Chapter 46: The Masquerade
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Emi had returned to the inn where she had been staying for a month already. Her room, though small, was comfortable and offered a breathtaking view of the snowy mountains. She stood in front of the wardrobe mirror, observing her reflection. She sighed, ready to wrap up this mission that had dragged on far too long for her liking.
She opened the wardrobe and took out a long black silk dress, slit along the side. The dress was elegant, fitted at the waist, and flowed beautifully. She slipped it on, savoring the feel of the fabric against her skin. She pinned her hair up in an elegant bun, letting a few strands escape to frame her face. Sharp metal clips were carefully hidden within her hairstyle. Then, she took a few mini bombs, placing them in a small pouch she had hidden and secured under her thigh. On her other thigh, she attached a slightly longer pouch containing fake gemstones, ready to swap them with the real ones set to be displayed at the event.
Taking a deep breath, she mentally prepared for what lay ahead that evening. With a final glance in the mirror, she put on her mask, an elegant navy-blue one covering only the upper part of her face. She then headed toward the door, ready to join Law and Bepo.
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Meanwhile, Law was in his cabin, calmly rummaging through his closet for something suitable to wear to the event. Though still slightly annoyed at how slyly Emi had managed to convince him to attend, he pushed the thought aside, focusing on his outfit.
His gaze fell on a black shirt, which he pulled out with a resigned sigh. He paired it with black trousers, made of a soft yet elegant fabric. He slipped the pants on without much attention, adjusting the waist and letting the belt hang just low enough to sit comfortably on his hips.
He then let his hoodie slide off his shoulders, slowly revealing the intricate tattoos winding along his arms and across his sculpted chest. The dark, precise tribal patterns seemed to almost come alive against his tan skin. Taking his time, he stretched his arms in front of him, pausing for a moment to observe the elaborate lines before picking up the black shirt and buttoning it all the way to the collar.
He rolled the sleeves up slightly, showing just enough of his tattooed forearms to keep that enigmatic edge that was so much a part of him. But as he leaned closer to the mirror, he frowned, unsatisfied. Tonight, discretion was key. He hesitated briefly before smoothing his sleeves back down to his wrists, carefully covering every inch of ink.
With a fluid motion, he ran a hand through his black hair, tousling it slightly before pushing it back. A rebellious strand immediately fell onto his forehead, but he ignored it, sharply adjusting the collar of his shirt.
He left his cabin, his footsteps silent on the metallic floor, and headed toward the meeting place. At his side, Bepo walked with a slightly awkward gait, trying to get used to the black bow tie that seemed just a bit too tight for his taste.
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Emi stood outside the inn, arms crossed to shield herself from the biting cold of the winter island. The night had intensified the chill, and she rubbed her arms instinctively, trying to keep warm. Her gaze drifted to the main street, where she finally saw Law and Bepo approaching.
Her eyes froze on Law for a moment, unable to look away. The way his black shirt fit his frame irresistibly drew her attention. Every movement seemed to highlight the quiet strength radiating from him. Without his usual hat, his slightly tousled black hair gave him a magnetic, almost… attractive look?
Shaking her head slightly, Emi pushed away those thoughts. This was neither the time nor place to get distracted by such trivial details. She forced herself to focus on Bepo, who was a welcome distraction. The large polar bear sported a black bow tie, adorably contrasting his imposing size. Seeing him so excited about meeting female bears made her smile.
"Bepo, you look really cute with that bow tie," she said, laughing softly.
Bepo blushed instantly, his ears perking up slightly from the compliment. "Thank you, Emi," he replied, clearly delighted.
Emi gave him a warm smile before pulling two masks from her pocket, one for Law and one for Bepo. "Remember, it's a masked party. You both need to wear these."
Without a word, Law took the mask she handed him and adjusted it carefully on his face. The simple but elegant black mask concealed just enough of his features to keep him anonymous, while letting his piercing gray eyes shine in the darkness. He adjusted the straps with a precise gesture, his expression remaining impassive.
Bepo, meanwhile, fumbled a bit as he tried to fit his own mask, but after a few awkward attempts, he finally managed to secure it properly.
"Ready?" Emi asked, turning to the two pirates.
"Yes!" Bepo replied, brimming with enthusiasm.
Law and Emi exchanged a knowing glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, with a natural gesture, they set off together, heading towards the private gathering, ready to accomplish the mission awaiting them.
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"Seriously, why does Bepo always get all the perks?" Sachi grumbled, crossing his arms. "He even got invited to a party with female polar bears, damn it!"
Penguin nodded, looking equally annoyed. "Yeah, what about us? We'd love to flirt with some lovely ladies in evening gowns. It's just not fair."
Hakugan let out a theatrical sigh. "And think about all the food… Whole banquets, and we're stuck here. So not fair."
Clion and Uni exchanged amused glances before Clion shrugged and replied, "You guys knew we couldn't all go. It's a super exclusive party."
Sachi clenched his fists dramatically. "We could've snuck in! You know we're good at that. A little disguise, and bam, we'd blend right into the crowd."
"Oh, totally!" Penguin added with a dreamy smile. "The ladies would've been captivated by our irresistible charm."
Hakugan burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the small room. "Captivated? Have you seen how they run when you try to flirt?"
Penguin pretended to be offended, throwing an accusatory look at Hakugan. "Hey, what are you implying? I have natural charm, ya know."
Up until now, Uni had been silent, but he raised his hands to calm the group down. "Stop whining! We'll have other chances. And if you're that eager to enjoy some gowns, I'm sure Ikkaku can lend you a few."
Ikkaku laughed at the thought. "Oh, you'd look fabulous in a dress, that's for sure."
Hakugan joined her laughter, picturing the scene. "Yeah, and maybe a bit of makeup too? You'd help us out, right, Ikkaku?"
Hands raised in mock surrender, Ikkaku shook her head, still laughing. "Sorry, guys, I'm keeping my makeup skills to myself."
The group burst into laughter, the atmosphere light and relaxed. Despite their complaints, the crew members knew that their time to shine would come soon enough.
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Emi, Bepo, and Law walked together toward the grand castle where the evening's event was being held. The majestic structure loomed before them, illuminated by shimmering lights that outlined its shape against the winter night. The main entrance, adorned with marble columns and gilded details, was bustling with nobles and prestigious guests, all dressed in their finest attire and elegant masks.
Emi approached the guards stationed at the entrance, holding out an invitation.
The guard examined the letter carefully, then looked at Bepo with some suspicion. "This polar bear is with you?"
Emi nodded confidently. "Yes, he's accompanying us."
After a moment of hesitation, the guard nodded. "Very well." However, spotting Law's large nodachi, he frowned. "I can't allow anyone to enter with such a weapon."
Law approached calmly. In a deep and assured voice, he replied, "I assure you, the weapon will remain under control."
The guard stayed firm, shaking his head. "No guests can enter armed. I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave it outside."
Law sighed slightly, though his posture remained unshaken. Slowly, he lowered his mask, revealing his face. The guard recognized him immediately, a bead of sweat appearing on his forehead.
"I have no intention of causing unnecessary trouble here," Law said, his piercing eyes focused on the guard.
Recognizing the captain, the guard stiffened and stammered, "M-My apologies, Sir Trafalgar. B-But..."
Law sighed, handing his nodachi to Bepo as a compromise, who took it carefully. The guard, visibly unsettled but no longer daring to object, stepped aside to let them pass.
Inside, the castle was even more impressive. The entrance hall opened into a grand ballroom with towering ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes. Crystal chandeliers hung above, casting a soft golden light across the room. The walls were decorated with rich tapestries and old paintings. In one corner of the hall, a small orchestra played on a stage, their music adding an elegant touch to the atmosphere.
Tables draped in white linens lined the walls, laden with refined delicacies and exquisite drinks. Guests, dressed in their finest gowns and suits, chatted and laughed, their masks adding a touch of mystery to the event.
Emi felt a palpable tension in the air, as if the castle itself were steeped in dark intentions and shady dealings, with each guest hiding their true intentions behind feigned smiles and masked glances.
Bepo, on the other hand, couldn't contain his excitement upon spotting two female polar bears with their mistresses, gracefully strolling through the hall. Emi smiled at the bear's enthusiasm. Looks like he was going to have a good evening.
She adjusted her mask while scanning the crowd. Every movement was calculated, every glance observed. She was here on a mission, and though these kinds of gatherings weren't her specialty, she knew how to adapt. Law had slipped away for one reason or another, and she used the chance to do what she did best: observe, analyze, and stay on her guard.
Then, she finally spotted her target.
The nobleman in question was hard to miss, even among the masked guests. He stood out with a certain pretense and an arrogance that bordered on conceit. His medium-length hair, neatly slicked back, shone under the chandeliers, and a thin mustache highlighted his pinched lips. He appeared young, perhaps in his thirties, but already showed signs of the smugness found in those who think themselves above others. He wore a black loup mask adorned with golden details, adding to his theatrical air.
Emi recognized him immediately from the descriptions she'd gathered during her research on this gemstone smuggling network. This noble wasn't just involved—he was at the heart of it, operating with such impunity that her anger was already rising. She despised corrupt nobles like him, those who used their status to exploit others.
To her great reluctance, she saw him heading toward her, weaving through the crowd with that calculated nonchalance typical of those convinced everything belongs to them. Emi frowned slightly. She had hoped he'd be accompanied by Cipher Pol agents, whom she suspected were his shadowy protectors. But they weren't yet visible. That didn't mean they weren't there, just that they could be hidden, watching from a secure room somewhere in the castle.
If those agents were nearby, she'd have a hard time seeing this mission through. The thought made her uneasy, but she knew she had to stay focused. She'd find a way.
The nobleman finally reached her, his almost repulsive smile stretched across his face. He looked her up and down, and Emi had to fight to keep her contempt from showing. Now was not the time to reveal her true feelings.
"Ah, the famous mysterious dancer," he said in a tone meant to be charming but only accentuated his arrogance. "You have an extraordinary talent, mademoiselle. Even behind that mask, your grace does not go unnoticed."
Emi discreetly inhaled, trying to channel her frustration. She knew she had to play the game. If she wanted any chance of trapping him, she had to keep feigning interest, even as each word he spoke disgusted her more.
"You flatter me, sir," she replied with a slight tilt of her head, her voice calm and controlled. "But I'd rather we talk about my art than my appearance."
The nobleman seemed undeterred by her reserved response. On the contrary, he appeared amused, almost excited by what he likely saw as a challenge. "And what an art it is! You should consider granting me the honor of a private performance at one of my upcoming gatherings. I'm sure my guests would appreciate your talents to their full extent."
Emi wanted to snap back, to make it clear she had no intention of dancing for a man like him. But she knew that every word had to be measured. She couldn't raise any suspicions. So she smiled softly beneath her mask, concealing her irritation.
"It would be an honor, of course," she replied, perfectly playing her role. "Just send me the invitation, and I'll be there."
If I'm still around, she added silently. But she knew that by then, she would have already exposed this man and his network, likely putting an end to his trafficking. Patience wasn't her strong suit, but she had to hold out a bit longer.
The noble looked at her with satisfaction, surely thinking he'd won her interest. "Perfect. I can't wait to see you in the full light, not hidden in the shadows of these masks." He winked, accentuating his smile, as if expecting a favor in return.
Emi forced another smile, silently cursing herself for enduring this conversation. If only you knew how much you piss me off… But she couldn't afford to give in to her emotions. She watched him walk away, his back straight, convinced he had charmed the mysterious dancer.
Emi took a deep breath to refocus, now searching for the display room of the gemstones. But her eyes fell on Law, whom she thought she'd lost sight of a few minutes earlier. He was being approached by two women just a few steps away. One of them, tall, brunette, and elegant, had moved closer to him with a supposedly irresistible smile. The other, a redhead with sleek hair, watched with a knowing look behind her black mask.
Emi frowned slightly, feigning indifference, but her eyes couldn't help drifting toward the scene. The brunette was speaking softly to Law, her quiet laugh punctuating her words, as she delicately placed her hand on his forearm. Emi looked away, trying to focus on something else. This isn't my business, she told herself, a hint of irritation rising within her for reasons she couldn't quite understand.
She didn't need to see more to guess the woman's intentions. And yet, Law, impassive, remained cold and distant. His responses were brief, almost uninterested, though Emi could only catch fragments of them. All she saw was this woman trying to capture his attention, and Law who… Wasn't stopping her?
She pressed her lips together, deciding it wasn't her concern. After all, Law could do as he pleased, and she had a mission to complete. Focus, Emi.
Moments later, Law stepped away from the two women and walked back toward her at a calm pace.
Seeing him approaching, Emi couldn't resist pointing out, 'I see you're having fun,' she said, her tone sharper than intended, without even turning her head toward him.
He raised an eyebrow, visibly amused. "Aren't you, Emi?"
She rolled her eyes, finally meeting his gaze behind her mask. "I feel like I'm surrounded by vultures here." She cast a quick glance at the two women laughing again in a corner. "And I'm not just talking about them."
"Relax," he replied, stepping a bit closer, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "They weren't my type."
Emi's heart gave a slight jolt. She felt suddenly intrigued, almost against her will. His type? What type? The question burned on her lips, but she held back. Why did it interest her so much, anyway? It was ridiculous. She wasn't here for this kind of conversation. Yet, the thought stuck in her mind, like a grain of sand refusing to disappear. What kind of woman would attract Law?
She cast a quick glance at the brunette who'd just tried to seduce him—tall, slender, with a perfect figure accentuated by a shimmering dress… everything that could, on the surface, appeal to any man. Emi crossed her arms, resisting the urge to ask directly what he meant by that. But she couldn't stop herself from responding in a light, feignedly indifferent tone.
"She did have a dream physique. I think many would say she's exactly the type to turn heads."
Law remained unusually calm, his gaze as sharp as ever behind his mask. "I prefer simplicity."
Emi blinked, slightly taken aback. Simplicity? She quickly turned her head toward him, searching for something in his words that might shed light on her thoughts. But he offered no obvious clue, just that enigmatic tranquility that always seemed to hover around him.
"I need a drink," she finally said, changing the subject to avoid getting lost in these reflections.
She headed to the bar and grabbed a glass of champagne, savoring the bubbly freshness of the drink.
Law, always alert, was scanning the surroundings with caution. "Emi-ya, stay focused. You have a goal here."
Emi rolled her eyes at his authority. "And you're the one saying that? I never lose sight of my goals, Law."
In a corner, a group of musicians played a classical melody, their instruments adding a touch of elegance to the scene. The sound of the violin, combined with the piano, filled the space with an almost hypnotic softness. Emi let her gaze linger on them for a moment, savoring this brief musical interlude despite herself.
But her attention was soon drawn to a different scene: a bit farther off, near the buffet, she spotted Bepo, visibly unable to resist the culinary temptations, indulging with surprising abandon. He was trying his best to stay discreet, but his actions betrayed an almost childlike delight. He grabbed pastries, slices of cheese, and anything within reach, his mask slipping halfway off as he ate. Emi stifled a smile. Bepo, always Bepo—endearing as ever.
As she shifted her focus back to the rest of the room, the music suddenly changed tempo. The gentle melody was replaced by something more lively—a quick, vibrant waltz. A few couples began to gather in the center of the room, joining the dance with grace and elegance. A bold idea crossed her mind. She finished the rest of her champagne in one sip and turned to Law.
"Come on," she said, making a decision. "Let's dance."
Law narrowed his eyes, clearly not thrilled by the idea. "I don't think this is the time for that."
Emi stepped closer, looking him straight in the eye, a spark of challenge in her gaze. "What? Are you afraid of being a bad dancer? I thought nothing scared you, Trafalgar."
He grumbled, visibly annoyed by the jab but keeping his cool. "I just prefer to avoid unnecessary attention."
"Maybe that explains why you're always so... rigid," she retorted, not breaking eye contact.
Law frowned, he didn't like being challenged, much less underestimated. His expression hardened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp.
"Fine," he finally said with a hint of exasperation.
He extended his hand to Emi. She smiled, pleased to have pushed him to accept. She placed her hand gently in his, feeling Law's firm, precise grip, as if he approached this dance like any mission.
They moved onto the dance floor, drawing a few curious glances. Emi rested her hand on Law's shoulder while he slid his around her waist, pulling her closer, his fingers lightly grazing the small of her back.
To Emi's great surprise, Law was remarkably skilled. His movements were smooth, his steps assured. He guided her with a natural ease, as if he had danced often.
"Not bad, Captain," she murmured, teasing him lightly. "Who would've thought you could dance this well?"
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Emi-ya," he replied with a hint of a smile.
The closeness between them became increasingly tangible. Emi felt the warmth of Law against her, his hand firm yet gentle on her waist. She started to blush, hoping her mask would hide her embarrassment.
"I didn't expect any less from you, either," Law murmured in her ear.
"Thank you," she whispered, trying to stay calm despite the warmth rising to her cheeks.
Then a familiar scent caught Law's attention. That orange fragrance. Subtle yet captivating. The one that had distracted him more than once, that had disrupted his logic. The very same scent he had smelled so many times but never truly forgotten. He straightened slightly, regaining his focus. This was no time to lose himself in such complex thoughts.
They continued dancing, their movements perfectly in sync. The tension between them was electric, each movement, each glance intensifying the closeness. Emi felt her heartbeat quicken, her breath growing faster as they turned together on the floor.
As they danced and spun together, Emi momentarily got lost in Law's eyes. She felt a connection—a silent understanding between them. Despite the masks, despite the mysteries and secrets, there was a raw honesty in this dance, something deeply true.
As the music reached its final note, Law spun her gracefully, holding her firmly by the thigh, his fingers grazing her skin through the thin fabric of her dress. The gesture was both controlled and suggestive. Emi instinctively arched, letting her head fall back, her breath quickening. Law supported her with one firm hand on her back, his other hand moving slightly higher on her thigh, brushing against the strap holding her small pouch.
"Looks like you came prepared," he murmured softly, his eyes glinting with an amused, intrigued light.
An intense shiver ran through Emi, making her straighten up quickly to face him, her cheeks deeply flushed. But she quickly regained her composure before saying, "I believe I've told you before," she said softly, a smile on her lips. "Don't underestimate me."
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Thank you for reading this chapter !
I've always wanted to write a masquerade scene for my story, so here you go :D
Lilly, Thank you so so much ! Your comments always make my day, and I'm so happy you're still enjoying the story! It means a lot to me !