Chapter 323: The Flower Country
Ever since Charlotte had severely beaten Caesar, the children had thrown themselves into training with intense passion.
Finally, Charlotte no longer had to constantly push them from behind.
Whether this newfound motivation would last or just be a passing phase—he didn't know. But if they dared slack off again, Charlotte would make sure they learned firsthand why roses are red.
Caesar had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Charlotte had been meaning to discipline the kids for a while.
From leaving Carmel Island, crossing into the North Blue, and now arriving in the West Blue, they had seen and experienced so much. And because the Four Blues were relatively easy—basically beginner zones—they had grown arrogant.
They no longer took anyone seriously.
Their recent battles were proof of that—charging in headfirst, ignoring enemy strength, and even boldly provoking the Marines.
Charlotte wasn't too concerned about these reckless behaviors now, but he knew such mindsets couldn't be allowed to grow.
This was the most critical time for shaping their characters.
He couldn't let them waste their potential.
Caesar had been taken away by Illyana and the others. With Neichen's potions, he had already recovered significantly.
He now lay in bed, eyes blank, staring at the ceiling.
His mother, Jillian, sat beside him, tears of worry running down her face.
"Caesar…"
She softly called out to him, but he didn't respond.
"Jillian, let Caesar be. Let him think things through on his own,"
Illyana said gently, tugging her arm.
Jillian looked at her son one last time and nodded.
"Caesar, get some rest. I won't disturb you. And don't blame your father—he only wants the best for you. The burden on his shoulders is heavy. Promise me… no more slacking off, okay?"
She tucked him in before leaving with Illyana's help.
The other women shook their heads with concern.
They could only hope Caesar would come to his senses.
Now alone, Caesar silently stared at the ceiling.
His mind echoed with Charlotte's disappointed words,
"I expected more from you."
His heart clenched. He slowly closed his eyes.
—
What had happened in the training room spread quickly through the ship.
Everyone now knew: Charlotte had beaten his eldest son.
The father and son had clashed—and the mood aboard ship was tense.
No one dared provoke Charlotte further.
That day passed in uneasy silence.
—
The next morning—
"Captain! We've arrived at the Flower Country!"
A maid knocked gently on Charlotte's door.
He opened his eyes.
"Mm. Make preparations. We'll rest here for a few days and resupply."
Charlotte had long been interested in the Flower Country.
It was one of the few places where remnants of his previous world might still be found.
The morning air was crisp and refreshing, waking everyone up with its cool bite.
Winter was coming.
Port workers had already begun their shifts when the Poseidon arrived and docked.
A massive warship looming in the harbor drew immediate attention.
Among the crowd, someone recognized it and paled, fleeing in panic.
He had seen that ship before—there was no mistaking it.
Meanwhile, aboard the Poseidon, the children, upon feeling the ship dock, stirred awake.
One after another, they ran to the deck, excited to see the outside world.
Caesar came out as well, though his usual liveliness had dimmed a little.
Still, the others greeted him warmly.
"Sorry, big bro… I sold you out yesterday,"
Tesla blurted, having wanted to apologize since yesterday but was held back by the moms.
Now, he finally got the chance.
Caesar looked at his younger brother and shook his head.
"No need. I was lazy."
Tesla felt a little better hearing that.
"You sure you're okay, big bro?"
"I'm fine. Just got beat up a little. I'm used to it."
Caesar grinned, his usual spark returning.
Tesla laughed. In his memory, his big brother had always grown stronger through beatings.
"Come on! Let's stop loitering—time to check out the island!"
Caesar took the lead, waving his siblings along as they disembarked.
Charlotte stood on the highest deck, silently watching his children with a small smile.
"Honestly—you could've talked to him. Why beat your own kid like that?"
Toki walked up behind him, placing a cloak over his shoulders.
"You wouldn't understand. That's how fathers and sons communicate,"
Charlotte said as he gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
Toki rolled her eyes.
"He's still just a kid."
Charlotte simply smiled.
"Let's go. After breakfast, we'll take a walk through the Flower Country—see what the West Blue's strongest nation is all about."
With that, he guided Toki toward the dining area.
Dozens were already seated, eagerly digging in.
—
Meanwhile, in the Flower Country—
"What did you say?! The Rockefeller Pirates are in the Flower Country?! What kind of nonsense is that?!"
Chinjao, slumped in a large chair, face weary and eyes wide with shock, glared at the underling kneeling before him.
"S-Chief! I swear I'm not lying! I went to the New World with you before—I know what the Sea God Poseidon looks like! That ship is definitely theirs!"
The underling insisted, expression solemn.
Realizing the man wasn't lying, Chinjao sat up straighter.
"I've heard rumors lately… that they've entered the West Blue, purging pirates everywhere. I thought it was just talk. But now? No—this is bad. I have to go to the palace immediately. If things go south, we won't be able to stop them!"
His face grew dark with dread.
He touched the deep scar across his now-flattened forehead—a reminder of that battle eight years ago.
"Quick! Come with me to the palace!"
Chinjao rushed out with his men.
People around them stared in surprise.
"What's with him? Why the panic?"
Some ministers whispered, watching the usually laid-back Chinjao—who hadn't done much since returning from the New World—now sprinting toward the palace.
"Not sure. But it must be serious. The morning council meeting is about to start—let's hurry in too!"
With that, the ministers followed him inside.
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