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

[Ding! Target: Nico Robin, Infatuation +10! Current Infatuation: 25/100 (Beginner Simp)!]

The atmosphere in the steamy bathroom was subtle and ambiguous.

Robin's technique was indeed superb; her finger pressure was just right, and with the subtle assistance of her Flower Flower Fruit ability, she could precisely relieve muscle fatigue.

Hancock closed her eyes and felt it; it was indeed very beneficial.

She could sense that Robin's movements went from cautious probing at the beginning to gradually relaxing later, and even taking on a subtle...focus and dedication.

"Um……"

Hancock unconsciously let out a lazy, comfortable sigh, the sound of which was particularly clear and alluring in the quiet bathroom.

Robin's fingers paused slightly, and her cheeks flushed uncontrollably again. She quickly composed herself and continued what she was doing.

After a long while, Hancock slowly stood up, water droplets sliding down her breathtaking curves.

She wrapped herself in a velvet bathrobe, glanced back at Robin, and her beautiful eyes held less of their usual coldness and aloofness, and more of genuine satisfaction.

"Not bad," she commented casually, then gracefully walked out of the bathroom.

Robin remained alone in the gradually cooling pool, her feelings a complex mix of emotions.

She actually... felt a long-lost peace, and even a twisted sense of accomplishment, from this forced service.

She shook her head, suppressing the absurd feeling.

Since that day, Hancock's attitude towards Robin has changed significantly.

She began to personally oversee Robin's daily life, occasionally calling her to her study instead of interrogating her.

Instead, they casually chat about historical legends and ancient relics.

She would even show Robin some rubbings or artifacts with ancient writings that she had captured, and listen to her opinions.

This kind of "care" that comes with respect and recognition makes Robin feel flattered and also makes the scales in her heart begin to tip slightly.

She keenly sensed that the Empress was completely different from Crocodile.

Crocodile viewed her as a mere tool, to be used and discarded.

The Empress, however, seems to value her worth more.

Her knowledge, her wisdom.

It's uncertain whether the Empress was an actress.

The female warriors, including Aria, watched as Lady Snake showed such care for the new "scholar," even occasionally personally instructing her on some basic physical techniques.

They couldn't help but secretly gasp, their eyes revealing a hint of barely perceptible envy and... a subtle touch of jealousy.

After all, it's rare to find someone who can gain such favor from Lady Snake.

Hancock took in all of this, and her conviction grew stronger.

Through this period of observation and contact, she discovered that Robin's psychology was extremely complex.

She both craved strong protection and was extremely wary and suspicious.

She admires strength, but simply using force and pressure will only make her more withdrawn.

What she truly needs is a strong person who possesses absolute power to make her feel safe, while also giving her a certain degree of respect, recognition, and even "gentleness."

This "gentleness" is not weakness, but rather the condescending favor and attention of the strong, which can give her a sense of belonging and security.

Indeed, dealing with such a highly intelligent and insecure woman requires a combination of gentle and firm approaches, not just brute force.

Hancock understood and adjusted her strategy.

That day, in the study, Hancock pushed a tattered document, which appeared to be a rubbing from a stone tablet, in front of Robin.

"I obtained this by chance. The text on it is obscure and difficult to understand. Take a look and see if you can glean anything from it?"

Hancock spoke in a flat tone, as if he were just giving a casual test.

Robin took the rubbing, glanced at it, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Some of the symbols and textual structure on it bear some resemblance to the historical texts she has studied.

Although it is not the main text itself, it is very likely a record left by a civilization that knew ancient writing!

She took a deep breath, suppressed her excitement, and began to examine it carefully.

With her extensive knowledge and profound understanding of ancient languages, she deciphered the contents of the ancient legend about the "source of life" on a lost island, albeit intermittently.

Interspersed among them are some veiled references to the ancient weapon "Poseidon"!

As she recounted her interpretation, Hancock listened casually, but was actually deeply moved.

Robin's knowledge far exceeded her expectations.

[Ding! Target Nico Robin, due to the host providing valuable ancient documents and acknowledging their knowledge, develops a strong sense of value identification and gratitude for their mentorship, deepening the emotional bond and increasing her infatuation level by 5! Current infatuation level: 30/100 (Beginner Simp)!]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! Through in-depth communication and knowledge sharing with archaeologist Nico Robin, you have successfully comprehended an ancient language (beginner level)]

[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained a fragment of historical truth—the legend of the 'Source of Life' is subtly connected to 'Poseidon'!]

Feeling the newfound basic knowledge of ancient languages ​​and fragments of historical truth in his mind, as well as the soaring infatuation level with Robin.

Hancock knew that she had finally found the most crucial key to unlocking Robin's heart!

Looking at Robin, who was engrossed in exploring ancient knowledge, her eyes sparkling with focus and wisdom, she knew that she was one step closer to completing that time-limited mission.

As for Robin, under the Empress's offensive that combines both strength and "gentleness," the wall of ice in her heart is quietly melting.

She began to think that staying by the empress's side might be...

She will actually be able to access the truths she has always dreamed of, truths buried by the world government.