Galette had landed in quite an awkward position.
The moment she realized it, she jerked her head up as if she'd been electrocuted.
Her gaze met Carl's—who was looking down at her—and for an instant, the air itself seemed to freeze.
Fortunately, Carl's body was no longer anything close to ordinary.
Galette's face turned visibly red at a speed you could see with the naked eye.
She forced her trembling body upright and lowered her head.
"I deeply apologize... I was out of line... Saint Carl."
Carl waved a hand dismissively.
"That wasn't your fault. Go take a seat."
Galette's legs were still trembling, clearly not yet recovered from the shock of the Empty Mark earlier.
Poire was in the same state.
The two sisters supported each other and found chairs to sit down on, then looked up at Carl seated high atop the Empty Throne.
Just recalling that terrifying pressure from earlier brought a fine sheen of cold sweat to Galette's forehead.
To her, that was a kind of haki far beyond the crazed fury of Big Mom in her prime. That golden sea of Conqueror's Haki truly made her feel like a speck of dust in the vast universe—small and utterly insignificant.
Poire, for her part, had completely lost her composure and was wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes—she'd actually been scared into crying.
Seeing the pale faces of the two women, Carl felt a bit helpless himself. After all, this had been his first time using the Empty Mark, and he'd released it unconsciously as soon as he sat down. It really did look like he was about to wipe out the entire Totto Land.
Truthfully, Carl had been a bit irritated when he first arrived. He'd overheard Galette talking about handing over the throne to Katakuri—when that throne was one he had specifically designated for her. Until he said otherwise, not even Galette herself had the right to abdicate.
Aside from a few rare individuals, Carl was domineering to the extreme when it came to others.
Still, Galette had been genuinely frightened, and Carl didn't have a bad impression of her overall. He decided not to hold it against her this time.
Once Galette and Poire had calmed down a little, Carl smiled and said,
"Galette, I've heard Totto Land has developed quite well recently—very different from the old pirate family structure. Looks like you're doing a fine job."
Galette hadn't expected Carl to open with praise, and the surprise made her flustered.
"I just had everyone do what they're best at, as long as it wasn't piracy... that's all."
"Oh? You make it sound so simple."
Carl smiled meaningfully, his fingers tapping the golden armrest of the Empty Throne, sending out ripples of transparent light.
"Weren't those seven Charlotte family members executed under your orders? And the former Finance Minister—you personally took him out, didn't you? They were your siblings, after all. I didn't think you had it in you."
Galette bit her lip.
"I didn't want to do it either... but if I wasn't ruthless, they would've dragged the family back into ruin. Especially Finance Minister. He..."
"He swore to kill me and avenge Charlotte Linlin?"
"Yes. He was drunk at the time, but words like that are already capital crimes. If I didn't take firm action, others might see it as tacit approval. And if that got out, the family I worked so hard to preserve would be doomed!"
Carl looked at her with approval.
"Well done. I'm satisfied. Though, they were still your siblings. Killing them outright might've been a bit harsh. Next time, just break their limbs and throw them in prison."
Galette was momentarily speechless.
Poire shivered slightly—Carl's version of mercy was practically a fate worse than death.
Carl propped his head on one hand, then asked suddenly,
"Galette, do you know why I let the Charlotte family live?"
The sudden question stunned Galette.
She thought for a moment, then said cautiously,
"Perhaps because we still offer some value to you? Like paying the Heavenly Tribute...?"
Carl chuckled.
"Which country these days doesn't pay Heavenly Tribute? Mary Geoise is only so big—how much of that tribute money is even put to use? Do you really think I'd bother sparing the Charlotte family just for a few extra coins?"
Galette knew this too, but she couldn't think of any better answer. She bowed her head.
"I'm sorryl. I don't understand your reasoning."
Carl let out a soft laugh, stood up from his throne, and slowly walked toward her.
Seeing him approach, Galette hastily got to her feet, pulling the dazed Poire up with her.
Even when Carl stopped in front of her, Galette didn't dare raise her head—she remained standing there in a half-bow, humble and submissive.
Carl reached out, pinched her chin, and gently lifted her face to meet his gaze.
Looking into her confused eyes, he said,
"Because of you, of course. If you hadn't been the one to receive Stussy back then, the Charlotte family—and Totto Land along with it—would've long since sunk to the bottom of the sea."
Galette's entire body trembled, as if struck by lightning.
Her face showed utter disbelief.
Carl's fingers trailed from her chin up to her soft lips, toying with them idly.
Galette's heart pounded with his every movement. She didn't dare move—she simply tensed her body and stood frozen like a statue.
"The Butter Queen... what a fitting title. For that title alone, the throne is yours by right. Don't ever think about giving it away again. Or I might really... get angry."
Carl narrowed his eyes slightly.
Galette immediately responded,
"I'm sorry! I'll never entertain such thoughts again!"
"Heh... That's more like it. Hmm... you've done well, but I haven't given you the reward you deserve yet..."
With that, Carl's gaze shifted to the silent Poire nearby.
He said softly,
"Galette, Poire is your only full-blooded sister, right?"
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+140 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg