As Charlotte Linlin grew older, her temperament became more and more unpredictable. For Perospero, being the eldest son, it was even more so. He hadn't felt what "motherly love" was for many years; that was exclusive to her younger children.
With Charlotte Linlin's character, even if her children made mistakes or failed to complete the tasks assigned by her, they would still be severely punished.
Fishman Island was already flying the flag of the Beast Pirates, even Charlotte Linlin herself coming here would be of no use, so Perospero changed his tone.
As long as he brought back some sweets to put Charlotte Linlin in a good mood first, then explained the situation to her afterward, at most he would get a talking to.
But if he went back empty-handed... who knows what kind of punishment he might face.
However, upon seeing Queen's insidious smile, Perospero had an ominous feeling.
"What do you mean by that..."
"I mean it literally. I, the great lord, have a say in the trade here."
This is the condition for the Beast Pirates to protect an island, controlling the island's trade rights.
Wano Kuni is the most typical example. Since it has been made into the base camp of the Hundred Beasts Pirates, the domestic economy is completely a closed loop, and the Hundred Beasts are the only way for the people to communicate with the outside world.
Moreover, their methods are very clever, greatly improving the quality of life for the citizens, which also strengthens their ruling foundation.
Most of the thoroughly ruled islands follow this path, and these islands have vaguely formed a country belonging to the Hundred Beasts, leaving outsiders no opportunity to intervene.
Islands merely flying the flag do not have such strict conditions, but the sale of island goods to outsiders also requires the consent of the Hundred Beasts, who provide escort services and take their share from it.
Whitebeard did not ask for anything in return when he protected Fishman Island, it was purely due to personal relations, so he lent his flag to Neptune.
This certainly poses no economic burden, but the protection Whitebeard provides is also limited.
Although the Hundred Beasts collect benefits, they bind themselves with the protected islands into an economic community. It costs money, but it provides more reassurance.
Perospero wasn't interested in the Hundred Beasts' system, after all, they had their own management style. But the problem was, Queen's words were essentially a threat to him.
"So you say you want to buy something? How did you just call me?"
".....Hand... Handsome... elegant... Lord Queen, might I procure some sweets from Fishman Island?"
Perospero painfully forced out those words, and after saying them, he even clutched his chest.
Even though he was a fierce and brutal pirate, those words went against his conscience.
If he weren't worried about being punished by his mother, he would never have said such words to Queen.
"Hmm, you're quite honest after all."
"About those sweets..."
"Not for sale."
"What... what did you say?"
"I said not for sale. Fishman Island's weather hasn't been great lately, and the workers aren't in the mood to work. Sweet production is low and barely enough for our internal needs; there's no extra for you.
Right, Minister Left?"
Queen looked earnestly at the Minister Left who was responsible for the finances of Fishman Island, and Minister Left also gave a confirmed response.
The people present were all pirates, and since Perospero wasn't familiar with them, of course they would side with Queen.
...
"Queen! You bastard, you're playing me!"
Listening to Queen's teasing remarks, Perospero's temper flared.
"Yes, I am playing you. You ruined my banana plantation, don't think I've forgotten that."
"When did I ruin your banana plantation?"
"Over twenty years ago, you forgot already?"
With Queen's reminder, Perospero recalled the incident.
"Damn it, how many years ago was that! You're still holding a grudge over such a small matter?!"
"Small matter? You dare call that a small matter?! If you weren't Charlotte Linlin's son, I would've killed you already!"
Messing with Queen's food was an unforgivable crime for him. The incident may have passed, but Queen never let it go.
"Wasn't your banana plantation destroyed because that woman used you as a ball to kick around? Can you blame that all on me?!"
"If it wasn't for your meddling, would she have made a move? And she used you as a ball too. That was a combo move! Do you even understand that, you ignorant long-tongued freak!"
With Queen bringing up old matters, Perospero also brought out Queen's old skeletons.
To be honest, the "Queen Bowling" back then did cause some damage, but Queen couldn't afford to provoke Shaina, and Perospero's invasion was the root of the banana plantation's damage.
In such circumstances, Queen naturally directed all negative emotions onto Perospero, and started to boast about his high education.
"We're all pirates here, so why are you putting on airs?"
"I have also worked with Vegapunk, and I'm a genius scientist on par with him. Don't you read the newspapers?"
Using the blame placed on him, Queen rendered Perospero speechless, and seeing his plan fall through, Perospero decisively left.
Queen was obviously opposing him, and no matter how much he said, he wouldn't concede, so he might as well go back to Cake Island and take his punishment.
As long as Charlotte Linlin didn't go crazy from Anorexia Nervosa, he wouldn't suffer too much from this incident, at least he wasn't planning to take this kind of humiliation from Queen.
....
After dealing with all the pirates attempting to abduct mermaids, showcasing the Hundred Beasts' authority in front of the remaining ones, and driving away Perospero, Queen ended this mission and then saw Hawkins playing with cards.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm divining. The card forecast shows that I have a 95% chance of joining your crew smoothly, a 36.7% chance of becoming an official member, and a 50% chance of being promoted to cadre."
"Divination? What's the use of that?"
"Lord Queen, divination is a very special thing, and from you, I've sensed something extremely special."
"Hmm? Is this great lord so special?"
"Yes, because no matter how I divine, the chance of you experiencing a blood disaster is 100%. Such instances are quite rare."
Unpredictable Arceus can be considered the controller of fate, and Queen was an exception. The probabilities of 0 and 100 were rare in Hawkins' divination. Even in a deadly scene, some people would have a 0.1% survival chance.
Queen was the rare type who was fated to have misfortune.
This made Hawkins believe that his decision was the most correct choice.
Listening to Hawkins, Queen stiffened and then suddenly realized something.
The term "blood disaster" was very clear, and with Kaidou already drunk, it's no surprise that Queen would be unlucky.
And the appearance of Hawkins gave Queen a whole new path; this kid might be useful for predicting danger.
"Kid, I suddenly think you have talent. I may consider letting you follow me, but you must understand, we are the Beast Pirates, and the pirates of the Hundred Beasts do not believe in fate.
Even if fate tells you that your future is a dead end, you must carve out a path of resistance.
Next, I, one of the Three Disasters, the Plague Disaster, will personally assign you a test assignment.
The test content is simple, use your divination to find a way for me to avoid the blood disaster!"