Chapter 357: Sorbet Kingdom
Charlotte's words stunned Bartholomew Kuma.
Longing for the sea? Did he really long for the sea?
He thought back to the pirates he had killed—
after every battle, he would always find himself gazing out over the ocean.
He did want to know what lay beyond the seas.
But he had his duty.
He shook his head.
"I have my kingdom.
My people cannot survive without my protection."
He recalled the years when, still weak, he had to lead his people into the mountains to hide from pirates.
It was there he found his Devil Fruit.
Hearing this, Charlotte gave up the idea of recruiting Kuma.
He thought of Kuma's tragic fate in his previous life—
wishing he could change it.
But the burdens Kuma carried… would never allow him to live freely.
"I see.
That's truly a shame.
The seas are missing a great hero."
Charlotte said regretfully.
He didn't know why Kuma would eventually be branded a criminal, become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, turned into a cyborg, and ultimately lose all consciousness, becoming a puppet for the Celestial Dragons.
But just thinking about it made Charlotte feel a deep pity.
Kuma sensed the regret in Charlotte's voice, but said nothing.
He had his kingdom, and as long as he protected his people, he had no regrets.
The two of them kept walking, chatting casually.
Charlotte spoke about things Kuma had never heard of, opening his eyes to a much wider world.
They walked side by side, completely ignoring the crowds staring at them.
---
Meanwhile, at the back—
"Robert, what's going on?
Why is Dad chatting with that bear-pawed guy for so long?
What's so special about him?"
Deidara grumbled, watching his father.
"How would I know?
If you're that curious, just go listen yourself!"
Robert snapped.
"You—!
I was just asking!
What's with the attitude!"
Deidara flared up.
The two immediately started arguing.
"Enough!
Both of you, quiet down!"
Esdeath walked up behind them and bonked them both on the head.
Her fists, hardened by Armament Haki, left both of them clutching their heads, howling.
She was helpless with these two younger brothers—
they were born to bicker.
The older they got, the worse it became.
They weren't nearly as cute as when they were kids.
After the scolding, Robert and Deidara sulked in silence.
The group wandered through the city streets.
There wasn't much to see—
just a bleak, deserted town.
But they stuck close behind Charlotte, aimlessly wandering.
---
Charlotte and Kuma talked all the way until sunset.
As the sun began to set—
"The day's ending.
Mr. Charlotte, if you don't mind, would you stay at the royal palace tonight?
I'd be honored to host you properly."
Kuma offered respectfully.
Charlotte didn't even think about it.
"No problem!
But be warned—our group has a huge appetite!
Are you sure your tiny kingdom can handle it?"
Charlotte teased.
"Please don't worry.
The Sorbet Kingdom may be poor,
but we can still afford to feed our guests."
Kuma actually smiled slightly—
the first time all day.
"Well then, children—
tonight we're staying at the royal palace!"
Charlotte announced to the group,
winking at Ilena.
Ilena immediately understood.
She quietly gave instructions to Panis,
who hurried off toward the harbor.
---
Led by Kuma, Charlotte and his entourage entered the palace.
Though it was simple, it still retained some grandeur.
Inside—
there were very few people.
Even as they neared the main hall, they barely saw any attendants.
"Inform the kitchen to prepare a feast—
enough for a thousand people.
If the royal kitchen can't manage,
hire chefs from the taverns.
Pay them properly."
Kuma ordered his steward softly.
The steward was about to rush off,
but Charlotte stopped him.
"No need!
We have our own chefs.
You just need to provide good wine and ingredients."
Charlotte said casually.
"But—how can we ask guests to cook for themselves?"
Kuma objected.
"I said it's fine!
Just leave it to us.
Provide the supplies, that's enough."
Charlotte laughed and half-dragged Kuma into the main hall like he owned the place.
---
The banquet began.
Charlotte's chefs were fast and efficient—
clearly used to handling large feasts,
since Charlotte loved hosting parties.
However,
even so—
it was obvious how poor Sorbet Kingdom was.
Even decent wine was scarce.
The few bottles they had were old stock from the previous king.
Charlotte had no choice but to bring out some of his own private collection—
fine wines gathered from West and North Blue.
Everyone drank heartily.
Charlotte himself, after several rounds, needed his maids to help him to bed.
---
The next morning—
Charlotte awoke groggily,
blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling.
"Ugh…"
A pounding headache—
the familiar aftermath of a night of heavy drinking.
He looked around the empty room,
then glanced at the wall clock.
"Almost ten?
Slept in again!"
Pouring himself a glass of water,
he set the cup down and fell into thought.
Since he couldn't recruit Kuma, there was no point lingering.
Given his reputation,
if he stayed too long in a poor kingdom,
the World Government might send agents to investigate.
That would only bring trouble to Kuma.
Sometimes being too famous wasn't a good thing.
Thinking of this—
Charlotte noticed the blank sheets of paper left on the table.
He picked up a pen and started writing.
He decided to leave something for Kuma—
instructions on how to train Armament and Observation Haki,
along with some practical martial arts techniques.
Consider it a thank-you gift for the hospitality.
When he finished,
he stored everything inside his Castle Bracelet.
This handy artifact had made his life much easier,
allowing him to carry important items discreetly.
After preparing everything,
Charlotte left the room.
Along the way, many people spotted him and greeted him respectfully—
knowing he was the king's honored guest.
When they heard he was looking for the king,
they immediately led the way.
(To be continued...)
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