Chapter 320 Katakuri and His Sister
To welcome Brett's group, a banquet would be held in the Giant King's palace.
Before the banquet began, Brett was invited aside by the Giant King, who said he wanted to discuss some matters regarding combat techniques.
His Majesty the King of Elbaf was truly an extraordinary battle maniac—his interest in fighting far exceeded his interest in governing.
Brett didn't hold back, discussing in depth the advanced application techniques of Armament Haki.
The Giant King's Haki was also very powerful, but ultimately he was a giant. Giants' research into Haki couldn't match that of humans.
The Giant King was deeply grateful.
After finishing these topics, the Giant King paused briefly. Brett knew—now was when they'd discuss the real business.
"So, Brett, what exactly is the relationship between Fish-Man Island and the World Government right now?"
The Giant King's expression had become serious. "You left the Reverie midway before it even ended, and afterward the World Government publicized your abilities throughout the entire world!"
"That's hardly the attitude allies should have!"
He spoke earnestly. "Moreover, just recently, the World Government specifically dispatched an envoy to Elbaf, warning us to keep our distance from Fish-Man Island."
Quite perceptive.
Though he devoted most of his energy to combat, his head wasn't filled with nothing but muscle.
Brett didn't hesitate much. "Just as you've guessed. Though we haven't openly broken ties on the surface, Fish-Man Island and the World Government have already severed relations."
"Severed relations?"
The Giant King furrowed his brow.
This wasn't good news for Elbaf.
After all, Elbaf also maintained cooperative relations with the World Government.
"Then may I ask, Brett—"
The Giant King said seriously, "What exactly are you trying to do?"
"What we're trying to do?"
Brett smiled. "That would probably be shattering the current world order and forging a brand new era."
"..."
The Giant King froze. "Forging a brand new era?"
The next instant, a smile bloomed across his face. "Hahahaha! That sounds wonderful!"
"I thought you'd be furious after hearing me say that." Brett said with a smile.
After all, with Fish-Man Island severing ties with the World Government, Elbaf's position as Fish-Man Island's ally became very awkward.
But the Giant King's direct reaction and inner emotions indicated he didn't seem to think that way at all.
"Furious? Why would I be furious?"
The Giant King grinned and lowered his voice. "Now I understand why we get along so well, Brett!"
"You say you want to create a new era—well, let me tell you, this is what the giant race has been waiting for, generation after generation!"
Brett raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Come on, tell me more about what kind of future you're hoping for!"
Why did it feel like someone had asked this exact question not long ago?
No helping it—he'd just have to talk it through with him again.
While things were lively on one side, on the other, in the resting quarters prepared for certain Charlotte Family members, the atmosphere had become so oppressive it was nearly suffocating.
"Mamamama."
Charlotte Linlin sat in a chair that was oversized even for her. She smiled down at her daughter Lola, who stood before her with a terrified expression.
"Can you explain this to me properly, Lola? Why—why didn't you do as I told you?"
Lola's body trembled. "Ma... Mama..." She whispered her mother's name, filled with fear.
"Hey, Lola! Didn't you hear me asking you something!"
Charlotte Linlin reached out and grabbed Lola directly. Her voice instantly turned cold, her smile vanishing in an instant.
"You disappointed that boy Loki, didn't you!"
"B-but, Mama—"
Though her heart was filled with terror, Lola still struggled to make her voice heard.
"Prince Loki is a very good person, but he's not the type I—"
She couldn't finish the last word.
Charlotte Linlin's grip on her daughter suddenly tightened. Her monstrous strength instantly made Lola feel like she was being crushed.
She couldn't even scream.
Only now did Lola remember—in the family where she'd grown up, the Charlotte Family, no one was allowed to disobey Mama's orders.
"Mama, stop it!"
Fortunately, Charlotte Linlin and Lola weren't alone here. Katakuri, who'd been watching quietly from the side, finally spoke. He said seriously, "Do you want to kill Lola?"
Charlotte Linlin snorted coldly and casually threw Lola to the ground.
She looked down at her daughter, who gasped violently like she'd just survived a disaster. "I don't care about your feelings. Just remember one thing, Lola!"
"Do everything you can to please Loki! Make him your husband! Make the giant race my allies!"
"If you can't do that, then you know the consequences!"
Lola's face was filled with terror. She knew her mother was serious.
If she couldn't fulfill her mother's demands, only one fate awaited her.
Death.
Mama had never been merciful toward her children. Or rather, precisely because they were blood-related offspring who chose to defy her, they would face even crueler treatment.
"Yes, yes! I understand, Mama! Please leave it to me!"
Lola said hastily.
"Mamamama! Now that's more like it!"
Charlotte Linlin smiled kindly and reached out to stroke Lola's head.
"You won't disappoint me, will you?"
Lola kept her head lowered, not daring to move, as if fearing her head would be crushed the next instant.
Katakuri still only watched calmly, but behind his back where Charlotte Linlin couldn't see, his right fist had clenched tight.
The banquet soon began.
The Giant King remained in pleasant conversation with Brett, showing no intention of paying much attention to Charlotte Linlin.
But Lola's attitude had changed dramatically from before. She voluntarily sat beside Loki, finding every possible topic to converse with him.
Prince Loki was somewhat flattered, then naturally became engrossed.
Brett glanced sidelong at the beaming Lola, his mouth twitching slightly.
So then, Katakuri, my friend—what decision will you make about this situation?
Time came to that evening.
After the banquet ended, Lola had actively invited Prince Loki to continue touring the parts of Elbaf's capital they hadn't finished. She returned very late to the palace to retire to her room. The moment she entered, the smile on her face completely vanished.
She sighed dejectedly.
"Why are you still sighing, Lola?"
A voice spoke from the darkness.
"Katakuri-niisan?"