NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: Sea Fans
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"What was that sound?"
"Who was that?"
"What just happened?"
Joey muttered these thoughts deep in his mind.
However, the overpowering drowsiness took hold, and he fell into a deep sleep.
"Big Brother?"
Broye looked at Joey nervously. Finally, after confirming that he was merely asleep, she exhaled deeply in relief.
"Still…"
She was confused.
Why had her big brother suddenly collapsed into unconsciousness?
Whatever the reason, one thing was clear to Broye: nobody could know about this incident.
Otherwise...
The entire ship would descend into chaos. In the Charlotte family, anyone could falter—even their mother might fall in battle. But Big Brother?
He must remain steadfast.
He was their anchor, the unshakable pillar of their family.
For everyone aboard, Joey's well-being was paramount.
The young Broye, despite her age, moved with decisive precision.
She ensured everything was handled smoothly.
By the time Opera arrived, Broye intercepted him.
With a calm smile, she said, "Opera, Big Brother is resting. He's been working far too hard lately; let's let him sleep a while longer."
"Huh?"
Opera blinked, then nodded. "You're right. From the battles at Elbaf's warrior village to Phoenix Island and the Dressrosa Kingdom, Big Brother has been pushing himself. Even though he hasn't been fighting, the mental strain of his work must be exhausting."
Opera didn't question her explanation.
It made perfect sense. Big Brother wasn't invincible—he deserved some rest like anyone else.
"Phew..."
Once Opera left, Broye let out a relieved sigh, her small frame visibly relaxing as she retreated to the study.
Meanwhile, Opera took charge of docking the ship at Fish-Man Island.
The vessel reached the harbor and settled in.
However, no further moves were made.
Big Brother hadn't issued any orders.
Naturally, nobody dared act without his instructions.
Night fell, and the crew settled in for a restful sleep.
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The Next Morning
As the sky brightened, Joey stirred.
"Hmm…"
He massaged his temples as he opened his eyes, slowly taking in the room.
His gaze softened when he saw Broye, who had stayed awake all night, reading by the chair.
With a gentle smile, Joey said, "Staying up all night? Little girl, you need to rest."
"Big Brother!"
Broye immediately stood, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"
Joey waved her off. "I'm fine. Yesterday, I just felt something... strange. It's nothing to worry about."
Relieved, Broye sighed. "That's good to hear! Big Brother, we've already arrived at Fish-Man Island."
Joey chuckled. "Alright, but first, you need rest. Staying awake all night isn't good for you."
Before she could protest, Joey scooped her up and gently placed her on the bed in the study.
Soon, Broye was sound asleep, her exhaustion finally catching up to her.
Joey shook his head fondly. "What a stubborn little girl. Sleep well, you've earned it."
After tucking her in, he left the study quietly.
On deck, the crew greeted Joey with enthusiasm.
"Big Brother!"
"Big Brother!"
"Big Brother!"
Their cheerful calls filled the air as Joey strode out, refreshed and composed.
Opera approached him eagerly. "Big Brother! We've arrived at Fish-Man Island. King Neptune of the Ryugu Kingdom even came to meet us."
Joey nodded casually, his mind already turning toward the island's intricate dynamics.
Fish-Man Island...It had two major races that inhabit the sea, Fish-men and Merfolk (Mermaid; Merman).
It was a chaotic place.
Mermaids were incredibly valuable commodities, fetching exorbitant prices.
Pirates, human traffickers, the World Government, and countless underground factions all converged here.
The island's population was vast, numbering nearly five million. Among them, the ratio of Fish-Men to Merfolk was roughly 9:1, with fewer than 500,000 Merfolk.
Despite their smaller numbers and lack of physical strength, the Merfolk held higher social status and even ruled the Fish-Men from the Ryugu Kingdom.
It was a curious dynamic.
How could the weaker minority dominate the majority?
Joey pondered these complexities as he leaned against the ship's railing, gazing at the breathtaking underwater scenery.
"I must admit," he said aloud, "Fish-Man Island's beauty is a rare sight in this vast ocean."
"Huh?"
Opera looked puzzled for a moment, then his expression turned fierce. "Big Brother, should we just take over the island?"
"..."
Joey froze, staring at Opera in disbelief.
Smack!
He gave Opera a firm slap on the head.
"Big Brother!"
Opera clutched his head, looking aggrieved.
Joey glared at him. "How many times have I told you? We are not pirates. We're future rulers of a nation! A noble family! Understand? We do not act like pirates!"
"Yes, Big Brother!" Opera replied obediently, though he still looked a bit sheepish.
Joey sighed heavily. Opera and his four brothers were destined to be the kingdom's generals in the future. Yet, sometimes they really lacked common sense.
"Fish-Man Island's attitude toward us—how is it?" Joey asked, steering the conversation.
Opera immediately perked up. "Big Brother, it's strange. The Fish-Men aren't hostile toward us at all. In fact, they seem... overly enthusiastic? It's almost... like they're fans?"
Joey paused.
Fans?
.
.
.