Big Mom stared intently at the heart in Luffy's hand.
The fighting power of the Straw Hat captain was far greater than she had imagined.
She snorted and said, "In that case, what's the point of continuing this marriage alliance?"
All the Charlotte family members who had stormed the castle exchanged confused glances, unsure of what was going on.
However, seeing that their mother was "safe and sound," they quickly calmed down.
They gathered behind Big Mom and listened quietly to the conversation between the two without saying a word.
Luffy laughed and said, "You don't want the alliance? Everything I said before is true — including the alliance."
Could an alliance really be formed like this?
Big Mom's expression turned a little sour, but right now, there was no room for refusal.
"Fine, I understand. Now that you've said that, let's seriously discuss the significance of this marriage."
Big Mom sighed and sat back down in her previous seat.
Luffy gave Mr. 3 a glance.
Galdino immediately poured him a cup of black tea.
Big Mom grabbed the tea, gulped it down in one go, and crushed the cup in her hand.
"So, it'll be Aladdin and my daughter Charlotte Praline getting married, correct?"
"That's right."
"Mamamama! Wouldn't you consider marrying one of my daughters yourself?"
She laughed and then announced several names.
Charlotte Pudding, 14 years old, single.
Charlotte Flampe, 13 years old, single.
"I'm sure they'd be to your liking."
As she spoke, Big Mom threw a knowing glance at the female members of the Straw Hat crew present. She herself had been quite the beauty in her youth — of course, she knew exactly what men liked.
"If you're not satisfied with just one, you can marry both."
Luffy was speechless for a moment.
The expressions of Kaya, Nojiko, Robin, Vivi, and Nami grew subtly complex.
Kaya's mouth fell open, stunned by Big Mom's proposal to marry off her daughters to Luffy simultaneously.
Nojiko just frowned, completely speechless.
Robin rested her chin on one hand, watching Luffy with an amused smile. His look of utter bewilderment clearly entertained her.
"No need," Luffy refused flatly.
He liked beautiful women, sure — but beauty wasn't everything. There were gorgeous women all over the world. Most mermaids on Fish-Man Island were stunning, yet he had zero interest in them.
As for Big Mom's daughters, he only vaguely remembered Charlotte Pudding — a three-eyed girl with a Devil Fruit power.
He had no desire to finish "his business" with her at night only to have his memories erased afterward.
Although his Haki was strong enough to resist most Paramecia-type psychic abilities, there was always a chance it could fail.
After all, when a man's in a good mood, he tends to relax his guard.
"Mamamama... Why don't you think it over? What dissatisfaction could you possibly have with marrying my daughters?"
Big Mom smiled broadly.
Her children standing behind her were all dumbfounded.
It seemed like Big Mom couldn't wait to marry off one of her daughters to Straw Hat Luffy...
What on earth was going on?
They didn't understand, but this was not the moment for them to speak.
"Let's just talk about Aladdin and Praline's wedding," Luffy sighed.
Hearing that, Big Mom temporarily dropped the idea of marrying off her daughters.
Temporarily — but not completely.
"The important things about a wedding are the location, the date, and the guests... Straw Hat, do you want to make it a grand event or keep it traditional?"
Luffy calmly sipped his tea. "The wedding has to make the news."
The ceremony itself didn't matter — what mattered was that the world knew about it.
That would be enough to deter the World Government.
"Really? I see."
Big Mom immediately understood. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "And who will be invited to attend?"
"I'll invite a few people. You can invite whoever you want."
Luffy grinned. Since it would be in the headlines, the "background" had to be impressive, too.
If possible, he'd send invitations to the Whitebeard Pirates, Garp, the Revolutionary Army, even Kizaru and Aokiji.
He might even laugh if the Five Elders themselves showed up.
When the time came, Uta would sing a song — and everyone would be annihilated.
As for Luffy's real plan, Big Mom couldn't decipher it.
"So, where will the wedding take place?" she asked, half-smiling.
"Whole Cake Island."
"And when will it be?"
"One month from now."
During this "friendly" and "cordial" meeting, the Straw Hats and the Charlotte family exchanged opinions openly and finally reached a mutually satisfying agreement.
As for the two individuals who were actually getting married… no one paid them any attention from start to finish.
After Big Mom left with her people, Jinbei found his vice-captain, Aladdin.
"Captain Jinbei, what can I do for you?"
Aladdin and the other fish-men were in charge of guarding Elegia's port.
Seeing Jinbei approach, Aladdin came forward and asked.
Jinbei opened his mouth, fell silent for a moment, then sighed and patted him on the shoulder.
"Aladdin, you're already thirty-eight. Are you interested in getting married?"
"Why?!"
Aladdin froze in shock.
Jinbei explained Luffy's arrangement, then said seriously,
"Would you like a wife? She's a mermaid! Captain Luffy made a marriage contract for you with one of Big Mom's daughters!"
Aladdin was stunned.
"How is that even possible?! I haven't even met her, and the engagement's already been decided? What does this have to do with me? Besides, I'm the vice-captain of the Sun Pirates!"
He fired off a series of rhetorical questions, filled with protest.
"Her name is Charlotte Praline. Here's a picture of your future wife," Jinbei said reluctantly, pulling a photo from his pocket and handing it to him.
Did he have any room to refuse?
This was a matter decided by two Yonkou, and Captain Luffy had helped Fish-Man Island immensely — so Aladdin couldn't really say anything.
Besides, the bride-to-be was a mermaid. Considering Aladdin's age, this might actually be a good opportunity to settle down.
Aladdin looked at the photo and suddenly went silent.
Seeing his hesitation, Jinbei took a deep breath and said, "If you really don't want to, I'll speak to Captain Luffy—"
"No!"
Aladdin interrupted firmly. "How could a man go back on his word?! Don't worry — I won't let Mr. Jinbei or Captain Luffy down!"
Jinbei: …
(End of Chapter)