Chapter 234: Charlotte
Following behind Charlotte, Rodney asked, "Miss Charlotte, living in this sickeningly sweet place, don't you find it uncomfortable?"
Living here day in and day out, Rodney felt he might go crazy. In less than a month, he might develop diabetes. Staying in a place like this was worse than being killed.
Charlotte replied, "We grew up here from childhood, how could we find it uncomfortable? Mr. Rodney, it's just that you're not used to it. The Whole Cake Island is safe and beautiful, a very nice place."
Indeed, it was safe. With the protection of Big Mom, there was hardly a safer place in the world. However, this safety came at a price. Every six months, they had to surrender a month of their lifespan to Big Mom. This served as rent for ordinary people living here.
Living here for six years meant living one year less than the average person. Still, many chose this life because of the security it offered.
No pirates causing trouble, no fear of losing their lives, no wars or famines to worry about. Compared to that, losing one-sixth of their lifespan seemed insignificant.
To live safely, they had to seek protection from pirates, attaching themselves to the flags of these pirates was the only choice for these people.
The Great Pirate Era had made life in the already harsh New World even more brutal. With more and more pirates, it was a disaster for ordinary people. Regardless of the rule of the Celestial Dragons, it was always the unlucky ordinary folks who suffered.
The only victims in the Great Pirate Era were these powerless ordinary people.
Rodney didn't respond directly to Charlotte's words. He simply inquired about the upcoming guests for the tea party, all prominent figures in the underworld. Rodney didn't have much interest in these people, but a few of them were on his hit list.
Feeling the killing intent emanating from him, Charlotte was startled, but the aura soon dissipated like melting snow. She smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I remembered something that upset me. Let's continue. I want to find my crew."
"Sure," Rodney replied calmly. Big Mom wanted Charlotte to get close to him and eventually become his lover before making him her husband.
In the Charlotte family, their children were all tools for Big Mom's political marriages. They couldn't choose their future spouses; they had to follow Big Mom's arrangements. For Charlotte, Rodney was a top choice in terms of strength, status, and appearance. She was secretly thrilled. If possible, she really wanted to win this diamond bachelor.
As for his mention of a wife? Charlotte felt it was probably a lie. Maybe this man had a wife but didn't like her. Perhaps he had a mistress. Or maybe he hadn't married yet.
If he hadn't married yet, she had a chance. Even if he was married, Charlotte would do her best to push that woman aside.
Rodney didn't know that Charlotte had already planned many schemes in her heart. He simply said, "I understand what Big Mom wants. Miss Charlotte, I'm not suitable for you, and you're not the type I like. Look for someone you like. Living a life bound by family is ultimately incomplete."
Charlotte gazed out of the window, her heart bitter. She had been seen through.
She smiled and replied, "Mr. Rodney, you're truly a frightening person. I won't betray Mom."
"Out of fear?" Rodney asked. "Controlling her children with fear, just like subordinates, it's true. But Miss Charlotte, apart from the love of your elder brother, Katakuri, have you ever felt even a bit of motherly love from Big Mom?"
Charlotte fell silent. It was a fact. Big Mom had given them life, but her children had never felt any motherly love from her. They were raised by their elder brothers and sisters. Because of this, the bonds between the siblings were exceptionally strong. But when it came to their birth mother, it was mostly fear.
She felt that this man before her was a monster. He effortlessly saw through their family's situation. It was an uncomfortable feeling.
"Hehe, don't worry, Miss Charlotte. Big Mom is my business partner, and I have no intention of meddling in your affairs."
He smiled. He didn't care about the mess in the Charlotte family. However, he was quite interested in the historical records in Big Mom's treasure trove.
Chuckling, they arrived at Chocolate Town. Guided by Charlotte, they went to the café where her sister Brûlée was located. "Caramel!"
"Is Brûlée here?"
Charlotte pushed the door open. In the café, her sister Charlotte Brûlée was accompanied by a blond man, a middle-aged man with white hair, and another young man, all savoring coffee.
"Oh, Captain, you're here. Miss Brûlée's coffee is delicious," Lester exclaimed.
"No, no, Mr. Sanji and Mr. Lester also make delicious dishes," Brûlée replied with a gentle smile. However, her smile was just a disguise. Seeing through it, Sanji and Lester continued to enjoy their coffee. The bitter taste was something Sanji, who was accustomed to alcohol and tea, wasn't used to.
(End of this chapter)