— — — — — —
The Family System has several sub-systems.
The first is the Servant System. It's now called the Citizen System by Joey to make it easier to accept.
And with the Citizen Contract, the more loyal and respectful these citizens are to the Charlotte Family, the more energy they generate.
This energy can be converted into Achievement Points.
You could kinda think of it as a different form of faith power.
Next is the Subordinate System. That's been revamped too—it's now the Retainer System.
For example, the head chefs in the family who have the potential to become Cooking Gods?
They're all signed under the Retainer System.
But no matter if they're retainers or citizens... They can't be powered up through the system.
In other words—
However far they grow? That depends entirely on their own talent and potential.
— — —
The next day!
Perospero showed up with two beautiful women.
One blonde.
One with black hair.
Honestly—There's no shortage of beauties in this world.
Like, really no shortage.
...
The blonde girl looked super nervous and opened her mouth, "P-Pero..."
The black-haired beauty was the same, flustered and anxious: "Pero! Maybe we should just...?"
Yeah, Perospero had already suffered total social death at this point.
The guy went and got two wives and tried to hide them.
Of course he got caught. He could dig a hole and live in it at this point.
Now?
He's given up completely.
Let the world think what it wants.
Social death? No pride?
(So what? I'm Perospero.)
(I've already hit rock bottom.)
(I'm already dead inside.)
Still—he wondered if Joey would say anything about his two women, but Perospero forced a smile and said, "Relax, it's fine! Big bro's not that kind of guy!"
"WHAT?!" x2
At the castle gates—
Daifuku and Oven's eyes went wide.
Daifuku gasped, "Second bro! These are your wives?!"
"Holy crap!!"
Oven scratched his head and bowed to the blonde: "Second sis! I'm sorry! I didn't know back then!"
Seriously embarrassing.
He'd actually made his second sister-in-law serve him tea before.
That normally wouldn't be a huge deal.
But in the Charlotte family? Taking care of siblings and relatives is huge.
Even if it was just that one time...
Right after she started working as Perospero's secretary...
He'd asked her to pour him a drink.
Goddamn!
If Compote or Katakuri found out?
They'd peel his skin off.
The blonde—dressed like a professional secretary—was named Mai.
She quickly waved her hands, "It's fine! Really, Oven-sam—"
"Don't!" Oven shook his head frantically, "Second sis! Back then, Second Bro was being dumb and hid you from us. We didn't know! But now that you've stepped into the castle—if you keep calling me that, some people are gonna string me up and beat the crap outta me! No way!"
Before Perospero brought the two girls back today—Joey made it veryclear.
Perospero likes them? Then they're family now.
Anyone who dares look at them the wrong way? Gets a public beating. No mercy.
Perospero stepped in, "Alright, Mai, it's okay. Let's go inside."
And just like that—Perospero stopped resisting.
He took his two wives by the hand and strolled into the castle.
Daifuku and Oven rubbed their chins, whispering to each other:
"You think Second Bro has hit peak social death or what?"
"Heh..."
"If this ever gets out, his reputation is toast!"
"Don't say it!"
"Let's go!"
They hurried in after him.
As for Perospero? He'd already made peace with it.
It's not like this was the first time.
pride? Please, that's kid stuff.
Just a bunch of little issues.
Nothing worth worrying about.
— — —
Inside the castle.
They passed through the huge courtyard and finally entered the grand hall.
People were scattered in small groups—Chatting casually.
Amande, Opera, and the rest—
They all showed up!
Everyone clearly here just to gossip.
Their Second Bro, Perospero, bringing home two wives?
Everyone was excited.
To be fair...
Joey also had three wives already: Gion, Amaterasu, and Garona.
They were all absolute knockouts.
But the difference?
Joey never once rejected the idea.
Once the women were brought to him? That was it. He accepted them. Simple.
It's a man thing—perfectly normal.
No big deal.
But with Perospero?
That's another story.
Back then...He flat-out rejected the idea.
Said stuff like:
"I'm not into women."
"I've never touched a woman."
"Women just slow me down!"
And now? Look at him!
Total clown moment!
If it weren't for Katakuri showing up, the others would've teased him into an early grave.
But hey—Perospero's given up.
He's tired.
Let the world burn.
Social death? Pfft. Whatever.
Bring it on.
Clearly—That's where he's at now.
---
"Hehehe…"
Joey smiled gently as Perospero walked in with the two girls.
They looked young—probably sixteen or seventeen.
The blonde on the left wore a sleek black secretary outfit.
The black-haired one on the right wore a kimono.
It was obvious—One was the outgoing type, the other more traditional and quiet.
Joey didn't even wait for Perospero to open his mouth.
The poor guy had been getting teased all day—no need to keep piling it on.
With a warm tone, Joey asked, "So, brat—when's the wedding?"
"Huh?" x3
All three of them froze.
Perospero quickly snapped out of it and said hurriedly, "Big bro! After Totto Land is officially founded and you get married first, I'll follow up and get married too."
Joey nodded with a smile. "Good."
They all sat down on the sofa.
Joey was being super chill about everything.
This wasn't some meeting room or anything. Just a banquet hall.
In other words—it was just a place to eat, drink, and hang out.
So naturally, everyone was laid-back.
Perospero brought the two girls and sat down in front of his big brother.
Joey smiled. "Hold out your hands."
Both Mai and Shizu obediently held out their hands.
Tap!
Joey touched their palms with two fingers.
And just like that, the family retainer contract was sealed.
Joey said gently, "Alright, it's done."
Perospero looked a little emotional. "Big bro…?"
Joey waved him off. "Enough of that. You're grown up now, found yourself some girls. I'm happy for you, seriously."
"But… when are you planning to give me a couple nephews, huh?"
Perospero, Shizu, and Mai all froze in embarrassment.
Joey, though, stayed completely calm. "Honestly, it's about time we started raising the third generation of the Charlotte family. Whether it's a firstborn son or daughter, we've gotta start investing in their future."
Mai and Shizu were practically dying of embarrassment.
All in all…It was a day full of teasing and banter.
Everyone was enjoying themselves.
As time passed…
Gion, Amaterasu, and Garona—under the guidance of Compote and the others—helped the two girls settle in and feel less nervous.
Eventually, they started to blend in with the atmosphere.
— — —
Later that night...
Joey, Perospero, and Katakuri were sitting together.
Joey sipped some tea and said calmly, "Perospero… really now? You got yourself a wife and didn't bring her home right away? What were you thinking?"
Perospero looked helpless. "Big bro, Totto Land is about to become an official nation. I couldn't just bring women back like that."
Katakuri replied calmly, "Second brother, that's not a big deal. Tomorrow, your two wives will be princesses."
"Uh… well…" Perospero scratched his head awkwardly.
Joey shook his head with a smile. "You really don't think things through as clearly as Katakuri. Remember, the Charlotte family stands on its own strength—we don't need political marriages to survive. If we ever get to that point, what's even the point of it all?"
"We can create royalties anytime we want and destroy them just as easily, so I never cared for the royalty stuff in the first place."
Perospero nodded seriously. "Got it, big bro!"
Joey nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, Katakuri—how about you?"
"Huh?"
Katakuri blinked in confusion, then said in shock, "Big bro! I'm not even of age yet, right?"
Joey replied smoothly, "You've got two more years. Decide if you're gonna find someone on your own, or if I should find someone for you."
"Uh… what?"
Katakuri clearly didn't know how to respond.
He'd been focused on getting stronger this whole time.
As for women? They never really interested him.
"Tch." Joey clicked his tongue. "That's what this brat said too! And what happened? He went and picked up two at once."
"A guy saying he's not interested in women—that's the weird part, honestly!"
"Don't make me think you are GAE!"
Katakuri let out a resigned sigh. "Alright, alright, I get it…"
Joey kept his tone soft. "The family has to keep growing. We can't just rely on ourselves forever—we've gotta plan for the future."
As for what else the three brothers talked about that night—well, no one really knows.
But just like that, the conversation ended.
— — —
In the Crystal Palace
"Whew..."
Joey let out a quiet breath and rubbed his forehead.
Finally letting himself relax.
"Joey!"
Amaterasu and Garona looked at Joey.
He smiled gently. "What is it?"
"Well…"
Amaterasu asked curiously, "Do you think the kimono looks good?"
Joey nodded. "Yeah, I like it."
"Hehehe~!"
The two girls giggled and ran off right away.
Gion just stood there calmly, looking at Joey.
He chuckled. "What is it now?"
Four years had passed. Gion had already regained her strength.
Honestly, there was no point in locking her up anymore.
Among his three wives:
Gion was the mature one.
Amaterasu was cunning and calculating.
Garona? A pure, sweet airhead.
Joey knew all that—but he didn't really care.
It was all normal stuff.
As long as they didn't actually cause trouble, little games like that didn't matter.
"Hm…"
Gion, thinking about Mai's appearance, suddenly said, "Maybe I should put on a secretary outfit too. Let you try it out?"
Joey let out a quiet laugh. "What's with the sudden idea?"
"Hmm?" Gion crossed her arms and smirked. "Should I leave, then?"
"Ahem."
Joey turned back toward his room and replied, "Alright then, I'll be waiting for you inside."
.
.
.