Chapter 176: I Am No Saint

After a day of sightseeing, everyone returned to the palace. Hancock had instructed the staff to prepare rooms for their guests. While the palace wasn't overflowing with other treasures, it did have an abundance of guest chambers, despite the relatively small number of residents who typically called it home.

"Sister Hancock," Nami began, voicing a rumor they'd picked up during their tour excursion in Amazon Lily, "is it true there's a curse on your three sisters, turning anyone who sees their backs to stone?"

Nami's question caused Hancock's expression to stiffen. This was a painful topic she'd rather avoid.

"Ahem, Nami," Luo Ning interjected gently, "it's not polite to pry into someone's personal matters."

This was a sensitive subject, one that remained unspoken despite some whispers circulating. The truth was, Hancock had been captured by the Celestial Dragons and forced into slavery. Fortunately, Fisher Tiger intervened, saving her from a likely demise in Mariejois.

Another factor played a role: Hancock's Mero Mero no Mi (Love-Love Fruit) grew more potent with time, unleashing an irresistible charm that even Seastone couldn't entirely suppress. This was evident when she entered Impel Down. Despite being shackled with Seastone, her charm was enough to subdue Magellan. Of course, this hinged on her remaining passive; any aggressive action would likely have triggered resistance from Magellan.

However, that was precisely the power of the Mero Mero no Mi. The Celestial Dragons, known for their idiocy, wouldn't stand a chance against such an allure. It wasn't a stretch to imagine that if Tiger hadn't intervened, a more developed Hancock could've manipulated the Celestial Dragons into whisking her away from Mariejois, bypassing any need for Haki or brute force.

Thankfully, thanks to Tiger's timely rescue, this scenario never unfolded.

"Actually, it's not a secret that can't be spoken of at all," Hancock said after a beat, stealing a glance at Luo Ning. She felt compelled to reveal her past, a truth she couldn't hide from him, especially since others already knew. Transparency felt better than secrecy.

"Besides, I know everything about you, so there's no need to talk about that here."

Luo Ning's words sent a jolt through Hancock, leaving her pale. Fear gnawed at her, the fear of Luo Ning rejecting her because of this.

"What are you two talking about?" the others chimed in, confused by the sudden shift in conversation.

"There's no need to pry further, let's go rest first." Robin, ever the mature one, interjected. Sensing a heavy undercurrent, she gently ushered Nami and the others away.

While Nami and the others lacked Robin's maturity, they picked up on a unspoken taboo. Everyone has past hurts, right? Nami had been manipulated by fishmen, Robin was a fugitive from the World Government, Baby 5 was abandoned as a child and valued only for her usefulness, Shirahoshi was ostracized and forced to live in a tower, and Pudding endured discrimination because of her third eye. Humans are complex creatures with vulnerabilities, and some things are better left unsaid.

Left alone with Luo Ning, Hancock hesitantly asked, "Lord Luo Ning, now that you know about my past, what do you think of me?" The question hung in the air, her voice betraying a mix of apprehension and a yearning for acceptance.

Hesitantly, Hancock approached Luo Ning. The silence gnawed at her. If she didn't ask, the uncertainty would fester, yet the fear of his disapproval made her voice tremble.

"How do you see it? It speaks for itself, doesn't it?" Luo Ning replied gently. "The details of your capture by the Celestial Dragons are indeed sensitive. While it wouldn't necessarily jeopardize your standing in Amazon Lily, it could cause some complications."

He reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Look, tragic pasts don't define a person. Nami and the others all have their own burdens they've carried."

"Speaking of which, I have a small gift for you. Would you mind shaking my hand?"

Hancock's pale cheeks flushed a rosy hue. A lifeline thrown in a stormy sea, she grasped Luo Ning's outstretched hand without a moment's hesitation. Their fingers intertwined, a connection that felt both fragile and profound.

Luo Ning, with his power of The Visionary, didn't need to heal any injuries, as Hancock wasn't hurt. Instead, he focused on the curse mark. Since it wasn't a wound, his healing wouldn't work. He opted for a different approach – forcibly erasing it.

A wave of warmth surged through Hancock as the power took effect. "Wh-what is this?" she stammered, her gaze darting towards Luo Ning, her intuition telling her he was the source of this sensation.

"A small gift," he explained with a smile. "Consider it a way to get rid of those marks on your back. When your sisters return, I can help them too, so you won't have to maintain that whole 'curse' charade anymore."

Hancock's eyes widened in disbelief. She reached back tentatively, her fingers brushing against smooth, unmarked skin. Relief washed over her, replaced by a flood of gratitude for Luo Ning's unexpected kindness.

Tears welled up in Hancock's eyes. "Thank you," she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much!"

The Celestial Dragons and the cursed mark on her back – these had been her two greatest nightmares, shattered now by Luo Ning's kindness. Her heart, already deeply devoted to him, overflowed with gratitude and a sense of belonging.

"Go on, get some rest," Luo Ning said gently, watching Hancock wipe away her tears.

But this time, instead of letting go, Hancock clung to his arm.

Luo Ning fell silent. Hancock's unspoken invitation was a powerful lure. Unlike Nami and the others, whose youthfulness or Robin's more subdued nature limited their advances, Hancock held nothing back. Now, with her clear invitation hanging in the air, what could Luo Ning say? He wasn't a saint.

Without a word, he followed Hancock, leaving the others behind.

The next few days were spent enjoying Amazon Lily. The island's unique culture and breathtaking scenery were a welcome change, and they even had the opportunity to observe the Warriors training a renowned martial art on Amazon Lily.