"Still nothing?""Nothing at all," Newgate grunted, rubbing his temple."This damned New World," Argus sighed. "One headache after another."
They were holed up in the ship's study, maps and charts scattered across the desk. For weeks now, they'd been searching for a solution — and not just for battle or bounty.
This was bigger.
This was about building a future.
The Edward family was expanding, rapidly. More wives. More children. More responsibility. If they wanted a stable home for the next generation — a stronghold, not just a ship — then they needed to find land. Real land. An island that could serve as a base, a sanctuary, and the capital of their legacy.
And that, in the chaotic waters of the New World, was easier said than done.
For over a month, they searched.
And found nothing.
Then—
Knock knock.
Both brothers glanced up. Argus called out, "Come in."
The door opened, and Serena entered with a gentle smile, supported by a maid. Despite her rounded belly — over five months pregnant now — her grace hadn't faded.
"Husband, Big Brother," she greeted. "I've found it. A place. Or rather, a sea."
"What?" Newgate blinked. "A sea?"
"Yes," Serena said, settling into a chair. "It's called the Totto Land Sea. I read about it in my father's archives, and I remember stories from when I was a child. It's a unique region of the New World."
Argus narrowed his eyes. That name…He'd heard it before.
"Totto Land... Isn't that—?"
"Exactly," Serena nodded. "A naturally secluded, almost mythical zone."
"What's so special about it?" Newgate leaned forward, intrigued.
"Everything," Serena said, her voice calm and assured. "The Totto Land Sea is nearly impossible to access. Surrounded by deep-sea whirlpools and oceanic maelstroms, there's only one viable route in. That makes it perfect for defense. And inside… the islands are rich, fertile, and according to some stories… edible."
"Edible?" Newgate raised a brow.
"The terrain is said to resemble food — mountains of cream, forests of chocolate. I'm not saying it's literally food, but the land is lush. Resources abound. And, crucially, it's unclaimed — for now."
Argus sat back in thought. This was… promising. Extremely promising.But location was everything in the New World.
"Do you know where it is exactly?" he asked.
"Not precisely. The New World's navigational lines are a mess. Without a permanent pointer, we'll never find it."
"So we need a second-type Log Pose," Argus muttered.
Newgate nodded. "One that always points to Totto Land, regardless of magnetic drift."
"You're in luck," Serena said smoothly. "My father owns one. It's locked away in the royal treasury of the Platter Kingdom. I can get it for you."
Argus raised an eyebrow. "You're just going to steal from your father?"
"'Borrow,'" Serena corrected with a sweet smile. "For the future of our family."
Newgate stood up with a grin. "That settles it. I'll go pay the king a visit."
He strode from the room, eager for action.
Argus watched him leave, then turned to Serena. "You're really serious about this."
She looked down, hand resting on her belly. "I want a future, husband. For myself, our child, and the entire Edward family. I'm not just a concubine — I want to be your wife. And I want to prove I can lead."
Argus gave a rare, soft smile. "I never had a problem with strong women. You show results, you earn your place. Simple as that."
Their eyes met. In that moment, there was no need for more words.
Totto Land was no longer just a story.It was a plan.A future.And the Edward family was about to stake their claim.
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