Chapter 329: The Weight Caesar Carries
The result of the battle stunned nearly everyone in attendance.
In their hearts, the seemingly invincible Chief Chinjao had been defeated by a nameless youth.
It was a reality many found difficult to accept.
Even Chinjao himself struggled to come to terms with it.
The generals who had accompanied him were all equally shocked, staring at Barrett with disbelief.
As Barrett turned and walked away from the arena without a second glance, his cold, confident aura lingered in the air.
Chinjao lowered his head, his once-glorious aura now heavier with defeat and despair.
Barrett frowned slightly, disappointed by the lack of resolve in his opponent.
Still, the battle had further affirmed his own strength—something Charlotte had clearly noticed.
From the moment Charlotte took him in during Sea Calendar Year 1484, he had personally overseen Barrett's growth every step of the way.
And now, Barrett had surpassed even the legendary Chinjao, once feared in the New World. He was inching closer to Charlotte himself.
"Captain."
Barrett approached, smiling confidently.
Charlotte nodded.
"Not bad. Your strength is nearly at the level of a Vice Admiral. In another five years, you'll be standing at my side. When that day comes, the Rockefeller Pirates will truly dominate all other crews."
Charlotte had high expectations for Barrett. Among the younger generation, only Barrett had already matured into a top-tier fighter.
He would be vital for the coming phases of Charlotte's plans.
"I swear to protect the Rockefeller Pirates with my life!"
Barrett declared.
Charlotte patted his arm and nodded, then the two turned their attention back to the arena.
But the arena was now in ruins.
The battle between Barrett and Chinjao had shattered it beyond use.
The children, having received word from the arena staff, returned reluctantly.
"Seriously?! A huge place like this, and they can't even maintain the stage properly? What kind of management is this?"
Robert returned first, grumbling to Charlotte. He had just gotten excited to fight, only to be turned away.
"If you like it that much, we'll build one back at Carmel Island—a real colosseum. We'll invite strong fighters from the New World to challenge you."
Charlotte said with a smile, supporting Robert's enthusiasm.
"Really?!"
Robert's eyes lit up.
Even Deidara, standing nearby, looked thrilled.
Those two were energetic troublemakers—the complete opposite of their lazy big brother.
"Of course. Didn't we already build a basic arena for swordsmen? We'll remodel it. Maybe even make it a source of income—charge admission!"
Charlotte chuckled, surprised he hadn't thought of it earlier.
"That's awesome! I'll get a hundred wins and let the world know the name Rockefeller Robert!"
"And me too—Rockefeller Deidara!"
The two shouted proudly.
"Hahaha! That's the spirit! You two really are my sons!"
Charlotte laughed, eyes full of pride.
They might not have the highest talent, but their drive and passion would take them far. One day, they'd be the pillars of the Rockefeller family.
Behind them, Caesar watched quietly, his expression clouded.
Esdeath stepped up and patted him on the back.
"Cheer up."
Encouraged by his sister, Caesar straightened up again.
—
With the arena in ruins, the group decided to continue exploring the Flower Country. This time, they split up.
Caesar walked beside Esdeath down the street.
"...Sis, am I a disappointment to you?"
He finally asked.
Esdeath glanced at him.
"What makes you say that?"
"I feel like Dad's never satisfied with me. No matter what I do, he just nods. He never really praises me."
Caesar muttered, head lowered.
"Don't think like that. You're the eldest son of the Rockefeller family. Dad's expectations for you are much higher than for the rest of us. One day, you'll be our leader. In this world, strength is everything—and Dad wants you to be strong enough to carry it all."
Esdeath spoke calmly but firmly.
In truth, she had always been a little envious of Caesar.
She saw clearly that their father cared for him more than the rest of them.
Even if it came in the form of beatings.
She had never been punished like that. In fact, Charlotte had always spoiled her.
Whatever she wanted, he gave her. He never once scolded or disciplined her.
Sometimes she envied Caesar and their father's rough bond.
"I know Dad wants me to be strong… but I didn't ask for this."
Caesar looked over at his sister, eyes bitter.
Esdeath stopped walking and turned toward him.
"Caesar, you're the eldest. That means the future of the Rockefeller family will fall to you. We were born into a world of kill or be killed. Like it or not, Dad is a pirate. That makes us pirates too. This world is dangerous—and you have to be strong enough to protect everyone."
Her words were sharp and honest.
Caesar looked into her eyes, then slowly lowered his head.
"…Got it."
He muttered, the weight on his shoulders growing heavier.
It was their first heart-to-heart as siblings.
Caesar had finally found some clarity in his confusion—but the burden still pressed down on him.
"Don't stress too much. Just focus on doing your best with whatever task Dad gives you."
Esdeath patted his shoulder.
"Yeah."
Caesar nodded quietly, walking beside her with a heavy heart.
They returned to Charlotte's side just as a royal envoy arrived.
"Lord Charlotte Rockefeller! His Majesty the Emperor extends an invitation—he would be honored to have you as a guest at the royal banquet!"
---
Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin
[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]
*Thank you*