Pirates: Building a Pirate Family

The massive Sea King squid perished instantly, releasing a cloud of dark ink as it died. The surrounding sea turned inky black, leaving Charlotte without a stable footing. She had no choice but to stand on the squid's carcass.

The two remaining Sea Kings, witnessing the demise of their leader, immediately fled. They flicked their tails and dove deep into the ocean, vanishing beyond the reach of Charlotte's keen observation.

Standing atop the floating squid's body, Charlotte surveyed the dark waters. Five Sea Kings had been killed, while the others had escaped. Exhausted from the intense combat, she sat down on the corpse to regain her strength.

The corrosive ink spread across the sea's surface made it unsafe to call her crew over with the ship. Charlotte waited patiently as the ink gradually dispersed over the next half hour. Finally, the waters cleared, and she signaled toward the four ships.

The lookouts, who had been anxiously watching her, noticed her gesture immediately. One of the ships cautiously approached Charlotte. As soon as it was close enough, she leapt aboard.

"Quickly! Haul up the Sea King carcasses and leave this area immediately!" Charlotte ordered without delay.

The crew, well aware of the dangers of lingering in such waters, sprang into action. They threw out hooks to secure the bodies of the fallen Sea Kings, steering the ship toward their fleet.

The four ships, now tethered together, began dragging the colossal remains toward their home island. Out of the five Sea Kings, Charlotte had decided to leave one behind due to its contamination with the squid's ink.

As the fleet departed, the once-chaotic sea returned to its usual calm, as though nothing had ever happened.

Charlotte, now seated at a dining table aboard the ship, ate to replenish her strength. The expedition, while dangerous, had been successful. Four Sea Kings, each around 80 meters long, were more than enough to sustain her crew for a month.

Reflecting on the journey, Charlotte decided to wait a month before embarking on another hunt. The sheer size of the Sea Kings this time had made the trip worthwhile. Additionally, they had captured a pirate ship and the head of a notorious captain, which could be exchanged for a handsome bounty at the Navy's G-8 branch.

As the island came into view, the crew's spirits lifted. For many first-time sailors, the sight of home brought tears to their eyes. They had narrowly escaped death, and it was only thanks to their leader, Charlotte, that they had survived.

The crew's admiration for Charlotte was evident in their gazes, though she remained composed and focused on her meal.

When the fleet reached the port, the sight of the four massive Sea Kings being hauled behind the ships astonished the townspeople. Dock workers and merchants gathered to witness the rare spectacle. To them, the 80-meter-long creatures were towering giants, capable of sinking ships with ease.

Charlotte disembarked first, greeted by Ivan and a group of twenty men in black suits, accompanied by five maids. Ivan bowed slightly and asked, "Boss, how was the trip? You've returned earlier than expected—was it fruitful?"

Charlotte, picking her teeth with a toothpick, gestured casually. "Not bad. It was dangerous, but we managed. We've brought back four Sea Kings, captured a pirate ship, and secured the pirate captain's head. Take it to the G-8 branch for a bounty."

Ivan nodded, making a mental note of the instructions. "Understood, boss. I'll handle it immediately."

Charlotte continued, "Good. Prepare some food—I need a bath." Ivan signaled to the maids, who promptly headed toward the villa to make arrangements.

As Charlotte made her way through the town, she was greeted warmly by townspeople and merchants. This had become routine for her.

Suddenly, a security officer approached respectfully. "Mr. Charlotte, the mayor wishes to see you."

Charlotte, surprised by the request, raised an eyebrow. She had rarely interacted with the mayor, even when dealing with pirate threats. Curious, she followed the officer to a nearby coffee shop.

Inside, she found not the mayor, but a middle-aged man adorned with expensive jewelry. The security officer bowed and exited, leaving Charlotte alone with the stranger.

Frowning, Charlotte asked, "And you are?"

The man stood, smiling warmly. "Hahaha, so this is the hero of Kamei Island! A pleasure to meet you. My name is Randolph Chamberlain, the newly appointed mayor of this island. I've heard much about you, Mr. Charlotte."

Charlotte hesitated for a moment before shaking his outstretched hand. Her instincts told her that this man was not to be trusted.