Chapter 330: The Emperor's Invitation
"His Majesty invites you to attend a royal banquet!"
Hearing the slightly sharp, somewhat feminine voice, Charlotte immediately guessed the identity of the person before him—a eunuch.
He didn't dwell too much on it and simply accepted the invitation letter.
> To the Honorable Mr. Charlotte Rockefeller:
Welcome to the beautiful Flower Country.
I, as the Emperor of the Flower Country, hereby formally invite you and your family to be guests of the royal palace.
—Written personally by His Majesty, Emperor of the Flower Country
Looking at the neat, elegant handwriting, Charlotte nodded.
"All right. When are we expected?"
Upon hearing Charlotte agree, the eunuch was visibly delighted.
"Any time, sir! The royal family is ready to welcome you at your convenience!"
He didn't push further but patiently awaited Charlotte's reply.
"Very well then. We'll go now. Can't keep the host waiting—it would be rude."
"Barrett! Gather the kids. We're attending a banquet tonight. Tell the rest of the crew they have the night off."
Charlotte instructed.
"And you're coming too," he added, glancing at Barrett.
"Yes, Captain! I'll get right on it!"
Barrett turned and left.
Charlotte turned back to the eunuch with a smile.
"We'll be there shortly."
He couldn't help but study the man in front of him with curiosity—this was the first eunuch Charlotte had encountered, even in his past life.
Being stared at so blatantly gave the eunuch goosebumps and a sudden chill.
Does this guy have some kind of… special interest?
He cursed inwardly.
He wasn't sure why the Emperor would invite a pirate captain into the palace, but he understood that this man was no ordinary pirate. When the Emperor sent him out, he'd been warned repeatedly to treat the guest with utmost respect.
Under normal circumstances, if anyone had stared at him like this, they'd have been brought to the palace to be turned into a eunuch themselves.
(If he likes staring at eunuchs so much, maybe he'd like to become one…)
—
"Charlotte, we won't go with you. Take the children—we'll stay behind to care for the little ones. They'll start fussing the moment we leave."
Illyana and the other women held their two-year-old children and declined the invitation.
Charlotte looked at little Klein and the others, then nodded after a moment of thought.
"Alright. Be careful. If anything happens, send word immediately."
Although uneasy about leaving them behind, he trusted they'd be fine.
"Let's go!"
He turned to Caesar and the others and began following the eunuch toward the palace.
—
Inside the palace.
"Your Majesty, isn't this too risky? Inviting a pirate into the royal palace? What if something happens?"
The royal court was bustling. Countless maids scurried around, setting up for the banquet. Platters of delicacies were being prepared.
"Prime Minister, the Rockefeller Pirates have not shown hostility toward the Flower Country. As Emperor, it would be improper not to extend hospitality.
Besides, I've investigated them thoroughly. Charlotte is not a mindless butcher—he is known to be reasonable."
The Emperor spoke calmly as he watched the preparations.
"But still… if he turns violent, we have no one strong enough to stop him! Just this afternoon, Chief Chinjao was defeated by their first mate!
If even the vice-captain is that strong, I can't imagine how powerful Charlotte must be!"
The Prime Minister fretted.
"Hmph!"
A cold snort cut through the room.
Everyone looked over.
Chinjao's face darkened at the mention of his defeat.
The Prime Minister quickly bowed in apology.
"Forgive me, Chief Chinjao—I spoke out of turn!"
Though a top official, he didn't dare offend a man with Chinjao's strength and influence.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. If Charlotte makes any sudden moves, I'll put my life on the line to stop him."
Chinjao said solemnly.
"With you here, I have no worries."
The Emperor nodded respectfully.
Although he had been shocked to learn of Chinjao's defeat, he still acknowledged his strength.
The Prime Minister no longer protested.
—
Soon after, Charlotte arrived at the palace gates.
"Tsk, tsk… This palace is huge. Bigger than my castle."
He looked around in admiration.
"Dad! Let's build a palace too when we get home! You can be the emperor!"
Robert chimed in excitedly from behind.
That comment made the eunuch leading them stumble slightly at the palace gate.
He turned and looked at Robert.
"Such a filial young master."
After pausing awkwardly, that was all he could manage.
Charlotte, a bit embarrassed, didn't know how to respond.
Robert, on the other hand, puffed out his chest and looked smugly at Deidara.
"He's just a child—please don't take offense,"
Charlotte said dryly.
"Not at all! The young master has a dragon's spirit—his future is limitless."
As the Emperor's close servant, the eunuch had long since mastered the art of saying the right thing to the right people.
He showered them with flattery as easily as breathing.
The younger children beamed with pride.
"Mister, I like you! You've got taste!"
Deidara grinned boldly.
"Hehehe…"
The eunuch chuckled awkwardly. For a moment, he even considered adopting the boy as a godson.
But one look at his father convinced him otherwise.
"Please, this way."
The eunuch gestured politely, leading the group inside.
—
"Your Majesty, Charlotte Rockefeller has arrived!"
Within the palace, a servant quickly rushed in to report.
"Quick, Prime Minister—come with me to greet him!"
The Emperor rose immediately.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Prime Minister hurried after him.
"I'll go as well, Your Majesty,"
said Chinjao, rising to his feet.
With the Emperor's nod, he followed.
The three arrived at the palace entrance just as Charlotte and his entourage approached.
"Mr. Charlotte Rockefeller! His Majesty awaits you in the throne hall. Thank you for honoring us with your presence. The banquet begins when you are ready!"
The Prime Minister smiled warmly as he greeted them.
Charlotte returned the smile.
He wasn't the type to slap away a friendly hand.
They walked together into the grand hall.
Gold and jade shone from every corner.
At the far end, a middle-aged man in a golden dragon robe sat regally on the throne—his expression solemn and dignified.
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