At that moment, Morgans' eyes were full of excitement.
"It's been half a year since we last met in Loguetown, Captain Yemu!"
"Yes, it feels like it was just yesterday!" Yemu said with a hint of nostalgia.
"I also want to thank you for your help back in the Sabaody Archipelago!"
"No need, no need. I was just as thrilled to report such big news!"
At that moment, Amande spoke up, interrupting their conversation.
"Everyone, please take your seats. Mama's tea party and the wedding are about to begin..."
"In that case, we'll continue this conversation later!"
Under Amande's guidance, Yemu and his crew returned to their seats.
Suddenly, the bright sky above was covered by dark clouds, and dazzling fireworks lit up the heavens.
The voice of the ceremony host echoed through the air.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the royal wedding is about to begin! Let's give a warm round of applause to welcome the ruler of the New World, Captain of the Big Mom Pirates, and Queen of Totto Land: Charlotte Linlin, along with her husband, the warrior and clan leader of the Snakeneck Tribe, Valba!"
"Boom, boom, boom..."
Beautiful fireworks illuminated the sky, accompanied by a chorus that sounded almost like a hymn.
Amid the crowd's applause, a beam of light shot through the clouds. Like angels descending, Charlotte Linlin in her white wedding gown and the imposing Snakeneck Tribe man in a suit stepped onto a wedding altar carried by white clouds, descending gracefully from the sky.
"She's so beautiful!"
Flare, sitting beside Yemu, looked at Charlotte Linlin in her white gown with envy shining in her eyes.
Although Charlotte Linlin was already in her forties and past her prime, the white gown and her gentle smile made her look just as beautiful and radiant as ever.
Yemu turned to Flare, noticing the admiration in her eyes as the fireworks reflected on her face. He leaned close and whispered,
"You'd look far prettier in that than she does!"
Flare shot him a playful glance, a little flustered.
"I'd love to wear it, but unfortunately, I won't get the chance!"
"Opportunities are made, not found. If you want it, I can lend it to you!"
Flare was startled, still trying to process his words when Yemu added,
"It's fine if you don't give it back!"
Flare's face flushed bright red, a mix of embarrassment and excitement. She glanced around—seeing that everyone else seemed focused on the fireworks, oblivious to their exchange—she relaxed and gently kicked Yemu under the table, whispering anxiously,
"You idiot, what are you saying?"
Yemu ignored her, leaning even closer, so close that Flare could smell the faint, pleasant scent from him.
"So, will you borrow it?"
Her heart raced at his proximity, but Flare's competitive spirit and her six months of pirate life made her less shy than most women. She shot Yemu a teasing glare and whispered,
"That depends on how you behave..."
"Hehe, don't worry. I'll behave perfectly and do my best to get you into that wedding gown as soon as possible!"
The two returned their attention to the ceremony before them, though their private thoughts remained known only to themselves.
...
As the ceremony continued, with vows and the exchange of rings, Charlotte Linlin was finally married to her thirty-second husband.
"And now, I declare the banquet open!"
Amid Charlotte Linlin's radiant smile, the feast began. Music filled the air as countless chess pawns served delicious food to the guests. Charlotte Linlin and her new husband approached the table.
At that moment, Charlotte Linlin looked at Valba, who had been frowning the entire time, and scolded him,
"Hey, you! Smile for me. Aren't you happy to be married to me?"
Valba forced a painful smile, worse than a cry. Charlotte Linlin, satisfied, moved on to the table.
It was an empty table, holding only a single picture frame.
Seeing the woman in the frame, Charlotte Linlin—still in her white gown—showed a childlike expression, hugging the frame to her chest and saying with happiness,
"Sister, did you see? I got married again! My family is growing, and I'll never be alone again!"
After speaking to the photo, Charlotte Linlin carefully placed it back and looked sharply at Perospero beside her.
"Bring those guests over here!"
"Yes, Mama!"
...
Yemu, chatting with others, received a message from a Chess Pawn.
"Stay here and carry out the plan. I'm going over to speak with BIGMOM for a moment!"
"Understood!" Enel bit into an apple, confidence shining in his eyes.
"Leave it to me!"
...
"You've finally arrived, kid!"
As Yemu approached, he saw BIGMOM talking with Doflamingo, Morgans, and a few others. Clearly, those seated at her table were the highest-ranking figures at the banquet.
"Let me introduce you. This is my thirty-second husband, Valba, a rare warrior from the Snakeneck Tribe!"
Although he was her husband, Charlotte Linlin spoke of him as if he were a pet or toy. Judging by those around them, everyone seemed accustomed to such behavior.
Charlotte Linlin then leaned her imposing frame closer and glared at Yemu,
"Hey, kid, have you made up your mind yet? The show starts in an hour!"
"Show? What show? Is there some kind of grand finale?"
Stussy froze, glancing at BIGMOM and Yemu. Judging by the tension, it was clearly serious.
Umit and Feld looked on like spectators, amused.
"Of course, Stussy," Charlotte Linlin said, her face creased with a broad smile.
"This is the grand finale I've prepared for my own wedding."
She turned to the crowd and shouted with excitement,
"You've probably never seen this before—how does the soul of a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user differ from that of an ordinary person?"
Her gaze then fixed on Yemu, waiting for his answer.
"Mythical Zoan!?"
Everyone froze in surprise. Where had a Mythical Zoan come from? Wasn't this young man's Devil Fruit a Logia? How could it suddenly be Zoan?
"I'm truly sorry," Yemu's voice rang out.
"Though it may be rude to reject a bride at her wedding, I have to say: I refuse!"
Charlotte Linlin froze in shock, then fury flared.
"Don't you care at all about her life!?"
Yemu remained silent, lifting a cup of black tea and sipping calmly.
Seeing this, Charlotte Linlin finally gave up.
"In that case, Perospero, have Katakuri bring that fox to me. I will personally take away all her remaining lifespan right in front of this brat..."
"Understood, Mama..."
Just as Perospero moved to leave, a voice rang out.
Amid Charlotte Linlin's wide, bloodshot eyes, a spiral of blue and black flames appeared. A figure leapt from within it and landed steadily on Yemu's shoulder.
"No need to trouble yourself, Linlin. I've come on my own!"