Isn't This a Test for Veteran Cadres?
Ivan sat in his office, engrossed in handling various matters.
As the second-in-command of the Silberfeller Family, he naturally had his own private space—this office, personally assigned to him by Charlotte Linlin.
This time, their spoils from defeating the pirates were significant—not only 30 million berries in liquid assets but also several seaworthy pirate ships docked at the port.
For the once impoverished Silberfeller Family, this was their first substantial gain in years.
It was an impressive amount of wealth, but more importantly, ships were crucial for any faction hoping to maintain influence on the seas.
In the treacherous waters of the New World, only well-constructed vessels could withstand its unpredictable weather. The cost of building a new ship from scratch was astronomical, and the Silberfeller Family simply lacked the resources to fund such an endeavor.
Even if they managed to find a shipwright, the financial strain could easily drive them into a crippling deficit—leaving them with no choice but to tighten their belts just to survive.
With this pirate ship in their hands, they had secured a means for long-distance voyages, which would prove invaluable for trade, patrols, and even potential expansion.
Of course, before fully utilizing it, the pirate insignia had to be removed. Whether for commercial shipping, fishing, or security patrols, the vessel had to be free of its former identity.
After all, for any pirate crew, the Jolly Roger was more than just a flag—it was a symbol of their legacy.
Ivan, always a man of foresight, carefully preserved the flag of the Furious Pirates, knowing it held significance.
An idea struck him.
"An exhibition hall! That's it!"
He envisioned a grand hall displaying the flags of defeated pirate crews, along with records of their battles. A museum of conquest—a monument to the Silberfeller Family's growing might.
"Haha! I'm such a genius—this is a perfect plan!"
The thought filled him with excitement.
"If only Boss Charlotte took the initiative to hunt more pirates..."
Just imagining it sent a thrill down his spine.
One day, the name of the Silberfeller Family would resound across the seas!
BOOM!
His thoughts were violently interrupted as the office door burst open.
A towering figure—nearly two meters tall—charged in like an enraged beast.
CRACK!
The wooden door splintered into pieces.
Ivan's face twitched in frustration, black lines forming on his forehead.
"This idiot again..."
"Beta, you dumbass! Is it really that hard to just KNOCK?"
The hulking man—despite his strength—rubbed his head sheepishly, looking embarrassed.
"Ahaha… Sorry, Brother Ivan. I'll, uh… I'll remember next time."
Ivan sighed, rubbing his temples.
Beta was a big-hearted fool, but he had his reasons for being here.
He had washed ashore on a plank, the lone survivor of a slave ship attacked by pirates. If Boss Charlotte hadn't taken pity on him, he'd probably still be lost at sea.
Though Beta looked like a full-grown warrior, he was only sixteen—one year younger than Charlotte himself.
Ivan shook his head. "Alright, what's the problem this time?"
Beta quickly straightened up, his expression turning serious.
"Brother Ivan, we found a slave."
At this, Ivan's expression darkened slightly.
Beta stepped aside, revealing a petite girl standing behind him.
Ivan raised an eyebrow.
The girl, Lina, stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Lord Ivan, I want to join the Silberfeller Family."
Ivan's gaze sharpened.
A new recruit? That was always good news—it meant their influence was growing.
Still, as second-in-command, it was his duty to screen potential members.
"What did you do before? What skills do you have?"
Lina answered promptly, her voice steady.
"Lord Ivan, I was a royal maid. I can sing, dance, and handle daily affairs, including household management."
She looked at Ivan expectantly.
A maid?
Ivan's mind whirred with new ideas.
Many nobles and high-ranking figures had personal maids as a symbol of status, yet their own boss didn't even have one!
How could that be allowed?
"This is a serious issue! How can Boss Charlotte go without someone attending to him?"
But there was one major problem.
Boss Charlotte hated the idea of enslaving people.
After all, they themselves had once been oppressed—treated as mere tools by their previous ruler.
Charlotte had liberated them and built a family where everyone stood as equals.
It was precisely because of his leadership and ideals that Ivan had sworn allegiance to him.
"Fine. If I can't call it a 'slave' system, then I'll just... rename it!"
"Lina, the Silberfeller Family is forming a maid corps. You will be the first head maid, personally in charge of Boss Charlotte's care."
Lina's eyes lit up.
"Understood, Boss Ivan!"
She had no objections—after all, she had been a maid before. And honestly… Boss Charlotte was handsome and kind-hearted.
Ivan laughed heartily.
"Welcome to the Silberfeller Family, Lina!"
---
Meanwhile…
"Ah—CHOO!!"
Charlotte sneezed suddenly, rubbing his nose.
"Who's talking about me behind my back?"
He muttered, looking puzzled.
After a moment, he shrugged.
He didn't know many people. Probably overthinking.
With that, he relaxed again.
Life was good—training hard, eating well, and drinking with his brothers. That was all he wanted.
After training for half a day, his stomach grumbled.
"Time for lunch."
Just then—a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Charlotte expected to see one of his men bringing food, as always.
But when he saw the person standing there, he was stunned.
"Who… are you?"
A soft, sweet voice responded.
"Lord Charlotte, I am Lina. From today onwards, I will be in charge of your daily care."
She smiled radiantly, her beauty undeniable.
Charlotte stared blankly.
"This is the pirate world, huh…? Even the maids are stunning."
Lina moved efficiently, setting up the meal before standing attentively by his side.
Charlotte frowned.
"…What are you doing?"
Lina smiled.
"Lord Ivan ordered me to take care of your daily needs from now on."
Charlotte blinked.
"…Wait, WHAT?!"
A maid corps?!
Ivan, you madman… What have you done?!
For a brief moment, Charlotte felt the temptation to just roll with it—but no! He wasn't strong enough yet!
He couldn't afford to slack off!
But… dissolving the maid corps outright would be too drastic.
After a pause, he coughed lightly.
"Ahem… Lina, your maid corps should also train in other skills. You will be reserve talents for the family in the future."
Hearing this, Lina's eyes sparkled with determination.
"Yes, Lord Charlotte! I will give it my all!"
Charlotte sighed.
"Why is everyone around me so damn enthusiastic?"