One Piece: I'm not Roger

A group of people rode dozens of cake cars toward the castle. The vehicle Aether was in was driven by Katakuri, while a beautiful woman with violet-colored hair in an evening dress sat beside him.

Aether could feel faint waves of Observation Haki sweeping across him from time to time. It was clear Katakuri remained on guard against him. Unfortunately for them, Aether's strength was no longer what it once was. Even so, openly provoking him like this was dangerous. If the opponent revealed even a slight opening, it would not be impossible for Aether to eliminate Katakuri in a single strike.

Of course, the thought was only that, a passing consideration. Aether had a favorable impression of Katakuri and would not easily take his life. In this era, someone as loyal and principled as him was rare among pirates.

Suddenly, a strangely seductive fragrance drifted through the air. If his judgment was correct, it was aphrodisiac perfume commonly found on the black market, and the source was the woman sitting beside him.

Aether turned his head toward her and asked.

"Who are you, miss? Also, your perfume smells familiar. What brand is it?"

The woman, despite wearing a revealing evening dress, still carried a composed and somewhat heroic aura. Hearing the question, she appeared slightly flustered before answering.

"Hello, Lord Aether. I am Mama's sixth daughter, Charlotte Kastade. I will be your guide during the banquet. As for the perfume, it is just something inexpensive."

Her lying skills are terrible. Kastade was clearly not used to deception.

Still, Aether did not press further.

"I see. Then I will be in your care."

Charlotte Kastade, younger sister of Charlotte Cracker, one of the Sweet Commanders. She was among the stronger members of the Charlotte Family, possessing power comparable to a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, and was even considered a candidate for Sweet Commander level.

Yet Charlotte Linlin had assigned a 41-year-old daughter to act as his guide, along with that unusual perfume. Whether there was another intention behind it was obvious enough.

As for Kastade herself, no matter how hard she tried, she could not maintain a natural smile. Her straightforward personality made it difficult for her to act as someone scheming behind polite greetings.

However, Mama's words still echoed in her mind.

"Kastade, you are 41 and still without a partner. This time, you should try to leave Roger's bloodline for the family or form an alliance between both sides. Remember, you must succeed, my dear daughter."

Targeting Aether directly.

It had to be said, the influence of newspapers was immense. Charlotte Linlin's vigilance toward Aether had reached an extreme level. Even compared to the former world's strongest man, Whitebeard, Aether had created an even greater sense of threat in her mind.

Along the way, Kastade remained silent with a stiff expression, offering no conversation. Aether instead turned his attention outward and observed Cake Island carefully.

The car passed through streets filled with dessert themed buildings. Lanterns and decorations lined every road, giving the island a festive atmosphere.

Aether also noticed many different races along the streets, humans, Fishmen, Merfolk, Mink Tribe, Snakeneck Tribe, Longarm Tribe, Longleg Tribe, Tontatta Tribe, Three-Eye Tribe, and many others. There were more than twenty races he could recognize alone.

As expected of Charlotte Linlin, the collector of races. It was said that only three races were missing from Totto Land, the Giant Race, the Lunarian Tribe to which King "Wildfire" belonged, and one other unknown special race.

The absence of Giants was due to hostility toward Charlotte Linlin. As one of the Five Emperors, she had killed a legendary Giant hero during her childhood. Even though it had been caused by one of her hunger pangs, the Giant Race still held a deep grudge and had effectively exiled her.

Her talent was terrifying. At around ten years old, she already possessed the strength to kill an elderly legendary Giant warrior. If she had received proper guidance in her youth, she might have become the strongest in the world.

She had also once lived in the Giant Kingdom, which left her with a lasting obsession toward the Giant Race, constantly seeking an alliance with them. Unfortunately, years ago, that plan collapsed when a daughter favored by the Giant Prince fled from an arranged marriage, worsening relations even further.

Aether seemed to recall something interesting and suddenly spoke to Katakuri.

"Katakuri, are you interested in joining my pirate crew?"

The moving vehicle jolted slightly as the driver's hands tensed. Kastade's eyes widened in shock.

Katakuri coughed a few times before responding.

"Cough, cough... Lord Roger, I will never betray my mother. And all my brothers and sisters are here. I can only refuse your offer."

Aether already understood Katakuri's loyalty, so he pressed further along the same line of thought.

"What if I defeat the Big Mom Pirates? Would you join my pirate crew then?"

Kastade stared at Aether, stunned by his words. He was openly recruiting in enemy territory. Was he not afraid of being surrounded and killed?

Katakuri's answer was immediate.

"Impossible. I will fight to the death."

"Then what if I capture all your brothers and sisters and use them as leverage to make you join my pirate crew?"

"..."

The atmosphere turned heavy. Only the sound of the engine filled the silence. Katakuri's expression remained hidden beneath his scarf, but his pupils trembled slightly.

His siblings were his reverse scale. Anyone threatening them would have to step over his dead body first.

Before Katakuri could respond, Kastade interrupted.

"Lord Roger, although you are our guest, please do not bully my elder brother."

Her expression was serious. If this continued, she would intervene no matter the cost, even if it meant conflict.

Aether, seeing the situation, decided to ease the tension for now.

"Haha, I was only joking. Don't take it seriously."