"Kukukuku—" Streusen couldn't help but burst into laughter. "The greatest genius in Marine history—what a fine talent! Combined with Linlin, they're sure to produce the most elite bloodline… the most powerful monster!!"
He was genuinely surprised. Klein, despite appearing to be a normal-sized human, possessed strength no less than that of a giant.
He was the perfect match for Linlin!!
"Heehee—" Linlin giggled with joy. "His strength is almost as strong as Linlin's! It'd be perfect if he were as tall as Linlin too."
In Klein, she saw qualities similar to her own.
"Be Linlin's husband!"
Now that he had her approval—and considering Klein had said he could make himself bigger in the future—eight-year-old Linlin figured having a husband wouldn't be so bad.
"Eh—" Os's eyes widened. "Mr. Klein is going to marry Linlin? But Linlin is only eight years old!!"
Granted, her size was anything but normal for an eight-year-old. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
Os's expression twisted. "Could it be… Mr. Klein likes chubby girls?"
"And with such a huge difference in their height and build…"
"What a peculiar taste—"
He glanced at Gloriosa and Shakky not far away. Despite being absolute beauties on the ship, they were merely maids—not marriage candidates for Mr. Klein.
It was obvious. That's right. Klein liked girls with curves. And tall ones!
Even Gloriosa began doubting her own charm. "Does he really like Linlin's kind of figure…?"
After two or three months of traveling together, Klein had never once made any inappropriate moves toward her. If it weren't for the love letters and confessions she received daily from other Marines, she might've started to question whether she could even attract men at all.
Of course, Shakky received even more love letters.
"I don't think it's like that…" Shakky's eyes twinkled with amusement. "There's a fire hidden in Klein's eyes."
"Hehe…" She chuckled sweetly. "This height and size gap is kind of fun. Besides…"
"Klein is a Marine. And Linlin is a pirate with a bounty of 200 million berries. If he really takes her in, the Marines won't tolerate that."
She, too, was curious about Klein. 'Two peerless beauties standing right in front of you, and you're not tempted? Did you detox or something?'
'Let's see how long you can resist!'
So far, everyone they'd met had been powerless against their beauty—except Klein.
But of course, they didn't understand Klein's thinking. What he wanted wasn't mere attraction. He wanted women to fall for him—emotionally and physically.
That was what gave flavor to the dish.
Otherwise, what's the difference between that and a cup?
'And when the lights are off…'
"Linlin! Have Prometheus and Zeus kill the others and snatch Klein from the Marines!" Streusen was getting nervous that reinforcements might arrive.
But the next moment, Klein smiled and said, "Linlin, I'm your husband. Should you be listening to outsiders—or to your husband?"
"Didn't your mother always listen to your father?"
Hearing this, Streusen's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
Someone was actually competing with him for Linlin!
Realization hit like a bolt of lightning. 'He wants to control Linlin too. Make her into his…'
This guy looked normal, but he was here to poach his future bride!!
At that moment, Linlin frowned, nibbling her finger cutely and murmuring, "Linlin should listen to her husband… but Streusen isn't really an outsider…"
"He wants to build a place where all races can live happily together without discrimination."
Klein kept talking. "And Linlin is my future wife. Those people are my subordinates—my friends. Linlin, you can't hurt them, okay?"
He pulled out a scroll and unrolled it. A perfectly roasted meat skewer materialized in his hand, radiating a mouthwatering aroma. "Hungry, Linlin? Here, have something tasty."
Gotta say—the Marine chefs really knew their craft.
"Linlin wants to eat!" Linlin's eyes sparkled as she eagerly reached for the food Klein tossed.
Her palm, wide as a fan, stirred up a gust of wind as she lunged.
But Klein vanished with the food and retreated several dozen meters. "If you want to eat, you have to promise not to hurt my friends."
"Okay, Linlin won't hurt your friends," she replied with a naive grin. "Now give me the food."
Various dishes were flung toward Linlin's mouth, as Klein fed her like a pet.
"Tasty." Linlin looked satisfied, reveling in the delicious meal.
[Target is in an enemy faction. Affection cannot be increased.]
Klein was a little speechless, watching Linlin's greasy, happy face. 'Even if she's tall and built like a tank…'
'She's still just a kid—'
'Guess this counts as trying out a child bride.'
The world's biggest kid—one who could slap a giant to death by accident.
Watching Linlin spin in circles under Klein's food, Streusen's nostrils flared with rage.
If things kept going , his dreams would all go up in smoke!
Linlin must not be stolen away!
"A Paramecia-type user… doesn't seem to have much combat power," Streusen squinted, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Aside from his strength, I don't see anything impressive yet."
But Klein's actions had already crossed his bottom line.
He shouted at Linlin in desperation, "Linlin! Don't let him fool you! He's a Marine! How could a Marine possibly marry a pirate!?"
"Ah?" Linlin blinked, then looked at Klein. "That's right… Marines are Linlin's enemies. They all want to hurt Linlin."
"Heehee—Klein, be a pirate with Linlin! Then we can live freely together!"
Her bright, innocent eyes sparkled with hope as she invited him.
Prometheus and Zeus—the two Homies—finally snapped out of their daze and floated to her side.
Klein shook his head and smiled. "The Marines are my friends, my partners. And I don't like being a pirate. Ninety-nine percent of pirates deserve to die, anyway."
His expression was calm. His voice flat.
Yet the air around them suddenly turned cold, sending a chill down everyone's spine.
A terrifying, bone-deep killing intent radiated from him.
Klein's eyes—sharp and cold—locked onto Streusen.
"I don't make a habit of keeping dogs."
"Hey—bastard! Stop talking nonsense!" Streusen cursed arrogantly.
With Linlin's monstrous talent, he had been living like a tyrant in the New World these past couple of years.
"Why are you barking, mutt!?" Klein's face remained calm, but his eyes burned with cold fury.
"Since when does a little dwarf like you get to meddle in our married life!?"
Everyone knew Streusen was short.
His face flushed red with rage.
Klein's pupils suddenly widened, a crimson gleam flashing in his eyes. He raised his right hand and shouted: