——————
Click!
Someone was trembling in disbelief, but he still managed to press the button quickly to take photos.
He was one of the underground emperors of the underworld.
And not just any underground emperor—he was an old and experienced one.
Despite being only around 20 years old... He was already the president of the World Economy News Paper!
"Hahahaha—!"
Sitting in his hot air balloon, Morgans clicked away with his camera, his entire being shaking with excitement. "This is incredible! Absolutely incredible! This is a massive scoop! No doubt about it—this is the biggest news ever!"
He was practically boiling over with excitement.
From the very beginning, Morgans had been here, capturing every moment of the battle.
And only someone like Morgans could do something like that.
This was a war involving nearly two million people!
And with firepower flying everywhere— Both that Black Army and Totto Land's weapons had five or six times the destructive power of normal artillery.
Getting caught in the crossfire?
Heh, you'd be dead before you even realized what hit you.
Nobody in their right mind would think they could just sneak in and observe the battlefield unnoticed.
That would be a joke.
Except for Morgans.
This guy... He truly feared nothing.
He actually flew a hot air balloon into the battlefield!
Maybe the way he gathered news—and his sheer disregard for danger— was exactly why he deserved his position.
Whoosh—
Exhaling deeply, Morgans trembled with excitement. "This is unbelievable! Totto Land's strength... How did they do this? Wiping out an entire army of a million in just one night? That's terrifying!"
Even Morgans himself could hardly believe it.
It was just too shocking.
A million soldiers... He had watched the battle from start to finish, and he knew just how powerful that army was.
And yet... They were annihilated in a single night.
It was beyond imagination.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Morgans sighed. "Alright... I think I've got enough. Time to get out of here!"
But—
Just as Morgans was about to leave, he spotted something approaching.
A massive cloud ship slowly glided toward him.
Morgans froze.
Scratching his head, he muttered, "No way... Am I being targeted?"
Still—Morgans didn't run.
Not because he wasn't afraid—But because running was pointless.
The people on that ship... They were on a whole other level.
Charlotte Katakuri and Charlotte Cracker.
In the past few days, their names had shaken the entire world.
Cracker alone was already a monster.
Yet Katakuri was even stronger.
Some even called him the "Future Strongest Man in the World."
Of course, that was in the future.
But still—It was an incredibly terrifying title.
Whoosh—
The cloud ship came to a halt.
Katakuri spoke calmly, "Mr. Morgans, big brother invites you to be our guest."
Without hesitation, Morgans replied, "Of course! Of course! How could I refuse an invitation from chief Joey?"
He let out a chuckle.
His expression remained relaxed.
Clearly, Morgans was no fool.
In fact, all underground emperors were smart.
Few were foolish enough to fight against the inevitable.
If they weren't adept at playing their cards right, how could they have climbed to such heights?
And so—Morgans followed Katakuri and Cracker into Totto Land.
As he walked through the land, taking in the breathtaking sights, he wanted to say something.
But he hesitated.
Photographs?
As a journalist, of course, he wanted to take pictures!
But taking pictures here... might get him killed.
Cracker chuckled. "No need to be so tense, Mr. Morgans. You're free to take photos on Cake Island. Later, I'll even give you a full tour of Totto Land! However, for now, these photos can't be published. As for when? You already know the answer."
"R-Really?"
Hearing this, Morgans' interest was piqued.
Of course, as a smart man, he immediately understood the implications.
In simple terms, They wanted him to be their spokesperson, showcasing Totto Land's strength to the world.
But...He didn't mind!
It was a win-win situation.
He got his scoop.
Totto Land got its publicity.
There was no problem at all.
Katakuri nodded. "Smart people make things simple. Mr. Morgans, this cooperation will be beneficial for both of us."
Morgans grinned. "Of course! Of course!"
Click!
He eagerly resumed taking photos.
As they continued their tour, Katakuri and Cracker even made sure to guide him toward picturesque and impressive locations.
They showed him everything—except for a few highly classified areas.
This was all part of the bigger plan.
Now, it was time to spread Totto Land's name across the world.
To let all the oppressed races know... What kind of paradise Totto Land truly was.
---
Finally, they brought Morgans into the main castle.
Inside the study, Joey greeted him warmly. "Mr. Morgans, I apologize for calling you here, but I have a little business proposal."
Morgans laughed. "chief Joey, you're too kind! No problem at all! I'm sure whatever you have in mind is a big deal—and I'd never say no to a good deal."
Joey chuckled. "As expected of an underground emperor."
Joey then spoke gently, "Mr. Morgans, your World Economy News Agency holds the pulse of the global news cycle. What happened today—I want you to spread it far and wide. In fact, exaggerate it by about thirty percent."
"Hmm?" Morgans narrowed his eyes. "Chief Joey! I understand your request. The founding of Totto Land requires an overwhelming show of strength, and the Five Pastry Generals are the perfect candidates for that. However, with your approach, do you think 'they' will just sit back and let it happen?"
Clearly, Morgans was curious.
However, the moment the words left his mouth, he shook his head and laughed, "Chief Joey! My apologies, I'm talking too much."
Joey smiled, "It's no problem at all. Since you're interested, I don't mind sharing a little. It's just a minor matter, really. After all, those five people have something much more important to deal with soon."
Then he added, "The Reverie is about to begin, isn't it? Mr. Morgans, you've been invited too, right? Once it starts, you'll understand what's happening and why I'm saying all this."
"I see!" Morgans nodded knowingly and smiled. "Chief Joey, since you put it that way, I have no objections!"
Joey continued, "Mr. Morgans, this is a business deal, and I don't expect you to work for free. How about exclusive rights to the first-hand news from Totto Land? Wouldn't that be beneficial for you?"
Morgans laughed, "Of course! Chief Joey, to a successful collaboration!"
"To a successful collaboration!"
"Cheers!"
A maid arrived just in time with fine wine. Both men raised their glasses, their smiles full of satisfaction, evidently pleased with the deal.
Afterward, Cracker gave Morgans a tour of Totto Land, covering most of the outer areas while keeping the core locations off-limits.
Morgans, in turn, made a firm promise: only after the Reverie ended and Totto Land was officially established would he release the news.
Before long, Morgans departed.
---
Joey remained seated, smiling calmly.
Gion stared at him and said, "You plan every step so meticulously. Don't you ever find it exhausting?"
"Hmm?" Joey smiled. "Exhausting? If you had a family like mine, you'd be the same. An unreliable mother, siblings with all sorts of flaws… Perospero may seem perfect, but he's full of ambition. Daifuku is ruthless, Oven is brainless, Opera is arrogant, and Compote lacks foresight…"
As he listed his siblings' flaws one by one, his smile only deepened.
Looking at Gion, he continued, "Even if Katakuri is nearly flawless, that in itself is a problem. He's too perfect, to the point that it becomes a hindrance. But no matter what, they are my siblings. They are my family. So, shouldn't I do everything in my power for them?"
Hearing this, Gion was momentarily stunned.
Joey continued nonchalantly, "Precisely because my family has so many flaws, we must become stronger! If we grow powerful enough, then no matter what flaws we have, they remain internal matters. No one will be able to use them against us in secret. That is the future of our family."
Gion fell silent. In the end, she simply shook her head and said nothing.
Amande playfully teased, "Big Brother! I never thought you saw us this way."
Joey responded casually, "Isn't it true? You put on a cold and elegant front, but deep down, you lack confidence. Everyone has their weaknesses! Even me! I have countless issues, whether in personality or other aspects."
With a soft chuckle, he looked at Amande warmly and said, "No one is perfect. That's just the way things are. And because we're imperfect, we must strive to grow stronger."
"Sometimes, perfection itself can be a curse. The Charlotte Family is far from perfect—but we are undoubtedly powerful!"
.
.
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