Olvia adjusted her glasses, gently pushing them up the bridge of her nose as she murmured,
"Genesis of the Celestial Dragons… not a bad name."
Lloyd gave a faint smile, closing the book before lifting it slightly in his hand.
"From what I have seen, you did well. I have decided to reward you."
Olvia shook her head softly.
"There is no need. I am doing this to atone for my sins. I have no right to ask for any reward. Besides, you already gave me a Devil Fruit, and I quite like it."
Lloyd leaned closer, his voice lowering as he spoke near her ear,
"That is separate. If I say I will reward you, then I will. And you will accept it."
A faint flush appeared on Olvia's face. She turned her head slightly, her tone stiff.
"Yes, Saint Lloyd… ah!"
A sudden chill ran across her neck, and her body tensed instantly.
Not far away, Pudding's eyes widened in shock. From her angle, it looked as if Lloyd had lowered his head and bitten into Olvia's pale neck.
Moments later, Lloyd lifted his head. A faint trace of dark red lingered at the corner of his lips, giving him an unsettling yet composed presence.
As a user of the True Ancestor Fruit, Lloyd possessed an acute sensitivity to blood. The more exceptional the individual, the more appealing it became to him. What he called a reward was, in truth, driven by that instinct.
There were only two outcomes for those bitten by him. Death from blood loss, or the First Embrace, granting them extended life and a transformed existence.
Olvia had clearly received the latter.
She turned toward him, her voice uncertain.
"What… did you just do to me?"
Lloyd did not answer immediately. Instead, he reached up and removed her black-rimmed glasses.
Only then did Olvia realize her vision had sharpened completely. She instinctively touched her face, and the smoothness of her skin caused her to freeze.
Lloyd observed her reaction with quiet interest. The current Olvia resembled a silver-haired version of Robin. Or rather, Robin was a darker-haired reflection of her.
Before he could bring a mirror, Olvia had already taken a small one from her pocket and examined her reflection carefully, focusing on the corners of her eyes.
Lloyd let out a faint laugh.
"So you were aware of the lines near your eyes. I assumed you did not care about such things."
Olvia continued staring into the mirror.
"You do not understand women, Saint Lloyd. Who would not care about wrinkles? A few days ago, Robin even mentioned they were becoming more noticeable."
"She will not say that anymore. Standing beside her now, people would think you are sisters."
Olvia chuckled softly. She returned the mirror to her pocket, then pulled out a black hair tie. Under Lloyd's gaze, she gathered her long silver hair and tied it into a high ponytail.
Turning to face him, she placed her hands behind her back and smiled.
"It has been a long time since I wore it like this. What do you think, Saint Lloyd?"
Lloyd tilted his head slightly, examining her.
"It has some appeal, but something is missing."
Olvia blinked.
"Missing what?"
After a brief pause, Lloyd removed the lenses from her glasses and placed them back onto her face. He studied her again, then nodded.
"Now it is complete."
Olvia laughed lightly.
"I did not expect you to prefer this style."
"Watch your tone."
She pouted faintly, lowering her voice.
"…So strict."
Lloyd ignored the remark and spoke instead,
"Are you not curious about what has happened to you?"
Olvia blinked again.
"Does it matter?"
"Does it not? What happened to your pursuit of knowledge?"
"You always said that excessive curiosity brings trouble. I am adjusting."
Lloyd fell silent, rubbing his forehead slightly, though a trace of amusement flickered in Olvia's eyes.
In truth, Olvia had always possessed a calculating nature. It was something Robin had inherited, though circumstances had prevented Robin from showing it openly.
Lloyd's expression turned serious as he explained the nature of the First Embrace, emphasizing that her existence now rested entirely under his control.
Olvia listened without visible concern. To her, whether this change occurred or not made little difference. If Lloyd truly wished her dead, resistance would be meaningless.
After a moment, she tilted her head slightly, her ponytail swaying.
"So from now on, I belong to you, completely?"
Lloyd's expression shifted subtly. This time, he noticed the faint smugness in her gaze. A darker intent surfaced within him as he reached out, gripping her chin and pulling her closer.
"You are correct. Then tell me, how do you intend to serve me?"
Olvia's composure finally broke. A trace of unease crossed her face.
"Saint Lloyd… this is a library."
A faint, cold smile formed on his lips.
"That makes it more interesting."
The tone of his voice sent a chill through her. Instinctively, Olvia glanced toward the entrance, where Pudding still stood, completely absorbed in what she was witnessing.
Grinding her teeth slightly, Olvia placed her hands against Lloyd's chest.
"Wait, Saint Lloyd. Someone is watching."
Lloyd released her, his gaze lingering as she hurriedly adjusted her clothes.
"Consider this a warning. Do not test my patience again."
This time, Olvia lowered her head without resistance.
"I understand. I will not."
Satisfied, Lloyd shifted his attention toward the entrance. His eyes fell on Pudding, and he raised a hand, gesturing for her to come forward.
Pudding stiffened instantly, her entire body reacting as if struck by lightning.
◇ 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