On the way out of the training room, Garling strode ahead with a dark expression, while Lucia followed Lloyd, her cheeks flushed bright red. Lloyd's expression, however, remained calm; he was quietly savoring the scene in the training room. Wrapped in a cascade of soft black feathers, Lucia had given him a deep kiss while he had kept his eyes open, watching until she deactivated her Devil Fruit ability. As the fire of desire faded, Lucia slowly opened her eyes, only to meet Lloyd's unblinking gaze. Then she fainted in his arms, and it took Lloyd considerable effort to rouse her.
Garling, meanwhile, had no intention of allowing further sparring. He had realized these two would likely never fight seriously in their lives. Having endured a mouthful of what could only be called "dog food," he walked ahead silently. Lloyd glanced at Lucia, who kept her head down, and teased, "Lucia, your Devil Fruit ability really surprised me." "Mmm… Lloyd San, please don't tease me anymore, I, I…" Wisps of steam rose from her head. Though she refused to look up, Lloyd could see her ears, now vividly red.
He grinned, unwilling to let her off so easily. "But I want to hear it again. Who did you say you liked the most just now?" Lucia buried her face in her chest, letting out a few soft whimpers. Finally, under Lloyd's gentle coercion, she whispered in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "I like Lloyd San the most."
"Enough," Garling's roar cut through the moment. Lloyd didn't flinch, but Lucia, startled, immediately burrowed back into his arms. Glaring, Garling rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to enforce family law. Lloyd remained blissfully unaware, hugging Lucia a little tighter.
The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out. Garling frowned and withdrew a white-bearded device from his pocket, a scar above its left eye giving it a serious demeanor. Once connected, an aged voice crackled through. "Saint Garling, report to the council hall. The Chief of the Divine Knight Order is required to make a judgment." "Be clearer. I'm with my nephew," Garling replied. The Den Den Mushi's stern face flickered in surprise. "Nephew? You mean Lloyd? You've brought him back?" "Yes. First, tell me the matter."
"Do you remember Saint Homing of the Donquixote Family?" "Oh, that fool. I heard he wanted to return to Mary Geoise some time ago." "Yes, but he's dead." "Dead?" A cold light flashed in Garling's eyes. His thumb flicked, and the blade at his waist unsheathed with a metallic whisper. "How did he die? Who killed him? Though he brought it upon himself, Celestial Dragon blood still runs in him. Permission should have been sought first!"
Silence fell on the other side of the line before the voice continued slowly, "His biological son, Doflamingo, killed him." Garling froze, looking at Lloyd, then remained silent. Lloyd spread his hands, thinking, Why are you staring at me? I haven't even acted yet.
Seeing Garling hesitate, the Den Den Mushi continued, "Doflamingo returned with Saint Homing's head to show his stance and wishes to return to the Celestial Dragons. The matter is complicated. I have gathered members of other Families and await your presence for discussion." "I understand," Garling said, hanging up.
"Uncle Garling, who was on the phone just now?" Lloyd asked. "Saint Saturn. You may have met him; he was in God Valley. He's one of the Five Elders, now overseeing the Science Team. Our Family has a close relationship with him." "So we're going there now? Take me along. I'm curious about this Doflamingo." "Curiosity fits his actions, doesn't it?"
Lloyd smiled. "That's part of it. Can I go?" "Yes. You've rarely appeared in Mary Geoise. This is a good chance. Go change your clothes first." "Change clothes?" The memory of the Celestial Dragon's cumbersome suit appeared in Lloyd's mind, and he said with disdain, "Those baggy clothes? I won't wear them."
Garling's expression darkened. "Rubbish. You must wear formal attire. It's a symbol of status. Lucia will assist you." After speaking, Garling departed to change.
Lucia said softly, "Lloyd San, the Family's formal attire is beautiful. I'll help you change." Lloyd sighed, waving his hand, and followed her back to his quarters.
Nearly seven years had passed, yet the sleeping quarters remained pristine, particularly his own room. Lucia opened the wardrobe beside the bed. Inside were black long trench coats, arranged by size. She removed a few that fit Lloyd and placed them on the bed. "When you were away, I had new ones made every year, so you would always have formal attire."
Lloyd stared at her, quietly touched. She always seemed to reach the softest parts of his heart without effort. Stepping forward, Lucia gently unbuttoned his top. "I remember helping Young Master with his clothes when you were little. My technique may be rusty now; I hope you won't mind…"
"Lucia, have you kept my quarters this clean all these years?" "Yes. It's my duty. Though other quarters are available, I thought you'd still prefer this one." Lucia folded his removed jacket neatly and placed it aside. She draped a black trench coat over Lloyd, carefully buttoning it.
Looking at her serious expression, Lloyd suddenly asked, "Lucia, if I asked you to stay by my side forever, would it feel like a loss of freedom?" Startled, she looked up, meeting his gaze, then leaned her face against his chest, murmuring softly, "How could it, Lloyd San? This has always been my wish."
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