Betty stared in awe at Lloyd from her mother's arms, her small voice barely audible.
"Mom, do gods really exist in this world?"
Normally, her mother would have smiled and dismissed it with a gentle laugh. "Silly child, there are no gods in this world."
But now, her mother found herself nodding subconsciously.
It wasn't just her. Even the commoners lining both sides of the street could sense why the nobles behaved with such deference toward Lloyd. A single gesture from him had leveled a distant mountain; the thought of him destroying a country seemed almost casual.
To witness such power, many wondered if he truly was a god.
Yet, they were mistaken. The nobles' respect stemmed not from belief in divinity, but from fear and awe of the sheer strength he displayed.
Was this truly the power of the Navy's elite—the force of an Admiral?
In the presence of someone like Lloyd, even the bravest armies would feel insignificant.
Lloyd glanced down at Betty and offered a faint, comforting smile.
"I'm just a passing Navy man."
Betty blinked in surprise.
"Navy? Then, if I join the Navy, I won't be afraid of those fierce nobles anymore, right?"
The Navy soldiers accompanying Lloyd stiffened in embarrassment. Little one, that's an Admiral you're speaking to… You don't even come close!
Lloyd's calm voice replied, "No. Joining the Navy gives you a chance. Whether you succeed is entirely up to you."
Betty considered this seriously, nodding. Lloyd then turned and walked away, the word Justice emblazoned on his back fluttering in the wind.
"Dage—Big Brother!" she suddenly shouted, leaping from her mother's arms. "You didn't tell me your name!"
Lloyd's head turned slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Lloyd."
Betty repeated the name softly, almost reverently. Watching him retreating, she whispered with determination, "I want to become a magnificent Navy like Dage Lloyd someday!"
Her mother gently scolded, tapping her on the head.
"Calm down first, Betty! Do you know how much trouble you've caused?"
Betty clasped her head with both hands, pouting in mock indignation.
"I didn't mean it! Hmph! I'm going to join the Navy anyway!"
Her mother shook her head, smiling despite herself.
"Alright, I'm not stopping you. But remember, there are no crybabies in the Navy."
Betty sniffled, wiping away her tears, and said in a muffled voice, "Okay, I know. But Mom, don't hit my head anymore. The Navy definitely doesn't want idiots!"
Led by the King and his nobles, Lloyd and his entourage arrived at the Royal Palace.
The King immediately ordered the prepared heavenly tribute to be brought forth. Spandine inspected it meticulously, then had it loaded onto the ship docked at the shore.
The idea of anyone attempting to steal the tribute was laughable. Anyone foolish enough to try would be courting death, especially after witnessing Lloyd flatten a mountain in a single strike.
Next came the banquet, specially prepared in Lloyd's honor. The nobles spared no effort in showering him with praise, while the noblewomen's glances were nearly palpable. If not for Lucia and Ginny guarding his sides, Lloyd might have been swarmed.
Even as the nobles competed for his attention, Spandine ensured that none of them crossed the line.
Dragon, observing from beside Lloyd, asked quietly, "Your Majesty, does paying such a large tribute place a heavy burden on your people and the nobles?"
The King faltered, caught off guard by the question, and quickly tried to maintain composure.
"It… it is not a great burden. We are honored to offer the tribute. After all, the Goa Kingdom is one of your affiliated countries."
Dragon's sharp gaze pierced the King.
"Yet on our journey here, the people appeared poor. Does Your Majesty consider this acceptable?"
The King sputtered, silently cursing the audacity of the young man. Commoners living in poverty is natural, isn't it? Shouldn't the tribute come from me instead?
Dragon prepared to continue pressing the matter, but Lloyd casually put down his chopsticks and said,
"Enough, Rear Admiral Dragon. You're talking too much today."
Dragon immediately fell silent, swallowing his words.
The King exhaled in relief. He had long been displeased with Garp and Dragon, who, despite being his subjects, had never given him the respect he expected. Now, seeing them restrained by someone else was a comfort.
The King rose, intending to pour wine for Lloyd himself, but froze under a single glance from Lucia. She had sensed Lloyd's dislike for the King and blocked his approach.
Embarrassed, the King returned to his seat, subtly acknowledging his role at the table. Anyone unaware might have thought he was serving the dishes rather than hosting.
After the banquet, Lloyd chose not to stay overnight at the palace, returning to the ship that afternoon. The King and nobles again escorted him to the port, eager to see him safely aboard.
This decision brought relief to the courtiers. Lloyd was not someone to be flattered successfully; his presence alone was intimidating. The display of power earlier had left them genuinely fearful, wishing to see him depart quickly.
The ship carrying the tribute slowly left the shore. The King was smiling when a hurried minister appeared, clutching a den den mushi.
"Your Majesty! News from the World Government!"
The King snatched the device and dialed quickly, the nobles straining to listen.
Spandine's cold voice carried through the device.
"Black Dragon Admiral has expressed his satisfaction with your Goa Kingdom…"
The King's heart leapt with joy, but his happiness was abruptly crushed by Spandine's next words.
"He has decided to exempt the commoners of Goa Kingdom from taxes for three years. The royal family and nobles will bear the cost of the next three years' tribute. Seeing as you are wealthy, this should be manageable. Furthermore, if you harm the commoners, you forfeit your throne immediately."
The King's face went pale. The nobles trembled. Not a single one dared meet Lloyd's—or even Spandine's—eyes.