One Piece: Wielder of the Void

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Fujitora had been sitting there for less than two minutes when Anos reappeared, now dressed in regal kingly attire. His change of clothes clearly conveyed the importance he attached to Fujitora's presence.

For Anos, his status as a king didn't rely on elaborate clothing just sitting at the table was enough to demonstrate his authority.

Yet, as someone who valued decorum, he believed that respect must be shown, especially within the palace.

Whether in formality or etiquette, Anos approached such matters with seriousness and precision.

"My sincerest apologies, Mr. Fujitora, for keeping you waiting after extending my invitation," Anos said warmly as he entered.

"There's no need to apologize," Fujitora replied with a smile. "In fact, I should be the one thanking you. It's rare to enjoy such fine delicacies elsewhere."

Though Fujitora remained seated, Anos took no offence. His composure surprised Suzu, the maid standing nearby, as well as the other servants.

None of them had ever seen Anos display such attentiveness, particularly toward an ordinary blind man.

This unexpected behaviour left them all wide-eyed, as it was the first time they had witnessed such deference from their ruler.

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Anos seated himself across from Fujitora. Glancing at the table, he called out to Suzu with slight dissatisfaction. "Go to my chambers and fetch the fine wine my father collected decades ago. Tonight, I wish to share a good drink with Mr. Fujitora!"

Suzu froze momentarily, visibly startled. Her surprise stemmed from two things: first, she had no recollection of the late king ever collecting fine wine; second, she hadn't known Anos to drink much himself.

Nevertheless, she quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty," before leaving to fulfil his request.

Unbeknownst to her, Anos had already prepared for this. Earlier, before changing into his royal attire, he had discreetly retrieved two bottles of premium wine from a hidden collection and placed them in his room.

This wine, aged for decades, was unparalleled in quality something even the most affluent pirates could scarcely procure.

It was a testament to how much he valued the middle-aged man sitting before him.

"Your Majesty, there's no need to go to such lengths," Fujitora said humbly. "I am just a blind man, hardly deserving of such hospitality."

In truth, Fujitora had spent less than three hours with the young king, but in that short time, Anos had proven himself a man of refined manners and captivating conversation.

Even the meticulous care shown in hosting this meal was telling. Whether intentional or not, it demonstrated the high regard in which Anos held his guest.

"Mr. Fujitora, please don't be modest," Anos replied with a smile. "You are my guest, and it's not every day I meet someone with whom I can have such an enjoyable conversation. Sharing a drink with you is only natural to celebrate this moment."

Anos showed no urgency in starting the meal, patiently awaiting the arrival of the wine. Fujitora, on the other hand, was less reserved.

"If Your Majesty insists, then I won't refuse," he said, picking up his chopsticks. The maids, standing at attention, watched curiously, wondering how a blind man would manage to eat.

None dared intervene without the king's direction.

Seeing Fujitora begin, Anos smiled and turned the round table to place a fish dish in front of his guest. "Mr. Fujitora, this is a specialty of our kingdom. It's completely boneless, so you can enjoy it without worry."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness," Fujitora replied. He deftly picked up a generous portion of the fish with his chopsticks and ate with hearty enthusiasm, showing no concern for appearances.

Half the fish quickly disappeared from the plate as he chewed and exclaimed, "Oh! This is truly delicious!"

His unrestrained delight, paired with his full mouth, gave the impression of a man who hadn't eaten such a meal in years.

Just as Fujitora finished speaking, Suzu returned, carrying a bottle of wine from Anos' room.

This bottle, prepared earlier, was clearly vintage, its aged yellowed glass a testament to its quality.

As Suzu uncorked the bottle, the rich aroma of the wine filled the room, immediately capturing Fujitora's attention.

He stopped chewing, turning his head toward the source of the scent and sniffing appreciatively.

Observing this, Anos smirked knowingly. The bond between them was solidifying.

"Don't bother with those tiny glasses," Anos said suddenly, noticing Suzu reaching for a small wine glass. "Bring a larger bowl for Mr. Fujitora!"

Although the servants didn't fully understand why their king was treating a blind man with such honour, it didn't matter. Their duty was simply to follow orders.

Suzu poured the wine into a large bowl, and Fujitora eagerly awaited his first sip, his excitement evident in his demeanour.

At that moment, Anos leaned back with a satisfied smile, confident that this evening had unfolded exactly as he intended.

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