The man wore a dark formal suit and a top hat, his left hand resting on a candy cane as tall as he was.
His tongue flicked out from time to time, licking his lips with a faint sound.
Charlotte Perospero.
"Lick, lick."
Perospero's voice drifted down from above.
"Marine Rear Admiral Lorne, 'Sett.'"
"I didn't expect to intercept you here, lick, lick."
"I thought I'd have to chase you at least as far as Marineford. You've saved me quite a journey."
Lorne stood on the deck of the Fearless, looking up at him.
"Allow me to introduce myself."
He raised his candy cane, tracing an elegant arc through the air.
"I am the eldest son of the Charlotte Family, Charlotte Perospero."
"Mama asked me to bring you a message."
He straightened, pointing his cane at Lorne.
"Charlotte Linlin of the Four Emperors formally extends an invitation to Marine Rear Admiral Lorne-"
His voice suddenly rose, taking on the solemnity of someone proclaiming an imperial decree.
"Welcome to the Charlotte Family."
"Mama has already prepared your wedding. This is an honor for you."
Silence fell over the deck.
The Marines exchanged looks, thinking they had misheard.
"...Wedding?"
Ryan's mouth fell open.
"An honor?"
Bakel's eyes went wide.
Perospero completely ignored their reactions and continued.
"Mama saw the reports about you."
"Your bloodline is very unusual. Those ears, that recovery ability-there's no record of anything like them in Totto Land's Species Encyclopedia."
He licked the tip of his cane and narrowed his eyes.
"Mama is very interested in your bloodline, lick, lick."
"As long as you join the Charlotte Family and become Mama's forty-fourth husband, you will receive the protection of one of the Four Emperors, endless wealth, and the standing to wield tremendous influence in the New World."
"No one