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

Hancock sat gracefully in the viewpoint that Sanji had carefully chosen for her.

His gaze seemed to casually sweep across the sea view outside the window, but in reality, he took in the reactions of everyone in the restaurant.

Sanji is like the most loyal servant.

He stood by, almost holding his breath, his eyes burning with a intensity that could melt steel.

She suddenly felt a mischievous urge and turned her head slightly.

Those captivatingly beautiful eyes looked at Sanji, her red lips parted slightly, and her voice carried a hint of lazy huskiness.

"Your name is... Sanji, right?"

Just hearing his name uttered from her lips sent a jolt of electricity through Sanji’s spine and to the top of his head.

My whole body went numb, and I nodded hurriedly, my voice trembling slightly.

"Yes! Yes! Beautiful Empress! You've remembered my name! It's truly an honor I'll never forget!"

[Ding! Target 'Vinsmoke Sanji's' infatuation level +10! Current infatuation level: 45/100 (Intermediate Simp)]

Hancock's heart stirred slightly. Just calling a name had this effect?

The potential of this "superior" qualification is indeed astonishing.

The faint smile on her lips deepened slightly as she continued in that voice that could make anyone's bones go weak.

"It seems you're a chef who really knows how to appreciate delicious food."

Her words carried a double meaning, and Sanji's mind was completely filled with pink bubbles.

He automatically interpreted it as the goddess praising his professionalism and taste, and was so excited he almost spun around on the spot.

"Serving a beautiful lady like you, and offering the world's most delicious cuisine, is a chef's highest pursuit!"

At this point, a few of the bolder chefs, such as Paddy and Carne, also came over to say hello.

After all, this is a Shichibukai. Although I'm afraid, I can't be impolite.

"Your Majesty, the Empress, welcome..."

"Please, please let me know if you need anything..."

Hancock merely glanced at them and nodded slightly.

That breathtakingly beautiful face, and the powerful aura of a Shichibukai.

The chefs' hearts skipped a beat, their faces flushed, and they stammered, unable to utter a word.

[Ding! You have received basic simp energy from Paddy, infatuation level: 25.]

[Ding! You have received basic simp energy from Carne, infatuation level: 26.]

System notifications kept ringing in my mind.

At the same time, a subtle but clear flow of heat entered Hancock's body, mainly concentrated in her lower limbs.

[Ding! Host's 'Leg Strength' has received a moderate boost.]

[Ding! Host's 'Cooking Skills' have received a slight improvement. This stems from a deeper understanding of 'deliciousness' and a resonance with Sanji's latent talent.]

The increased leg strength made her feel lighter on her feet, as if she could unleash even greater power at any moment.

As for the improvement in her cooking skills... Hancock touched her flat stomach.

Since acquiring Bonnie's [Gluttony's Gift] passive ability, her appetite has indeed increased, and her craving for food has become even stronger.

That's great! Now I can satisfy my cravings even if I cook for myself.

Just then, a calm and slightly solemn voice broke the somewhat "pink" atmosphere.

"The Seven Warlords of the Sea, the 'Pirate Empress' Boa Hancock..."

Zhefu, dressed in a chef's uniform, with a long golden beard and standing on a wooden prosthetic leg, walked over.

His eyes were sharp, filled with scrutiny and vigilance.

"May I ask what brings you to our humble restaurant?"

He could tell that the woman in front of him was not just there for a meal.

The sudden appearance of a Shichibukai-level being in the East Blue is itself an extremely unusual event.

"You old geezer! How dare you speak to Her Majesty the Empress like that!"

Sanji immediately jumped in to defend him, looking displeased.

Hancock raised her hand, gently stopping Sanji, and calmly met Zeff's gaze, revealing a faint smile that could outshine a hundred flowers.

"What? 'Red-Leg' Zhefu, I've long admired the cuisine of the Baratie Sea Restaurant and have come all this way to sample it. Is that not allowed?"

Her smile seemed gentle, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority and charm.

Zeff frowned slightly. In his youth, he had also ventured into the Grand Line and knew all too well the terror of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the rumors surrounding the Empress.

He couldn't gauge Hancock's true nature, but his intuition told him that this woman was extremely dangerous.

However, when you're in business, there's no reason to turn away customers, especially when they're there ostensibly as customers.

Zeff took a deep breath, suppressing his doubts, and bowed slightly, displaying the etiquette of a veteran pirate and restaurant owner.

"Of course, it was my rudeness. It is an honor for Barati to have Her Majesty the Empress grace us with her presence."

He turned to Sanji, "Sanji, take the Empress to the 'Pearl Shell' VIP box. It's the quietest place with the best view."

"Yes, boss!"

Sanji immediately agreed, and then spoke to Hancock with great enthusiasm.

"Lady Snake Princess, please follow me. Our restaurant's most prestigious private room is absolutely worthy of your status!"

Hancock nodded slightly, under Zeff's serious gaze.

Guided by Sanji's almost fawning manner and protected by female warriors like Aria, they headed towards the restaurant's most luxurious private room.

After entering the luxurious and spacious private room, which resembled the interior of a giant pearl shell, Zhefu followed him in personally and said in a deep voice.

"What would Your Majesty like to try? I will personally cook for you."

He decided to keep a close watch on things himself, just in case anything went wrong.

At the same time, he also wanted to observe up close what this renowned empress was really up to.

Hancock sat down gracefully, resting her chin on her hand, and looked out at the boundless sea, speaking as if casually.

"Then... bring out your best dishes, the ones that best reflect the chef's heart. I'm really looking forward to it."

Her arrival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and ripples were quietly spreading.

Both she and Zhefu knew perfectly well that this meal would be anything but a simple meal.