Hearing Charlotte Linlin's words, Caesar, still in shock, couldn't help but freeze, his expression changing repeatedly.
"How about it, Caesar? Have a child with me!"
"If the father is you, this child will definitely be excellent! Our bloodlines combined would produce an extraordinary child with the highest potential!"
Everyone present heard Charlotte Linlin's words, but the members of the Big Mom Pirates and her children showed little surprise. It seemed to be a normal occurrence—though still somewhat unsettling.
The reason was simple: aside from Streusen, all their fathers had been forcibly taken by Charlotte Linlin.
However, the members of the Caesar Pirates were utterly dumbfounded, petrified in place!
Regina, Lily, and Weina were the first to snap out of their stunned state. Their expressions darkened, and despite the overwhelming pressure emanating from Charlotte Linlin, they glared at her viciously—like animals protecting their territory.
After all, Charlotte Linlin was still breathtakingly beautiful in her prime, exuding the charm of a mature woman. The three could immediately sense a formidable rival.
Caesar's face twitched. He was at a loss for words, completely speechless at Charlotte Linlin's bold proposition. He hadn't expected her to harbor such thoughts about him.
However, knowing her personality, this was exactly the kind of thing she would do.
With a deep sigh, Caesar covered his face, shook his head helplessly, and flatly rejected her.
"Stop joking, Linlin. I will never do something like this with you!"
If they had been the same age and met earlier, perhaps he would have considered it. After all, Charlotte Linlin had both beauty and strength. Even though her physique was massive, in One Piece, such things weren't a real issue.
And logically, if the two of them had a child, that child would indeed possess monstrous talent, just as Charlotte Linlin claimed.
Hearing Caesar's rejection, Regina, Lily, and Weina—who had been on high alert—visibly relaxed.
"Oh? Caesar, are you really rejecting me?"
Charlotte Linlin's face darkened, displeasure evident in her expression.
Seeing her stubborn demeanor, Caesar didn't know what to say. He looked at her expressionlessly and muttered,
"By the way, why me? Back then, there were so many powerful people on the Rocks Pirates' ship. If you were going to target someone, why not Rocks himself?"
At the mention of Rocks D. Xebec, Charlotte Linlin's expression turned strange. With a displeased snort, she muttered,
"That bastard Rocks… I tried with him long ago, but for some reason, I just couldn't get pregnant!"
Caesar's expression froze. He couldn't help but wonder—could it be that the fearsome Rocks D. Xebec had… issues?
"What about the others on the ship? What about Shiki? Newgate? Why didn't you go to them?"
At this, Charlotte Linlin's face turned even gloomier. She didn't answer but looked visibly annoyed, as if recalling an unpleasant memory.
Caesar immediately understood. She had probably approached them as well, only to be ruthlessly rejected.
Those two were as straightforward as they came. No doubt, they had turned her down without hesitation.
What had started as a joyous banquet had now descended into awkward silence.
Realizing she couldn't force Caesar, Charlotte Linlin eventually huffed in frustration and stormed away from the banquet, ending the conversation abruptly.
Watching her leave, Caesar let out a sigh of relief.
The Tea Party Begins—Collaboration with Big Mom
Charlotte Linlin's departure left an awkward atmosphere hanging over the banquet. The Caesar Pirates sat around, exchanging glances.
Sighing, Caesar muttered,
"She's really something… Still thinking about 'young grass' when she's already a 'big tree.'"
Though Charlotte Linlin was still a stunning beauty now, imagining her future self… Ugh.
With the banquet over, the Caesar Pirates were led to their guest rooms to rest.
Despite the earlier tension, Caesar had still agreed to attend Charlotte Linlin's tea party.
As night fell, the crew of the Caesar Pirates retired to their rooms. However, deep in the night, a shadow crept toward Caesar's door, moving stealthily.
The door suddenly opened without a sound.
Caesar, who had been resting but remained vigilant, sat up in bed.
Under the dim light, he saw Lily standing at the doorway, her face flushed.
Caesar swallowed dryly, then forced a smile.
"Lily… shouldn't you be asleep?"
Without answering, Lily stepped inside and silently shut the door behind her.
The night grew quieter, save for the faint murmurs coming from the hallway.
Not long after, the door to the adjacent room creaked open.
Bathed in moonlight, Weina peeked outside.
She hesitated, her usual dignified and noble demeanor momentarily replaced by something uncertain. She seemed to want to leave her room, but when she heard a noise, she paused, her face turning crimson.
Pursing her lips, she glanced toward Caesar's room with a mix of hesitation and frustration. Just as she was about to return inside, another door opened across the hall.
Regina stepped out.
Their gazes met.
An understanding passed between them.
With synchronized movements, both quietly retreated back into their rooms, closing their doors.
The night passed quickly.
By morning, Caesar awoke feeling refreshed. Stretching lazily, he yawned and stepped out of his room.
At the same time, Weina and Regina also emerged.
Seeing Caesar's unusually good mood, both women narrowed their eyes slightly, looking at him with a mix of resentment and amusement.
Caesar chuckled awkwardly, averting his gaze.
Then, as if on cue, Lily stepped out of the room as well.
Blushing faintly, she glanced at Caesar before quickly linking arms with Weina and Regina.
Their exchanged glance spoke volumes.
At breakfast, the rest of the crew immediately picked up on the change in atmosphere. Their eyes darted toward Lily, who now carried a certain glow.
The crew smirked knowingly.
Lily, pretending to be oblivious, ignored their teasing looks.
But Regina and Weina, sharp as ever, immediately caught on. Their piercing glares sent the crew scrambling to focus on their meals, afraid to meet their eyes.
The Tea Party Begins
Days passed in a blur, and soon, it was time for Charlotte Linlin's tea party.
The Caesar Pirates arrived at the grand venue, where numerous forces had already gathered.
"This tea party is massive! Look at all these people!" Lily exclaimed.
Caesar, however, remained indifferent, offering only a slight smirk.
"Of course. Charlotte Linlin loves her tea parties. But make no mistake—this isn't just about food. She uses these gatherings to expand her influence."
Perospero soon appeared, greeting them with his usual politeness.
"Captain of the Caesar Pirates and crew, welcome. Captain Caesar, due to your esteemed status, Mother has requested that you sit at the main table."
Caesar raised an eyebrow.
Ah. A subtle shift. Previously, they had addressed him as a distinguished guest. Now, he was merely a "captain." Clearly, Charlotte Linlin still held a grudge over his rejection.
He didn't care. Titles meant nothing to him.
Following Perospero's lead, the group ascended to the grand castle, where a lavish long table had been prepared for the main guests.
Caesar took his place among the other high-ranking attendees.
As various underworld figures and influential guests mingled, a familiar voice caught Caesar's attention.
It was Sander, a leader of the underground world—someone Caesar had dealt with before.
The moment Sander noticed Caesar, he subtly acknowledged him with a nod.
Charlotte Linlin soon arrived, and the tea party officially began.
As expected, the event was not just about festivities. Information was exchanged, alliances were formed, and deals were struck.
Between sips of tea, Charlotte Linlin turned her attention to Sander.
"Well, well… Sander, I have a request. Help me gather food-related Devil Fruits. You will be handsomely rewarded."
Sander hesitated—then, instinctively, his eyes flickered toward Caesar.
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