One Piece: I am the Empress, and the more sycophants I have, the stronger I become.

Following the establishment of authority.

Hancock was not in a hurry to make the next big move.

She knew the importance of intelligence, especially on this chaotic island.

She sent Sandasonia and Marigold, each with a group of warriors, to different areas.

They gathered information, especially from taverns, black markets, and places frequented by human traffickers.

Pay close attention to the movements of other supernovae and the Navy Headquarters' response.

And any movement or disturbance concerning the Celestial Dragons or the World Government.

She herself, accompanied by several bodyguards and the newly recruited mid-level sycophant Arya, arrived at another tavern with a slightly higher level of sophistication and a more diverse clientele.

Arya, like the most loyal protector, always followed Hancock with eyes full of admiration and vigilance.

Anyone who pledges allegiance to the Empress.

Any disrespectful glance would be met with her icy glare.

Hancock chose a quiet spot by the window and ordered a light fruit wine.

While seemingly enjoying their leisurely drinks, they were actually keenly listening to the various fragments of information flowing through the tavern.

Arya stood respectfully behind her, like a statue.

"Have you heard? The Straw Hat Pirates have caused quite a stir in the East Blue..."

"Hmph, what kind of great figures could emerge from the weakest sea like the East Sea?"

"You can't say that, the bounty is real..."

"Compared to that, the whereabouts of 'Surgeon of Death' Law are more concerning; his abilities are too bizarre..."

"And then there's 'Gluttonous Girl' Bonnie, who almost ate the restaurant owner into bankruptcy the other day..."

Hearing snippets of conversation, Hancock silently jotted down useful information.

The mention of Luffy's name stirred something within her, but she quickly calmed down.

Luffy has set sail.

Now is not the time to focus on him.

Just then, the tavern door was pushed open again, and an unexpected figure walked in.

Basil Hawkins.

He remained as calm as ever, but in his hand he held something completely out of place with the atmosphere.

A bunch of white flowers wrapped in clean linen, emitting a faint fragrance.

Hawkins went straight to Hancock's table.

His appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.

This "magician's" unconventional style is already well-known.

But the sight of him holding flowers and walking toward the Seven Warlords of the Sea was truly beyond imagination.

Hawkins stood at Hancock's table, ignoring Arya's wary gaze.

He gently placed the bouquet on the table with meticulous care.

"Your Majesty the Empress."

His voice remained calm, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a very subtle fluctuation that was different from usual.

"Today's tarot reading features the 'Lovers' card upright, symbolizing attraction, union, and important choices. It also points to your current location."

He paused, as if making some kind of confirmation, and then continued.

"Following you seems to offer a glimpse into another possibility of fate, allowing me to achieve the results I desire. This feeling... is strange, defying my past rational judgments, yet the cards repeatedly confirm it."

He looked up, revealing his eyes, which were always hidden in the shadow of his hat brim.

Looking clearly at Hancock now, the pure rationality and inquiry from before are gone.

Instead, there was a different kind of attention... a kind of resignation, yet tinged with a hint of expectation.

"So, I came. This bouquet is in accordance with the guidance of 'fate'." Hawkins finished speaking and stood there quietly, no longer saying a word, as if waiting for Hancock's "judgment".

"Ding! Detected that 'Magician' Basil Hawkins' rational barrier has been breached due to the influence of the divination results and the host's powerful charm, resulting in a significant increase in his 'sense of destiny connection' and 'special obedience tendency' to the host! Officially meets the standard for [Intermediate Simp] (Rational Obedience Type)! Simp energy is being continuously absorbed!"

Hancock looked at the bouquet of white flowers on the table, then at the serious-looking man in front of her.

The supernova, who came to deliver flowers to show his loyalty because of the divination results, couldn't help but burst out laughing.

That smile was like an iceberg thawing, like spring returning to the earth, instantly illuminating the entire dimly lit tavern.

It left everyone who was secretly observing stunned.

Even Hawkins's unchanging expression seemed to crack slightly.

"This Hawkins..."

Hancock felt both annoyed and amused.

"In the original work, he was someone who always tried to rely on divination to avoid bad luck and seek good fortune, yet secretly envied Luffy's reckless and fearless spirit. Now, he's using the divination results as a reason to follow me? What a bizarre elite sycophant!"

She certainly wouldn't refuse such high-quality "resources" that were delivered to her doorstep.

The fact that a supernova with considerable strength, formidable abilities, and the ability to predict the future has taken the initiative to surrender is undoubtedly a huge boost to her "sycophant army" plan.

"Since fate has led you here."

Hancock suppressed her smile, but a hint of pleasure still lingered in the corners of her eyes and brows.

She stretched out her slender fingers and gently touched the petals.

"Then stay. Perfect, I also need an... eye."

She neither explicitly accepted nor rejected the offer.

But this tacit approval had already given Hawkins a certainty.

Hawkins infatuation level +15

He bowed slightly: "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress."

Then he consciously stepped aside, like a silent guard, and began to subconsciously watch over the surroundings for Hancock.

His divination told him that following this empress meant facing an unknown path filled with temptations and dangers.

However, it is currently the option with the highest survival rate and the highest probability of obtaining a result.

The others in the tavern were already dumbfounded.

Supernova Hawkins... just like that, he's submitted to the Empress?!

Just because I sent a bouquet of flowers and said a few strange things?

Has the allure of the Seven Warlords of the Sea become this terrifying?!

Just then, the tavern door was suddenly kicked open with a "bang".

A vibrant female voice, tinged with discontent, shouted:

"Hey! Boss! Is there any food left? Hurry up! I'm starving!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young woman with long, straight pink hair and a voluptuous figure stride in.

With a toothpick dangling from her mouth, it's none other than "Gluttony Girl" Joni Bonney!

As soon as Bonnie entered, her eyes scanned the entire room, searching for empty seats and food.

Then, her gaze naturally fell on the most conspicuous table by the window.

The stunningly beautiful empress, the respectful warriors, and Hawkins standing expressionlessly beside her.

Bonnie's eyes lit up instantly, not from being stunned by the Empress's beauty.

Instead, they saw a nearly untouched, exquisitely presented fruit platter and several small snacks on Hancock's table.

"Hey! That gorgeous girl over there!"

Bonnie walked over without any hesitation and pointed casually at the food on Hancock's table.

"You're not going to eat this, are you? Why don't you give it to me? Wasting food is shameful!"

Her sudden action caused Arya to grip her weapon tightly, and Hawkins frowned slightly.

Hancock, on the other hand, smiled with interest once again.

The supernovas of Sabaody Archipelago are indeed all very unique.

It seems that her list of "simps" may be about to add another candidate with a very different style?