"Still nothing?"
"Nothing at all," Newgate grunted, rubbing his temple.
"This damned New World," Argus sighed, folding another map and tossing it aside. "One headache after another."
They were holed up in the ship's study — a cabin converted into a war room — charts and navigation logs scattered across the desk like the desperate brainstormings of madmen. But this was no short-term pursuit. This wasn't about chasing enemies or bounty.
This was about legacy.
The Edward family was expanding rapidly — more wives, more children, and far more responsibility. If they wanted to move beyond survival, they needed a base. A home. A kingdom.
But finding unclaimed land in the New World? Easier to find a Dragon biting its own tail.
Then— A knock.
"Come in," Argus said, straightening up.
Serena entered, radiant despite the burden of her pregnancy. Five months in, and still she carried herself like royalty. She walked with dignity, supported lightly by a maid.
"Husband. Big Brother," she greeted smoothly. "I've found it. A place. Or rather... a sea."
Newgate frowned. "A sea?"
Serena sat with practiced grace. "It's called the Totto Land Sea. It came up in my father's archives and old naval tales. A hidden region in the New World. Almost mythic."
Argus's eyes narrowed. "Totto Land... I've heard the name."
"It's naturally defended," Serena explained. "Surrounded by whirlpools and violent ocean streams. Only one reliable route in or out. Perfect for defense. And inside? Fertile islands. Rich terrain. A place where we could build everything."
"And it's unclaimed?" Argus asked.
"So far. The seas are too dangerous. But I know where to start."
Newgate chuckled. "Gurarara... Sounds promising. But how the hell do we get there without a pointer?"
"We need a second-type Log Pose," Serena said. "And I know where one is. My father keeps it — locked away in the Platter Kingdom treasury. I can retrieve it."
Argus raised an eyebrow. "You're going to steal from your own father?"
"Borrow," Serena corrected, smiling. "For the family's future."
Newgate slapped his palm against the table and stood up. "Good enough for me. I'll go have a chat with the king."
He left, already halfway to the deck.
Argus watched the door shut, then turned back to Serena.
"You're really serious about this."
Serena's hand drifted to her belly. "This child... this family. It all needs roots. I'm not here to be one woman in a parade. I want to be your wife — truly. And I intend to earn it."
Argus's voice dropped to a softer tone. "You've never had to beg for it. You bring results, you take your place. It's that simple."
They shared a moment — not quite romantic, but filled with weight and understanding.
---
Later that evening—
Serena stood on the upper deck with Argus, looking out at the sea.
"What you said about taming sea beasts... I think it has merit," Argus admitted.
Serena, always composed, nodded. "With enough time, training, and food — sea beasts can be made to recognize command. Not perfectly. But enough for security. If we want to defend Totto Land from naval sieges... they'll be a nightmare to deal with."
"A beast wall," Argus murmured. "Living deterrents. It could work."
Serena continued, "It was Shella's Idea."
"Sally has been helping," Shella added. "She's been scouring the islands we pass. Even uses her charm to get local sailors to talk."
"That girl," Argus said fondly.
---
Below Deck — Harem Wing
Ten new princesses stood lined up before Argus. All of them bathed, dressed, and perfumed. A mix of emotions clung to them — fear, uncertainty, curiosity. Each bore the bearing of former nobility, but now?
They were his.
Argus looked them over, voice calm.
"You've all come from different lands, different customs. But from now on — your future lies with me. This is not a dungeon. Nor is it a playground. This is a family."
No one dared speak.
"Work with Serena. Work with Sally. If you show respect, you'll receive more than you ever had as princesses. If not..." He let the threat hang, vague but unmistakable.
Sally stepped forward. "You've all been trying so hard! Really, it's amazing!"
Shella, leaning against a pillar, nodded curtly. "You're not weak. Just untrained. That can change."
Several girls exchanged glances — the tone was not unkind. Just... foreign.
Argus approached each in turn, speaking briefly to each one. A compliment here, a question there. His words weren't romantic — but they saw him. Felt his authority. His presence.
At the end, Sally and Shella stood at his side.
"You've both been doing well," he said, voice low.
He leaned in — kissing Sally's forehead, then Shella's.
Sally blushed furiously, hands fluttering over her belly. "Eeeeh?! That's... not fair!"
Shella merely smiled, rubbing her stomach quietly.
In that moment, the mood softened. The dimmed lantern light bathed the corridor in a warm hue.
A family was forming.
---
Elsewhere — Serena's Quarters
Serena sat behind a long lacquered table, her ledger open. She moved columns, sorted assignments, and issued orders to the maids.
"Each wife needs personalized care. Psychological adjustment. Individual tasks. I want three hours of language lessons for the ones from the East Blue. Combat drills for the Rainspire girl. Make sure they eat — don't let them starve out of pride."
Sally was beside her, taking notes.
"And the sleeping arrangements?" she asked.
"Rotate them. Two per night. No patterns. We don't want jealousy building."
"You're really good at this," Sally muttered.
Serena smiled thinly. "Because I know what happens to harems that turn into battlegrounds."
She closed the ledger with a final thump.
"This is not a parade of beauties. This is a dynasty."
---
Far North – Drum Island Coastline
Snow fell silently as two figures trudged up a steep slope.
"This place is freezing," Doma cursed, breathing into his hands.
"Keep moving," Hiroshi grunted. "Drum Kingdom's medical techniques are the best. If we want a birthing method for Argus's wives, this is where we learn."
In the distance, the faint glow of Drum Castle rose through the fog.
Their mission continued--
---
Totto Land was no longer just a dream. It was becoming a reality. And the Edward Family was preparing for war, peace, and everything in between.
(CHAPTER END)
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