One Piece: So What If I Sin, Lie, and Lust? I'm Still a Good Marine

"Brr brr..."

The Den Den Mushi in his arms suddenly rang.

Daren was startled, took out the Den Den Mushi, and answered the call.

"This is Daren."

An elegant and respectful voice came from the Den Den Mushi:

"Greetings, Daren-san. I am the commercial director of the Pleasure District. On behalf of Queen Stussy, I would like to extend a formal invitation for you to attend a private dinner party tomorrow evening."

"The Queen will be waiting for your arrival."

Oh? A private dinner invitation?

Daren was taken aback, but a strange smile couldn't help surfacing on his face.

However, his tone carried a clear note of hesitation as he said,

"I am very grateful for the Queen's kind invitation, but as a Marine, I'm afraid visiting a place like the Pleasure District would not leave a good impression. I must politely decline. Please convey my sincerest apologies to Miss Stussy."

The man maintained his polite tone and softly added,

"This will be a completely private dinner. Apart from you, Daren-san, and Her Majesty the Queen, there will be no other guests. The venue will be kept strictly confidential and will not cause you any inconvenience."

Daren "frowned" and said,

"I am currently very busy with military duties. I might not be able to find the time."

The man smiled slightly and said,

"Her Majesty said that the timing can be postponed. Everything will follow the wishes of the esteemed Daren-san, but she will wait patiently for your arrival."

"...All right."

Daren seemed to have no choice, sighing as he replied,

"Since Miss Stussy is so enthusiastic, I really can't refuse... Please tell your Queen that I will make time to attend as scheduled."

"Thank you for your cooperation, Daren-san. Wishing you a pleasant day."

The man bowed respectfully.

...

Pleasure District.

Stussy's slender, white fingers twirled strands of her golden hair as she looked playfully at the man in a tailcoat kneeling on one knee before her, smiling as she asked,

"So, he agreed?"

The man did not dare to lift his head and respectfully answered,

"Yes, he initially used various excuses to refuse, seeming quite troubled."

Giggling lightly, she thought, of course he was troubled!

This time, the gamble was hers to win!

The curve of Stussy's crimson lips grew even more alluring. Her gemstone-gray eyes shimmered with a seductive glow, and under the desk, her crossed legs shifted, her well-shaped toes curling slightly in delight.

At that moment, she was already picturing the scene—when she summoned Doflamingo and announced their alliance, just how spectacular the expression on that despicable Marine's face would be!

If you want to play with me, you're still too young, Daren...

"Mm, you may leave."

Stussy couldn't suppress the pleased smile tugging at her lips. She lazily waved her hand, signaling for her subordinate to withdraw.

"Prepare tomorrow's dinner properly. Show them the highest hospitality the Pleasure District can offer..."

She blinked mischievously, her long lashes fluttering lightly as if dancing in anticipation.

"...We mustn't slight our distinguished guest."

"Yes, ma'am!"

The man in the tailcoat bowed deeply, straightened, and retreated to the door before finally turning and leaving.

As the subordinate departed, the luxurious, golden private room was once again filled with the gentle, intoxicating strains of light music.

Stussy drew a long, slender lady's cigarette from an exquisite gold-trimmed case and was just about to light it when the encrypted Den Den Mushi on the desk rang.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Quickly setting the cigarette aside, she straightened up and connected the call.

"Stussy has seen the Five Elders."

A hoarse, aged voice slowly came through.

"Stussy, you've seen the latest newspaper, haven't you?"

"Yes, my lord. I am deeply grateful for your trust in me, for including Doflamingo among the Shichibukai," Stussy said respectfully, her voice tinged with fear.

"Hmm... We have always trusted you."

Stussy's eyelids twitched slightly.

"Also, regarding the other task we entrusted to you during our last meeting—how is it progressing?"

On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Warcury spoke with an indifferent tone.

Another task?

Stussy was momentarily stunned.

"—Rogers Daren."

Warcury's voice turned cold.

"This Marine brat performed exceptionally well in the recent operation. At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku has already submitted a request to appoint him as a 'candidate for Admiral'."

"A man like him must be firmly kept within the government's control."

"You must use your strengths and abilities to maintain a good relationship with him."

So that was it.

Stussy smiled confidently, her eyes filled with irresistible charm.

"Please rest assured, my lords. I will not disappoint you."

"Rogers Daren is already under my control."

The Five Elders all smiled in satisfaction.

"Hmm, excellent."

"You truly have not let us down."

"Stussy, starting today, your rank within CP0 will be elevated by one level."

"You will gain access to resources and authority second only to the 'Celestial Dragons' Strongest Shield'."

"We look forward to seeing your future performance."

Upon hearing this, Stussy's heart surged with uncontrollable joy.

CP0 was the World Government's top intelligence agency, holding command over CP1 through CP9. It was the only body within CP allowed direct audience with the Five Elders.

The hierarchy within CP0 was even more rigid, and the highest position was occupied by the so-called "Celestial Dragons' Strongest Shield," rumored to possess strength rivaling that of a Marine Admiral.

These individuals held the power of life and death within CP0, and their influence even surpassed that of Admirals.

And now, she had been promoted to a rank just below those monsters.

This was, without doubt, the greatest advancement she had made after years of working undercover within the World Government!

Greater power, higher status—meant access to even more secret intelligence... and the ability to better protect Dr. Vegapunk!

"Thank you, my lords!"

Stussy suppressed her excitement and respectfully bowed.

"Hmm, you may leave."

A faint voice came from the other end of the call.

The communication ended.

Stussy lit a lady's cigarette, taking a deep, leisurely drag.

As the minty tobacco flavor spread through her lips, she felt her whole body lighten, her mood soaring.

"So... what should I wear to tomorrow night's banquet?"

Stussy smiled softly, the charm in her eyes enough to make any man in the world fall at her feet.

She rose gracefully, her snow-white feet moving lightly to the massive wardrobe.

Opening the doors, rows upon rows of finely tailored, stunning evening gowns were revealed before her.

A black halter-neck lace dress, an elegant backless white gown, a gothic-style fitted black dress...

Below the dresses, pairs of exquisite high heels and dazzling jewelry were displayed like treasures in a boutique.

They sparkled brightly under the lights, mesmerizing and breathtaking.

As light music drifted through the luxurious room, Stussy, in a buoyant mood, patiently began her selection.

A seductive smile played on her crimson lips.

Tomorrow night, she would appear in the most dazzling, elegant, and captivating form, standing proud as the victorious queen...

—to savor the final sweet, fragrant fruits of triumph!