Chapter 321: Disciplining the Son (Part 1)
When Charlotte woke up the next day, it was already close to noon.
He lay sprawled across the spacious bed, patting around on both sides—it was empty.
That alone was enough to jolt his mind awake.
"Already up?"
Charlotte sat up and looked around the room. Shaking off his grogginess, he stepped out.
"Good afternoon, Captain!"
"Captain, hello!"
Along the way, everyone who saw him bowed respectfully—most of them were maids.
Very few male crew members were ever seen on the top three decks of the ship.
The ship had seven decks in total.
The upper three—situated above the main deck—were reserved for Charlotte and the women.
Typically, only the maids moved around these decks. Male crew stayed on the lower four decks and the main deck.
Though Charlotte had never enforced this rule, the crew avoided the upper decks out of respect and tact.
Charlotte appreciated subordinates who showed this kind of awareness.
He soon arrived at the dining hall. It was lunchtime, and many crew members were having their meals in the cafeteria.
Charlotte walked up to the window.
"Fix me a plate too," he said to the maid behind the counter.
The maid froze for a moment, surprised to see the captain in line for the common meals.
Usually, officers and core members had their meals prepared by private chefs to suit their individual tastes.
It was rare for someone of Charlotte's rank to eat cafeteria food.
But it wasn't his first time either.
Realizing that, the maid quickly snapped out of it and served him a generous plate of food.
As for why Charlotte chose to eat here—convenience.
He didn't want to wait for the chefs to prepare a special meal. And honestly, the cafeteria food wasn't bad.
Even after living a life of luxury for over a decade, Charlotte wasn't stuck up.
He enjoyed mixing in with the crew now and then.
Once he got his tray and sat down, many of the crewmates snuck glances at him.
After all, most of them had boarded the ship because they were drawn to Charlotte's charm.
To sit and eat alongside their idol—it was overwhelming.
Charlotte ignored the admiring stares.
He'd grown used to it.
Ever since he had inexplicably been declared the World's Greatest Swordsman five years ago, he'd long since become numb to those kinds of looks.
He quickly finished his meal and wiped his mouth before leaving.
He was quite satisfied. The food was good—far better than the cafeteria meals back in his previous life.
"Yo! Master's in a good mood today, eating with the crew? The sun must be rising from the west!"
Illyana approached, flanked by several maids.
"Oh come on, can't a captain eat cafeteria food without being called out for it?"
Charlotte waved off her sarcasm.
"You, huh…"
Illyana rolled her eyes and walked off.
Charlotte scratched his head, wondering what he had done to upset her.
But thinking back, he couldn't recall doing anything.
Then again, women… They're allowed a few moody days each month.
He headed to the captain's quarters.
Inside, a dozen operators were seated at control consoles.
"Captain!"
They immediately stood and saluted upon seeing him.
"You guys eaten yet?"
Charlotte asked.
"The maids brought our meals earlier—we're all good."
Since the control room had to be manned 24/7, meals were delivered directly.
"Good."
Charlotte nodded.
"How long until we reach the next island?"
"About a day until we reach Flower Country, sir. We should arrive early tomorrow morning."
The navigator responded quickly.
"Alright."
Charlotte gave a final nod, glanced at the current course, then stepped out.
He made his way to the training room.
Before he even reached the door, he could hear the clanging of metal.
That rhythmic sound of lifting weights was one Charlotte was very familiar with.
He pushed open the door and saw all his children hard at work, sweat flying as they trained their bodies.
Satisfied that no one was slacking off, Charlotte quietly walked a lap around the room.
Some of the kids, upon noticing their father, immediately began showing off—pushing themselves harder, trying to impress.
Charlotte watched with amusement.
But then, he frowned.
Where's Caesar?
He looked around—no sign of him.
He walked over to Tesla.
"Tesla. Where's your brother Caesar?"
Hearing the question, Tesla hesitated, his movements slowing.
Charlotte narrowed his eyes.
"Speak! Don't cover for him! Where's your brother hiding this time?!"
Pressed by his father, Tesla flinched, then pointed in a direction.
Charlotte followed the finger—but saw nothing.
He walked over—
And there, tucked behind a pile of equipment, was Caesar… snoring peacefully.
Unbelievable. Amidst all this noise, he was fast asleep.
Charlotte didn't know whether to be impressed or furious.
But his expression quickly darkened.
"Caesar!"
His cold voice rang out.
Caesar jolted awake, eyes snapping open.
"D-Dad?!"
He immediately panicked.
"Sleep well?"
Charlotte's voice was like a blade of ice.
Sweat began to bead on Caesar's forehead.
"Dad, what brings you here?" he said, forcing a nervous smile.
Charlotte smiled in return—dangerously.
His large hand landed on Caesar's shoulder.
"Caesar, it's been a while since we sparred, huh? How about we… train a bit today?"
Charlotte's smile widened in Caesar's eyes until it felt like a demon grinning down at him.
Before he could say a word, Caesar felt the ground vanish beneath him.
BANG!
With a heavy thud, Caesar was thrown into the ring.
The next moment, Charlotte's towering figure entered as well.
"Dad! Wait—!"
Crack!
Charlotte cracked his knuckles.
"Show me how strong you've gotten. Skipping training, huh?"
BOOM!
His fist crashed into Caesar's face, sending him flying into the ropes and bouncing back.
"NOOOO! DAD, PLEASE!"
Caesar wailed as his face swelled instantly, pleading for mercy.
"What's the matter? You looked pretty relaxed earlier! Let's see that strength of yours, son!"
SMACK!
Another punch came. Caesar tried to shield his face but was launched again.
"Hey, not bad! You actually managed to block that one. Seems you've got some fight in you after all!"
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