in surprise. "Who?" they exclaimed simultaneously.

Clover smiled knowingly. "Why, the oldest, of course," she revealed.

"Awe, Mochi is going to propose? I'm so happy for him," Coco said, her face beaming with joy. Sweet rolled her eyes and downed the rest of her champagne, clearly less enthused.

Coco, still puzzled, asked, "But why so early? It seems unexpected."

Clover leaned in again, this time in a more secretive manner. "Well, don't tell Vados I told you, but she mentioned that it's because Mochi and Cus were caught... you know, in one of those holy worship places," she divulged.

Sweet chuckled mischievously, while Coco gasped in surprise. "So the gossip is that the oldest royal child of the Grand family was caught with a stranger? Remember, other royals don't know about our relationship status. They just know us as the Council of Life," Clover explained.

"Coco, use your context clues, sweetheart," Clover explained patiently. "The Grand Priest's mother being a higher being signifies his importance. It's highly unlikely that the Higher Mother would allow just anyone to marry her only child. Additionally, the Grand Priestess holds the title of Queen and still plays an active role. Therefore, her children are undoubtedly royalty."

Coco's eyes widened in shock as the realization sank in.

"Now she gets it," Sweet remarked sarcastically, unable to resist a jab at Coco's earlier confusion.

Coco blushed slightly, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. "I... I didn't realize... I mean, I didn't expect... royalty?" she stammered, trying to process the new information.

Clover's warm smile remained, but her expression turned serious as she placed a reassuring hand on Coco's shoulder. "It's alright, Coco," she said softly. "But let's keep this conversation hush. We're not supposed to know about the wedding," she warned, her gaze shifting towards Sweet, who was clearly emphasizing the need for secrecy.

Coco nodded, her eyes reflecting the understanding of the gravity of the situation. She realized that this was information that needed to remain confidential. "I understand," she whispered, her voice filled with determination to honor the secret.

"They're coming back," Clover whispered, her words just loud enough for the other two to hear, signaling the need to return to their previous positions and act natural.


Coco pov

Once everyone had gathered, dinner was announced by a maid, whom the siblings affectionately referred to as Ms. Bo. We all made our way over to the dining hall, continuing our comfortable conversations as we walked. However, my stroll was interrupted when Cognac decided to walk alongside me.

"Ah, Lady Coco, have you had a chance to look at all the photos in the main hall?" he asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"I only caught a glimpse of the pictures in the lobby before Whis whisked me away," I replied, realizing Whis's reaction even before I heard his groan, which was followed by a chorus of snickers from his siblings.

"Why don't you want to show Coco your baby pictures?" Vados chimed in, amusement evident in her voice.

"Yeah, it's tradition for us. Our baby pictures were plastered all over the first floor until the next sibling came along," Sour added, joining in the teasing.

"Face it, you're out of luck unless Mother and Father decide to have another baby," Mojito bluntly stated.

I did my best to stifle a laugh, understanding the embarrassment that came with being treated as the baby of the group by my friends.

"Mother treats you like the golden child," Sour fired back, not missing a beat.

"Hurts not being the baby anymore, doesn't it?" Whis retorted, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Yeah, it stings, but at least my baby pictures aren't on display for everyone to see," Sour retorted, effectively ending the banter among the siblings as we reached the doors of the dining hall, which were opened by more maids.

The sight that greeted us was breathtaking. The dining hall was grand and majestic, featuring a long table that seemed to stretch for miles. The room was adorned with exquisite decorations and flickering candlelight, creating an atmosphere of elegance and anticipation.

At the end of the long table, my eyes were drawn to the sight of the Grand Priest carefully pushing in the chair for a tall woman whom I had never met before. My curiosity began to bubble, and my mouth seemed to move faster than my brain. Sensing my impending outburst, Whis quickly planted a peck on my cheek, stunning me and bringing me to a sudden halt. I looked at him, a mix of surprise and gratitude on my face, as he motioned for me to follow him to our seats. I obediently walked by his side, my mind still buzzing with questions about the mysterious woman, but Whis's hand gently resting on my knee reminded me to remain composed.

As we approached our seats, I noticed that we were seated closer to the tall woman, while Clover and Vados were seated across from us. The anticipation in the room was palpable, and I couldn't help but steal glances at the woman, eager to discover her identity. Thankfully, my questions were soon answered as the sweet and melodic voice of the Grand Priestess resonated from the tall woman.

"I hope everyone is pleased with the new table arrangement. We do have quite a number of seats to fill," she said, her words carrying a sense of grace and authority. Whis's timely intervention had saved me from embarrassing myself in front of the esteemed guests.

"I can see that you've been redecorating, Mother. This room looks entirely different from the last time I saw it," Cus remarked.

"Weren't the walls blue before?" one of the siblings inquired.

"No, you're thinking of two rooms back. I opted for a more modern style inspired by my home planet," the Grand Priestess replied, her voice filled with a hint of amusement. The conversation flowed effortlessly among the siblings and their mother, providing a glimpse into their familial dynamics.

Dinner was promptly served, and my mouth watered as the maid unveiled the delectable dishes on my plate.

I realized that it was a steak dinner—a culinary delight that I hadn't indulged in for quite some time. A surge of anticipation coursed through me as I looked at the perfectly cooked steak resting on my plate. The aroma of the sizzling meat filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

However, a nagging thought lingered in the back of my mind. I had recently noticed some weight gain due to our frequent travels and my enjoyment of well-prepared meals. While Whis didn't seem to mind, I felt a personal responsibility to watch my diet and take better care of my health. Despite my intentions, Whis had taken it upon himself to ensure I never went hungry, and his cooking skills were simply too irresistible to resist. The silver lining in this situation was that my regular training sessions helped me stay in good shape despite my occasional indulgences.

Lost in my thoughts, I realized that everyone at the table was already enjoying their meals and engaging in light conversations. The Grand Priestess, with her gentle and considerate nature, leaned towards me and asked in a soft voice, "Is your food to your liking, Coco?" She tactfully kept our conversation discreet, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention from the rest of the table.

"Oh, there's nothing wrong. It's just that I haven't had a good cut of meat in a while," I quickly lied, not wanting to reveal the truth about Whis's attempts to overfeed me.

The Grand Priestess seemed curious and asked, "Does Universe Seven not offer good cuts of meat?"

I shrugged slightly and replied, "Maybe I just haven't found a place I like yet."

Her smile reassured me, and I turned my attention to the succulent steak in front of me. The knife effortlessly sliced through the tender meat, and I couldn't help but savor the incredible flavor. Unbeknownst to me, the Grand Priestess was quietly observing my reaction, her soft giggle escaping her lips. Blushing slightly, I let my gaze wander around the table, taking in the regal aura that surrounded Whis and his siblings.

As the conversation continued, the topic of royalty resurfaced in my mind. Tonight, Whis and his siblings truly embodied the essence of royalty, without the need for crowns or tiaras. Their confidence and demeanor exuded an unmistakable regal quality.

Suddenly, the Grand Priestess interrupted our thoughts. She turned to Whis and said, "I realized I forgot something. Before we leave, I need you to properly place Coco's crown on her head. Unfortunately, I couldn't send it to you in time, so it's currently on my vanity table."

I hadn't even noticed that I didn't have a crown or tiara like the others, and the absence hadn't bothered me. The idea of wearing a crown seemed heavy.

"I don't think she has a brooch either, ma'am," Mochi quickly chimed in, assuming his role as the protective older brother. It always amused me to see Mochi, with his strong and muscular build, take on the role of a mother hen. Even before we had partners, the Priestess would take us on various outings, and Mochi would meticulously ensure that we were perfectly dressed and coordinated before stepping out. If anything was even slightly out of place, you could count on Mochi to address it.

"Thank you, Mochi, but she won't be receiving a brooch," the Grand Priestess clarified.

"I won't?" I asked, a hint of surprise in my voice.

"No, dear. You will receive something different," the Grand Priestess responded, leaving me curious and intrigued. I nodded, finishing the last bites on my plate.

As our plates were cleared away, small dishes were placed in front of each couple. In between Whis and me, there was a delicate, light green dish that emitted a sweet, enticing aroma, reminiscent of ripe pears.

"The dessert is made with a galaxy pear, a cold treat that's below zero degrees. It should be consumed with care and..." The Grand Priestess continued her explanation, but my attention had drifted elsewhere.

My gaze fixated on Whis as I observed the spoon disappearing into his mouth. I couldn't help but wish I were that spoon in that very moment. He pulled the spoon out, his lipstick undisturbed, and a strange fluttering sensation stirred in my stomach. Lost in my own thoughts, I was abruptly brought back to reality by the sound of snapping fingers.

"Coco!" the Grand Priestess called, trying to regain my attention.

I quickly snapped out of my daze and turned my focus back to the tall Priestess, who gave me a stern, motherly look. The table erupted in snickers, clearly amused by my distraction.

"Do you mind telling us what has captured your undivided attention?" the Priestess inquired.

"It's Whis and that spoon," I admitted honestly.

"What?" she asked, perplexed.

"Whis is incredibly good-looking, and that spoon is fortunate to be in such close proximity to him. I don't know how else to answer your question except with the truth," I replied, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Clover couldn't contain herself and burst into laughter, quickly muffling it with a napkin to stifle the sound.

"Ahem... Well, just listen to me, Coco. It's for your own safety," the Grand Priestess said, her tone a mix of amusement and concern.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, my shyness resurfacing.

"This dessert will also be served at the ball, so I want you to be aware of it. We don't want you screaming bloody murder in the middle of the dance floor. But don't worry about Whis for now. He was born to eat," the Grand Priestess said.

The Grand Priestess let out a soft sigh before continuing her instructions. "Place it in your mouth and let it melt slowly before swallowing. Repeat this a few times, and your body will quickly adjust to the freezing temperature," she explained. A fresh dessert was placed between Whis and me, replacing the previous one that had been taken away. Whis must have polished it off quickly while I was being scolded. I chuckled inwardly at the thought.

To my surprise, Whis picked up the spoon but instead of eating it himself, he held it out to me. "Say 'ah'," he said playfully.

"You really don't have to spoon-feed me, Whis," I protested, pouting for a moment. But I couldn't resist his charm, so I opened my mouth just wide enough for the spoon to enter. The treat was soft and extremely cold, sending a delightful shock through my taste buds. As it melted in my mouth, the sweet pear flavor took over, bringing a pleasant sensation. I swallowed, savoring the taste.

Whis continued to spoon-feed me until the dessert was completely gone. "We should definitely bring some of this to the temple," I remarked, already imagining how the others would react to this unique treat. Whis smiled and nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with affection.


No pov

"Now that everyone is full and content, let's go over a few housekeeping rules for the upcoming ball," Honey announced, rising from her seat.

Looking directly at Coco, she continued, "Coco, tonight I urge you to limit your questioning tendencies. Let's not push anyone to the brink of a psychotic break like what happened on planet 602." Coco nodded, understanding the importance of keeping her curiosity in check.

Turning her attention to Sour, Honey's tone softened. "Sour, you have a natural charm and grace, but when you and Sweet team up, it can become a bit too intense. We don't want a repeat of the mean-spirited behavior that occurred on planet 602. So, I ask both of you to refrain from ganging up on anyone and making them cry."

Sour appeared taken aback by the statement, likely unused to being characterized as part of a "mean girl club."

Honey's gaze shifted to Lime, and she addressed them directly. "Lime, I know it's difficult, but please refrain from side-eyeing someone when they say something foolish. Let's practice patience and understanding instead."

Turning to Mochi, Honey's voice softened. "Mochi, I appreciate your protective nature, but try to relax and not overexert yourself in playing the mother hen role. Trust that I will handle any necessary guidance or support."

Finally, her attention turned to Clover. "Clover, as much as we enjoy your spirited nature, let's avoid impromptu games of hide and seek where the loser is coerced into saying something embarrassing secrets. We really don't need a repeat of what happened on planet 602."

Curiosity sparked in Whis's eyes, and he leaned towards Coco, asking in a hushed tone, "What exactly happened on planet 602?" Coco replied with a small smirk, "Let's just say it was quite a chaotic situation."

"Wonderful, now, sweetie, if you don't mind," Honey said to her husband, the Grand Priest. He nodded, acknowledging his role in the discussion. With a snap of his fingers, a short stack of papers appeared in front of Honey on the table.

"These are just some incidents that occurred during the last ball, and I believe it's necessary to address them," Honey began, her tone firm yet composed.

Soft mutters and whispered phrases like "Oh shit" and "How did she find out?" circulated among the siblings as they exchanged quick glances. Honey cleared her throat and picked up the pile of papers, ready to address each issue.

"Marcarita, social events can be challenging for you, but insulting someone and abruptly walking away from a conversation is not acceptable. For instance, saying something like 'Your mother should have swallowed you' is highly inappropriate," Honey stated, her gaze focused on Marcarita.

Lime couldn't resist a teasing comment and smirked, looking directly at Marcarita. "And you say I'm harsh," Lime remarked. Marcarita defended herself, "I panicked."

Honey continued down the list, addressing each sibling with a stern yet composed demeanor. "Mojito, you cannot approach the music entertainers and criticize their performance to the point where they quit on the spot. Furthermore, sitting down and playing modern music with a classical twist that bewilders the older guests is not advisable."

The Grand Priest chuckled softly. "I must admit, I thought he was doing a fine job until I realized what he was playing," he said.

Honey shifted her attention to Whis, her voice tinged with a touch of amusement. "Whis, you must refrain from joining the madness by grabbing the microphone, sensually draping yourself across the piano, and belting out songs."

Vados chimed in quietly, "But the crowd loved it." Honey raised an eyebrow and continued, "Vados, please avoid encouraging further chaos by 'making it rain' on your brothers."

The Grand Priest interjected with a playful remark, "Although, I must say, some of the older women did join in. Whis and Mojito made quite a nice profit." Coco leaned closer to Whis, whispering, "How much did you make?" Whis grinned mischievously and replied, "A substantial amount, but a portion of it went to Vados."

Honey swiftly moved on to address Martinu. "Martinu, auctioning off Sour, Cognac, and Cukatail as escort services is completely unacceptable. And Camparri, blackmailing your sister for a share of the profit is equally inappropriate," Honey reprimanded.

Next in line was Cus. "Cus, spreading rumors about someone having a mistress and then sitting back to watch couples argue is both cruel and disruptive. And please, refrain from attempting to ascertain who among your partners is a century old and subsequently making them take a hundred shots of angel wine," Honey admonished.

The table erupted with complaints and protests. "Aw, come on!" one of the siblings exclaimed.

Honey remained steadfast. "No, when Whis turned 100, you all got him so intoxicated that I genuinely thought you had killed him," she said, her tone carrying a mix of concern and humor.


Coco pov

Dinner had come to an end, and it was time for me to assume a more serious role. Whis carefully secured the weighty crown onto my head, and the grand priestess handed me a gleaming golden gavel. The gavel matched the regal aura of the crown, and together, they transformed my appearance into something entirely different from my usual self. The woman looking back at me in the mirror seemed almost unrecognizable.

"What's bothering you, Coco?" Whis asked, concern evident in his eyes.

"I don't know," I replied, not wanting to admit my unease.

"Don't hide your feelings, Coco. If you keep them bottled up, they'll only weigh you down throughout the night," Whis advised, his voice gentle but firm.

I met his gaze in the mirror and let out a sigh. "This elegant facade in the mirror doesn't feel like me," I confessed.

Whis placed his hand on my hip and gently lifted my chin, guiding my gaze back to my reflection. "This is you, Coco. Don't be deceived by the crown, the makeup, and the dress. Underneath all the finery, you're still my inquisitive and spirited Coco bean," he reassured me with a tender smile.

A small smile formed on my lips as I took a moment to truly absorb my appearance. I realized that my worries had been unfounded. I was content with the dress, the makeup, and now, even with the crown. With Whis by my side, I knew I would be just fine. I turned within his embrace and our lips met in a brief but heartfelt kiss. Our intimate moment was interrupted by the butler's voice, breaking the spell.

"Master Whis, your transportation has arrived," the butler announced.

"Thank you," Whis responded, reluctantly pulling away from our embrace.