Haschwalth took the Seastone away.
In truth, Seastone is far more lethal to Devil Fruit users than seawater. While seawater merely weakens them, Seastone saps their strength to the point where they cannot even activate their abilities. However, since Haschwalth was not an actual Devil Fruit user, the restrictive effect on him was minimal.
Spiritual bodies like theirs possess a natural resistance to the "curse" of Seastone. For instance, Liltotto had eaten a Devil Fruit, yet she was unaffected during her daily baths. But if they were in One Piece, the effects of seawater would be multiplied many times over.
While Haschwalth went to see Yhwach, Beltz returned to his tower. Since becoming a Sternritter, he hadn't spent much time at home. This visit would likely be short as well.
"Beltz?"
Shortly after his return, he was spotted by Liltotto, as their homes were right next door. Liltotto was leaning against her upstairs window, looking boredly at the street below, when she saw him coming back.
"Lady Liltotto." Beltz looked up and said, "Long time no see."
"Ah, has it been decades?"
"Don't exaggerate..." Beltz said, a bit speechless. "It's only been a little over two years."
"Oh, only two years?" Liltotto remained at the window. "Did you forget our promise?"
"I know. Just wait, I'll go cook right now."
Beltz returned to his tower. He wanted Liltotto to regain her memories, so he had to visit her eventually. He first slipped back to One Piece through the shadows of the church, finding the treasure he had hidden previously. Beside the riches was the "written proof" Liltotto had penned herself.
This proof served two purposes: first, as a backup in case something went wrong and her memories couldn't be restored naturally; and second, to ensure she wouldn't view him as an enemy when her memories were returned. He placed the proof in the center of the treasure pile, then left the shadow to find Ginny.
Ginny had kept Liltotto's memory tape perfectly safe. When Beltz requested it, she immediately handed it over. While extracting memories required Ginny's presence, returning them was far simpler and could be done without her.
The reason Beltz hadn't returned the memories before passing through the Gate of the Sun was the fear of being detected by the Empire's surveillance.
Once the meal was ready, he prepared to head over, but Liltotto had already rushed to his door, unable to wait. She licked her lips and said, "Your cooking seems to have improved again."
Beltz, busy in the kitchen, smiled. "When you live alone, you have to learn to cook."
Liltotto helped him bring the dishes to the table and began to eat heartily. After washing his hands, Beltz sat down and watched her enjoy the meal. Once she finished, he spoke:
"Lady Liltotto, I want to show you something."
"I told you not to call me 'Lady.' If Haschwalth hears, he'll think I'm trying to be the boss." Liltotto leaned back in her chair, patting her stomach contentedly. "What is it?"
"This." Beltz produced the written proof and handed it to her.
Liltotto didn't take it seriously at first, but as she saw her own handwriting and details known only to her, her expression grew solemn.
"I knew something felt off," she said deeply. "So that's how it is."
"You don't seem very surprised," Beltz noted.
"I know myself better than anyone." Liltotto had been suspicious. Primarily, she didn't believe she would ever have the idle interest to research the history of the Wandenreich and Yhwach as found in the books in her room. Furthermore, she always felt a slight discomfort—a sensation of being unable to breathe—whenever she bathed. She simply hadn't told anyone about these anomalies.
She held out her hand. "Give it to me."
Beltz handed over the tape. Liltotto took it and instinctively inserted it into her own head, much like sliding a tape into a DVD player. A moment later, all her past memories flooded back.
"Everything's back to normal now," she said calmly.
"I was sent by Haschwalth to investigate the World Government, so I only just found the chance to return your memories. You don't blame me, do you?"
Liltotto glanced at him. "What are you thinking? I'm not an idiot. The Empire was under strict internal scrutiny during that time. If you had returned my memories then, I might have shown a weakness."
"This timing is perfect. However, you probably need my help with something, right?"
Beltz laid out his request: "I want to find someone within the World Government. His name is Alber, a Lunarian member captured by them."
"Is he important?" Liltotto frowned.
"Yes, very."
"It's been over two years since I've been to the World Government side," Liltotto recalled her last visit to Mary Geoise with some fondness. Mainly, she could eat and drink to her heart's content there.
"But if I go, there might be a problem with the time limit," Liltotto said. "You can stay there for a long time now, right?"
Beltz nodded. "That's why I'm thinking of taking you with me when I leave this time."
To bring someone from One Piece back, Beltz had to be the one to escort them. Otherwise, they would simply be expelled by the world once their time was up. Since Beltz could now stay for extended periods, Liltotto wouldn't be able to return naturally if she went with him. He wanted to see if he could bring her along. If not, he would have to infiltrate Mary Geoise and take her away later.
"So, tell me. What have you been doing these past two years?" Liltotto was in no rush; she looked at Beltz, wanting to hear his story.
Beltz didn't hide much. He told her about meeting Shiki and Vegapunk. He omitted the specific details of Vegapunk's research—the clones were his highest secret—but he told her everything else, including the situation with Rukia.
"Kuchiki Rukia... you're collaborating with a Soul Reaper?" Liltotto frowned. "If you want the Hōgyoku, why not just kill her?"
As a Quincy, she had no love for Soul Reapers. It wasn't just a lack of affection; they were natural enemies.
"Don't be so aggressive," Beltz explained. "Killing her doesn't mean the Hōgyoku can be extracted. It requires specific technology."
Liltotto looked at him deeply and suddenly smirked. "You didn't fall for her, did you?"
Usually expressionless, Liltotto's sudden grin gave Beltz goosebumps. "Of course not. She's just a child."
As he spoke, he heard the voice of a Quincy soldier from below. "Lord Beltz! Lord Haschwalth summons you to the center of Silbern!"
Beltz turned to Liltotto. "I have to go. Haschwalth is calling."
He hurried to the palace and met Haschwalth again. This time, however, Yhwach was also present. Yhwach sat upon his throne, and this time, his eyes were open. It wasn't the three-pupiled state of the "Almighty," but simply his eyes being open.
"Your Majesty." Beltz bowed.
"Rise," Yhwach said tonelessly. "Detail your discovery."
"Yes," Beltz began. "I found a massive pit in Hueco Mundo. Within it were numerous Hollows that seemed to form a specific race, possessing black wings. I fought one of them and, during the battle, lost track of my exact location. After defeating the Hollow, my attacks shattered the Reishi sand, revealing this stone hidden beneath."
"The script on this stone is unlike any known nation. I believed it might be related to the unknown 'Abyss' and decided to return and present it to Your Majesty."
Yhwach listened and said, "You have done well. This is indeed matter that does not belong to this world. What reward do you seek?"
As the son of the Soul King, Yhwach could discern what belonged to the three realms and what did not after careful observation.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Beltz said excitedly. "It is my honor to serve you; I dare not ask for a reward. However... I wish to continue searching for traces of the Abyss, but my strength is insufficient. I hope Your Majesty will allow Liltotto to accompany me!"
Yhwach replied, "You have only recently become a Sternritter; operating alone in Hueco Mundo is indeed unsafe. With Liltotto there, she can protect you. Permission granted."
"Furthermore, I shall bestow upon you greater power."
He looked at Haschwalth, who produced a bowl of blood. Beltz had awakened his Schrift by drinking Yhwach's blood; now, he was offered another bowl to grant him even more power. Beltz had no right to refuse, so he took it and drank it all.
In Yhwach's eyes, his blood was a medium to control the lives of others. The more blood one drank, the harder it became to escape his grasp. Seeing Beltz finish, he closed his eyes in satisfaction.
"His Majesty requires sleep. You may leave. You have three days to rest in the Empire; after that, you shall depart to find the Abyss."
"Yes!"
Beltz realized that giving blood had cost Yhwach some energy, necessitating a return to slumber. Yhwach had not yet fully awakened; otherwise, Haschwalth wouldn't be the one running the Empire most of the time.
But the window was closing. Once Yhwach regained the "Almighty" and could see the future, it would be game over. This was the final quiet period for Beltz to grow.
Leaving the palace, Beltz took a deep breath and returned to his tower. Liltotto was still there, waiting for him.
"From that look on your face, His Majesty agreed?" she guessed.
"Yes," Beltz nodded. "You can leave the Empire with me. You'll be able to stay in that world for a while."
"That sounds... not bad." Liltotto was intrigued by the prospect of the coming days. She could finally play the role of a Celestial Dragon again.
"When do we leave?"
"In three days."
"I can't wait," Liltotto said sincerely.
Life in the Wandenreich was too repetitive; day after day of the same routine bored her. If she had never been to Mary Geoise, it might be fine, but having tasted that lifestyle, returning was a hard pill to swallow.
"By the way, don't tell Bambi and the others that I'm leaving," Liltotto warned.
"Why?"
"Because it will be a hassle," Liltotto said, leaning on the table. "They'll bother me, and they'll bother you. Those girls won't let me go out alone."
Beltz imagined the scene and agreed. "Fine. In three days, we'll leave in secret."
After Liltotto left, Beltz felt his body grow hot. He knew Yhwach's blood was taking effect. Just like the last time, the blood was slowly seeping into the depths of his soul. He felt his spiritual power surge once more. A massive force was gestating within him, then it exploded!
"This is incredible..."
If he was slightly behind Shiki before, he now possessed strength on par with him. Of course, according to the laws of One Piece, Shiki still had about ten years before reaching his peak, but Beltz still had his Conqueror's Haki waiting to be awakened!
Excellent. At this rate, he would first aim to become a "Yonko" in One Piece!
Wait—if he and Shiki joined forces, it would be a "Two Emperors" crew. With two powerhouses like them, who else would dare call themselves an Emperor of the Sea?!