Luffy lay comfortably on his bed with Viola nestled in his arms, entering what he called his "Clarity Time"—moments of peace where he could think clearly about important matters.

"You were so eager to find me," he said, stroking her hair gently. "Has your father been persuaded about our plan?"

Viola rested her head contentedly on his strong chest, her expression one of satisfaction and relief. Hearing his question, she nuzzled against him like a docile kitten and replied softly:

"Yes, Father has made his decision, and Rebecca can finally rest easy. Moreover, he plans to abdicate within the next two years. He hopes I can learn from him during this transition period and be prepared to take over the throne when the time comes."

According to Luffy and Viola's previous discussions, they had unanimously decided to relocate the Kingdom of Dressrosa to the vicinity of Wano Country, creating a powerful alliance in that region of the New World. This decision had recently been approved by Viola's father, King Riku Dold III of Dressrosa.

What Luffy hadn't anticipated was King Riku's intention to retire and pass the crown to his daughter. He wasn't sure whether to interpret this as political wisdom or overthinking on the king's part.

Regardless, Luffy wasn't particularly interested in the throne itself. His primary concerns were securing Dressrosa's resources and the skillful labor of the Tontatta dwarfs for his broader plans.

"What exactly does your father mean by this?" Luffy questioned, his brow furrowing slightly. "Does he think that I, his son-in-law, am eager to claim his position, so he's planning to abdicate early? If that's the case, it's unnecessary. I have no interest in becoming king or anything like that."

Viola raised her head to look at him directly, her dark eyes reflecting both amusement and mild irritation. She playfully patted his chest with her hand and said with mock indignation:

"What are you implying? Do you think Dressrosa is too small and insignificant for your ambitions? Do you look down on us?"

Her eyes narrowed teasingly as she continued, "Don't think I don't know about that princess fiancée you still haven't collected from somewhere in Paradise. Hehe, Alabasta is powerful, with vast lands and a population of tens of millions, making it one of the largest countries in the world. Compared to Dressrosa's mere hundred thousand citizens, I suppose we must seem rather unimpressive to you."

Luffy burst into laughter at Viola's pouting and teasing complaints. Her jealousy, though playful, was evident in her tone.

"Oh my! I haven't said anything yet, and you're already getting defensive," he teased back, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "What's this? Do you feel inferior to Vivi? No way! Are you seriously comparing yourself to her? The entire country of Dressrosa combined probably isn't as large as Alubarna, their capital city. How bold of you to make such a comparison!"

Unable to resist the temptation to provoke her further, Luffy deliberately targeted Viola's sensitive spot, his words hitting with the precision of a skilled marksman.

Viola had initially intended to be playful and simply joke with Luffy. However, under his relentless teasing, her pretend annoyance gradually transformed into genuine irritation, her emotional defenses crumbling.

"Oh! How DARE you!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing crimson.

She abruptly rolled away from him and rose from the bed in one fluid motion. Grabbing a nearby pillow, she began assaulting him with it, each strike punctuated by her growing frustration.

"The people of our country deserve better than your mockery!" she declared, her voice rising. "Why don't you go find your precious Alabasta princess and ask HER to move her country here instead?!"

Her agitation increased with each word, until finally she discarded the ineffective pillow and resorted to playfully biting his chest in mock fury.

"I'm so annoyed with you! I could just—just—argh!"

Luffy, thoroughly amused by her tantrum, placed his hands behind his head and observed her with a satisfied smile. Noticing that her biting hadn't left any marks despite her best efforts, he simply reached out and gently pushed her down onto the bed beside him.

"Look at you getting all worked up over a little joke," he said with affection in his voice. "Come now, have a drink and calm yourself. One gulp—and no cheating by taking tiny sips."

Viola puffed her lips in continued annoyance, rolling her eyes dramatically. She mentally lamented that she lacked sharp canine teeth; otherwise, she would definitely teach this shameless man a proper lesson.

After a moment of shared laughter, Luffy placed his hands behind his head again and lay back in a relaxed position. He gazed admiringly at the ornate ceiling above, momentarily lost in its artistic details.

Of course, his appreciation for architecture was secondary to the matter at hand. Returning to their discussion about Dressrosa, he provided Viola with a clear answer that seemed to reassure her.

"When I return from this promotion ceremony as the new admiral, I'll help relocate Dressrosa as we planned," he stated firmly. "As for King Riku, if he wishes to retire, then so be it. It would be beneficial if you could learn from him for the next few years, but let me make one thing perfectly clear—"

He turned to face her, his expression suddenly more serious.

"You cannot abandon your position in the Intelligence Department. Even while managing royal duties, you must complete your assignments, even if you're working remotely."

Viola responded by delivering a playful slap to his thigh, her earlier anger now completely dissipated. She appeared ready to say something in response, but as she had just taken a bite of fruit from the bedside table, her words were unintelligible.

Luffy simply assumed she was agreeing with his terms. He reached out to ruffle her smooth, long hair affectionately, a smile playing on his lips as he mentioned two "ministers" they would need to appoint.

"Let's hurry and finish our session," he said softly. "We should rejoin the others soon."