Chapter 16: Failure to Penetrate the Armor
As the second son of the family, Katakuri understood Charlotte Linlin better than most.
It wasn't just because he was born early. Due to his strength, he was often taken along by Charlotte Linlin for training and learning, giving him more contact with her than his siblings with mediocre talents.
Charlotte Linlin had a habit: she would show special tenderness toward children under ten years old. She wouldn't even mind if they used her arm as a slide.
If the children had ideas, she would listen—provided she hadn't already decided how to handle the matter herself.
Once Charlotte Linlin had made up her mind, she wouldn't accept any opinions from her children, nor would she consider their thoughts.
If any other brother or sister behaved like Nanamo, Charlotte Linlin would have long since slapped them unconscious and dragged them home for some serious "reflection."
[Maybe having a father... isn't a bad thing?]
This thought flashed through Katakuri's mind, but he quickly tossed it aside.
Katakuri actually knew a thing or two about why Charlotte Linlin acted this way. Based on her behavior and the things Nanamo told him, he had summarized the situation himself.
Nereus respected his daughter's choices. If she chose to live with Charlotte Linlin in the future, he wouldn't stop her.
This was Katakuri's understanding, and it wasn't far from the truth.
Given that she couldn't beat Nereus in a fight and couldn't forcibly snatch the child back, Charlotte Linlin had adopted a "Soft Policy."
[Listen well! You must respect your Big Sister just as you respect me! When she comes to play, you must all follow her lead!]
[Also, you are forbidden from repeating what I said today to Nanamo!]
This was what Charlotte Linlin had told her older children when Nanamo wasn't around, instructing them to watch over the younger ones.
When her Eating Pangs (Craving Fits) weren't acting up and her sanity was intact, Charlotte Linlin was actually quite shrewd. Scheming and making calculated concessions were normal for her.
As for Nanamo herself, she didn't think that much about it.
Firstly, due to the gap in martial power, Nereus was the one who raised her, so she was naturally closer to his side.
Nereus didn't forbid Nanamo from contacting Charlotte Linlin. After all, on this sea, having both parents alive and famous wasn't an easy feat.
Moreover, her life with Nereus was objectively more comfortable. Nereus had only one child. The merfolk and Fish-men who followed Nereus treated her with immense care because of her father.
Just like how Hermes addressed her as "Princess Nanamo," she truly was a little princess on Nereus's side.
As for the number of Charlotte Linlin's children...
Nanamo couldn't even keep count. Gloriosa had described Charlotte Linlin's birth rate as "popcorn"—popping out new half-siblings every single year.
It was fine to visit and play like going to a neighbor's house, but Nanamo got a headache just thinking about actually living with such a massive family.
Nothing special happened afterward. After checking on the injured Brulee and playing for a while, Nanamo returned to Nereus's side.
After Nanamo left, Charlotte Linlin suddenly looked at her son beside her.
"Katakuri, between you and Nanamo right now... who do you think is stronger?"
"Mama... You know Big Sis's condition. If I really fought her... I probably wouldn't even be able to break through her defense."
Charlotte Linlin's question left Katakuri momentarily speechless. Faced with the "Iron Balloon" talent, Katakuri, who was still in his growth phase, had no solution.
The damage he could inflict was zero. Katakuri couldn't imagine how he could defeat his older sister right now.
"Mamamama~ After all, she is the only child who inherited my defense. That's only natural."
Katakuri's answer was within Charlotte Linlin's expectations. At this moment, she acted like a normal mother praising her daughter.
But as she spoke, Charlotte Linlin's tone began to carry a hint of grinding teeth.
"It's only natural for a child to stay with her mother. That bastard Nereus... if not for him... how could Nanamo not choose me..."
Katakuri didn't reply. Even though Charlotte Linlin wasn't the senile hag of her old age yet, this was a topic he couldn't comfortably participate in.
After all, they couldn't fathom Charlotte Linlin's mind. Saying the wrong thing would only invite her displeasure.
...
Not long after, at Nereus's base.
Nanamo had returned and found Nereus in the study.
The bookshelves were lined with numerous books and picture albums. If one looked closely, they could see titles like "The Legend of Dracula", "Dark Night", and "Hotel Transylvania"—many themes related to vampires.
Compared to the slight discomfort she felt when with Charlotte Linlin, Nanamo's expression and posture now were completely relaxed.
She hopped up and sat on Nereus's desk with a push of her hands.
"Papa, I'm back. Is something big happening? On my way back, I saw a lot of people preparing for a voyage."
There were many pirates on the island, but they usually acted independently. A collective team action like this was rare.
"Yeah, you could say that. This event... marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one."
"Era?"
The word "era" seemed to confuse Nanamo; she didn't quite grasp what it meant. However, she still looked eager, as if she wanted to be part of it.
"It's too early. That isn't a place you should step into right now."
"What do you mean? Papa, I'm really strong! If you don't believe me, ask the others. Today, Katakuri and I wiped out an entire pirate crew just the two of us!"
"Nanamo, that place is different."
Nereus didn't know the specific details of God Valley himself; he only knew the outcome and some events based on his knowledge from his previous life.
With his own abilities, he didn't fear going there. But taking Nanamo along? The risk was far too high.
"I understand..."
Seeing Nereus's expression turn serious, Nanamo didn't argue further. Nereus's attitude made it clear that he wouldn't change his mind on this.
"Don't be discouraged. You just need a bit more time. You're still too young right now. When that day comes, I will take you to witness the view from the peak of the world.
I'm going to hold a small meeting to arrange things for later. You should stay and listen too."