Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Ethan nodded slightly and said:
"Vivi is kind-hearted, lovely, and charming. We fell in love at first sight..."
"After understanding Vivi's situation, I naturally wanted to help her solve the difficulties in Alabasta without her asking."
"Father, Ethan can make it rain~" Vivi added.
"Rain?!" Cobra was ecstatic. This was truly their saving grace.
"Father, you can issue a notice to the people tomorrow, placing all the blame on Crocodile. Tomorrow at noon, Ethan will bring down heavy rain for a month. This way, we won't have to worry about water resources for a long time."
Vivi yawned, saying, "We'll go back and rest first, you take your time~"
Without waiting for Cobra's reply, she took Ethan's hand and hurriedly left the palace.
Cobra nodded in agreement, still immersed in the joy that his kingdom was saved.
After a while, he paused, rest!? Wait, could they have already...
Thinking this, Cobra felt a pang, feeling as if the beloved daughter he had cherished was slipping away.
...
The palace, Vivi's chambers.
The Little Proverbs was parked by Ethan in the courtyard of Vivi's palace, with Robin and the others staying next door, courtesy of Vivi's arrangements.
Tonight's star was, of course, the gentle-hearted Princess Vivi~
Ethan had long anticipated sharing a moment of "intimacy" with Vivi in her princess room, discussing marriage.
In his view, this was particularly memorable and ritualistic for Vivi, and for him, it held an intriguing appeal, satisfying his interest in connecting with royalty.
At this moment, Vivi lay in Ethan's arms, drawing circles on his chest with her fingers.
"Why did you choose me and come all this way to help me~"
Vivi looked up suddenly, her innocent big eyes blinking as she gazed emotionally into Ethan's eyes.
"Of course, I like you. Why else would I sign a contract to make you my consort in the name of helping you?"
"Hmph! You didn't even pursue me… You really don't understand romance!"
"Oh? I didn't pursue you?"
"Hehe," Vivi smiled, saying nothing.
Ethan smirked and buried his head in Vivi's hair...
...
Ethan's intentions were clear. With his special ability to grow stronger by interacting with heroines or supporting characters from the pirate world, his plans were straightforward.
As long as they met his standards and he approved of them, they would find a place by his side.
He was not only the god of his kingdom but also its emperor, with a harem that was perhaps not just a dream.
Women who could be easily won over, like Vivi and Robin, were ideal candidates.
Those harder to win over, such as Tina, Tashigi, Taotu, Big Mom's daughters, etc., he planned to "bind" to his side first. Then he would use various [methods] to win their hearts later.
Would Ethan tire of having so many companions? In this extraordinary world, he aimed for immortality and would find a way to attain it.
In his mind, the fewer obstacles to his goal, the faster his path to immortality. With this plan, he might truly reach immortality one day.
If having too few companions would hinder his progress, he knew he would regret it.
...
The next morning, Vivi woke slowly. She opened her eyes and saw Ethan's gentle gaze.
She smiled shyly and offered her cherry lips.
After a long while, Ethan let go of Vivi's reluctant gaze.
She felt extremely happy, as if filled with boundless energy.
After helping each other prepare, Ethan finally left the room with Vivi's support.
"Ah~ Our lovely princess is awake. I wonder what time you two stayed up talking last night?"
Robin, as mischievous as ever, noticed the joy on Vivi's face and couldn't resist teasing.
"Hmph! Sister Robin, you... you're so bad!" Vivi fought back weakly.
"Alright~ I won't tease you anymore," Robin said with a sweet smile, sparing the shy Vivi.
Ethan guided her to the dining table and playfully teased Porchi, who was happily eating her food nearby.
"Hate~ I still want to eat!"
Porchi responded coquettishly, not fighting back but instead feeding Ethan with her hand.
Ethan accepted the food from her, prompting her to act coquettishly once again.
"Tina is so sleepy!" Tina's room was right next to theirs, so her complaints were no surprise.
"Alright, I'll perk you up later~" Ethan teased her as he saw her daring to complain.
"Tina won't allow it!" Tina's expression was stubborn, though her voice betrayed a bit of hesitation.
"We'll see about that."
Ethan smirked, already planning how to playfully challenge the spirited Tina.
...
At noon, it was sweltering, and Cobra's efficiency was remarkable. He had informed the entire nation overnight.
This also meant that the reporters from the World Economic News Agency were aware.
In a few days, news of Crocodile's disappearance and rumored death would spread across the world.
Back to the task at hand, Ethan summoned a thick cloud to cover all of Alabasta.
Soon, heavy rain poured from the sky, and thanks to Ethan's powers, this rain could continue for a full month.
Since Ethan had awakened his abilities, he could permanently alter the environment, bringing eternal rain or storms here.
But! No region could endure continuous rain.
[One Piece doesn't explicitly state that Logia fruits can awaken, but Paramecia and Zoan fruits can. Since Logia fruit users like Akainu and Aokiji permanently changed the environment, awakening seems possible.]
Now, Vivi was truly his divine consort, and Alabasta was his ally.
As Cobra's sole heir, Vivi (or her future child with Ethan) would eventually rule as queen after Cobra's passing.
Vivi was fulfilling her duty as queen, securing rain, prosperity, and peace for Alabasta.
Now, her only task was to serve Ethan well and request rain from him whenever necessary.
However, Ethan had plenty to consider. Alabasta was vast, and factors like when to release electricity, when to regulate water flow, etc., required his meticulous operation and attention to timing.