Really Generous
Lina quickly picked out a pair of golden moon-shaped earrings for herself.
"Charlotte, look!"
As she spoke, her jade-like fingers shimmered in the light, and the earrings clinked together with a soft bongling bongling sound.
In that moment, Lina looked radiant and full of life. Charlotte, momentarily distracted, eventually nodded with a serious expression.
"They're beautiful. They suit you very well."
Lina beamed with joy. Then, as if recalling something, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Charlotte, try on this necklace—it'll look amazing on you."
Charlotte hesitated. She really wanted to refuse.
But faced with Lina's bright, expectant eyes, she could only sigh, sit down, and lower her head.
With delicate fingers, Lina fastened the necklace around Charlotte's neck. For a fleeting moment, Charlotte felt a strange emotion stir inside her.
"It looks great on you—so handsome," Lina said with a brilliant smile.
"You…" Charlotte looked away, feeling helpless.
The two of them quickly left the jewelry store. Under the guidance of Feier, their tour guide, they boarded a peculiar carriage.
It was driverless, and the "horse" pulling it was a strange, colorful creature—half bird, half beast—reminiscent of the creatures seen in Sky Island tales.
How bizarre!
And honestly, a little ugly.
Inside the thrilling carriage, Charlotte swirled her wine glass gently and gazed out the window. A vibrant, lively cityscape unfolded before him.
This carefree life—surrounded by beauty and fine wine—truly felt like a life of bliss, a Xianyu-style paradise.
Though Lina was still young, she was already quite charming in her own right. Of course, some of the attractions here were oddly unsettling.
There were haunted houses, grotesque decorations… but also charming and elegant gardens.
"Charlotte, look!"
Following the direction of Lina's finger, Charlotte saw a massive tree ahead—its crown shaped like a giant pumpkin. Very strange indeed.
It must be some rare species!
"Guests, it's actually just pruned that way," Feier explained with a smile. "That's our Garden Plaza. All the trees and flowers are shaped into whimsical forms."
Charlotte nodded. In the logic-defying world of pirates, such things weren't too surprising.
"I want to see it!"
"Let's go," Charlotte said plainly.
He had come here to relax, after all—why not enjoy the view?
"Please enjoy your visit without worry," Feier said politely, gesturing toward the entrance.
Charlotte nodded, and the pair entered the garden.
The foliage was lush and dazzling—bright colors, intricate shapes. Far from horrifying, it was actually quite charming.
"Charlotte, it's so beautiful here!"
Lina's eyes lit up as she admired the scenery. Charlotte was about to respond when a sudden commotion interrupted him.
Tap tap tap…
"Balloon, balloon…"
A graffiti-covered balloon floated toward them, carried by the wind. Behind it, a little girl stumbled after it, tears in her eyes.
The balloon floated higher and higher—just out of reach. The girl tripped and fell, bursting into tears.
"Is this yours?"
A warm voice spoke up. The little girl looked up, her red, tear-filled eyes focusing on the stranger.
Charlotte stood there, smiling gently, holding a string—the balloon attached at the end.
"Thank you, big brother!"
Like sunlight after rain, a smile bloomed on her face.
"Be more careful next time," Charlotte said softly.
"I will! I promise!"
Seeing such a cute child, Charlotte couldn't help but smile.
"You're really ugly when you cry," he added teasingly. "Smile more, laugh, and go home."
But the girl froze.
Her face twitched, her eyes flickering with fear.
"T-thank you… I'll go home now…"
Then, in a lowered voice: "Brother, you have to leave here quickly!"
Before Charlotte could ask anything, the girl clutched her balloon tightly and ran off into the distance.
Charlotte stood frozen.
That warning… it didn't seem fake.
What had he said that frightened her so?
"What's wrong, Charlotte?" Lina came up beside him.
Charlotte shook his head and glanced toward a shadowy corner—there, nestled in the garden, was a surveillance Den Den Mushi.
Why would a place like this need such tight surveillance?
He thought back—at nearly every stop on the tour, there had been subtle signs of similar watchers.
At first, he had chalked it up to tourist safety measures.
But now… it didn't feel that innocent.
His expression remained calm, but a faint red glint flashed in his eyes—barely visible.
"Let's keep walking," he said with a smile, leading Lina farther into the garden.
In a hidden surveillance room, their movements were being reported in real-time.
A squad of soldiers received a command—and moved swiftly into action.
Outside the garden gate:
"My sincerest apologies, guests," Feier said solemnly, stepping forward.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
"I was informed by the Kingdom Guard that a child caused a disturbance. This reflects poorly on us, and will be handled accordingly."
Charlotte frowned. "It's really not a big deal. No harm done."
Feier shook his head, still serious. "That's unacceptable. In the Kingdom of Maposili, such things are never overlooked."
Charlotte squinted slightly. This reaction was excessive.
Something wasn't right.
But he said nothing, and resumed walking. Feier blinked in surprise, unsure why the guest brushed him off so casually, but followed diligently.
"Charlotte… aren't they overreacting?" Lina asked, puzzled.
"Are they? Or is something deeper going on? Hard to say," Charlotte murmured.
Lina nodded slowly. "Should we investigate?"
Charlotte stopped, turned to her, and said, "We're not the Navy. Best to stay low-key."
"Understood."
But Feier rushed back up to them, breathless.
"Guests! To make up for the incident, I've been authorized to offer you exclusive insider information."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That's quite the gesture."
Feier leaned in.
"In two days, the Kingdom of Maposili will host its once-in-a-decade Survival Game. The winner receives a Devil Fruit as a prize."
Charlotte blinked.
Now that was unexpected.
Why would they give away something so rare and powerful…?
Wouldn't it make more sense to keep it within the kingdom, or sell it?
How generous indeed.
Visit patreon.com/Favyoris to get 30+ chapters