I Always Feel Like Something Is Wrong
The more Gillian read, the more shocked she became. She was certain now—this old man was no ordinary physician. His medical expertise was on a level beyond anything she'd ever encountered.
The notebook in her hands contained records of various diseases, each accompanied by a detailed and comprehensive treatment plan. To any doctor, this was a true treasure.
"Charlotte, can you find that old man?"
Gillian turned to Charlotte, seeking his help.
Charlotte nodded slightly. He had already memorized the old man's unique breath signature.
"As long as he hasn't left the city, my Observation Haki can track him down."
With that, an invisible wave of energy spread out from Charlotte. In mere moments, he locked onto the old man's position.
"Wait here for a moment."
Not far away, the old man, who had been walking through the streets, suddenly paused. Sensing something, he turned around—only to find Charlotte and the others approaching.
"You..." The old man's eyes widened in surprise.
"Grandfather, thank you!"
Gillian bowed solemnly, her expression filled with gratitude.
The old man let out a hearty laugh, his eyes full of warmth. "Little girl, you came all this way just to thank me? No need for that. Seeing someone with a heart for medicine is already my greatest fortune."
Gillian gazed at the old man for a long time, unable to calm her emotions.
"So you must study hard! That notebook will help you become an excellent doctor—perhaps even realize your dream."
Charlotte, watching from the side, was slightly taken aback. This old man... he was truly selfless. His character was admirable.
After hesitating for a moment, Gillian finally asked, "The bookstore owner told me that Dr. Lyle will personally host a medical exchange conference tomorrow. Will you be attending?"
For the briefest moment, an unnatural flicker crossed the old man's face. It was almost imperceptible, but Charlotte's keen Observation Haki immediately picked up on the subtle shift.
"Really? That's good to know. I might not attend."
Gillian was surprised by the old man's response. By all accounts, he had to be a doctor—this conference was a grand event in the kingdom, attracting countless physicians eager to exchange techniques and ideas.
For doctors, this was an opportunity impossible to resist.
And yet... the old man refused?
The moment his words fell, he silently turned to leave.
"Old man, it seems like you know Dr. Lyle?"
Charlotte's casual remark halted the old man's steps. He glanced back, his expression unreadable.
"Young man, isn't that obvious? Everyone in this city knows Dr. Lyle."
Charlotte met his gaze, his instincts telling him there was more to the story. That brief emotional fluctuation had been real. These two definitely knew each other.
But he didn't press the matter.
Sometimes, the more questions you ask, the deeper you get involved. And in a world like theirs, unnecessary entanglements could be fatal.
"Haha, that's true."
The three of them watched as the old man walked away before slowly continuing on their own path.
Charlotte didn't stop Gillian from attending the conference. At worst, it would delay their journey for a few days—not a major issue.
Although Gillian hadn't found a master to train under, she had unexpectedly received a gift from a hidden expert. Things had turned out well.
And more importantly—
It was safe.
Charlotte had no intention of prying further into the old man's identity. If he got too curious, he might end up entangled in some troublesome incident.
That was the last thing he wanted.
After all, what did any of this have to do with him, Charlotte?
---
Later, at the Tavern…
"Boss, what are you doing here?!"
Inside a lively food stall, Beta nearly choked on his drink when he spotted Charlotte entering with Gillian and Lina.
Next to Beta, an emptied glass of beer sat conspicuously on the table. Unfortunately for him, Charlotte hadn't noticed—yet.
Beta wiped his mouth hastily. He had been caught drinking before, and every time, he was punished by Charlotte.
"Why? Am I not allowed here?"
Charlotte's expression darkened. This fool wasn't even good at lying.
"Of course, you are! Hehe... what I meant was—uh—welcome!"
Beta waved his hands awkwardly, forcing a grin. Beside him, Barrett, his partner in crime, started sweating nervously.
Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "You two aren't hiding anything from me, are you?"
"Boss! How could you say that?!"
Beta and Barrett put on their most innocent expressions, but the way they fidgeted only made them look more suspicious.
"Really?"
"Really, really! More real than pure gold!"
Beta's confidence was unsettling. His unwavering gaze sent a chill down the spine of everyone present.
"Absolutely, boss! Absolutely true!" Barrett chimed in, nodding fervently.
Lina chuckled. "Alright, Charlotte, don't scare them too much."
Instantly, Beta and Barrett looked at Lina with gratitude, exhaling in relief.
Charlotte let it slide. These two had never caused real trouble, and in truth, he trusted them. But as their leader, he couldn't let them get too complacent.
Sighing, he turned away and called the owner for food, choosing a separate table.
The last thing he wanted was to eat at their mess of a table.
As Beta and Barrett exchanged relieved glances, they cautiously resumed eating—quieter than usual, as if hoping to avoid further scrutiny.
Charlotte frowned. Something felt... off.
They were too quiet. Normally, they were the loudest in the room.
I always feel like something is wrong…
He quickly shook off the thought. Maybe he was just overthinking things.
Becoming a pirate has made me too paranoid…
No need to think too much. It's exhausting.
Just then, a cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Sir, would you like another round of beer?"
The sound of clinking glasses froze Beta and Barrett in place.
Charlotte, who had unknowingly moved behind them, smirked.
"First—"
Beta and Barrett felt a chill crawl down their spines. Slowly, they turned, their forced smiles more awkward than ever.
"Boss, wait! We can explain!"
Charlotte's grin was anything but friendly. "Oh? Please, go ahead."
The two stammered, but no coherent words came out.
Seeing their panicked expressions, Charlotte couldn't even bring himself to be angry.
How long could he really control them?
Everyone had their own choices, their own freedoms. It wasn't like drinking was a huge crime—but he didn't want them forming bad habits too early.
Drinking too much could be dangerous, even in a world like One Piece.
"Forget it. Just don't let this happen again."
Beta and Barrett sighed in unison, visibly relieved.
Then—
"Sir, would you like another drink?"
The waiter's voice rang out again.
Beta and Barrett turned toward the poor soul with a look of pure murder.
Is this guy blind?!
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, the waiter gulped.
"Uh… I mean… two extra-large glasses of juice. Right away!"
The moment he scurried off, Beta and Barrett finally relaxed.
Charlotte said nothing more. He simply sat down, struck a match, and lit a cigarette.
Taking a deep drag, he exhaled slowly.
Sometimes, it was better not to think too much.
After all, ignorance was bliss.