Chapter Eighty-Six: Enchanting Beneath the Moonlight [First Update]

"In the past, I used to tease my wife like this too. QAQ."

A million people, all felled in an instant by an inexplicable force.

Shu Mingyuan watched silently, his expression unruffled, as if everything unfolded just as it should—inevitable, proper.

For he was the emperor of the mortal realm!

Have you heard the saying: when the monarch commands a subject to die, the subject cannot but obey?

Shu Mingyuan gazed down at the hundreds of thousands prostrated at his feet, and at last, a faint smile curled upon his lips. Just moments ago, he had awakened his Conqueror’s Haki!

Born with the conqueror's spirit—among millions, only one might possess such Haki. That person, upon emerging, is marked by the qualifications of a king, and so long as fate is kind, will surely become a formidable force.

On this day, the Shichibukai, Crocodile, perished.

On this day, Monkey D. Shu Mingyuan awakened his Conqueror’s Haki.

…

A week slipped by in the blink of an eye. Shu Mingyuan quelled the rebellion, and in the end, the disgraceful deeds of Crocodile and the Baroque Works were exposed for all to see.

The ordinary people of Alabasta gradually accepted the truth. A sudden torrential rain swept across the kingdom for three days—three days of nationwide celebration!

King Cobra, once famed for his benevolence and love for his people, returned to the throne, enacting a series of policies for the welfare of the nation. The rebel leader, Koza, was appointed as the new Minister of Environment for Alabasta.

The turmoil that had shocked the entire nation finally dissipated.

Night fell.

In the small garden of the royal palace, Shu Mingyuan sat quietly on a recliner, eyes half-closed. Since awakening his Conqueror’s Haki, all his abilities had nearly doubled.

He felt especially attuned to the nuances of aura and presence. He had long yearned for the power of Conqueror’s Haki, which, relying solely on one’s spirit, could later induce phenomena that defied the heavens. Now, having mastered it, he felt its strength even more keenly. Moreover, with his Sharingan, the fusion of ocular power and Conqueror’s Haki would surely elevate his prowess to new heights.

“Lord Shu Mingyuan, my father asks me to invite you to tonight’s banquet.”

Vivi’s voice sounded behind him. He remained still, eyes closed, offering no reply. In truth, he had already sensed her approach with his Observation Haki.

She bit her lip and said, “The banquet is to thank you for resolving the turmoil in Alabasta and foiling Crocodile’s conspiracy. Without your help, Alabasta might have truly been lost.”

Shu Mingyuan nodded calmly, continuing his repose.

Vivi went on, “My father wishes to grant you the title of viscount as a token of gratitude.”

Shu Mingyuan opened his eyes, a glimmer of amusement flashing across his face. “I am currently a wanted man across the world, yet your father dares to defy the world and bestow a noble title upon me? Isn’t he afraid the World Government will trouble Alabasta?”

Vivi’s breath caught. Clearly, she understood the implications. Shu Mingyuan’s identity was always a thorny issue—the World Government enforced collective punishment; anyone connected to a wanted criminal risked being implicated.

Especially since the Nefertari family was one of the twenty royal houses that founded the World Government. If even they acknowledged Shu Mingyuan’s legitimacy, it would be a slap in the face to the powers that be.

Moreover, the Nefertari family had refused the privilege of moving to the Holy Land Mariejois to become Celestial Dragons, a decision that had long aggrieved those elites. If this matter went further, Alabasta might face an even greater crisis.

Vivi shook her head. “My father will handle it. The kingdom will not neglect its benefactor.”

Shu Mingyuan stretched lazily and smiled. “Let’s forget it. I won’t attend the banquet—it would only bring trouble. I don’t wish to become the center of attention again. Being hailed as a savior feels nice, but I’d rather there not be a next time. When the World Government comes knocking, I’ll walk away, but what will you do? What about Alabasta? So, I’ll leave the festivities to others.”

“Then… next month, will you come to my coming-of-age ceremony?” Vivi asked, biting her lip.

“Next month? We’ll see. I’ve stayed in Alabasta long enough; by now, I suspect the navy has entered Alubarna in force, only held back by the Nefertari family’s status in the World Government.” Shu Mingyuan replied coolly.

Vivi spoke softly, “The coming-of-age ceremony is also a grand event for the nobles. That evening, countless young talents exchange tokens, forming political alliances through marriage.”

“So… you want me to attend?” Shu Mingyuan asked.

Vivi nodded ever so slightly.

“Little one, don’t tell me you think saving you a few times means you’ll fall for me? Or perhaps you already have?” Shu Mingyuan rose from the recliner, a teasing smile on his face. He walked up to Vivi, and gently pinched her smooth, jade-like chin.

“Tonight, you are indeed beautiful.”

With the rebellion resolved, Vivi was no longer the desperate girl she had been; she had returned to her former self, the stunning princess beyond compare.

Her long, water-blue hair cascaded to her waist. Today, she wore a pink silk dress; beneath the ruffles, deep purple blossoms lay hidden, noble charm mingling with sweetness. Her fair, supple legs stood gracefully, her skin like porcelain, her waist slender enough for one hand, her curves outlining a breathtaking figure.

Her lips, soft as petals, parted slightly, her breath fragrant as orchids. Embarrassed by his words, a blush soared across her lovely face. Though the time spent with this man was short, they had experienced much together, and Alabasta’s rebirth was entirely his doing.

In these days, Shu Mingyuan’s presence had grown ever clearer in her mind. Vivi sensed an unfamiliar emotion sprouting within her, slowly enveloping her being.

Shu Mingyuan’s deep eyes lingered on Vivi, a subtle emotion flickering within. He knew that two years from now, Vivi would become the new queen of Alabasta, representing her kingdom at the World Conference.

“To win the favor of the future queen—what a privilege that is.”

Shu Mingyuan exhaled quietly, withdrew his hand, and suppressed the flicker of ardor in his heart. A hint of mockery surfaced on his face. “If I attend the coming-of-age ceremony, will Cobra scheme to marry you off to me? Then spend lavishly to resolve my identity, maybe appoint me to replace Crocodile as a new Shichibukai or something? That way, I’d be bound to Alabasta for good.”

“A fine scheme indeed!”

"Congratulations to WE; this part is a bit stuck."