Chapter 175: Shy Hancock

"Oh, Lord Luo Ning, I apologize for allowing you to see me in such a disarray!"

Hancock stammered, though she recovered quickly. After all, being caught lying down was a little embarrassing.

"Please, no need for formalities. I heard from Granny Nyon that you were unwell with a rather peculiar illness, so I came to see for myself," Luo Ning replied.

Frankly, Luo Ning was still getting used to seeing Hancock, a formidable woman, reduced to a flustered mess. In the One Piece world, Hancock's arrogance was practically legendary, a queen in every sense of the word. Yet, here she was, the queen's facade crumbling. This wasn't uncommon with strong women like Boa Hancock and Boa Sandersonia. They seemed destined for a complete personality shift in the future.

The change in Hancock was already evident. Luo Ning's words sent a blush creeping up her face at an alarming speed. She even covered her face with her hands.

Given Hancock's history, Luo Ning was at a loss for words. This must be another of her flights of fancy. In the original story, she could turn a simple greeting into a marriage proposal. Luo Ning couldn't even begin to imagine how far she'd take things now.

Perhaps she'd be elaborating on their married life, or even conjuring up imaginary children. In short, Hancock's wild imagination was truly awe-inspiring.

"Since you seem to be recovering, why don't you tidy up and we can meet outside later?" Luo Ning suggested before leaving the room. After all, he was in Hancock's private room, and she hadn't offered for him to stay.

Hancock, flustered, did indeed need some time to compose herself. "I won't be long," she mumbled as Luo Ning exited.

"Your Amazon Lily lovesickness is truly unique," Luo Ning remarked to Granny Nyon, who was waiting outside. "She looked on the verge of death just moments ago, and now she's recovering in the blink of an eye."

Granny Nyon sighed. "This isn't entirely unprecedented. We've had an Empress succumb to lovesickness in the past. But this time, there was no choice but to trouble Lord Luo Ning."

Lovesickness was a phenomenon specific to Amazon Lily, unheard of elsewhere.

Following Granny Nyon, Luo Ning found himself in the main hall, where others were enjoying a meal. Amazon Lily had never received foreign guests before; after all, the island was women-only. Even those who did visit wouldn't typically come directly to the island.

However, the reception was lavish. Everyone enjoyed the spread before Hancock finally emerged, dressed in her usual attire from the original story.

There was no denying that Hancock possessed exceptional beauty and a perfect figure. Nami and the others were certainly attractive as well, but Hancock's Devil Fruit, the Mero Mero no Mi (Love-Love Fruit), gave her a distinct edge.

In the One Piece world, many girls coveted Devil Fruits that enhanced their appearance, like the Slip-Slip Fruit or the Mero Mero no Mi. Honestly, Luo Ning believed that even the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit) wouldn't hold a candle to these in their eyes. For most women, charm and beauty were far more appealing than strength, with very few exceptions.

Hancock's beauty was undeniable, and with a touch of makeup and the power of her Devil Fruit, the Mero Mero no Mi, the effect was even more stunning. While Luo Ning was immune to its influence, Nami and the others found themselves blushing and starry-eyed.

Hancock's ability made her universally popular – men, women, and children alike were susceptible to her charm. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that if she asked the entire Amazon Lily to commit self-destructive acts, they likely wouldn't hesitate. The power of the Mero Mero no Mi was truly formidable.

Even more astounding was the fact that Hancock didn't even need to actively use her powers. The fruit passively enhanced her allure. Even formidable figures like Vice Admirals and Magellan weren't immune.

"She's so... beautiful!" Nami and the others kept exclaiming, Robin being the least affected. Perhaps her maturity played a role, but even she couldn't entirely resist Hancock's charm.

It wasn't Hancock's fault; her beauty was an ever-present aura. She exuded as much charm as she possibly could without actively using her fruit. This Devil Fruit was truly broken. In fact, Luo Ning thought Hancock and Belo Betty would be a perfect partner.

Consider this scenario: imagine facing 100,000 Marine elites. If Hancock wished, she could effortlessly turn them against each other. Even Vice Admirals would be reduced to self-harm to break free from her enchantment.

As for the regular soldiers? They'd be put in her hands, easily swayed to mutiny. With Betty's encouragement, such a betrayal would be amplified, creating a wave of devastating treachery. In the absence of strong counteracting forces, these two women could practically decide the outcome of any battle.

"Actually... it's quite ordinary," Hancock said with a smile. Her words and demeanor were a stark contrast to her usual personality. Normally, Hancock would have scoffed at such a statement and maintained a haughty composure.

But this was different. Nami and the others were close to Luo Ning, and Hancock desperately wanted to make a good impression. After all, she was the newcomer, while the others had established a bond with Luo Ning over time.

She wasn't naive enough to believe she could monopolize Luo Ning's affections. In fact, deep down, a gnawing insecurity gnawed at her – would Luo Ning even find her appealing?

Therefore, cultivating a positive relationship with the others was a natural step. Hancock, while arrogant, self-willed, and even a little shameless, wasn't a fool. She knew when to temper her behavior. Arrogance here would only leave a bad taste in everyone's mouths.

Soon, Hancock was deploying her charm offensive, ingratiating herself with the others. "Master Luo Ning, everyone, would you be interested in a tour of Amazon Lily?"

This change in topic was well-received, and Luo Ning readily agreed. He was genuinely curious about Amazon Lily – an otherworldly version of a women-only nation.

The world held a fascinating variety of women, from those with muscles rippling across their bodies to towering giants over three meters tall, and even women with necks thicker than their heads. Of course, there were also beauties like Hancock, each with their own unique allure. Amazon Lily's architectural style, with its wind villages scattered throughout the island, was also said to be quite impressive.