Don't Go Putting Eco-Friendly Hats on the Four Emperors

The second year after Shanks left the island, I cheated on him.

It was no big deal, I told myself. The headstrong pirate had never made any promises, and once he left, there was no sign of him at the harbor.

I should have remembered the first mate's warning: Free spirits are drawn to the sea. No one can ever hold them back.

But the day I accepted a confession and kissed the man in the tavern, the door swung open and cold air swept in. The red-haired man rested his right hand on his sword hilt, one corner of his black cloak billowing behind him.

He looked at us with a smile, his tone unhurried.

“Well, well. Young man, it's rude to be so forward with another man's wife.”

I froze in place, all the blood draining from my body. He walked toward me, his smile still bold and carefree.

The pirates filled the tavern, and the whole place fell silent. He forcibly pulled me into his arms. The scent of a strange yet rich liquor clung to him, deeply possessive.

I could feel his anger.

Later, on countless nights, he made me repeat my love for him over and over.

“I love you, Shanks.”

“Not enough.”

“I love you... Mm... I love...”

The tavern's beautiful owner, famous across the island, was dragged by the cruel pirate into a dim cabin, never to return.

Shanks smiled. “My young wife doesn't know better. I should be understanding, and I should teach her.”

Theme: Hold fast to your ideals and beliefs