Kain agreed to Trebol's request, and the five of them, led by him, arrived at another intact banquet hall.
After arranging for Kain and the four others to sit down, Trebol tapped the floor with his scepter.
Hearing the signal, the palace maids pushed dining carts into the banquet hall, placing various delicacies and wines on the tables.
This wasn't all.
Trebol tapped the floor with his scepter again.
A team of dancers in Dressrosa-style attire walked in, followed by a band.
It seemed to be to Ulti's liking, as there were also a few male dancers mixed in with the female dancers.
"Lord Kain, please enjoy the unique dance of our Dressrosa," Trebol said with a lewd smile, "You can do whatever you wish with them, my Lords."
Kain swirled the red wine glass in his hand and said casually, "I heard you captured the King Riku royal family. I haven't tried having a princess dance for me yet."
"Understood, understood. I'll go prepare it right away."
Trebol revealed a smile that all men understood, then turned and left.
Outside the banquet hall, Diamante had been waiting for a long time.
"Pica led the others to protect the Young Master for treatment," Diamante reported in a low voice.
They had just seized this country, and their foundation was not yet stable, so they had to guard against a counterattack from the royal remnants.
Trebol nodded, very satisfied with the cadres' thorough consideration, and then ordered, "You guard here. I'll go to the prison and bring Violet out. That scoundrel Kain wants to see her dance."
"He really knows how to enjoy himself, that guy."
Diamante gritted his teeth at the thought of that beauty Violet being wantonly played with by Kain.
Seeing no one around, he said sinisterly, "Why don't we let Sugar…"
"Shut up!" Trebol glared, scolding, "The Donquixote Family can't afford any more risks."
Sugar's ability was incredibly effective against ordinary people and even some strong individuals.
But against a Haki master like Kain, whether the ability would work was entirely another matter.
The risk and reward were completely disproportionate.
"What we need to do now is stall until the Young Master wakes up. Put away all your other petty thoughts," Trebol warned solemnly.
Diamante no longer argued, nodding in agreement.
Trebol left with peace of mind.
The Donquixote Family, setting aside other things, their old members were extremely united.
Trebol was not afraid of Diamante acting one way in front and another behind his back.
Royal Palace Prison.
Trebol came to a cell where a black-haired girl in a Violet dress was imprisoned.
"Violet, what have you decided?"
Trebol sneered, "Trading your loyalty for your father's life, isn't that a very worthwhile deal?"
Violet lowered her eyes, her voice trembling, "I am willing to join the Donquixote Family."
"Excellent," Trebol instantly put on a gentle smile, "Don't worry, as long as you join the Donquixote Family as a cadre, we will treat you like family."
Saying that, he took out the key and unlocked Violet's Sea Stone handcuffs.
Violet, now free again, didn't even have time to enjoy a breath of freedom before she was assigned her first task as a family cadre.
"Make me dance for a big shot?"
Violet glanced at Trebol, her eyes full of mockery.
Is this the 'family-like care' you spoke of?
Your family members are truly worthless.
A hint of embarrassed discomfiture flashed across Trebol's face, but it was quickly covered by the shadow of the family's potential demise. He said coldly, "This person is crucial to the future of the Donquixote Family. You must serve him well, using every means possible, even sacrificing everything for it."
"As a family cadre, you must have the resolve to dedicate your all to the family. If that Lord wanted me, Trebol, I would not even frown!"
Violet scrutinized Trebol's appearance and scoffed.
His scraggly upper lip, sparse teeth, and constantly dripping snot.
Who would be so blind as to fancy you?
Trebol's eye twitched fiercely. He forcibly suppressed his anger and warned, "Don't have any other ideas. Just focus on your job as a dancer. Think about your family."
"Don't think that Lord will help you. He is a Great Signboard of the Beasts Pirates, and he is ruthless."
"I think you know the reputation of the Beasts Pirates better than I do."
Clap, clap, clap~
As the song ended, Kain applauded softly.
Violet, dressed in a flamenco dance outfit with a flower in her mouth, executed a beautiful dance step, landing on the last note, and bowed gracefully.
"As expected of the country of love and passion, the dances are also so passionate."
Kain praised endlessly.
But among those present, only Kain was truly appreciating the dance.
Jack, full from eating and drinking, closed his eyes to rest, completely unfazed by the surrounding music and dancing.
Ulti idly scraped at the steak on her plate, not even glancing at Violet.
Page One was studying a plate of Dressrosa's specialty grilled fish, even asking the maid about the fish's origin, seemingly wanting to go there to fish.
Speed silently recorded in her notebook—Lord Kain likes flamenco dance.
Collecting Lord Kain's preferences, this was the awareness she should have as a subordinate.
"A bunch of guys who don't know how to appreciate beauty."
Kain grumbled, then turned to Violet, getting straight to the point, "Hey, you'll follow me from now on."
Trebol, who was attending nearby, his pupils constricted. His worst fear had come true.
Before Violet could speak, Trebol immediately said, "Lord Kain, Violet is still useful to us. Could you grant us some time? You can choose any other dancer in the palace."
As long as he could stall now, once Kain left, by dragging it out, perhaps he would forget?
Even if he didn't forget, they could just find some excuse like 'resisting arrest and being killed' to get by.
The strategic value of Violet's Berry ability was simply too high.
If possible, he absolutely could not hand Violet over.
The next second, Kain's reply sent him into an ice cellar.
"Trebol, are you trying to fool me like that idiot King Riku?"
Kain's lips curved into a smile, "I probably don't need to elaborate on the importance of a Glance-Glance Berry user, do I?"
He laid his cards on the table; what he wanted was Violet.
His previous pretense was merely because Kain didn't want to go through the trouble of finding someone; enjoying the dance was just a bonus.
He, he actually knew!
Trebol forced out a smile, "It is Violet's good fortune to be favored by Lord Kain."
A strategic Berry user versus the entire Donquixote Family.
He still knew which side was more important.
"What, Kain, you were trying to steal someone all along? I thought you…" Ulti suddenly realized.
"Thought I was what? Do you take me for a perverted glutton!"
Kain rolled his eyes.
He didn't want a beautiful woman who was just for show and useless.