Chapter Text
It was dark and stormy in the usually bright green and hazelnut brown forest, whose colors dulled when one looked upon them. Two brown horses were pulling a single carriage on a muddy road that seemed to lead to nowhere in the countryside. Inside were two people, one male and one female, with h/c hair, but one had e/c eyes while the other had dark amber hair and onyx eyes. These two were from the third generation of the l/n family; the girl was y/n l/n, and the other was Stelly l/n. Y/n was looking out the window and chewing her nails while Stelly had a cigar in his mouth.
"I swear, once things return to normal, we'll head back," Stelly said, an exhausted and annoyed look on his face. When he was met with silence, his face darkened, and he glared at the nervous girl. "Why aren't you saying anything to me? Get rid of that frown. It's as if something bad had happened," Stelly said, trying to deny the truth of what had happened to them. Their country is in the middle of an ongoing war with a neighboring country, there was a recent economic recession, their eldest brother was sent to war, their parents died and left them with his debt to be paid, Stelly was scammed and lost his fortune thus ending his engagement, and their grandparents kicked them out of their home with nowhere to go.
'If those aren't bad enough, I don't know what is,' Y/n thought solemnly.
"This family is crazy rich, so paying off the debt shall be a cinch. I'll take care of business, and you'll live like a queen. All you have to do is keep your mouth shut and try to look nice, "Stelly monologued before he returned the glare to the only female in the carriage. "Am I clear, Y/n?" Stelly, with a hint of disgust laced in his tone.
"Yes," Y/n said as she turned away to stare at the rainy sky.
"I can't believe a family as rich and powerful as this would choose to live out here," Stelly complained. The family he was referring to was none other than the famous Charlotte family. Unlike most families, the matriarch, Charlotte Linlin, came from a questionable background. Starting as a soldier, she rose through the ranks in military and social status, creating a name for herself and obtaining the title of High Duchess. Now, she has several children, most of whom have followed her career as a military officer.
In contrast, others have pursued their passions in creating businesses, such as sweets, tailoring, and supplying food for soldiers and those in need. Most of her children were already awarded land due to their accomplishments; many hold high-ranking political positions and military status. "Why, I wouldn't be surprised if a farmer greeted us," Stelly laughed.
"Stelly!" Y/n shouted in shock.
"What, I'm just being honest," Stelly said without a care in the world, while Y/n grew even more worried.
"You can't say that about them," Y/n said, thinking about what would happen. The Charlottes were well known for being brutal with whoever crossed. Rumors say that there was a prominent family who insulted one of the Charlotte daughters. They went from rich to poor in less than a week. Stelly didn't appreciate the warning, though.
"You don't think I know that this is your problem. You don't understand nobles like this," Stelly insulted.
"I know enough," Y/n muttered as she looked away. Stelly was her adopted brother, but he was still her legal guardian since her elder brother left. Sabo was much nicer to her than her parents or Stelly ever were, and he always protected her. But he recently decided to join the army to make a better name for himself.
"You know what, I'm wasting time talking to an illiterate fool like you," Stelly insulted again, but Y/n kept quiet. It was her brother's fault that he annoyed all the tutors away. But if she said that, he might hit her again. "This weather is deplorable. There's nothing good about this," Stelly complained again, making Y/n frown as she knew her brother would complain about everything till they got to the manor.
"We've arrived," the coachmen said as he stopped the horses. When Y/n and Stelly looked out the opened window, they were still met with the scene of a damp forest.
"H-hey, what's the meaning of this?" Stelly asked, outraged as he stepped out of the carriage. "I demand that you bring us closer to the manor this instant," Stelly commanded.
"No way, it's your problem now," the coachman asked as he hopped off his seat. "This is as far as I go. The mountains don't work well for me. Especially these mountains," the coachman said as he got the luggage, throwing Stelly's on the ground while he handed Y/n's to her as she asked politely.
"WATCH YOUR MOUTH PEASANT!!! WE'VE PAID YOU, AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT US!!! "Stelly shouted as he pointed at the man.
"This peasant brought you out here." The coachman said as he hopped back onto the coach. "Get off your high horse already, you penniless welp," the coachman said before he left.
"I swear, if I see that man again, I'll wring his scrawny neck," Stelly threatened as the carriage moved further and further away.
"Stelly, forget him; we should get out of this rain," Y/n said as she adjusted her hold of her pouch and cloak. Stelly huffed but followed his sister while carrying his more oversized luggage. After walking about two miles, the two arrived at a road that led to a manor gate that was black with hints of gold and pinned with pink roses. Opening the gate, they saw a large Victorian manor that looked almost like a small castle. While most manors were two stories, this one appeared seven; the top floor was a balcony. Four towers sat on either corner of the house, standing a little higher than the roof. Each bed had large windows lit and shining like beacons at night. But what stood out the most was the color. Even in the dark, someone could tell this house is a shade of pink, which is rare.
"HEY LET US IN!!!" Shelly shouted as he banged on the door, which was ten times larger than him.
"S-Stelly," Y/n stuttered, embarrassed by her brother's actions. Soon enough, the door opened, and a tall gentleman came out. He was somewhat unusual looking. He has long, skinny legs, many wrinkles on his forehead, and a big mustache that curls upwards. He also wears sunglasses that cover a scar over his left eye. On top of his head, he sports a magenta cup full of hot tea and saucer, which he drinks from at times. He appears to wear magenta pants with an eggshell-like shape that goes up to his belly. He also wears a formal magenta tuxedo, a pink shirt underneath, and a yellow bowtie.
"Who are you?" the man asked coldly, freaking Stelly out.
"I-I'm Stelly l/n; I am here to see Duchess Charlotte Linlin," Stelly stuttered out, afraid of the tall man.
"I have never heard that name before; I'm afraid you'll have to leave," the man said, about to close the door before Y/n stopped him.
"Wait, we were told to show Mrs. Charlotte this," Y/n said, holding out an envelope. The man took the envelope and saw the pink wax seal, a cake with skulls and roses at the base.
"Oh, I see. Please forgive me," the man said as he opened the door even wider to let the two in. "Come on in," he said, letting Y/n and Stelly into the manor. It had light pink walls and a checkered dark and light pink marble floor. The ceiling was a crystal chandelier that seemed to catch the light from every angle. "Allow me to get that, miss," the man said as he took Y/n's luggage.
"O-oh, thank you," Y/n thanked as she walked in. However, once in, Stelly became his usual self.
"Show us our rooms! And get the bath ready," Stelly said as he ran a hand through his hair, dropping his luggage onto the floor.
"Stelly," Y/n whined, shedding off her cloak.
"Do you require the same young miss?" the man asked.
"Huh?" Y/n asked.
"Do you require a bath and a change of clothes?" the man asked again.
"N-no, I'm good; I just wish to meet Her Grace," Y/n answered.
"Are you sure about that, miss?" the man said as he looked at Y/n up and down. Her h/c hair was disheveled, her dress and shoes covered in mud, bags under her eyes, and she was sopping wet.
"I guess I could use a small bath," Y/n said, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. The sound of shoes clicking caught everyone's attention.
"Tamago, who are they?" a low male voice asked from the shadows.
"Young Master," the man, Tamago, said as he bowed. "Allow me to present the l/n's, Stelly and.."
"Y/n, my lord," she introduced as she curtsied. The man approached the girl, and Y/n lifted her head to stare at a man towering around 14ft. His skin is lightly tanned, with sharp, intense, crimson eyes, highly arched eyebrows, and prominent lower eyelashes under each eye. He wears a massive, ragged scarf that covers his mouth and reaches his shoulders. His outfit was simple: a black button-up shirt and pants that fit his body perfectly with standard dress shoes.
"What brings you here?" the young master asked.
"They've come bearing a letter," Tamago said, holding it out for the large man to take. He looked at it in confusion before opening it.
"Lord Garp!" the man said in surprise.
"Our eldest brother's teacher and adopted grandfather. He said we could use this whenever we need it," Y/n said before her brother shoved her away.
"As you might know, our family recently went through some issues. So, my sister and I are looking for a place to stay." Stelly asked. "We will never forget your kindness if you grant us this favor," Stelly said, but the young Lord didn't pay attention. He instead held his gaze onto the e/c girl, who looked down in embarrassment.
"I see," the young Lord said before leaving. "Tamago, please show them to their rooms and have them cleaned up before being escorted to dinner," the man said, walking up the stairs.
"Yes, Young Master," Tamago said with a bow.
"Excuse me, my lord," Y/n called out, catching the more prominent man's eye. "If you don't mind me asking, what is your name?" Y/n asked, looking up at him with doe eyes. The taller man looked at her with soft eyes, and she thought he was smiling.
"Katakuri, my name is Charlotte Katakuri," he said before he walked up the stairs, disappearing into the halls.