Chapter 46: A Life Spent Like Scattering Gold

The rotation process in Smoker's plan was evidently much more complicated than the peaceful handover previously envisioned. Sweeping up remnants, collecting evidence, reporting to headquarters... Smoker and Tashigi's tasks suddenly became arduous, and naturally, they could no longer proceed as planned to launch a direct military assault on the Dragon's territory.

According to Tashigi, the bandit suppression plan would have to be delayed another day before it could commence, and they estimated it would be three days before reaching Cocoyasi Village.

Wallace was busy returning to the East Sea Daily newsroom to report for duty and prepare to publish the big stories he had documented over the past three days.

As the bustle settled and even the few acquaintances found themselves occupied, Garen and Nami found themselves with some leisure.

In the unfamiliar town of Loguetown, the only thing left to pass the time was...

"This white suit..."

Inside Loguetown’s finest tailor shop, Garen casually pointed to a suit on the rack that caught his eye.

"This suit is handcrafted from imported alpaca wool from the West Sea, the design inspired by noble families of the Goa Kingdom..." The saleswoman beside them greeted them warmly, her face bright with a practiced smile as she launched into her pitch.

"Ten sets," Garen said, blocking any further words from the saleswoman.

"Ha..." The saleswoman’s expression shifted dramatically. "This... this is a limited edition. Only one set exists."

"Oh?" Garen replied with effortless nonchalance.

"In that case, wrap up all the suits in the shop that look similar to this one."

As a protagonist, how could he not have a wardrobe full of identical outfits in reserve?

"This..." The saleswoman was still struggling to keep up. "Don’t you want to know the price?"

"Ah..." Nami, always close to Garen, walked forward with a graceful smile and deftly unzipped the large canvas bag in her hands.

The bag was enormous—large enough to hold all of Garen’s spoils from the past three days in one go. The tip of the steel blade had already been converted into ten million Berry in cash under the special attention of the new Loguetown chief, Smoker, and, with the generous donations from kind souls like Buggy the Clown and Major Hammer...

The contents of the bag were so vast that it was hard to imagine how Nami, with her delicate appearance, could carry it.

But Nami clung to it fiercely, refusing to let go and seeming to enjoy the task more the longer she held on.

The seasoned saleswoman was dazzled by the glittering contents of the bag.

Nami’s smile grew even brighter.

She had always saved money bit by bit, but this was the first time she enjoyed the sheer thrill of spending freely—a sensation that was indescribably exhilarating.

After all, strictly speaking, this money belonged to Garen. If she didn’t spend it, it would go to waste.

"Your family is quite wealthy..." The saleswoman commented, dazed, voicing her most sincere impression.

"Not really," Garen replied casually. "My family is just ordinary."

Nami, struggling under the weight of the bag, couldn’t help but roll her eyes in disdain at Garen’s words.

"For me, money brings less than 5% of my happiness," Garen continued, growing more eloquent, his air of noble detachment becoming even stronger.

"My purpose in venturing out to sea has never been to make money; earning is merely incidental."

Yet the saleswoman’s eyes gleamed, and the other staff in the shop gathered around him as if stars orbiting the moon.

Money, after all, commands respect.

Within minutes, the shop’s staff, energized by the prospect of a big sale, fulfilled Garen’s unlikely request.

Dozens of white suits were neatly folded and packed, then delivered to Garen with attentive service.

Money flew out in bundles, and Garen’s shopping trip was completed in a simple, commanding fashion.

Next, it was Nami’s turn to select clothing—a sort of employee benefit for the temporary navigator.

Although Nami was already a secret millionaire, her tragic past and arduous work had forced her to live frugally and modestly, always wearing the same nondescript shorts and T-shirt.

This was the first time in her life she could indulge in her favorite, expensive clothing.

The girl, burdened by the hardships of her life, finally found a moment to let her spirit soar.

Nami casually picked out a costly outfit and, surrounded by the staff, entered the fitting room.

The soft, rustling sounds from behind the curtain stirred the atmosphere with a subtle allure.

After a long while, Nami finally emerged, summoned by countless calls.

Surprisingly, she had chosen a pure white princess dress—so at odds with her lively personality.

She wore a simple off-shoulder gown, her bright orange hair resting delicately on her flawless collarbone. The sheer, white fabric cascaded in layers, accentuating the beautiful curves of her figure.

The skirt flared slightly at her slender waist, revealing legs as smooth as jade, drawing ambiguous lines under the warm lights.

Nami’s smile was perfectly measured; the dimples on her cheeks lent a charming playfulness, while the slight tilt of her lips hinted at innate elegance and allure.

"Absolutely stunning!"

The first to praise her was the saleswoman, who had accompanied her throughout. Though compliments were part of her profession, today the words came from the heart.

"Say no more," Garen muttered as he pulled out a wad of bills. "We’ll take it."

"Do you like it?" Nami approached Garen without reason, asking a question she already knew the answer to.

"Stunning," Garen replied, generous with his praise.

Nami’s smile widened.

Garen’s gaze drifted to Nami’s left arm, where a pale yellow silk scarf was tied, contrasting beautifully with her porcelain skin.

But Garen knew that Nami wasn’t wearing the scarf for beauty’s sake.

"You don’t need to hide it," Garen said softly. "I know what’s there."

Nami’s body trembled lightly.

Garen’s expression grew serious, his eyes full of resolve.

"In three days, I’ll fulfill my promise."

"That old fish will die."

The ambiguous atmosphere suddenly turned heavy; even the saleswoman instinctively tensed.

"Mm," Nami replied simply, but her eyes shone with infinite light.

"Go pick out a few more outfits!" Garen laughed gently, uttering the most commanding words a man could say:

"Buy whatever you like—my treat."

--------------------------

Hours later...

"Is it too late to regret?" Garen slumped half-dead in a chair in the boutique, gazing weakly toward the fitting room.

Because of his words, Nami had entered full shopping frenzy mode.

Her approach was nothing like Garen’s bulk-buying style; every item she purchased had to be tried on, and she would step out each time to let Garen admire it.

Cheongsam, skirts, hot pants, dresses, noble gowns... she tried them all.

At first, Garen was entranced, watching with great interest.

But as time went on, he became like a dried-out fish, barely holding on.

"How can buying clothes take so long?"

"Couldn’t you just pack them all up and try them on at home?"

Garen couldn’t help but cover his face and sigh.

"Ha..." Even the saleswoman was showing signs of fatigue, but the power of money gave her more stamina than any knight.

"Girls always shop like this."

"Sigh..." Garen sighed helplessly, resigned to wait for Miss Nami to finish changing.

A moment later, Nami emerged in a luxurious mink coat.

She bounced over to Garen and repeated her question for what felt like the hundredth time, "Is it pretty?"

"Pretty, my foot!" Garen retorted. "It’s summer—why wear mink?"

"You spendthrift! Hurry up and finish shopping so we can go home!"

"Hmph!" Nami snorted, undeterred, and went back to pick out more clothes.

"Sir, please be patient!" The saleswoman smiled, smoothing things over.

"Your girlfriend is so beautiful—just right for..."

"Enough!" Garen waved impatiently.

"Don’t talk about pretty or not!"

"I’m face-blind!"

"I can’t tell if she’s pretty or not!"