Sharlia's words struck Lloyd like thunder, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Could it be that Uncle Garling had developed such thoughts?
No, that made no sense.
With Garling's personality, such ideas were impossible. That left only one conclusion.
Garling was choosing a wife for him.
After speaking, Sharlia lowered her head, avoiding Lloyd's gaze completely, like an ostrich burying itself in the sand.
Lloyd stood still, silent, his expression unreadable.
Behind him, Pudding watched everything with keen interest, her eyes moving between Lloyd and Sharlia as if enjoying a spectacle.
After a long pause, Lloyd finally spoke.
He glanced at Sharlia's bubble headgear and said calmly,
"You, come with me."
Without waiting for a reply, he walked past her and headed straight toward the Figarland family territory.
If not for Sharlia's weak physical condition, he would have already returned instantly using his ability.
However, bringing others through that space was impossible.
The darkness within that dimension would tear apart anything unable to withstand its power. Even Logia users could not rely on their abilities there, as Devil Fruit powers did not function within that space.
Attempting to carry someone through it would result in nothing more than a scattered corpse.
Lloyd moved ahead with a stern expression, while Sharlia and Pudding hurried after him.
By the time they reached the entrance of the Figarland territory, Sharlia was completely out of breath, bent over and struggling to recover.
Pudding, on the other hand, was only lightly sweating. Compared to Sharlia, her endurance was far superior, a result of her upbringing in the Charlotte Family.
The Golden Armored Guards at the entrance immediately dropped to one knee upon seeing Lloyd.
Without pausing, Lloyd ordered one of them to escort Pudding to his palace.
Then he turned back to Sharlia, who was still trying to catch her breath.
Letting out a faint sigh, he stepped forward, lifted her effortlessly, and placed her over his shoulder.
Sharlia let out a startled cry as a rush of wind passed her ears.
In the next moment, they had already arrived at the entrance of Garling's palace.
This was not Sharlia's first visit, so she recognized it instantly.
Lloyd carried her inside without hesitation.
Inside the hall, Saint Garling looked up, clearly surprised by the sight before him.
Uncle and nephew locked eyes in silence.
It was Sharlia who broke it.
Her face flushed as she spoke anxiously,
"Saint Lloyd, please put me down, this is too improper."
Her embarrassment was not directed at Lloyd, but at herself.
Her position made her face away from Garling, which was undeniably disrespectful.
Lloyd ignored her complaint and simply set her down.
Once steady, Sharlia quickly adjusted her clothes, removed her bubble headgear, and held it to her chest before bowing respectfully.
"Saint Garling."
Garling gave a slight nod before turning his gaze to Lloyd.
"Lloyd, what is the meaning of this?"
Lloyd shrugged slightly.
"I ran into her on my way back. She claims she has been visiting frequently and that you are quite satisfied with her. Is that true?"
Garling smiled faintly.
"Yes. Do you think she would lie to you?"
Lloyd glanced at Sharlia.
She shrank slightly and spoke in a soft voice,
"Saint Lloyd, everything I said is true."
Lloyd nodded faintly.
"I see. Go outside and wait. I need to speak with him."
Sharlia showed no displeasure at the dismissal. Instead, she spoke gently,
"Understood. You and Saint Garling must have much to discuss. I will take my leave."
She bowed, stepped back, and turned to leave.
Lloyd watched her and spoke again,
"I did not tell you to leave. Wait outside. I will come for you later."
Sharlia froze, then turned back with visible surprise and delight.
"Yes, Saint Lloyd."
Afraid he might change his mind, she quickly left the hall.
Once she was gone, Lloyd turned back to Garling.
Garling spoke first.
"No need to ask. I already know what you want to say. Sharlia is the wife I have chosen for you."
Even though Lloyd had anticipated it, hearing it directly still caught him off guard.
"Uncle Garling, since when did you start arranging marriages?"
Garling frowned, walked to the sofa, and sat down.
"Sit."
Lloyd complied, taking the seat opposite him.
Garling crossed his arms.
"You are no longer young. It is time you married."
The words sounded strangely familiar, as if taken from ordinary elders.
Lloyd replied flatly,
"I slept for twenty two years."
Garling scoffed.
"And you think those years do not count? Even if they did not, your current age is still appropriate for marriage."
Lloyd remained unmoved.
"Why Sharlia? With her condition, a slight mistake could break her."
Garling's gaze sharpened.
"That would only prove your control is lacking. If that is the case, then spend half a year training until you can control your strength perfectly."
Lloyd's expression darkened slightly.
"The person I intend to marry is Lucia."
Garling shook his head.
"Impossible. I am aware of your attachment, but her status does not allow her to become your main wife. At most, she can only be a concubine."
Lloyd pressed his lips together and said nothing.
Garling let out a quiet sigh.
"Lloyd, this concerns the honor and continuation of the Figarland family. Among all candidates in Mary Geoise, Sharlia is the most suitable in both appearance and temperament."
He paused briefly. A faint trace of something unreadable passed through his eyes.
"You only need one Celestial Dragon as your main wife. As for others, you may act as you wish."
His tone turned firm.
"But remember this. Do not have children with them."
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comment)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read 100+ chapters ahead on P-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/_Zeph