097 Charlotte Garrett, It’s now an Empire

"Lynch, Mom wants to invite you to a tea party at Cake Island," Garrett said one day, finding Lynch in the study.

Lynch had known that Big Mom had ulterior motives for arranging this marriage, but he hadn't expected her to act so soon. 

It hadn't even been two weeks.

"Why should I agree to go to Cake Island? Give me one good reason." 

Lynch said, crossing his legs and giving Garrett a half-smile.

"Because… because you're my husband" 

Garrett replied awkwardly, finally gathering the courage to speak.

Garrett, now a 22-year-old woman, felt embarrassed saying such words, even in her current situation.

"Haha, let's wait until I officially become your husband," Lynch replied. 

"Now, let me see you out."

With that, he sent Garrett away.

Did they really think he'd go to Cake Island? 

They must be dreaming. He wasn't foolish enough to walk into a Yonko's lair alone.

Back in her room, Garrett used a Den Den Mushi to contact Big Mom. 

The response was loud and clear: Big Mom ordered her to marry Lynch quickly and then bring him back.

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Garrett lay on the bed, sobbing until she had no tears left. 

Finally, she wiped her eyes, still red from crying, and walked to the mirror to start getting dressed.

The habits ingrained in Garrett since childhood made it impossible for her to disobey her mother's orders. 

She picked out a cheongsam from the closet, which perfectly highlighted her curves. Wiping away her tears, Garrett steeled herself to carry out her mother's plan.

"Bang."

The door suddenly flew open, and there stood Lynch, who had been eavesdropping for a while.

"You... you heard everything!?"

Garrett's face turned pale.

…

That night, 

Garrett asked in a weak voice, "Will you go back to Cake Island with me now?"

"Let's wait a few days. I've been quite busy lately," Lynch replied.

"By the way, this thing is too dangerous. If you need to make a call, just come to me." 

Before leaving, Lynch did not forget to take away the Den-Den Mushi

Garrett was left alone in the room, staring blankly at the ceiling. 

She felt weak, pitiful, and helpless.

…

Each day afterward, whenever Garrett asked Lynch about going to Cake Island, he neither refused nor agreed, always delaying the answer.

Over time, the truth became clear. In the past few months, Garrett and Lynch had become unexpectedly close, and Garrett's unhappiness with him completely faded.

…

By the Sea Circle Calendar 1513

Two years had passed since the conquest of the seven countries. 

The year following Lynch's marriage brought an unusually calm period to the seas.

Nothing sensational happened, everything went on smoothly.

During this year, Lynch frequently traveled between the Kingdom and Marine Headquarters. 

He also secretly established his own influence within the SWORD department of the Marines.

In the SWORD department now, knowing Admiral Lynch is more important than knowing the Fleet Admiral or the World Government. 

Lynch recalled that Teacher Zephyr was supposed to lose his hand this year. 

He had sent several SWORD members to keep an eye on him.

In two years, the seven countries were fully integrated, greatly boosting the kingdom's strength. 

No, with the current scale, it should be called an empire from now on. 

Early in the morning, Garrett left the study.

"This girl, she doesn't even mention wanting me to go to Cake Island anymore when she visits," 

Lynch said with a laugh, shaking his head as he looked at the important annual report documents on the table

Even though they have been married for a year, Lynch won't consider having children until everything is fully settled. 

He picked up the report, which detailed the current situation in the empire.

Here's the current status of the empire:

[Population: 49,999,300

Treasury: 50 billion beli and 30 large boxes of various treasures

Army: 300,000 total (200,000 Marines, 100,000 Infantry Self-Defense Force)

Main Arsenal: 400,000 precision-forged steel knives, 100,000 AK47s, 2,000 Vulcan cannons, and assorted ammunition

Battleships:80 large Plutons (each carrying 1,000 people), 100 medium-sized Pluton ships (each carrying 500 people), 50 assault Pluton ships (each carrying 80 people). The remaining warships are being replaced.

Main Specialties: Iron, copper, aquatic products, silver, sulfur, wine, wheat, cotton, cattle, sheep, and leather]

First of all, the population has skyrocketed from less than four million to nearly 50 million now!

In terms of the treasury, it seems to be rich, but in fact it is not ideal.

Mainly because in the past two years, Lynch has carried out drastic reforms in order to make the empire rise as soon as possible.

Everything, from residential areas to military equipment, is being optimized. 

This has led to a lot of spending, but the country's large output of minerals, cattle, sheep, wine, and other goods provides enough revenue.

What pleases Lynch the most is the improvement in wheat production.

The wheat yield, drawn from a random lottery, is now at least double what was previously available in the pirate world. 

This not only ensured that the empire's residents no longer faced hunger but also turned the empire into a major food exporter. 

People from all over the West Blue and beyond come to buy food from them

With the increased wheat production, the wine industry and the cattle and sheep industry also grew. 

This development was important; without it, the empire might not have had enough money.

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED

____________________

I've added an advanced chapter on P@treon, where you can read 45+ chapters ahead of everyone.

Link : patreon.com/MoonEater18