Merry belated Christmas to you all! I hope you are ending 2023 with so much positive vibes and preparing for the new year with a good start. I'm really excited for the new year; I have a feeling the new year will be better than the last. Just letting you all know that I'll be taking a small break along with my coauthor. However, there will be more chapters coming this February and boy are we getting into the good stuff ;) There is so much planned for Leia and Katakuri and rest assure, Leia will encounter more recognizable characters from OP! I also have plans for the second arc of my story that intertwines with the Strawhats, excited for that! So, without further ado, here is my late Christmas gift to you all! Thank you for those who have favorite, followed and left positive reviews for my story! I really appreciate it! I also appreciate my coauthor for helping me write my story! You are the best mate! I do not own One Piece plot and characters. But I do own my OCs as well as plot twist. Directed by me and written by the amazing Aiikawarazu!
Two days passed by in a flash. Leia was resting on a sofa one day, sipping on her iced tea after a long day of doing chores in Mrs. Guava's inn. Today she had washed the bed sheets and covers, aired them, dust the furniture, prepared food in the kitchen, and even assisted Mrs. Guava and Mabel in rearranging the furniture in the common area to give it a fresh, new look. To be honest, she didn't even think that she could complete it all. Doing chores were not something new to her as she was used to doing chores back home and during her church days. But even for her standards, her sore muscles made her realize that, unfortunately, she had perhaps done too many things in just one day.
Leia sighed contentedly, and watched as the sun started to dip, lower and lower on the west horizon, casting a warm, orange glow across the quaint surroundings of Mrs. Guava's inn. She couldn't help but reflect on the swift passage of time. It felt like mere moments ago when they had first arrived at Candy Island to help Mrs. Guava run things at the inn. Now, with Mrs. Guava feeling much better and being able to walk without help with her cane, Leia and Mabel had only two days remaining before their departure, back to Funwari Island. Leaning back on the sofa, Leia started to reminisce about the days since she first arrived in Candy Island.
It would be a lie if she said it wasn't challenging at first. There were a lot of things to be done at the inn – and the tasks were not easy to complete either. Sometimes Leia had to wonder how Mrs. Guava managed to do everything alone, while she had to do it together with Mabel, and even the she still ran out of time. Mrs. Guava certainly was very strong, despite her age. Despite the initial challenge, Leia learned and adapted quickly, and now she had gotten used to the routine tasks performed at the inn. She woke up before sunrise to prepare breakfast in the kitchen for guests, cleaning up the dishes and the guests' rooms, changing linens and towels with fresh, new ones as she did so. After a little rest, she would prepare lunch for the guests, and then proceed to wash the bed sheets and towels and hang them to dry. Then, a little break would follow before dinner preparation. It was very tiring – but she soon got used to it, and now she was even thinking she would miss it when she returned to Funwari Island.
The inn, despite being a constant hive of activity throughout the day, had a distinct air of tranquility on that particular afternoon. The familiar creaking of the rocking chair echoed as Mrs. Guava sat in front of the fireplace, engrossed in the latest copy of Tottoland local newspaper, the pages gently rustling as she turned them. On the front page, Leia could see the headline printed in black, bold letters: Mysterious Murders in Tottoland – Suspect Still on the Loose. Curfew to be Kept in Place Until Further Notice.
Just like Perospero had told them on the day of their picnic, news of the mysterious murders was officially made public the next morning, and needless to say, everyone in town now feared for the worst. People would not leave their homes before the sun was up, and they would make it home before dusk no matter what. Here and there – from people whispering in the streets to their suspicious glances toward strangers, it was easy to see how the news of the murder had shocked the entire island.
Leia, though she had learned of the murder before everyone else did, also had her own fair share of worries. For one, she was worried about her other friends, but Mabel was one step ahead of her. She had called their friends on the other island and assured Leia that they were fine. They were much more on alert over everything these days since they couldn't be too careful – but Mizu thought that the news of the murder shouldn't completely alter their normal or stop them from having fun. Thus, he had arranged a small meeting with everyone at Cheese Island before the annual cart race event – news that Leia welcomed enthusiastically.
With everything that was going on, and with her return to Funwari Island coming in just two days, Leia couldn't help but think of William from time to time. She wondered if he was doing okay and if he was involved in the hunt for the suspect behind these murders. Once or twice, she had come really close to calling him, but decided against her better judgment that she would probably better not to. After all, with all the mysterious murders going on, he might be very busy hunting the suspect to restore peace to Tottoland – and Leia did not want to be the one to bother him.
Just then, the tranquil atmosphere inside the inn was suddenly disturbed by a knock on the door, waking Leia up from her contemplative state. Confused, she stared questioningly at Mabel and Mrs. Guava, asking them wordlessly if they had expected any guests. Mrs. Guava gently shook her head to indicate a no, which added to Leia's confusion. She was also slightly alert. After all, answering a mysterious knock on the door when mysterious murders had been happening all across Tottoland… didn't seem like a good idea in Leia's head.
The sharp tap on the door resounded again, sounding more urgent this time. However, along with the knock, Leia also heard something that made her heart skip a beat.
"A letter from Minister Perospero!" said a voice from the other side of the door.
"Oh!" Mrs. Guava exhaled, looking relieved now that she found out who the mysterious visitor was. "Can you please get the door, Leia? We shouldn't let a delegate from the minister stand out there without being answered to."
Leia nodded, and quickly went for the door, feeling a dreaded sensation on her chest that the delegation's visit might have something to do with Perospero's last words to her at the end of their picnic, before he took off in his candy carriage… As she opened the door, the scene that unfolded before her seemed to attest to her greatest fear. A member of Perospero's crew stood before her, a crisp and elegant envelope clasped in his gloved hand. The envelope, adorned with intricate designs and Perospero's wax seal, seemed almost too regal for a mundane purpose.
As the scene slowly registered into her mind, Leia's expression shifted from curiosity to a subtle pallor. She had suspected the nature of the invitation, and the handsome envelope confirmed her fears even further. The delegate, maintaining a composed demeanor, extended the invitation towards Leia. With a graceful bow, the delegate spoke, "Miss Leia, the Minister has cordially invited you for tea at his castle tomorrow afternoon." The words hung in the air, and Leia's stomach churned with a mix of dread and apprehension.
Tea with the Minister meant an encounter with Perospero, the man whose presence had already unnerved her. Swallowing slightly to keep her fears in check, Leia extended her hand to accept the invitation and thanked the delegation politely. "Thank you," she said, but then frowned as she saw the invitation was only addressed to her. Confused, she asked the delegation if Mabel and Mrs. Guava would be able to come tomorrow as well. To her surprise, the delegate shook his head.
"You are the sole guest invited. Please be ready tomorrow at 3PM, as we will pick you up and escort yout to the castle." Leia's surprise at being the sole invitee was evident, and a sudden wave of fear gripped her upon hearing the delegate's answer. "Only me?" she asked, affirming once again if the information she received was indeed true. The delegate nodded, confirming that Mabel and Mrs. Guava wouldn't be receiving similar invitation – which made Leia suddenly sick to her stomach. However, once again she felt like she didn't have any other choice – turning down the minister's request to join him for tea would be outrageously rude, so Leia forced a smile and said, as politely as she could despite the looming dread, "Please tell Minister Perospero thank you for the invitation. I shall accept this and I will be ready on the time you pick me up tomorrow." With that, the delegate gave Leia another bow and left, while Leia closed the door behind her, trying to overcome the sense of fright that gripped her.
The next day came by too fast for Leia. After a quick lunch (where Mrs. Guava and Mabel insisted that she did not eat too much so she could fit into her dress), Leia found herself sitting before a mirror in her room. Mabel, who was skilled in the art of makeup, had insisted that she would do Leia's makeup for the special occasion. She had listened to Leia's request (just a little bit of makeup please, Mabel, nothing too overpowering), and applied a hint of rosy blush, a touch of mascara to frame her eyes, and a subtle gloss on her lips — Mabel's artistry brought out the best in Leia's features.
"Leia, you look stunning!" Mabel exclaimed, her eyes reflecting pride in her artistry. Leia managed a small, appreciative smile, her mind, however, preoccupied with the looming tea time at the Minister's castle. Mrs. Guava, with her gentle hands, was busy arranging Leia's hair. The elderly woman, had all but forgotten about her injury, and insisted on contributing to Leia's preparation for the encounter with Perospero (I can't miss something like this just because of a small injury of mine!).
Leia's long, dark hair was styled in a braided bun, giving her a distinctive look characterized by the loose, voluminous bun secured at the back of her head, with braids intricately woven into the style, adding an elegant and regal touch to her overall look. Upon Mabel's suggestion, Mrs. Guava had let a few loose strands of hair framing Leia's face, softening the overall look and adding a touch of innocent charm.
"Now, dear," Mrs. Guava began as she pulled a rubber band to tie Leia's long hair together, and inserted pins into her braids that pricked Leia's scalp. "Remember to sit up straight, keep your manners impeccable, and don't forget to thank the Minister for the invitation," her voice carried with it the wisdom of long years lived. Leia nodded, appreciating Mrs. Guava's guidance. To be honest, she was only half listening, the other half was too dreaded of what to come during her time alone with the minister. However, Mrs. Guava's advice did help to keep her calm — so she tried to focus as Mrs. Guava, continued to instruct her on the intricacies and manners of high society. Mabel chimed in, "And don't forget to smile, Leia. A warm smile can work wonders."
"Uhm," said Leia, after a few moments of silence on her part. "Can I – share something with both of you? But, can you promise not to tell anyone?"
The room fell into a hushed silence after Leia's hesitant admission. Her friends, Mabel and Mrs. Guava, exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Leia.
"Of course, dear," Mrs. Guava spoke in her warm, reassuring tone. "You can always share your thoughts with us. What's on your mind?"
Leia took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of anxiety and vulnerability. "I... I've been feeling uncomfortable about this tea invitation. It's not just about the tea, but... being alone with the minister, it unnerves me somehow. It has been that way since the first time we met him.
Mabel, still holding the makeup brush, looked genuinely concerned. "Uncomfortable? What do you mean?"
Leia explained, her words hesitant but sincere. "I… don't know, it's just that… I found his approach rather strange, and I can't shake off this feeling of unease. I mean, all of a sudden, inviting me alone for tea at his castle? I don't understand why he's suddenly so interested in me. I have never even done anything to catch his attention!"
"Maybe he just wants to get to know you better," Mabel suggested. "You are new here, after all. He just wants to make sure you feel welcome in Tottoland. I mean – how is this different from Chiffon inviting us for tea?"
"That's –" Leia wanted to rebut Mabel's argument by saying that Chiffon was most definitely not Perospero, at least she didn't give him the creepy and uncomfortable feelings Perospero always did, but then she paused to give it some thought. Mabel did have a point. After all, if it had been Chiffon extending the invitation, Leia knew that she would have gladly accepted it. And didn't Chiffon also invite her for tea back then in Funwari Island? Didn't she also do it in her capacity as a minister, to make Leia, a newcomer in Tottoland, feel more welcome? Perhaps she really was overthinking it. Mabel's argument eased her worries a little bit, though she was still feeling uncomfortable at the minister's gesture.
As though she was able to read Leia's thoughts, Mrs. Guava leaned in and patted Leia's hand reassuringly. "Dear, the Minister is a kind man. We, the Candy Island residents, can attest to it 0 having known him for years. Yes, there have been stories about how ruthless he is with enemy pirates, but to his subjects, he's caring and protective."
"That's true, Leia," said Mabel, "He would have no reason whatsoever to hurt you. You will be fine. Trust me. If anything – just treat this as a tea time between friends – like that time we had tea with Chiffon."
Not wanting to prolong the argument any longer, Leia simply nodded. Mabel and Mrs. Guava looked satisfied, then Mrs. Guava proceeded to don Leia her dress – beautiful vintage white dress, that cascaded gracefully to the floor. The fabric, adorned with delicate lace and subtle embroidery, spoke of a timeless elegance. Its modest neckline and flowing skirt struck a perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity. A blue sash cinched Leia's waist, adding a subtle pop of color to the pristine white dress. The sash, neatly tied in a bow at the back, accentuated Leia's slender figure, creating a look that exuded both grace and charm.
"Leia, you look stunning!" Mabel exclaimed with bated breath. Leia looked at her reflection in the mirror and had to admit that Mabel and Mrs. Guava had done their most impressive work yet on her. She didn't look at all like herself, more like the ladies she used to read about in historical novels. With this kind of appearance, she could easily pass for a member of high society going having tea time in the castle with the minister. Perhaps Cinderella was also feeling this way when she dressed up for that ball in the castle, she thought silently.
Leia glanced at herself in the mirror, appreciating the vintage charm of the white dress with the delicate blue sash. Mabel's compliment brought a subtle smile to her lips, but it was short-lived as Mrs. Guava's eyes betrayed a deeper emotion. As she observed her, Leia caught the hint of tears forming in the elderly widow's eyes.
"That dress looks very good on you, Dear," Mrs. Guava said, her voice soft with a hint of nostalgia. Leia could sense an unfinished thought, a sorrowful memory that lingered in the elderly widow's . Guava turned away, her attempt to conceal the sudden swell of emotion evident. Leia could feel the weight of unspoken pain in the room. It was such a drastic change from the previous cheery atmosphere that it left her stunned for a second.
"Thank you," Mrs. Guava whispered, her voice fragile. "It reminds me of..."
She couldn't bring herself to complete the sentence, leaving Leia in a state of curiosity mixed with concern. The elderly widow quickly excused herself from the room, but not before Leia caught a glimpse of glistening tears that betrayed the deep well of emotions she was grappling with.
Mabel, sensing Leia's confusion, gently touched her shoulder. "It's a sensitive topic, Leia. Mrs. Guava's daughter used to own that dress. She, well…," Mabel paused, chewing her lips, seemingly contemplating how to tell Leia, before continuing.
"Before coming here to Tottoland, Mrs. Guava lived in a beautiful city called Flevance up there in the North Blue – with her daughter, son-in-law, and her two granddaughters aged six and three. But sadly, a tragedy happened that befell her family and well…," Mabel sighed. "They all passed away. Including her daughter. Mrs. Guava relocated to Tottoland and has been living here ever since."
"Oh," Leia's eyes widened in realization. "What should I do then, Mabel? I would feel bad wearing a dress that holds such a memory to her."
"Oh no no," Mabel shook her head, smiling at her friend's concerned face. "I can assure you, Leia, that Mrs. Guava wants you to wear that dress. She wouldn't even have taken it out of the box if she didn't!"
"But…"
"It's okay," Mabel gently squeezed Leia's arm. "Just give her time, I'm sure she will tell you when she is ready."
Leia nodded. She understood Mabel's point. Her heart was still heavy with concern and empathy for Mrs. Guava, however, she didn't have the luxury of time, as it was already 3 PM, and Perospero's delegate was already waiting for her in front of the inn.
"Have fun, Leia! And good luck!" said Mabel, as Leia hurriedly exited the inn to climb inside her carriage – as elegantly as she could. "Are we ready, Miss Leia?" asked the driver to her. Leia gave a short nod as a response, and with that, the driver picked up the rein and clicked his tongue. That was all it took to get the giant seals pulling the candy carriage to move. Leia felt the wheel of the carriage rolled beneath her, and off she went to Perospero's castle – alone this time, without the company of Mabel or Mrs. Guava.
Perospero's castle was – unsurprisingly – made almost entirely out of candies and confectioneries. The castle's walls were a mosaic of different candies seamlessly integrated into a grand architectural design. Gumdrops adorned the edges like vibrant jewels, while candy vines climbed the walls, creating intricate patterns as the rose from the ground. The windows, each meticulously crafted from sugar glass (presumably from the factory that Perospero had shown Leia and the others on their picnic), glistened, producing colors of prismatic hues as the sunlight fell upon them.
And then, leading to the magnificent double doors that was the entrance to the castle – was a grand staircase made out of candy. The carriage stopped just at the bottom of the staircase, and as Leia stepped out, she was surprised to find Perospero waiting for her at the bottom of the grand staircase.
"Miss Leia," Perospero said as he took her hand. His voice smooth and deliberate, reverberating through the air as he delivere his welcome to her, "I am truly delighted that you've honored my invitation. You look absolutely wonderful today. Did you perhaps, by any chance, dress up just for me?" He chuckled, which made Leia's insides squirm uncomfortably, but she still tried her best to force an awkward smile. "Well, Minister Perospero, I thought I should match the grandeur of your castle," she replied with a touch of light humor, trying to deflect from the discomfort she felt. Perospero did look satisfied at her reply, and continued with, "Well then – shall we?" and gestured to the staircase. Still holding Leia's hand in his, he gently led Leia up the stairs, and into his castle.
Perospero then proceeded to guide Leia through the towering double doors of his castle, into the grand entrance hall that gleamed with opulence. They strolled through the expansive corridors, and Perospero brought her to their first stop – the grand ballroom. Leia had only ever seen this in movies and fairy tales, so she was impressed to finally see it in person. And Perospero's ballroom was admittedly handsome. The candy floor, adorned with intricate patterns, sparkled beneath the candy crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The walls, which were made with glistening crystal candies, were adorned with elaborate designs. Perospero proudly explained that this grand ballroom had played host to extravagant balls and ceremonial events, where the elites of Tottoland and allies of Big Mom Pirates alike would gather to celebrate various special occasions.
Next, they entered the library, which reminded Leia of the Beast's library from Beauty and the Beast. Countless books with hard covers lined the shelves stretched from the floor up to the ceiling, with no end in sight. It was indeed quite a magnificent view. Then, he brought Leia outside, toward the greenhouse. Inside, Perospero proudly explained that this greenhouse contained a wide variety of candy flowers. Some were common, while others were rare specimens – and there were even some that were cross-bred by the castle gardeners. Perospero waved his hand to the few homies who were tending to the whimsical flora inside the greenhouse, intending to show Leia a glimpse of the gardeners who had worked hard to keep the flowers thriving.
The tour concluded in the study room, where candy gems from the mines were proudly displayed like precious jewels. Each gem came with a name plate that indicated what they were and when they were mined. Of course, they were extracted from the mine that Perospero had brought Leia and co. to the other day. Perospero then pointed to a gem, remarking that it was his favorite. His favorite gem resembled a crystal that was purple in color and had a peculiar glow to it. Leia admired the candy crystal for a while before Perospero finally said that it was time for tea – and brought her to the tea room. They both sat down for tea, while the homie servants brought them various assortment of snacks consisting of scones, sandwiches, tarts, and cakes.
"Please help yourself, Miss Leia," Perospero indicated with his hand for Leia to start eating. Leia politely took her cup of tea, saying 'neither, thank you' to the servant's offer of lemon or sugar, trying hard to remember the crash course of etiquette that Mrs. Guava and Mabel had drilled into her just this afternoon.
"So, Miss Leia –" Perospero opened the conversation after an initial sip of his tea, putting his cup on the saucer with a clink, the delicate sound echoing across the chamber. "I must say that you have a rather… captivating air of mystery about you, Perorin. I'm intrigued. Tell me more about your origins. Where exactly do you come from, and how did you find your way to Tottoland?"
Here it comes, Leia thought. She had a feeling that this question would come sooner or later – good thing that she had prepared to answer it. Shifting a little uncomfortably in her seat, Leia decided to answer with measured honesty. "I come from an island called San Francisco, Minister. It's a place secluded in the Grand Line, cut off from much of the world."
"San Fransisco…," Perospero repeated, nodding his head at this unfamiliar name with increasing curiosity. Indeed, he hadn't heard about the island, despite knowing much about Grand Line – was it possible that such a secluded island really exist? Perospero, made a mental note to consult his brother Mont-d'Or about this newfound island. The prospect of discovering a new place, after all, held strategic value in Big Mom's expansion plans. Perhaps there was a thing or two that Big Mom Pirates could gain from there.
Leia continued, "As for how I ended up here, it's a bit of a mystery to me too. To be honest… I don't remember much. I was found washed up on the shores of Funwari Island, unconscious… I remembered what happened after, but not before… so, I'm afraid I can't answer the question."
Perospero's interest intensified after hearing this information. He leaned forward in his chair, his eyes focused on Leia. "Unconscious on a beach, you say? Quite intriguing. A mystery indeed, Perorin. And you say you have no recollection of the events leading to your arrival in Tottoland?"
Leia nodded. To be honest, she did remember bits of what happened before, which involved being chased on a beach during a storm… and having a bullet graze her. But she was not going to share that part. Besides, she still didn't know how she got here, so she simply said, "That's correct, Sir."
"Curious," Perospero's lips formed a slightly cunning smile, which Leia fortunately did not see. "Perhaps there's more to your tale than meets the eye. A missing past is a puzzle, and I do have a penchant for solving puzzles, Perorin."
When Leia didn't say anything in return, Perospero, steered the conversation toward lighter topics, this time aiming to unravel the layers of Leia's personality. With a courteous smile, he asked, "Now, Miss Leia, let's move beyond the mysteries and enigmas, Perorin. May I perhaps learn about your interests? What kind of thing brings joy to your days?"
Leia chuckled softly, a modest glimmer in her eyes as she answered Perospero's question. "Oh, Minister Perospero, I'm afraid I'm quite a boring person. There's not much that I do for recreation."
Perospero, with an amused twinkle in his eye, responded, "Ah, nonsense! I refuse to believe that. You strike me as someone with hidden depths. A little bird told me something interesting about you, you know."
Leia, now intrigued and a touch apprehensive, raised her eyebrow at this unexpected response and inquired, "Oh? What did this little bird say?"
"They told me you have a penchant for dancing, Perorin," Perospero leaned back on his chair, a flicker in his eyes. "A rather… enchanting pastime, don't you think?"
Leia, momentarily taken aback that the words of her dancing had reached as far as the minister's ears, blushed slightly. "Well, I... I do enjoy dancing, but it's nothing special, really, Minister. I am not even that good, you see."
Perospero chuckled, enjoying the subtle dance of emotions on Leia's face. "Oh, my dear, the homies were quite insistent that your dancing is far from ordinary. In fact, they spoke rather highly of your skills. You've been keeping your talents well-hidden, it seems." He decided not to tell Leia that he had, in fact, seen her dancing with his own eyes on that special afternoon – a scenery that he wasn't keen on forgetting so soon. "Perhaps you shall like to give me a… demonstration of your skills, Miss Leia?"
This time, Leia's face turned completely into a shade of red while Perospero – who was observing her closely, let out a laughter that echoed through the grand chamber. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he gazed at Leia, who now found herself caught in the spotlight of an unexpected proposal.
"I – I'm not a very good dancer, Minister," she started, flustered as she looked for a way out of this one. Performing? In front of the minister? All of a sudden? She felt horrified. "I'm afraid I must –"
"Oh, my dear Miss Leia, I do believe you're underestimating yourself. The homies are not known to be extravagant with their praises, Perorin. I, for one, am a patron of the arts and would be honored to witness such a renowned dancer in action," Perospero, a playful glint in his eyes, insisted in his own sweet words that Leia carry on with giving him a demonstration.
Leia, feeling the weight of Perospero's expectation, shifted uneasily in her seat. The prospect of dancing for the Minister of Candy, especially after his explicit interest in her skills, sent a chill down her spine. Was this why he had taken such a sudden and peculiar interest in her – a fascination with her impromptu dance in the forest?
A nervous smile played on Leia's lips as she stammered, "Well, Minister Perospero, I... I appreciate the offer, truly. But, you see, I am really not much of a performer, Sir. It was just a little thing I did for myself and."
Perospero, still with a playful smile, leaned back in his chair. "Nonsense, Miss Leia, Nonsense. Art is meant to be shared, Perorin. And besides, it's just a small gathering of two, a private exhibition, if you will. There's no need for formalities."
Leia, feeling there was less and less chance to escape the situation, attempted to deflect with a light chuckle, even though inside she was stiff with dread. Please please please. Someone save me. I do not want to dance in front of him, she thought desperately.
"I must admit, Minister, I didn't expect my dancing to attract such attention," Leia managed to say. She was rather amazed at herself for keeping her composure during this time, even though she felt she was incredibly close to just running out of the room, out of the castle, and back to the safety of her own room.
Perospero, undeterred, grinned. "Ah, but it will be a spectacle, I assure you, Perorin. So, what do you say, Miss Leia? Shall we turn this ordinary tea time into something truly extraordinary?"
"Minister Perospero, Sir!"
That call had come from one of Perospero's crew members as he barged in to the chamber. Perospero turned around to glare at the crew member, not quite able to hide his annoyance that his crew had interrupted a very important moment.
"Can't you see I'm in the middle of something important here?" Perospero scolded the crew member without holding back. What could possibly be so urgent that it couldn't wait?"
The crew member, clearly flustered, stammered out his apology, "I'm sorry, Minister Perospero. There's an urgent call waiting for you. It's from Whole Cake Island."
Perospero's expression shifted from irritation to something of concern. Without further ado, he turned to Leia and, with a regretful tone, said, "Well Miss Leia, it seems that duty calls. I must attend to this matter immediately. Please forgive the interruption."
Leia, feeling a wave of relief washing over her now that she was saved from having to perform in front of the minister, managed a polite smile. "Of course, Minister Perospero. Duty comes first."
Perospero escorted Leia out to the castle's courtyard, where the vibrant colors of the candy flowers and the sweet scent of the air provided a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere inside. "Feel free to explore the gardens, Miss Leia. I shall join you as soon as I can," he said before disappearing back into the castle.
Once he was gone, Leia took her time to look around at her surroundings, and found her curiosity piqued by the tall, giant maze that stood in the center of the garden. It looked pretty enchanting, with its entrance decorated with candy flowers – and tall, green bushes that constituted its walls. Before she knew it, she had wandered into the maze, deeper and deeper – and sure enough, before she realized it, she was lost. She didn't remember which way she came in from – the tall, thick bushes and the candy flowers seemed to close in around her like a cocoon. Frustrated, she tried hard to recall where the entrance was. With quick steps, she turned around a corner, and quite literally – bumped into someone.
Startled, she looked up to find out who it was that she bumped into, and to her surprise, it was William.
"Leia?" William's deep voice carried a mixture of shock and curiosity. Leia, equally surprised, stammered a greeting. "William? What are you doing here?"
Towering before her, William answered, "I'm… just taking a bit of fresh air, after a meeting with my – with Minister Perospero," said William. He almost said 'my brother' but he couldn't let the truth slip out in front of Leia – she still didn't know his real identity, after all. "Now, what are you doing here?" he asked Leia in turn, to which she replied she was invited for a tea with Perospero.
"A tea? With the minister?" Katakuri, or William, frowned upon hearing it. He was both quite confused and skeptical at his brother's motives. Needless to say – Katakuri knew what kind of man his brother was, and he never just invite random girls to his castle for tea, unless there was something he wanted out of them. Besides – how did Leia even know his brother? And how come his haki did not warn him about his encounter with Leia?
There were a million questions in his head that for a few moments he just stood there, staring at Leia. It was pretty intimidating to be honest, considering the height gap between them. After a brief moment passed however, William started to notice things that he missed during their initial encounter – like how beautiful she looked today, with the flowing white dress and her elegantly styled hair styled. Somehow, this raised even more questions for him – did she dress that nicely because her brother had invited her for tea?
"I'm here to see Minister Perospero on behalf of my captain," said William. This intrigued Leia, who then asked William who his captain was. After a moment of quick thinking, William replied with the first name that came up in his head – his own name, Katakuri.
Leia's reaction after she heard the name however, was unlike what he had anticipated.
"Katakuri?" Leia replied cynically. Her tone bore such resentment toward Katakuri that William had to raise his eyebrows, slightly. Did this girl have something against him? he had to wonder. After all, he was used to his name being uttered with nothing but admiration by his subjects, or fear by his enemies. But none had said it with quite a loathing that Leia displayed, that it made him curious.
"Yes," he replied, offering his hand to Leia and gesturing at her to take it – he would guide her out of the maze. "I am second in command of Katakuri… and my captain has sent me here to discuss with the Minister of Candy regarding the current… problems unfolding in Tottoland."
"I see," Leia replied curtly, again displaying resentment to Katakuri's name. She couldn't help but think how lazy this 'Katakuri' was, ordering people around to do things for him – how typical for someone so pompous as him! After a bit of contemplation, she decided to share her mind with William, "How lazy of him to send you to do errands for him! I thought a captain would be able to take care of their own businesses," Leia sulked slightly. William discreetly smiled as he replied.
"Ah – but I don't mind doing errands for my captain. I was just following orders, after all." It was quite amusing to see Leia directing his annoyance of Katakuri to a certain 'William' – while in fact they were both the same person. Katakuri started to think that being undercover was rather enjoyable – as he was able to hear people's honest opinions about himself. Leia responded to William's words with an annoyed huff. William decided not to probe anything further. For a while, they walked silently, her hand still in his as he led her gently toward the exit of the maze – until he decided to ask her again.
"So… how did you come to know Per – I mean… the Minister of Candy?" William asked. Leia contemplated for a bit, then decided to update him on everything that happened in the past two weeks – from their first encounter with the minister after Leia and her friends went back from the market, to the picnic, and finally to the tea invitation that she received yesterday. She decided not to share the bits about the uncomfortable feeling that always lingered whenever she was around the minister, though.
"Did he say why he wanted to invite you to tea this afternoon?" Katakuri, who had been listening in silence, decided to probe further upon hearing Leia's story. Leia gave a light shrug. "No idea… perhaps because I am a newcomer here? I believe he just simply wants to make me feel welcome… a cordial gesture, so to say."
"Perhaps," William muttered, but once again he was left wondering what his brother's motives really were. For all the time that Katakuri had known him, the Charlotte first-born was never known for his generosity. Katakuri made a mental note to make sure later with Perospero. As they continued walking through the maze, William glanced at his gold pocket watch.
"I must leave soon," he announced. "I need to report back to my captain at Komugi Island."
"Oh," Leia responded, rather disappointed that he had to leave so soon. She looked down at her feet and muttered lifelessly, "I see."
William looked up from his pocket watch to stare at her, it was quite evident that she was feeling dejected. He thought for a while for a way to lift up her mood, and finally said, "As for your picnic offer – does it still stand? I might have time some time… next week."
"Oh!" Leia looked up at him, the disappointment that was etched on her face had been replaced by genuine enthusiasm, she was almost practically gleaming as she spoke, "For real? Then – are you going to visit me at Funwari Island?"
Katakuri looked down to see her smiling joyously, and almost had to suppress a smile himself. "Yes. I will visit you at Funwari Island."
As they approached the exit of the maze, Leia finally gathered the courage to tell William that she had been meaning, for a few times these past two weeks, to call him. However, she always decided against it because she didn't want to disturb him.
"I mean – with all the curfew and everything that's been going on in Tottoland…I just thought you might be busy, and… I really didn't want to disturb you," she admitted shyly. "But, I… well, I just want you to know that…," she paused, for a moment wondering if it was the right thing to say. But then, realizing that it might be a while before she saw him again, she decided to embrace the moment and told him.
"I was… I have been… worried about you."
"Worried?" William asked, sounding puzzled. "About me?" Needless to say, no one had ever been worried before. If anything, they were often more worried about the fate of the enemies that had to face Katakuri.
So obviously, hearing that someone was worried about him was the first time for him.
"I know, it sounds silly," said Leia quickly. "I mean – you are tall and big and I know you are more than capable to protect yourself, but I just –"
"Not at all," said William quickly, seeing just how flustered Leia was. He noted that she immediately looked relived. "I'm glad you worried about me. Thank you, Leia." There was warmth in his voice that she hadn't heard before. She looked up at him, curious at his change in tone. The moment she did, William felt something stirring in his chest – an unfamiliar sensation that he was not yet accustomed to, was sweeping him for the first time. However, he quickly dismissed it, attributing it to the overly sweet scent of the candy flowers around him.
"We are here," he said, as they finally reached the exit.
"Right," said Leia. "So… guessing this is farewell then."
"I will see you next week," he replied, rather gently. "And you don't have to worry about disturbing me, Leia. You can call me whenever you want – I will try to get back to you when I can."
"Oh," Leia glowed, looking at him appreciatively. "Thank you! I will do that."
"Likewise, Leia," William took Leia's small hand inside his big hand gently and looked at her for a few moments to bid his farewell. For that short moment, neither of them spoke – they were simply looking at each other. Then, William turned on his heels and exited the maze, leaving Leia alone in the garden. Still enchanted by their sudden meeting, Leia remained stationary in her place for a few moments, before realizing that Perospero was probably looking for her. Hurriedly, she made for the entrance toward the garden, and sure enough – she found Perospero waiting for her there.
"You look like you've had a splendid time, Miss Leia," Perospero remarked as he saw her emerging from the maze, blushing and looking in a very good mood. "Have you taken a liking to my intricate maze, Perorin? Rather magnificent, isn't it? The gardeners spent days and months working for it – and it needs careful maintenance too."
"Oh yes, I've had a wonderful time, Minister," Leia replied, though she decided to keep the details a secret. Perospero could keep thinking that it was due to her admiration for the maze as of now. Unbeknownst to her, Perospero had spotted her walking inside the maze with another figure – though he wasn't aware that the other figure was his brother, Katakuri – whom he thought had already left for Komugi Island. He secretly wondered who it was that accompanied her, though he decided not to ask her that question now.
"Well then," he said, "It's getting rather late – shall I drop you back at the inn?" Leia accepted his offer most enthusiastically. They did not say much on the way back, until they finally arrived at the inn. Just before Leia got out of the carriage, she decided to thank him out of courtesy.
"Thank you for the invitation, Minister," she said. "I had a splendid time today." It was attributed almost solely to her coincidental meeting with a certain William in the maze, but of course Perospero need not know that. Perospero, on the other hand, thought that Leia's 'splendid time' was attributed to him – which stoked his ego tremendously.
"Likewise, Miss Leia," he said, touching he edge of his hat rather gracefully. "You shall be welcome anytime here at Candy Island, Perorin."
With that, Leia exited the carriage and went inside the inn – where Mabel and Mrs. Guava were already enthusiastically waiting for her to share the details of her tea time with the minister.
Meanwhile, back at the castle, Perospero's hurried strides echoed in the corridors as he made his way to a secluded meeting room. Two mysterious figures, draped in black hooded cloaks, had awaited him inside.
"Master Perospero," one of them spoke, their voice masked by the hood. "You summoned us."
Perospero nodded, his eyes gleaming with a sense of hunger and intrigue. "I have a task for you. This newcomer named Leia…. I have a feeling she's letting on less than what she knows. She seems to have many secrest she's not telling me. I want to uncover everything there is to know about her. Follow her, spy on her, and report back to me. Understand?"
The cloaked figures nodded in unison, their faces hidden in the shadows.
"Bring me every detail. I want to know her past, her connections, where she came from… everything," Perospero commanded, a wicked grin playing on his lips.
Once the orders were given, the hooded figures vanished into the shadows, leaving Perospero alone with his thoughts about Leia. Ever since that day when he saw her dancing alone in the woods, this certain girl had sparked a new fascination within him. And the fact that she was surrounded by mystery made it even better for him. He loved enigmas, puzzles. The fact that it was challenging to know her made everything even more interesting. Perospero licked his lips hungrily. The desire to make Leia his candy girl, his personal dancing diva burned brighter, fueled by the many layers of mystery that surrounded her.