Hello everyone! I'm running a poll to choose the next fanfic.The poll is free on Patreon, join as a free member and vote for your favorite fic!The winner will be decided by a simple points system:
Most Power Stones = 1 point
Most Reviews = 1 point
Most Votes in the Poll = 1 point
The poll starts today and runs for one week. Support your favorites—drop stones, leave a review, and vote!
=============
One Piece Breaking the Gene Lock
Genshin Impact: I am King Arthur
Naruto: Reviving the Fourth Hokage from the Start
=============
The women looked at one another, eyes flickering with hesitation.
Share a husband with their own sisters?
How were they supposed to be that generous?
Besides, they were the daughters of the Big Mom Pirates. Who would dare treat them like that? Who could?
They wanted Mama to step in and make it fair.
But Mama had already started eating and drinking to her heart's content off to the side.
"Tch. All of you saving face… Like Custard said, you can't handle Dr. Hughes."
"Dr. Hughes, I'm Galette. Pleased to meet you."
"I'm the Minister of Butter from Butter Town on Macaron Island, user of the Bata Bata no Mi(Butter-Butter Fruit)."
"Want to feel how butter smooths everything—reduces friction?" Galette leaned in, breath warm at Hughes's ear, teasing as she spoke.
"Galette!!!"
"Too close!"
"Show some restraint!"
"Ugh, that power is so sneaky."
"What does Galette mean?" a younger girl whispered.
"Kids shouldn't ask. You'll understand when you're older."
So it could be used like that?
Jackpot.
Truth be told, even Hughes hadn't thought of that angle. A pleasant little surprise.
"Dr. Hughes, what do you think of the Snakeneck tribe?"
At some point, Amande had stepped to center stage, speaking to Hughes in her calm, level tone.
Though she was Snakeneck, her neck wasn't giraffe-long; on her, the proportions were just right.
"You only know by trying."
"If it's you, I don't mind having a wife from the Snakeneck tribe."
For Amande, a strong partner was a bonus, but she herself was a powerful swordswoman.
What truly moved her was how unruffled Hughes had been in front of Mama.
In other words, he had the bearing of a strong one—worthy of her.
And the family would need Dr. Hughes's strength going forward.
She would be the family's blade—guarding Hughes and clearing the way for the great ship to sail on.
Having heard his answer, Amande returned to her cool poise and fell silent at his side.
After that, no one else moved.
Including the one he most anticipated—Smoothie.
Clearly, she had her pride.
And with three women marrying Hughes, it was already proof of how much the Charlotte family valued him.
"Mamamama, looks like you're done over there."
Charlotte Linlin had just finished her afternoon tea.
Seeing three daughters paired with Hughes, she was very satisfied.
This way, their family and Hughes would be inseparable.
"So you got your way, Dr. Hughes."
"You even set a precedent for the Charlotte family—spiriting away three of my finest jewels in one go."
"Just my luck."
"And your strength. When the giant serum is complete, don't be stingy with the supply!"
"Tell me—if you could only marry one, which of my daughters would you choose?"
At her question, everyone in the room pricked up their ears.
Which one would this shameless man name?
"Smoothie," he said without hesitation.
A certain long-legged girl holding a wineglass like a little giant paused mid-swish.
Her luscious lips curled into a faint smile.
So he had eyes, at least—pity he was so unfaithful.
In truth, if it wasn't love at first sight, anyone else would pick Smoothie too.
Beyond the striking figure and beautiful face,
it was her already peerless talent and formidable strength.
She was, in many ways, Charlotte Linlin's younger-era reflection—
already bearing the weight to stand at the family's forefront.
No one was shocked by Hughes's choice; it felt natural.
Many of the Charlotte girls took Smoothie as their model.
"Mamamama, you do have taste."
"If anyone else wanted to marry Smoothie, I'd refuse outright."
"But you, Doctor—you can."
"I can decide it now and marry Smoothie to you."
"Mama?" At that, Smoothie tensed, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes.
"What, Smoothie—are you going to contradict me?"
Charlotte Linlin's face darkened in an instant, showing Hughes what a true "face change" meant.
The warmth vanished; only stormclouds remained.
Even without unleashing Conqueror's Haki, the air turned crushingly heavy.
This was the pressure of a top power on the seas.
"Even my favorite daughter won't defy me."
At Mama's roar, Smoothie remembered her place.
At this "matchmaking" ceremony, refusal was not hers to give.
Bitterness welled up inside.
So she couldn't even steer her own fate?
"Better." Big Mom gave her most decisive daughter a long look.
Then she turned back to Hughes, beaming.
"Dr. Hughes—how about my proposal?"
"Anyone here you fancy, I can arrange a wedding at once."
"Don't worry about their feelings. They're Mama's children."
"When Mama gives an order, they don't have the right to refuse."
"Thank you for the kindness, Lady Linlin, but I think things are just right as they are," Hughes answered earnestly.
"This already exceeds my expectations."
"When it comes to marriage, I believe in honesty."
"If the other party doesn't like me and is forced to live in misery by my side—honestly, it would hurt me."
"So if there's someone who can accept and forgive all my faults, I'm content."
"Maybe Smoothie doesn't care for me now—but in the future, who knows? She might."
"I trust you wouldn't stop me then from forming a bond with another of the Charlotte family's lovely ladies, would you?"
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For 20+ Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!] [[email protected]/Draumel]
[Thank You For Your Support!]