Chapter 413: The Red Count's Refusal
"Yes… I won again."
Charlotte, still carrying the Red Count on his back, looked toward the approaching Rockefeller Pirate ships and muttered softly.
He had won once more.
But deep inside, he wished he could keep winning—forever.
"Stay. Help me."
Charlotte suddenly spoke.
"Are you… inviting me?"
The Red Count, draped over Charlotte's back, asked calmly.
"Yes. I'm inviting you once more."
Hearing this, the Red Count's mind drifted back thirteen years—to a steamy bathhouse, and a brash youth who'd asked him the same thing.
Now, thirteen years later, it felt like that youth hadn't changed at all…
But he had.
"I remember I refused you back then."
The Red Count said suddenly.
"So you're refusing again, huh."
Charlotte sighed.
"I've grown used to solitude. Suddenly joining a pirate crew—it's something I still can't quite bring myself to do."
The Red Count replied, glancing out at the nearing ships of the Rockefeller Pirates.
Their frantic expressions flickered in his eyes.
"You have so many people who care for you. I… I envy that."
He whispered with quiet emotion.
"Then why not try opening your heart? Let people in?"
Charlotte asked.
The Red Count chuckled.
"If I do that… would I still be the 'Crimson Isolation' everyone fears?"
Charlotte paused.
"…You're still so damn prideful."
"Old habits."
The Red Count smiled.
"Yeah. You're still the same."
Charlotte rolled his eyes.
"Getting old… I felt it the moment you beat me."
The Red Count looked to the sunset gilding the sea in gold.
Charlotte said nothing for a moment, then agreed quietly,
"Yeah… you've grown old."
That one defeat had worn down more than the Red Count's body—it had dulled his heart.
Thirteen years of waiting… of training… of obsession, all for one duel.
All those best years—spent chasing a promise made in youth.
"So where will you go now?"
Charlotte asked.
"Someplace cheerful."
The Red Count said with a faraway look.
He remembered the Rumbar Pirates—their laughter, their music… their joy.
He wanted to chase that.
Charlotte lowered his gaze.
"Then I wish you a joyful journey."
"And I wish you the strength to rule the New World."
The Red Count slid from Charlotte's back and stood beside him, watching the ships close in.
"Captain!"
"Dad!"
Voices of concern rang from the approaching ships.
And just like that—
Both Charlotte and the Red Count collapsed.
Eight days of fighting had finally pushed their bodies beyond their limits.
"Quick! Save the captain!"
Barrett was the first to leap forward, grabbing both unconscious warriors.
The island beneath them trembled—its center sinking rapidly outward like a collapsing crater.
The Rockefeller Pirates rushed to evacuate as the island slowly sank beneath the sea.
On deck, everyone looked at the peacefully sleeping warriors.
"Set course for home!"
Barrett ordered.
The duel had ended.
Charlotte had won.
Thirteen years of destiny—fulfilled.
And soon, the news exploded across the seas.
[BREAKING: The Red Count Challenges the World's Greatest Swordsman—Charlotte!]
Eight days later—
[World's Greatest Swordsman Defeats the Crimson Isolation!]
Shockwaves rippled through the New World.
The undefeated Red Count—defeated at last.
And with it, his hopes of ruling the New World ended.
But for Charlotte—
It was another victory that cemented his legend.
---
Days later.
When Charlotte awoke, the familiar ceiling above him made him pause.
He sat up slowly, dazed.
"…How long have I been asleep?"
His limbs were weak, body heavy.
A maid rushed to his side, eyes wide with surprise and joy.
"Captain! You're awake!"
He tried to stand, wobbled, then leaned against the wall.
"Food… get me something to eat."
"Yes! Right away!"
She helped him back into bed and dashed off.
The news spread fast.
Soon, the room was filled.
"Charlotte! Are you okay?!"
"Father, you're awake!"
His wives and children flooded in.
Even Caesar wore a concerned expression—though Charlotte could tell he was hiding a grin.
"Where's the Red Count?"
Charlotte asked.
Caesar pouted dramatically.
"Geez, Dad! You wake up and immediately ask about him? He left hours ago! Said nothing could convince him to stay."
"He woke up before me?"
Charlotte blinked.
"Three hours earlier. Said he knew you'd try to recruit him and left before you could talk him out of it."
Charlotte went silent.
He waved a hand, signaling everyone to give him some space.
Food arrived.
Illyana helped him sit up at the table.
He devoured it.
With every plate, color returned to his cheeks.
After several tables' worth of food, he finally leaned back and wiped his mouth.
"…Why are you all still here?"
The room was still packed.
Caesar scratched his cheek.
"We were worried…"
Charlotte rolled his eyes.
"I'm fine. Just exhausted."
Everyone exhaled in relief.
They backed out of the room—Estes included—leaving only Charlotte's wives behind to tend to him.
Their eyes were red. They'd clearly cried.
He squeezed their hands gently.
"I'm okay. I just need a couple days' rest."
They nodded, reluctantly.
"Leave me alone for now. Let me think."
Though reluctant, they withdrew.
Alone now, Charlotte looked through the window.
The deep blue sea shimmered in the sun.
He stared into the distance, lost in memories…
---
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