One Piece: I am the Empress, and the more sycophants I have, the stronger I become.

As Hancock watched Ace transform into flames and depart, a thought stirred within her.

Simply engaging in friendly sparring can only leave an impression of skill; to sow deeper seeds, perhaps some more everyday interactions are needed.

Her clear, cool voice rang out again, like pearls falling onto a plate, breaking the lingering energy ripples in the rocky area:

"Fire Fist Ace".

Ace paused, the flames around him subsided, and he turned back with some confusion.

Hancock's face still held that perfectly balanced expression, somewhere between arrogance and languor, as if it were just a casual remark.

"It's still early, and there's no rush in our journey. My ship has some fine wine from Kuja; would you be interested in joining me for a drink?"

Invitation... for a drink?

Ace was clearly taken aback for a moment, and subconsciously scratched his black curly hair, his face showing a complex expression of hesitation and a hint of being flattered.

He glanced at the Empress's stunningly beautiful face, a face that could make any man's heart race, and then recalled her fierce and powerful skills during their earlier sparring session.

I feel that this "world's most beautiful woman" is not quite the aloof and cold image I imagined?

Inviting me for a drink? What exactly does this Empress want?

Ace muttered to himself, that subtle feeling of being treated specially resurfacing.

Unlike the previous wariness, this time there seemed to be a hint of... inexplicable smugness?

After all, being invited by such a powerful and beautiful person is an experience that not everyone can have.

[Ding! Target Portgas D. Ace is flattered and curious about the host's unexpected invitation, increasing his impression of the host and his infatuation value by +3! Current infatuation value: 14/100!]

Although Ace felt a little strange, he was naturally outgoing and not good at refusing others.

In addition, there's that hidden vanity of men at play.

I was invited by the world's most beautiful woman!

He quickly put his doubts aside, and a bright, sunny smile returned to his face:

"Haha! It's an honor to be invited by Her Majesty the Empress! Then... I'll gladly accept!"

He agreed readily, and had already begun to imagine himself back on the Moby Dick, bragging to Marco and Izo.

"Hey! Did you guys know? That 'Pirate Empress' Boa Hancock personally invited me for drinks!"

Just thinking about that scene is exciting!

Of course, the thought only flashed through my mind.

The pressure of hunting down Teach soon loomed over him like a shadow, dampening his excitement somewhat.

Hancock took in the changes in his expression and understood.

She invited Ace, of course, not just for drinking and merrymaking.

This is an excellent opportunity to build rapport, extract information, and even... lay the groundwork for future developments.

She led Ace onto the magnificent perfume-themed cruise ship of Kuja and seated him in a well-appointed and elegant spot on the deck.

The maid immediately presented exquisite wine vessels and a bottle of Jiu She specialty wine that exuded a unique fruity aroma and had a mellow color.

Ace didn't stand on ceremony, thanked him, picked up his glass, took a sip, and his eyes lit up.

"Mmm! Good wine!"

He exclaimed, seemingly much more relaxed.

Hancock gently swirled the wine in her glass, but did not drink it immediately.

She looked at Ace, a glint of insight flashing in her beautiful eyes.

As if speaking casually, he posed a carefully prepared topic:

"I know you're hunting down a traitor, Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach, right?"

Ace's hand holding the wine glass stiffened slightly, his smile faded, and his eyes sharpened.

"Her Majesty the Empress is very well-informed."

Hancock remained noncommittal, continuing in her calm yet enchanting voice.

"I also know... that you have a younger brother."

Ace's pupils suddenly contracted.

He suddenly raised his head and stared intently at Hancock.

The previous relaxation and comfort vanished instantly, replaced by intense focus and a subtle excitement.

News about Luffy was clearly more exciting for him than fine wine, or even the invitation from the Empress herself.

"You...you know Luffy?! Where is he? How is he?!"

Ace's voice carried a hint of urgency, and his body unconsciously leaned forward slightly.

His concern for this sworn brother far surpassed everything else.

Hancock, seeing Ace's reaction was far more intense than any she had ever shown before, thought to herself, "Just as I expected."

She smiled slightly, like a hunter who had everything under control, and began to slowly pull in her net.

"Monkey D. Luffy... that rubber boy with the straw hat who keeps saying he wants to become the Pirate King, I saw him in the East Blue not long ago."

She paused deliberately, enjoying Ace's expression as if he was afraid of missing a single word, before continuing.

"He's doing well, full of energy, and has just gathered a group of great companions. They're heading towards the Grand Line. Judging by the time, perhaps... they'll be entering the Grand Line soon."

The information she revealed was just right, satisfying Ace's concerns while also piquing his curiosity.

Ace let out a long sigh of relief, a genuine and warm smile appearing on his face.

"That Luffy kid... he's already set sail! And he wants to be the Pirate King? Haha, typical Luffy!"

Upon learning that his younger brother was safe and sound and had embarked on his dream journey, a huge weight seemed to have been lifted from his heart.

The gaze directed at the Empress now held a greater degree of genuine gratitude.

[Ding! Target 'Portgas D. Ace' has developed a strong sense of gratitude and trust due to the valuable information provided by the host regarding his younger brother Luffy, resulting in a significant increase in favorability! Infatuation value +5! Current infatuation value: 19/100!]

Hancock felt satisfied as the energy flowed in, which had become noticeably thicker.

It seems that targeting Ace's "brother complex" attribute has been extremely effective.

"As for Blackbeard Teach..."

Hancock abruptly changed the subject, steering the conversation back to Ace's most pressing goal.

"I also have some information here that might interest you... such as his true purpose in infiltrating your father's... Whitebeard ship..."

Her words acted as bait, successfully drawing Ace's attention back into intense focus, to the point that he even held his breath slightly.

What appeared to be a relaxed drinking and casual conversation had actually turned into a battle of information and scheming.

Hancock's plan is unfolding step by step.