Captain's Room!
Charlotte sat in the dimly lit captain's quarters, flipping through the stack of bounty posters Lina had brought. These bounties belonged to pirates, but none were particularly impressive.
One poster caught his attention—Captain Kaya Deep of the Black Axe Pirates, bounty: 38 million berries.
Charlotte scoffed, shaking his head.
"A pirate worth only 38 million? No wonder he was so weak yet so arrogant."
This was the New World. A pirate of such meager strength daring to roam these waters was either incredibly lucky or hopelessly reckless.
It's truly unbelievable.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Lina entered, her demeanor as professional as ever. "Captain Charlotte, we've counted all the spoils—800,000 berries, some treasure, a few weapons, and a pirate ship."
Charlotte frowned. So poor… and he calls himself a pirate?
Given the weak strength of the Black Axe Pirates, it would have been strange if they had any real wealth. He sighed but nodded. "Collect everything. When we return, hand it over to Ivan for processing."
"Understood."
In the Heberfil Family, all loot was managed by Ivan, the one responsible for handling their affairs, big or small. Ivan was meticulous, efficient, and trustworthy—Charlotte had full confidence in his abilities.
That trust allowed Charlotte to be the kind of captain he preferred—one who delegated the hard work while reaping the benefits.
Just as he was about to relax, Lina spoke again.
"In addition, we found a treasure chest."
She carefully placed a small, ornately carved box on the table.
Charlotte's eyes lit up. A treasure chest?
Everyone knew that a pirate's treasure chest contained their most valuable possessions. His heart pounded.
Could it be… a Devil Fruit?
The mere thought made his pulse quicken. A Devil Fruit—a legendary power of the sea! He had yet to see one with his own eyes since arriving in this world.
Lina's eyes widened too. Even as a maid, she had heard tales of these mystical fruits. The box was the right size… Could this really be his lucky day?
Charlotte carefully opened the chest.
"Huh?"
His excitement vanished in an instant. Inside, there was no Devil Fruit—only a single, tattered blueprint lying at the bottom.
Disappointment flickered across his face, and Lina sighed as well.
Devil Fruits are nothing more than a luxury… I shouldn't get my hopes up.
Still, he picked up the blueprint, his curiosity piqued.
"What is this?"
Lina leaned in.
"It looks like… a treasure map."
Charlotte scoffed. Of course. Pirates never change—their dream of striking it rich overnight remains the same.
At first glance, the map was crude, almost childish scribbles. Most people would dismiss it as worthless. But as Charlotte examined it further, his expression shifted.
The map outlined several islands, with a marked route leading to an unknown destination.
And then he saw it.
His expression darkened as he recognized the distinctive shape of Lati Island.
A bite-shaped landmass, resembling a half-eaten apple—a one-of-a-kind formation in the New World. There was no mistake.
The treasure was somewhere near Lati Island.
Everything clicked into place.
No wonder the Black Axe Pirates had been lurking in these waters—it wasn't a coincidence at all.
So they were here for this.
Charlotte fell into deep thought.
Lina, noticing his sudden shift in demeanor, asked softly, "Captain, is something wrong with the map?"
Charlotte shook his head.
This could be troublesome. If others were also aware of this map's existence, then trouble would follow him wherever he went.
However… it was unlikely. So far, the only confirmed pursuers were the Black Axe Pirates, and they were already dealt with.
For a moment, Charlotte had no interest in the treasure. But after reconsidering…
The location is close. The risk is minimal. If handled carefully, there should be no problem.
Besides, hidden within this treasure was a greater mystery—perhaps even a legend.
And legends… were often tied to immense wealth.
This was too good to ignore.
However, he wouldn't act recklessly. He needed more intelligence before making a move. Planning ahead was the key to minimizing risk.
"I'll have to ask the merchants in Lati Town about the surrounding seas when we return," Charlotte thought, rubbing his chin.
They traveled frequently between islands to trade necessities—they would know more than he did.
The plan was forming.
Charlotte's mood lightened, and a smile crept onto his lips.
Lina, watching his shifting expressions, was both amused and bewildered.
"People say a woman's heart is as deep as the sea, but Charlotte's thoughts are no less mysterious!"
This… is outrageous!
"Report!"
A crew member's voice rang from outside the door. "Captain Charlotte, we've arrived at the fishing area!"
Charlotte snapped back to the present and nodded.
"Alright. Notify everyone—find the target and prepare to haul in the catch."
"Yes, sir!"
The crew scrambled to carry out his orders.
Charlotte extended his Observation Haki, scanning the waters. Within moments, he pinpointed the location of a massive school of fish.
A haul of seafood was brought aboard.
With no major revenue streams, fishing had become the family's primary source of income.
Charlotte silently watched the nets being pulled in.
Soon, he would have more than just fish in his hands.