Charlotte Linlin's ship rang with a man's voice.
"Linlin! You're back!"
At that moment, Reno was still in Linlin's arms, uncomfortably aware of the overwhelming softness pressed against him.
He soon spotted a thin man in a chef's hat standing on the deck.
That should be Streusen.
Linlin ignored his greeting and instead spoke to the navigator.
"Rollot, bring us alongside that ship. They're joining our crew!"
"And Streusen, prepare a banquet. I'm celebrating today."
"Celebrating?"
Streusen glanced between Linlin and the man in her arms, confused.
"Of course—a wedding feast! I've found a husband, Streusen!"
Linlin laughed loudly.
"Come on, meet him! This is Reno—he's my man from now on!"
Streusen's smile froze.
He adjusted his chef's hat, his fingers tightening slightly, crumpling the brim.
"H-Husband…?"
His voice turned dry.
But Linlin paid no attention, her fingers brushing across Reno's cheek.
"That's right. From today on, Reno is my man!"
Her voice echoed across the deck, leaving no room for argument.
"Streusen, what are you standing there for?"
"Go prepare the banquet!"
Streusen stiffened, then lowered his head deeply, his hat casting a shadow over his expression.
"…Yes, Linlin."
His voice sounded muffled, filled with disappointment.
He turned and walked away, his steps unsteady, his back looking both lonely and dejected.
Reno noticed everything.
He clearly caught the jealousy and cold hostility in Streusen's eyes when he turned away.
But Reno didn't care.
On these seas, strength was the only truth.
No matter how resentful Streusen felt, in front of Linlin, he was nothing more than an obedient subordinate.
And in terms of strength, Streusen wasn't particularly remarkable either.
More importantly…
The system rewarded more points the stronger the woman.
Reno's thoughts shifted.
Just how many points would Linlin give?
…He'd find out soon enough.
Linlin seemed to notice the heat in his gaze and showed a hint of satisfaction.
She liked strong men.
Especially one from a rare race like Reno—if they had childReno, that would be even better.
"Hahaha! Move it, all of you!"
"Bring out the best Roast all the meat!"
"We drink till we drop today!"
With her command, the ship erupted into cheers.
Soon, Reno's first wedding banquet began.
Long tables filled the deck, piled with roasted meat and flowing alcohol, the rich aromas filling the air.
"Congratulations, Boss!"
"Hahaha! Boss Linlin is amazing! Big bro looks extraordinary!"
"Come on, big bro, let me toast you!"
The pirates gathered around, raising their cups, their smiles bold yet slightly flattering.
Though it was their first time meeting Reno, they found themselves inexplicably drawn to him.
Reno didn't refuse a single drink, downing them one after another.
The strong liquor burned down his throat.
"Good! That's the spirit!"
Linlin laughed even louder, wrapping an arm around his neck and pulling him close.
"See that? That's what it means to be my man!"
She grabbed a massive barrel and drank straight from it, her pink hair swaying wildly, radiating a fierce charm.
The atmosphere grew livelier—meat, drink, off-key singing, and roaring laughter filled the deck.
Only one person stood apart.
Streusen moved through the crowd carrying dishes, but his smile looked worse than a grimace.
Each time he served food, his eyes would drift toward Reno in Linlin's arms, jealousy practically spilling over.
But no one paid him any attention.
All focus remained on Linlin and Reno.
As the night deepened and the drinks flowed, a faint flush appeared on Linlin's cheeks, her eyes growing hazy with intoxication.
Suddenly—
Bang!
She slammed down a barrel.
The deck fell silent.
"You lot keep going!"
Linlin stood up, her voice slightly hoarse from drinking.
"I've got some private matters to attend to with Reno!"
Without waiting for a response, she scooped Reno up in her arms.
"Let's go, my Reno!"
Amid cheers and whistles from the crew, she strode toward the captain's cabin.
…
With a loud crash, the cabin door was kicked open.
Linlin carried Reno inside and shut the door behind her.
The room was dim, lit only by moonlight filtering through the porthole.
A massive bed loomed in the shadows.
The next moment, Reno was tossed onto it.
Before he could react, Linlin loomed over him, her presence overwhelming.
Her eyes burned in the darkness, filled with intensity.
"Let me see what makes your race so special… Reno."
Her voice was low and commanding.
At that moment, the system interface appeared: