Early morning.

Caelan opened his eyes and woke instantly.

At this point, he didn't really need sleep anymore. It had become more of a subconscious form of relaxation.

Even an entire night of intense activity wouldn't wear him down in the slightest—though the same couldn't be said for those engaging with him.

Sure enough, when Caelan turned his head, he saw Violet still unconscious beside him.

"I really got too into the act last night."

He stroked Violet's cheek with a strange expression on his face.

Last night, Violet had been fully immersed in the role of Doflamingo's mother.

It hardly felt like acting.

But... he liked it that way.

So now, Violet was lying here completely drained and unable to get up.

"Caelan-sama, you're up early... Let me help you get up."

Violet's eyes were still bleary, and her voice was soft and tired.

She tried to force herself up as she spoke.

Caelan gently pressed her back down and said, "No need. Just rest."

"Mm."

Violet responded, and her barely opened eyes slowly closed again.

With a peaceful smile, she drifted back to sleep.

"You must really be exhausted."

Caelan pulled the blanket over her gently, a rare tenderness in his movements.

Women always needed special care the first time they made love.

So he didn't leave. Instead, he stayed in bed with her.

There was nothing urgent for now. Nami and Gion were still busy taking over the Donquixote Family's assets, so his presence wasn't required.

Caelan leaned against the headboard in a relaxed posture and began contemplating the spoils of war and the next phase of his plans.

"After yesterday's inventory, the Donquixote Family's liquid assets were found to be about 3 billion Berries. Dressrosa's fixed assets are probably worth around 2 billion."

He thought quietly.

That alone was a massive haul—almost equal to the value of a Rayleigh.

Of course, as one of the underworld kings, Doflamingo's wealth wasn't limited to what was stored here.

His real fortune came from black market operations across the world—those were the true heavyweights.

However, Caelan didn't have the manpower or energy to take over those now.

Once word spread that Caelan had taken down Doflamingo, the Donquixote Family's affiliated forces fled like rats. Even if he wanted to absorb them, it was impossible for now.

Therefore, the cash flow and industries located at the Dressrosa headquarters were already the limit of what Caelan could take over directly.

But that wasn't the end.

There were still the proceeds from Caesar's auction and the deal with the Five Elders regarding Doflamingo's death, both of which were waiting to be settled.

Caelan estimated that once everything was added up, his total revenue would surpass 8 billion Berries.

"Doflamingo, you really lived up to being the final boss among the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

Caelan couldn't help but sigh at the sheer amount of wealth.

Among the Warlords, Doflamingo was the only one truly capable of balancing the Four Emperors and the Marines.

"Thanks to my friend for sending me the money and manpower."

Caelan made the sign of the cross in his heart, silently praying for Doflamingo's soul.

Once he sorted out everything gained from Doflamingo, he'd likely be able to activate his third Heroic Spirit template.

"Then, it's time to build a force."

All the necessary conditions were in place, and Caelan began strategizing.

He had more than enough mid-to-high-tier combat power, and the backbone of his lower ranks was already filled with elite Marines from the G-5 Branch. That would suffice to form the foundation of a major force.

As long as he built slowly and steadily, he could eventually devour the entire world and seize the authority of the "King of the World" from the World Government.

He had been planning his new organization for quite some time and already had a clear idea.

He wanted to establish a powerful armed force to provide military support to member nations.

Initially, his plan had been to liberate Dressrosa and then operate through national-level cooperation.

He never intended to govern a country himself.

Because in the pirate world, countries were more like scattered islands than actual nations.

So fragmented!

Managing each one directly would require a million bureaucrats—absolutely out of the question.

His plan was to support capable, charismatic rulers, guide the general direction, and allow each country to develop autonomously.

Meanwhile, he would control all military power as the core of his rule.

He believed that power stemmed from strength. Absolute strength led to absolute power.

In other words, political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.

He believed those kings would be more than happy to cooperate with him under such a system.

The model was simple: the kings only needed to pay him money, but for Caelan, there was a lot more to consider.

"So the name of this alliance of nations will be... the Illuminati!"

"And the armed force that safeguards them... the Neo Navy!"

Caelan finalized the name of his organization and revealed a sinister smile.

The Illuminati was a terrifying organization that appeared in legends from his previous life—an imaginary group that controlled the fate of the world from the shadows.

The Neo Navy was originally founded by Zephyr in the original timeline.

Now that he'd decided on the names, Caelan began pondering the finer details.

Membership criteria, payment structures, tax policies, military budgets, joint treaties…

Each of these brought a new round of headaches.

By the time he worked through most of it, it was already past one in the afternoon. The sun was shining so brightly that it felt almost scorching.

Sunlight spilled across Violet's face, causing her eyelashes to flutter.

"Mm~"

Violet slowly woke from her slumber, still half-asleep.

She instinctively reached out to the side.

Did Caelan leave already?

Violet felt a little disappointed.

After such a passionate night, she had hoped to wake up next to him.

But Caelan had woken up early—he was probably long gone.

How could I forget something like that?

Just as Violet was chuckling to herself over her own absentmindedness, she felt the warm and firm sensation of muscle under her hand.

She turned her head and saw Caelan's profile.

Startled, Violet blinked. Then her eyes widened as a wave of surprised joy washed over her.

Caelan was still here! He hadn't left!

Overcome with happiness, a complex mix of emotions—security, joy, affection—welled up inside her.

"Good morning!"

Violet beamed, her royal features lit up with the expression of a girl in love.

"You're awake, Violet."

Caelan smiled in return.

Then he called out toward the window, "Bring breakfast."

Soon, the maids arrived with a table full of hearty and nutritious dishes.

"You must be starving. Eat something first."

Caelan said as he gently patted Violet's head.

He never withheld tenderness from his women.

"Mm!"

Feeling Caelan's care, Violet's heart swelled with joy.

She looked at him, her gaze filled with warmth.

This man, feared as the God Slayer, somehow made her feel incredibly safe.

She clung to Caelan's arm and joined him for their late breakfast.

After the meal, Caelan gently wiped her mouth and said, "Let's go see King Riku. I have something to discuss with him."

"Okay!"

Violet agreed without hesitation. As a 28-year-old woman, she fully intended to indulge in the tenderness of this man.

Who gets to date such a strong and gentle man?

Me. That's who. And I love it.

"But what is it?"

Violet asked, curious.

"It's about securing this country's future—and my new beginning."

Caelan smiled, a hint of anticipation glinting in his eyes.

The great tree that would one day overshadow the world would begin its growth here, in Dressrosa.

(To be continued.)

***

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