Uchiha Puppet Master, Starting from One Piece.

Connor's mouth was full of sweet cake. His little head tilted back and forth. He looked at Violet, whose fingers were clenched tightly in tension, and then at Bai Yu, who had a calm expression. His big eyes were full of curiosity, but he was sensible enough not to make a sound to disturb her.

Amidst the gentle, playful, and encouraging gazes of the crowd, Bai Yu slowly stood up.

His dark robes swept lightly across the ground, his posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his temperament was as calm as an abyss.

"Since the princess has extended such a warm invitation, let's go."

The simple sentence, like heavenly music, instantly struck Violet's heart.

She suddenly raised her head, her eyes shining as if filled with starlight, a mixture of surprise and shyness on her fair cheeks, giving rise to a captivating blush.

She quickly curtsied slightly, her voice as soft as a feather: "Thank you... thank you, Lord Baiyu."

After speaking, she carefully walked to Bai Yu's side, not daring to get too close, yet unable to resist wanting to get closer, her steps as light as if she were walking on clouds.

The two walked out of the main hall side by side, their shadows lengthened by the warm yellow light, leaving behind a room full of meaningful gazes and soft chuckles.

The palace gardens were far more beautiful than Violet had described.

The night was as dark as ink, with countless stars gently casting their soft glow, and the moonlight, like water, flowing over layers of roses and violets.

The air was filled with the rich fragrance of flowers, mixed with the freshness of grass and night dew. A gentle evening breeze brought a slight coolness, dispelling the tipsiness of the banquet and stirring the emotions that the young girl could not hide.

Underfoot is a path paved with white pebbles, with delicate stone lanterns standing on both sides, casting a warm, hazy light that makes the garden look like a dream.

The fountain flows quietly, water droplets falling into the pool, making a crisp and melodious sound, like the gentlest nocturne.

Violet walked beside Bai Yu, her hands nervously clasped in front of her, occasionally stealing glances at the man beside her who had captivated her at first sight.

Moonlight fell on his sharply defined profile, his deep eyes calm and undisturbed. She knew very well that within his body lay a power capable of shaking the world.

Bai Yu didn't speak, he just walked quietly, but just walking side by side like this made Violet's heart race uncontrollably, almost jumping out of her chest.

Violet took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady and gentle, and began to tell the story of the country where she had grown up.

"These roses are the most famous variety in Dressrosa, and their fragrance is strongest at dusk..."

"The cherry blossom trees here were brought from afar a long time ago. In spring, they shower down pink petals, as beautiful as snow..."

"When I was little, I often sneaked here, hid in the flower bushes, listened to the songs on the street, and watched the sunset in the distance..."

She talked about everything from the palace gardens to the bustling town; from childhood anecdotes to her dreams for the future. She didn't talk about any earth-shattering events, but simply rambled on about those ordinary yet heartwarming little things, as if she wanted to show him everything about herself from childhood to adulthood.

She told him that she didn't like the constraints of the palace; no, she longed for freedom, for sincerity, and for a safe and warm companionship.

She told him that before meeting him, she never knew that a person could be so powerful that the world could be in awe of them, and so gentle that people could feel at ease with them.

We walked and talked along the way.

Her voice was soft and melodious, with a sweet, youthful quality that gently echoed in the quiet garden.

Bai Yu listened quietly the whole time, without interrupting or urging anyone.

Occasionally, he would respond with a faint sound or a slight nod, but even such a simple response filled Violet with joy, making her more daring to speak her mind.

Unbeknownst to them, the two had reached the observation deck at the highest point of the garden.

Standing here, you can overlook the entire capital city at night.

The lights twinkled like stars scattered across the earth, and cheerful music could be faintly heard from the streets in the distance. The gentleness of this land of love and passion was fully displayed in the night.

Violet gazed at the myriad lights below, then turned her head to look intently at Bai Yu beside her.

The moonlight shone on her, her pale purple dress like a blooming violet, her skin as white as snow, her eyes clear as water, filled with undisguised admiration and courage.

She took a deep breath, as if using all her strength, turned around, looked up at him, her voice trembling slightly, yet unusually firm.

"Lord Baiyu... I... I have something I want to say to you."

Bai Yu stopped and looked down at her. His deep gaze fell on her flushed cheeks, calm and undisturbed, yet seemingly able to see through all the turmoil in her heart.

"I like you."

Four words, spoken softly and gently, yet carrying the courage of a do-or-die spirit, rang out clearly on the silent observation deck.

Violet's eyes welled up slightly, and her cheeks burned, but she stubbornly refused to look away, staring at him intently, revealing all her feelings.

“I know, I’m just an ordinary girl. I don’t have great power, nor do I have any extraordinary status. I’m just an ordinary princess of Dressrosa…”

"But from the first moment I saw you, I couldn't control my heart."

"I admire your strength, your composure, your gentleness towards those around you, and the way you make people feel incredibly safe just standing there..."

“I envy Miss Robin, who can always stay by your side; I envy Miss Artoria, who can trust you without reservation; I envy Kanna, who can rely on you without any defenses…”

"I also want to...become that kind of person."

"I want to stay by your side, no matter how much wind and rain or danger lies ahead, I am not afraid."

"I just want to be with you, go wherever you want to go, and do whatever you want to do..."

Her voice grew softer and softer, tinged with unease and trepidation. Her fingertips gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, and she held her breath, anxiously awaiting his reply.

The night breeze blew gently, stirring her slightly wavy long hair, brushing past her reddened eyes, and also stirring up the girlish thoughts she couldn't hide.

Just as she was about to suffocate from nervousness, Bai Yu finally spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an answer that would make her ecstatic.

“Great, come aboard, we’re partners now.”

Bai Yu's words, though spoken casually, struck Violet's heart like a thunderclap.

She suddenly opened her eyes wide, unable to believe her ears, and tears welled up in her eyes instantly—tears of joy and excitement.

"Bai... Bai Yujun... what... what did you say?" she asked, trembling, afraid that she had misheard.

Looking at her teary-eyed, surprised yet delighted expression, Bai Yu felt a faint tenderness in his eyes.

"I said, I accept."

This time, it was clear and certain.

Violet could no longer contain the surging emotions within her; joy overwhelmed her like a tidal wave. Ignoring her reserve and shyness, she suddenly stood on tiptoe, stretched out her arms, and gently wrapped them around Bai Yu's neck. Filled with joy and love, she tilted her head back and gently pressed her soft lips to his.

The moonlight was gentle, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers.

The fountain murmurs gently, and the night is enchanting.

This kiss, innocent yet passionate, contained all the girl's excitement and anticipation, and it also destined that her fate would be inextricably linked with his from that moment on.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Dressrosa was still shrouded in the gentle morning light.

Violet arrived at Bai Yu's residence early, her cheeks still flushed, her eyes brimming with sweetness and joy.

She changed into a light and beautiful light purple dress, her long hair loosely tied up, revealing her slender and graceful neck. She looked radiant and charming, like a violet with morning dew.

Seeing Bai Yu and Robin walk out of the room together, she immediately walked up to him, naturally took his arm, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her smile as bright as the morning sun.

"Good morning, Bai Yu-kun!"

"Today, I'll show you around Dressrosa!"

She was like a bird that had been freed, excitedly flitting through the streets and alleys of the capital with her white feathers.

She took everyone to eat Dressrosa's most famous desserts: sweet and soft cakes, crisp and delicious cookies, and creamy ice cream.

She led everyone to see a street performance. Enthusiastic dancers danced to lively rhythms, and musicians played rousing tunes. The whole street was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Violet held Bai Yu's hand, not minding that Robin beside her was doing the same, swaying gently to the rhythm, her smile brighter than the sun.

Colorful flowers, exquisite handicrafts, and fresh, sweet fruits—a dazzling array of goods.

Like an ordinary young girl, she looked at everything with curiosity, occasionally picking up cute little trinkets and smiling as she handed them to Bai Yu.

She led him to a high place, overlooking the entire land of love and passion.

Flowers are in full bloom, houses are scattered about, the sea is blue, and the scenery is beautiful.

"Everyone, look, this is my favorite country."

Violet nestled beside him, her voice gentle and content.

Chapter 166 Cruelty

As night deepened, the lights of the royal capital of Dressrosa remained as bright as day, and the air was still filled with the sweet aroma of flowers and desserts.

Violet linked one arm with Bai Yu's and lifted her skirt with the other, her steps as light as a fluttering butterfly.

The vendors on both sides of the street had not yet packed up, and the warm yellow lights illuminated her bright smile. As she walked along, she enthusiastically introduced everything about her hometown to everyone, and the happiness in her eyes was almost overflowing.

Robin walked to one side, a gentle smile on her lips, quietly watching the heartwarming scene before her.

With a freshly bought fruit candy dangling from her mouth, Kanna followed beside them on her short legs, occasionally glancing up at the two arm in arm, her big eyes filled with innocent joy.

A gentle evening breeze, carrying the unique warmth of a seaside country, made everything as peaceful as the most beautiful dream.

But this tranquility was abruptly shattered by a sudden, urgent, and panicked commotion that erupted in the central square of the capital.

The pedestrians who were leisurely strolling suddenly looked surprised and rushed towards the square. Discussions and exclamations rose and fell, and the originally cheerful atmosphere was instantly shrouded in a heavy unease.

"What's going on?!"

"Something seems to have happened at the palace!"

"His Majesty King Riku... His Majesty King Riku is borrowing 10 billion Berries from the entire nation?!"

As the frantic words entered her ears, Violet's smile froze instantly, her bright eyes widened in disbelief, and she stood frozen in place.

"...Ten billion Berries? Borrowing from the people?"

She staggered back half a step, her face instantly turning ashen, and the fingers holding Bai Yu's arm tightened suddenly, the fingertips turning white from the force.

"Impossible... Absolutely impossible! My father would never do such a thing! This can't be true!"

King Riku was honest and loved his people throughout his life, treating them as his own family. He would never borrow billions, let alone take even the slightest bit of profit.

This utterly absurd news, like a cold, sharp blade, instantly pierced Violet's heart.

Something must have happened at the palace.

Robin's voice instantly turned cold, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: "Something must have happened in the royal palace, or rather, under King Riku, that we don't know about."

Bai Yu's hand, hanging by his side, twitched slightly. His dark eyes were calm and still, but covered with a layer of imperceptible coldness. He guessed what had happened: it was about Don Quixote, the clown, and his family's circus.

He didn't say anything more, just spoke softly:

"go back."