"We're here."
The White Giant Dragon slowly descended onto a secluded area of Beehive Island, steadily placing the old Perfume Yuda on her territory.
"Disembark. This is our base on Beehive Island."
The Kuja warriors on the ship jumped off one after another, stepping onto the unfamiliar land and looking around with curiosity and vigilance.
Charlotte Linlin landed and transformed into her human form. Gloriosa leaped up with practiced ease and sat on her shoulder. Charlotte Linlin had long since grown accustomed to this.
"Captain! You're back!"
Viya and the others responsible for guarding the base had already noticed the silhouette of the white dragon in the sky and now came forward to greet her.
"Mm, I'm back." Charlotte Linlin looked down at them,
"Did you run into any trouble while I was away?"
Vina looked up and reported happily, "No trouble at all! With Lord Newgate stationed nearby and us keeping your orders in mind to never leave this area, no one came to cause us trouble."
Just then, Mia noticed Gloriosa on Charlotte Linlin's shoulder, and the smile on her face stiffened.
"Captain, who is this?"
She was clearly here first... yet someone had beaten her to it!
"This is Gloriosa, the former Empress of Nine Snake Island. She is our new partner now," Charlotte Linlin introduced.
Gloriosa straightened her back proudly. "I'm the first mate!"
"Is... is that so?" The smile on Mia's face became even more strained.
Sensing her dejection, Charlotte Linlin squatted down. Even while squatting, her nine-meter-tall body still appeared massive, but she reached out a finger and stroked her head.
"Silly girl, everyone is irreplaceable. You are an important Crew member of mine and someone I trust. No matter who the newcomer is, that will never change."
"Just as a beehive needs every bee to perform its duty, each of you has a unique place in my heart."
She lightly tapped the tip of Mia's nose with her finger. "You are my most trusted little housekeeper guarding our home."
"Tch~"
Gloriosa, on Charlotte Linlin's shoulder, wore a displeased expression.
Feeling the touch of Charlotte Linlin's fingertip and the warmth in her words, Mia's mood instantly brightened significantly. She said firmly:
"I will follow behind the Captain forever!"
At the same time, she made up her mind: Since this woman can sit on the Captain's shoulder, then I certainly can too! I must work harder and become stronger. I will definitely occupy the Captain's other shoulder!
Seeing Mia had regained her spirits, Charlotte Linlin stood up and instructed:
"Good. Viya, take some of the fine wine I brought back from Nine Snake Island and give a portion to that old man who loves to drink. By the way, where is Kurozumi Mushi?"
She needed to find Kurozumi Mushi to learn about the recent movements on Beehive Island. This was the current state of her relatively independent small group—limited information channels, largely dependent on this slick information broker.
After all, for the girls under her whose strength was still weak, leaving the protected area posed extreme risks.
Mia said, "Alright, Captain. I'll send someone to deliver it to Newgate in a bit.
As for Kurozumi Mushi, she went to receive a Pirate Crew that recently joined Rocks a few days ago. I don't know where she is right now either."
Charlotte Linlin realized, "I forgot, she's practically a 'pirate receptionist' for Beehive Island."
As they spoke, a figure appeared in a hurry—it was indeed Kurozumi Mushi. Her face was flushed from running, yet she feigned composure, bowing slightly and performing a graceful salute.
"Lady Linlin, welcome back. This humble one is late; I hope you can forgive my fault."
As the only executive who had clearly expressed a willingness to protect her, Kurozumi Mushi placed great importance on her relationship with Charlotte Linlin.
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