"No, you can do it. You must do it."
The Heberfil Pirates had completely taken control of the palace.
"Lina, Barrett, take some men and interrogate the nobles. Seize all their treasures and execute those who deserve it."
Barrett's eyes gleamed with excitement. He excelled at interrogation, torture, and execution—hallmarks of an elite soldier forged in blood.
Charlotte watched as the nobles were dragged away like lifeless carcasses. He felt nothing.
How noble could they be under a king like that?
Charlotte frowned slightly. This country had a population of over 400,000.
The royal family had been wiped out, but if no one was left to govern, anarchy would soon follow. Civil war could break out, leading to even greater casualties.
And worse—news of the kingdom's turmoil could increase his bounty.
The aftermath is always more troublesome than the battle itself.
Charlotte closed his eyes, deep in thought.
"Boss!"
A loud, rough voice shattered his concentration, dragging him back to reality.
Charlotte's brows twitched in irritation. This guy's voice is going to make me deaf one day.
"What is it?"
"We captured a group calling themselves rebels."
Rebels?
Charlotte frowned. Was it the group he remembered?
Given the timeline, if they had formed, they should still be in their infancy—at most, they would be the Revolutionary Army's earliest iteration.
He lacked intelligence on the matter, making it difficult to analyze.
Forget it. I'll meet them myself.
"Bring them in."
Beta nodded and left in a hurry.
Charlotte sighed at the boy's restless energy.
So stubborn, like a turtle weighing itself down. He never learns.
Soon, Beta returned, dragging in a middle-aged man.
Charlotte's mouth twitched. Does he have to be so rough? It's like watching a ghost being exorcised.
"Boss, here he is." Beta let go of the prisoner.
Charlotte crossed his arms. "Who are you? Why are you rebelling?"
The middle-aged man, initially furious, froze when his eyes landed on the corpse of King Ulen Stein.
Tears streamed down his face.
"That tyrant… he's finally dead!"
His sobs erupted like waterfalls, an overwhelming display of grief and relief.
Damn… that's an impressive amount of tears.
Once he calmed down, he spoke.
"My name is Rosa Bute. My father was the former general of the Kingdom of Barron, and my mother was a princess of this land."
"When the kind old king died, he entrusted my father to guide the new ruler. But that bastard—hungry for power—murdered them both. Without opposition, his true nature was unleashed..."
Charlotte studied Rosa Bute's face as he recounted his story.
This man has the right background and ideals.
A plan formed in Charlotte's mind.
If I play my cards right, this kingdom won't turn against us… and we won't be exposed.
His eyes gleamed.
"Alright. From now on, you're the new king of Iren."
Rosa Bute trembled, staring at Charlotte in disbelief.
His reaction was so extreme that Charlotte almost reconsidered. Does he have Parkinson's or something?
Not that it mattered. Charlotte had no interest in ruling a kingdom.
He just wanted to return to Lati Island and relax in peace.
"I… I can't!" Rosa Bute stammered, confused.
Revenge had driven him this far, but ruling a country? That had never crossed his mind.
Charlotte's patience snapped.
"No, you can do it. You must do it."
His voice was sharp, brooking no argument.
"This… isn't this too sudden?"
Charlotte scowled.
This guy is hesitating over a meal already shoved into his mouth.
Managing a kingdom was exhausting… so why not let someone else deal with it?
His tone softened, taking on an air of persuasion.
"Rosa Bute, this is your duty. The people of this kingdom need stability. You have the bloodline, the legitimacy. No one else can do this."
It was true—he was the only surviving royal.
The former king had wiped out the rest of his own bloodline, leaving Rosa Bute as the only viable candidate.
Rosa Bute clenched his fists. Charlotte's words sank in, and slowly, his eyes hardened with resolve.
"…Alright. I'll do it."
Charlotte nodded in approval.
"Good. But remember—never mention the pirates' involvement. It would weaken your authority. Understood?"
Rosa Bute straightened. "Understood!"
Not bad.
Charlotte smirked. That's one less thing to worry about.
"Alright then, you're the king. Go get to work."
Beta swiftly escorted Rosa Bute away.
Charlotte stretched, feeling his burden lighten.
Now, he could finally relax.
But as he returned to the ship, he froze.
What the hell… this is a jackpot!
He had only taken a Devil Fruit from the kingdom's treasury.
But Barrett and the others had looted a full 3 billion Berries from the nobles!
Damn. Robbing the rich really pays off.
The rich were the corrupt nobles, and the poor—well, that was him. A pirate who punished the wicked.
His men cheered excitedly.
Charlotte raised a hand. "Two million Berries per person!"
He wasn't the type to mistreat his crew.
Even if he didn't pay them, no one would complain. But why be stingy? There was plenty to go around.
Three billion Berries. Two million per person is nothing.
Besides, this money would help Lati Island maintain its growth for now.
"Boss is generous!"
The crew roared with approval.
Charlotte smirked. "We're heading home!"
The ship set sail, leaving behind the war-torn Kingdom of Iren.
It was about to enter a new era…
But for Charlotte, it had nothing to do with him.