Chapter 68 Usopp

The villa on the hillside looked exceptionally elegant under the sunlight, its white exterior walls contrasting beautifully with the azure sea and sky.

Kaya’s Father enthusiastically pushed open the carved iron gate. The roses blooming in the courtyard swayed in the breeze, releasing a faint fragrance.

The butler, Merry, walked out of the villa upon hearing the noise.

“Master? Miss?

How could you…”

Before Merry could finish speaking, Kaya’s Father interrupted him.

“There was a slight incident, Merry. Go prepare a banquet.”

“benefactors, please follow me.”

Kaya’s Father led the group toward the house.

“Master? Kaya?”

Kaya’s Mother stood up from the sofa and asked, somewhat surprised.

“Why are you back so soon? Has Kaya’s illness improved?”

Kaya’s Mother quickly walked up to her daughter, scrutinizing her with eyes full of concern.

“It’s a long story. Come, let me introduce you.

Lord Kaguya, Miss Nami, Miss Nojiko, Miss Honey Queen.

These four are our benefactors. If they hadn’t intervened, Kaya and I might not have made it back.”

Kaya’s Father introduced the four people to his wife one by one.

“What! What happened!”

Kaya’s Mother’s face instantly turned pale, and she tightly grasped her husband’s sleeve.

Seeing this, Kaya quickly stepped forward to comfort her.

“Don’t worry, Mother. It’s all thanks to Big Brother Kaguya and the others who saved us.”

At this moment, the butler Merry entered the living room carrying refreshments. Freshly baked scones and fragrant black tea were arranged on an exquisite silver tray.

“Master, the kitchen has been instructed to prepare the banquet. Please enjoy some refreshments first.”

“benefactors, please come and sit.”

Kaya’s Father invited everyone to sit, and personally poured a cup of black tea for Kaguya.

“The situation is this…”

Kaya’s Father put down the teapot and slowly recounted the merchant ship’s encounter with the pirates.

“Oh my goodness!”

She covered her mouth in surprise, and when she turned to Kaguya, her eyes sparkled with grateful tears.

“Not only did you save them, but you also personally escorted them back…”

As she spoke, Kaya’s Mother prepared to stand up and kneel.

Nojiko quickly stepped forward to support her.

“Madam, there’s no need to be so polite. We also have something we need your husband to do.

So it wasn’t exactly a special escort.”

Hearing Kaguya mention this, Kaya’s Father quickly said, “benefactor, if you are not in a hurry, you may stay here for a few more days.

I will immediately arrange for someone to handle those pirate ships and the bounty.

The Berries can be brought back in less than a week.”

“A week? That’s not long. Then we’ll trouble you.”

“No trouble at all, no trouble.”

Kaya’s Father waved his hand and then walked out of the villa.

Night arrived. The villa was brightly lit, and the crystal chandelier reflected brilliant light, illuminating the entire banquet hall as if it were daytime.

The long table was filled with exquisite dishes, from fresh seafood to fragrant roasted meat, along with various desserts—a dazzling array.

Kaya’s Father raised his glass and spoke solemnly.

“Thank you, Lord Kaguya and everyone, for saving our lives. I toast to you all!”

Kaguya smiled slightly and raised his glass in response.

Nami, meanwhile, was already drawn to the table full of delicacies and couldn’t wait to sample them.

Nojiko and Honey Queen also relaxed, enjoying the rare moment of tranquility.

Kaya sat beside Kaguya, occasionally stealing a glance at him, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Usopp, who had been hiding in the tree all afternoon, watched the joyous scene inside the banquet hall through the window, his stomach rumbling uncontrollably.

The reason Usopp kept hiding here and peeking wasn’t due to any peculiar habit; it was because he had recognized Kaguya’s identity.

A pirate with a fifty million bounty—it would be hard for Usopp not to recognize him.

So he was hiding here to see if Kaguya had any sinister plots and if he would harm Kaya.

Although Usopp knew he wasn’t strong and was quite timid, he was determined to become a brave man, and naturally, he couldn’t back down at a time like this.

He secretly clenched his fists, resolving to continue monitoring, determined to protect Kaya’s safety even if he was starving.

A long time passed, and just as Usopp was becoming drowsy, the dinner banquet finally ended.

“Shouldn’t you be leaving now?”

A faint voice sounded beside him.

“Ah? Ah! Plop!”

Usopp woke up with a start and fell from the tree onto the ground.

Kaguya lightly leaped and landed in front of him.

“You’ve been peeking all afternoon. We’re going to rest now.

Are you planning to keep watching?”

Everyone inside heard the noise and came outside.

Usopp scrambled to his feet, patted the leaves off his pants, and stammered.

“I, I was just admiring the night view! Yes, the moon is so round tonight!”

He looked up at the sky, only to find it covered in dark clouds, with no moon visible.

“Usopp? What are you doing here?”

Kaya’s Father frowned.

Kaya also frowned slightly as she looked at Usopp.

Because Kaguya and the others had killed Kuro early, Kaya’s parents had not passed away.

Usopp thus never had the chance to comfort Kaya by telling her the adventure stories he made up.

The current Kaya and Usopp were not friends; she merely knew there was a child in the village who loved to lie.

“Mister, this person is a pirate! He’s a Great Pirate with a fifty million bounty!

He will kill all of you! And everyone in the village!”

Usopp pointed a trembling finger at Kaguya, his voice sharp with tension.

“Usopp! This gentleman is our benefactor! If he hadn’t stepped in to save us, Kaya, myself, and many people in the village would have died at the hands of pirates!

Now! Apologize for your rudeness!”

Kaya’s Father glared at Usopp, his voice carrying undeniable authority.

Startled by the sudden reprimand, Usopp stumbled back two steps, his face pale.

He opened his mouth but couldn’t make a sound. He could only look helplessly at Kaya, hoping she would speak up for him.

However, Kaya merely shook her head gently, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

“Usopp, Big Brother Kaguya and the others saved us. You shouldn’t slander them like this.”

Although her voice was soft, it caused Usopp a sharp pang of pain.

Kaguya looked at the panicked young man before him and suddenly chuckled.

“Forget it, he’s just a child.”

Kaguya waved his hand, signaling the others not to pursue the matter.

“However.”

He turned to Usopp, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp.

“If you come peeking again, I won’t let you off so easily.”

Terrified by the look, Usopp trembled all over and nodded frantically.

“I, I understand! I’m sorry!”

“Get lost.”

With a wave of Kaguya’s hand, Usopp was tossed out of the courtyard.

Usopp scrambled up awkwardly and stumbled away into the darkness.

Tranquility returned to the courtyard, leaving only the rustling sound of the night wind passing through the roses.

“I’m truly sorry, benefactor, for letting you witness that.”

Kaya’s Father sighed.

“That child has loved to lie since he was young. I never expected him to dare offend you today.”

Kaguya smiled dismissively.

“No matter. He wasn’t wrong about one thing: I am indeed a pirate with a fifty million bounty.”

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