Chapter 16: Serena — "Sisters, Come With Me!"
After paying the fee, Argus casually took the slave collar control device and led the group of caged girls back to the ship.
Inside the cage—
"Brother Edward?!"
"No way… Did those two monsters actually buy us?!"
"Waaaah…"
"Who even is Brother Edward?"
"That's Edward Newgate—'Whitebeard'! The top Supernova this year. He's just twenty and already has a bounty over 500 million berries!"
"And the other one is Edward Argus. No bounty yet, but he's Whitebeard's younger brother! The two of them crushed the Wolfgang Pirates together!"
Some of the girls recognized the names—and the color drained from their faces.
To be bought by them? The most dangerous monsters of the sea?
Despair settled over them like a suffocating fog. Some trembled in fear. Others sat motionless, eyes empty. Thoughts spiraled into panic. Would they be violated? Paraded as trophies? Passed around as toys?
A few even wished death would come sooner.
And yet—
Once they were brought aboard the ship, none of their fears came true.
They weren't thrown into the brig.
Instead, they were escorted to a clean, spacious room. Their cages were unlocked, collars removed. Fresh clothes and hot water awaited.
Maids even helped them bathe and clean themselves.
It made no sense.
Was this a trick? A mind game before they were broken?
Then came a gentle voice from the doorway—
"Sisters."
Standing tall in an elegant gown, Serena regarded them calmly. Flanking her were four maids, all disciplined and silent.
"I'm sure you have many questions," Serena said, her tone soft but firm. "But if you want answers… come with me."
She turned without another word and walked away. The maids followed, offering no explanations.
The princesses exchanged glances, hesitation written on their faces. But slowly, one by one—they followed.
What Serena said to them behind those closed doors, no one else would ever know.
Only that when they emerged… they were calm. Quiet. Obedient.
The next morning – aboard the deck
The Edward brothers sat at the breakfast table, enjoying the sunlight and the sea breeze.
Newgate, wiping grease from his lips, finally spoke.
"Oi, Argus… about Serena's personality…" His voice was casual, but his eyes sharp beneath the brim of his sake cup.
Argus paused mid-bite. "You've noticed too, huh?"
"Gurararara… Of course I have," Newgate said. "She's no ordinary woman. She doesn't think like a concubine."
"She's not trying to be one," Argus said simply. "She wants to be the wife. Not just a woman in the household—the woman."
He smiled faintly. "It's just one word's difference, but it makes all the difference."
Newgate grunted. "Gurarara… No problem with ambition. Long as it doesn't stir up a storm."
"It won't," Argus assured. "She's been managing everything—household affairs, the new girls, daily logistics. If she proves herself, she deserves the title."
Newgate gave a single nod and went back to eating.
Of course, Argus hadn't said everything.
He wasn't just letting Serena rise for her competence.
She carried his first child.
And into that child, Argus had poured the full effects of the "New Life Gift Pack." Unlike any future offspring whose talents would be influenced by random factors, this one had been crafted—designed to be exceptional.
So Serena's future?
Already set in stone.
That night—
"Husband," Serena whispered, sitting close beside Argus. "The sisters have all been settled. There won't be any issues."
"Thank you," he replied, gently brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "You've done well."
She caressed her stomach and murmured, "I'm carrying your child. Everything I do… is for our family."
Argus smiled. A capable wife like her made all the difference.
Over the following month—
The "weddings" continued.
Though these women had technically been bought, Argus didn't treat the unions as transactional. Each ceremony was held with dignity.
One bride every three days.
Three days and one night.
By the time the tenth ceremony concluded, a month had passed.
In her private chamber, Serena reclined on a cushioned divan. Her belly, now over five months along, was beginning to show. Still, she moved with poise and control.
Her fingers traced down a family ledger as she counted softly under her breath.
"Sharon… Mina… Rose… Wendy… Donna… Sandy… Betty… Emma… Claire… Karla…"
"All ten sisters… properly married. No dissent. No breakdowns."
A sigh of relief escaped her lips.
She had guided each one through their adjustment. Any failure would have fallen squarely on her.
But everything had gone smoothly.
She was no longer just a favored concubine.
She was the wife.
And Argus?
He didn't object.
That alone proved he acknowledged it—even if he hadn't said it out loud.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
"Sister…?"
It was Sally—another of Argus' women, now one month pregnant. Her belly hadn't shown yet, but mentally, she'd become far more childish and dependent.
Serena smiled gently. "Sally, you shouldn't be walking around so much. You're pregnant. You need to rest."
"But it's so boring!" Sally whined, collapsing beside her with a dramatic huff. "We're stuck on this boat all day! And now I can't even go outside?! It's like jail!"
Serena chuckled, brushing a hand through the girl's hair. "Just a little longer."
Sally looked up. "Really?"
Serena nodded.
"Of course. Everything will be different—soon."
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