Chapter 324: Homeland
"What did you say?! The great pirate crew from the New World, the Rockefeller Pirates, has appeared in the port of the Flower Country?!"
Inside the palace's grand hall, a middle-aged man with a stern expression sat atop a dragon-carved throne, draped in a golden imperial robe. He was the emperor of the Flower Country.
"Yes, Your Majesty! This morning, one of my soldiers reported that the ship at the harbor is indeed the Rockefeller Pirates' Poseidon!"
Chinjao stood in the hall, offering a slight bow as he delivered the report.
The room erupted in a chorus of panic.
"What is the Rockefeller Pirates doing in the West Blue?! Has the Navy become useless?!"
"Damn it! Mobilize the army immediately! We must take them down—otherwise, with pirates this savage, the people of the Flower Country will suffer greatly!"
The officials, having all heard of Charlotte Rockefeller's infamous name, shouted anxiously.
The great hall descended into chaos.
"Enough!"
The emperor shouted from his throne, eyes cold as he looked upon the disorder.
"Silence!"
The head eunuch immediately stepped forward, voice sharp as a blade. His authority and presence quieted the entire room.
"General Chinjao, do the Eight Treasures Navy have the power to stop the Rockefeller Pirates?"
At those words, Chinjao bowed even lower, a bead of cold sweat sliding down his face.
It's over… All those past boasts about his New World achievements—now the real deal had arrived.
His mind raced in panic.
The emperor watched his hesitation and frowned, already guessing the answer.
"Summon the other navy commanders for a meeting."
The emperor ordered.
As the West Blue's most powerful nation, the Flower Country ranked among the top even within the World Government's member nations—so much so that even the Government showed them respect.
And that reputation rested on their formidable strength.
Soon, six or seven heavily armored generals strode into the hall, each one exuding powerful energy.
"Your Majesty!"
They all bowed as they entered.
"Rise. You likely already know why I summoned you. Let us discuss what should be done about the Rockefeller Pirates—should we drive them out or ignore them?"
The emperor's question made everyone fall into deep thought.
After a moment, all eyes turned to Chinjao.
As the only one among them to have been to the New World—and fought the Rockefeller Pirates—he was the most qualified to answer.
Chinjao knew he couldn't avoid it.
He stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the Rockefeller Pirates are extremely powerful. No amount of troops can stop them. We must establish friendly relations."
Though it was humiliating to admit, Chinjao spoke honestly.
The emperor drummed his fingers on the throne's armrest.
He had seen Chinjao's strength firsthand. For him to say this… meant it was serious.
"Very well. You shall go as envoys and greet the Rockefeller Pirates. Extend the Flower Country's goodwill. Are you willing to shoulder this responsibility?"
The pressure on the generals grew.
But the emperor had spoken. How could they refuse?
"For the emperor, we are willing!"
And so, the morning court session ended with everyone drenched in cold sweat—all due to discussions about Charlotte.
Chinjao left the palace, frowning.
The Eight Treasures Navy's officers had been waiting.
"Chinjao, you're the only one among us who's been to the New World. You've met Charlotte Rockefeller—what are they like? Will they attack the Flower Country?"
One of the generals asked urgently.
Chinjao furrowed his brow.
"The Rockefeller Pirates actually have a decent reputation. They usually follow rules."
He thought for a moment before responding.
The generals sighed in relief.
"Let's go. Lead us to Charlotte Rockefeller,"
Chinjao instructed the soldier who had reported earlier to guide them.
—
Meanwhile, Charlotte had no idea the Flower Country had already taken notice of him.
He had brought his family into the heart of the city.
"This place really lives up to its name—so lively and prosperous."
Charlotte looked around at the bustling crowds and vibrant street vendors, something he hadn't seen in other nations.
While not everyone here lived luxuriously, their spirit and energy stood out.
Even the beggars and orphans had a sense of vitality.
Clearly, the king ruled the nation well.
As he walked down the street, a familiar scent hit him.
It tugged at his memories and nearly brought tears to his eyes.
"Let's check that place out!"
Charlotte pointed to a steam-filled shop nearby.
As they got closer, the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food grew stronger.
It was a familiar smell. The smell of home.
Charlotte sniffed deeply, nostalgic.
"Let's try it out!"
Without waiting for the others, he plopped down at one of the tables.
"Boss! Bring out your signature dishes!"
He called out.
"Right away! Coming up!"
The waiter responded energetically.
Charlotte found it refreshing.
Toki, Illyana, and the other women sat beside him, puzzled by his excitement.
"Charlotte, what's so special about this place?"
Illyana asked.
She'd been with him for nearly ten years, and it was rare to see him act like an excited child.
"Hahaha! This place holds special meaning for me."
Charlotte said with a smile.
As they chatted, the waiter returned with their food—simple breakfast dishes.
Fried dough sticks, steamed buns, and a bowl of spicy pepper soup.
Charlotte inhaled deeply.
After over a decade of grilled meats and western-style meals, he hadn't tasted true Chinese-style food in a long time.
He grabbed his chopsticks and dug in immediately.
The women were confused. They had just eaten breakfast—why eat again?
But Charlotte was already halfway through, so they said nothing.
Watching his ravenous appetite, Illyana took a curious bite.
It tasted fine… but she didn't understand why he was enjoying it so much.
Meanwhile, the kids had gathered around—none of them had eaten yet.
They had deliberately skipped breakfast, saving room for the island's cuisine.
"Dad, I want some too!"
The little ones crowded around him.
"Sure! As much as you want! Boss, bring more!"
Charlotte shouted cheerfully.
The kids grabbed seats eagerly, waiting for their meals.
Illyana and the others smiled and indulged them, joining in the breakfast and simply enjoying the moment.
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