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As the floating Sky Island drew closer, the two figures on it gradually ca into focus for everyone at the tea party.
Alongside the imposing Katakuri of the Charlotte family stood a tall, powerfully built man with long black hair and a sword strapped to his waist. This was none other than Alex, the fad General of Wanokuni and the renowned Flying Admiral—a rising figure in the New World.
For the guests attending their second tea party of the year, the appeal went beyond the prestige of the Charlotte family. Many had co specifically for Alex and to witness the developnts this eting might bring.
For those seeing Alex in person for the first ti, his dramatic arrival atop a Sky Island brought to mind the infamous Golden Lion's tactics, and many found themselves swallowing nervously.
"Flying Admiral…" Stussy murmured to herself as she observed Alex. As the Queen of the Pleasure District and a secret agent for the World Governnt's CP0, she was keenly interested in any intel on him.
Alex's arrival had drawn all eyes, and he took a mont to scan the crowd. Although it was his first ti eting so of the guests, their faces were largely familiar from his mory—particularly Stussy, whose sharp gaze t his directly.
Far from looking away, Stussy returned his gaze with a sly, knowing smile, subtly flaunting her charm. Trained in the arts of seduction for CP0, such tactics were second nature to her. But Alex simply ignored her, turning his focus back to the scene.
"Mamama, What a grand entrance!"
"At last, we et face-to-face, Alex!" Charlotte Linlin rose from her seat, and as her eyes t Alex's, she greeted him with a broad smile.
This was Linlin's usual facade at her tea parties—a show of warmth that concealed her true intentions. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, her charm was more terrifying than her fury.
"I've wanted to et you for so ti now," she said, her gaze fixated on him. "This tea party is held especially for you."
With a sweeping gesture, Charlotte Linlin spread her arms, and imdiately the pastries, teapots, and tableware around the room sprang to life, singing and dancing to create a lively, cheerful atmosphere.
"I'm honored," Alex replied courteously. Matching her diplomatic smile, he took a seat across from her at the main table, his gaze calmly sweeping over the other guests.
"These are the famous kings of the Underworld," Linlin comnted as she gestured toward the guests.
At Alex's ntion, the Underworld Emperors offered him friendly smiles and introduced themselves one by one, hoping to make a favorable impression. They knew that even a small connection with Alex could lead to mutual benefits between Wanokuni and their own enterprises.
Despite their efforts, each guest kept their introductions brief, understanding this was still Charlotte Linlin's tea party. Once their greetings concluded, they shifted the spotlight back to BIG MOM.
Pleased by the respect her guests showed, Charlotte Linlin let the introductions pass without interruption. She appreciated the gifts they had brought and recognized that each of them hoped to expand their influence in her territory. Deciding to indulge them, she grinned and, rising from her seat, called out to the crowd.
"Now that everyone's here, I officially declare the start of the tea party! Let the festivities begin—enjoy the finest delicacies Totto Land has to offer!"
Imdiately, soothing and lodic music filled the hall, blending seamlessly with the lively chatter as guests settled into the festive atmosphere. Alex, too, found himself enjoying the ambiance—at least here, with a table full of delicacies, there was no imdiate need to worry.
This tea party felt different from previous ones. From the outset, it was bustling with excitent. Usually, guests would ease into conversation, but tonight, the enthusiasm was palpable, with lively discussions sparking across tables.
At the main table, Charlotte Linlin and Alex sat opposite each other. Yet, both seed content to enjoy the lavish spread, eating and drinking in silence, almost as if this tea party was rely about the food.
"So, how are you finding it, Alex?" Charlotte Linlin finally broke the silence, her tone laced with pride. "Each dessert and tea here is a rare treasure, chosen with utmost care."
"It's wonderful," Alex replied. "It's no surprise so many people eagerly accept your tea party invitation every year."
Charlotte Linlin let out a triumphant laugh, feigning obliviousness to any double aning. She fixed him with a direct gaze. "Since you arrived in the New World, I've been keeping a close eye on you. There are things I'd prefer to discuss face-to-face."
At this point, the six Underworld Emperors around the main table quietly withdrew, recognizing that the real business had begun.
"And what would you like to discuss?" Alex set down his teacup, eting her gaze.
"Since you ca to the New World, I'm sure you've seen how pirates constantly seek to encroach on your territory. Alone, it's difficult to maintain control here," Charlotte Linlin said with a laugh, her voice deceptively warm. "So, how about it, Alex? Do you want an alliance with ?"
With that, she called over a tall, pink-haired woman. "This is my ninth daughter, Charlotte Broyé. I hold her in high regard! And as far as I know, you're not currently married. If you're willing, I'll offer her hand in marriage, and our families will forge an unbreakable alliance."
The mont Linlin's words fell, the room erupted.
"What?!"
"Marriage? Unbelievable!"
"She's serious about this alliance!"
At the VIP table, Morgans could barely contain his excitent, eagerly pulling out his cara to capture the unfolding scene. "This is the BIG NEWS!" he muttered as he recorded the tense mont.
Stussy watched Alex and Linlin closely, her expression poised yet subtly tensing as she gripped her handbag.
In the midst of the commotion, Alex's expression remained calm. "And if I were to refuse?"
A stunned silence fell over the hall. Only the faint whisper of the breeze disturbed the quiet, as every guest—Charlotte family mbers and visitors alike—held their breath, shocked by his response.
So had speculated about this outco, but to hear it spoken aloud left many in disbelief. One voice broke the silence, muttering, "He really turned down Charlotte Linlin's proposal!"
At the main table, the smile on Linlin's face froze, and her gaze turned chilling as she fixed her eyes on Alex. "Refuse? No one has ever dared to reject at one of my tea parties!"
She spoke the truth. Those invited were typically allies or individuals who respected her power and influence.
But Alex remained unfazed, offering a slight smile. "Well, there's a first for everything, isn't there?"
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