After the banquet ended, Akainu and the other high-ranking officers were led by servants to their respective residences to rest, while Lloyd returned to the inner bedchamber accompanied by Lucia and the rest of the women.
Lloyd and Lucia walked side by side in the front, while the other girls followed quietly behind. With Lucia present, the girls were clearly much more disciplined and well-behaved. Sugar transformed entirely into a proper, polite young lady, displaying a demeanor completely different from her chaotic behavior the previous night. Sharlia secretly sighed at Lucia's remarkable suppressive power over the group, noting that her elegant yet commanding aura was indeed not to be underestimated.
Upon returning to the private sanctuary of the bedchamber, the girls immediately changed into silk dresses of various vibrant colors, and Lloyd also shifted into a loose black robe intricately inlaid with gold. Because everyone had consumed a fair amount of wine at the grand banquet, they were not in a immediate hurry to bathe, choosing instead to gather in the main hall to converse.
Lloyd sat back against the soft, luxurious sofa, his arms resting casually over the shoulders of Lucia and Ginny. The others gathered around, eating the exquisite snacks and fresh fruits laid out on the table while conversing in twos and threes.
Wanda and Carrot, who had only recently arrived, felt a bit awkward and out of place at first, but neither of them possessed a naturally shy disposition, and they quickly blended into the group. Just as Lloyd had anticipated, the lively Carrot and Sugar were highly congenial, sharing similar playful temperaments. In no time at all, they were leaning their heads together, whispering secretly and letting out occasional soft giggles.
Lucia elegantly handed over selected delicacies, while Ginny peeled the fresh fruit, continuously attending to Lloyd from either side. While accepting the attentive service of the two women, Lloyd maintained his aloof demeanor, his mind shifting toward the future allocation of funds to Dr. Vegapunk.
He considered instructing the brilliant scientist to develop new forms of entertainment infrastructure. For instance, utilizing the unique properties of Den Den Mushi to establish television broadcast programs seemed like a minor task that should not be too difficult for Dr. Vegapunk to realize.
Beyond mere entertainment, the future direction of global technological development under his rule would primarily need to shift toward industrial productivity. Compared to his past knowledge of Earth, this world possessed supernatural elements like Devil Fruits. If researched and utilized correctly, it was entirely possible to construct a mechanism akin to a perpetual motion machine. What Lloyd needed to do next was ensure this entire world operated smoothly, steadily, and efficiently under the absolute order he had established.
Of course, before that grand design could be fully realized, he must first completely eliminate Joy Boy. That disgusting, stinking nuisance that had been persisting through the centuries for eight hundred years needed to disappear permanently from history.
As he remained immersed in his calculations, two maids walked over with measured steps, bowed deeply, and spoke respectfully:
"Saint Lloyd, the bathwater is fully prepared. You may proceed to bathe now."
Lloyd gave a slight nod, keeping his expression entirely neutral. "Very well. You may leave."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The two maids raised their heads slightly, casting an envious glance toward Monet and the other women before slowly exiting the grand hall. Their appearances were considered exceptionally beautiful by outside standards, but when placed alongside the refined grace of Monet and the others, they were completely overshadowed.
Lloyd and the women then entered the grand bathhouse. After a long, relaxing two-hour bath, they all emerged wrapped in pristine bathrobes. The girls' faces were flushed a delicate pink from the heat, resembling freshly blooming roses, looking exceptionally striking.
Tonight, Sharlia still did not receive her turn to attend to Lloyd's personal needs. Lloyd returned to his private bedroom accompanied exclusively by Lucia and Ginny.
Ginny had already learned the full extent of the relationship between Lucia and Lloyd during the twenty-two years that Lloyd had been asleep, and she was equally aware of Monet and the others. Although she had felt a bit conflicted initially, she had completely reconciled with the reality of the situation by now.
If there was anything that still caused her a sense of restless discontent, it was that she and Lloyd had not yet taken the final step in their relationship. If she did not take the initiative herself, Lloyd seemed genuinely prepared to treat her indefinitely like a younger sister.
This realization made her feel somewhat indignant. After all, she had known Lloyd since childhood and was the person who had been by his side the second longest, yet in this specific aspect, she was lagging far behind the missing time.
As far as Ginny knew, there were already Lucia, Stussy, and Monet ahead of her; she had not even managed to secure a spot in the top three. Of course, she remained entirely unaware that just last night, that clever girl Sugar had intercepted both Sharlia and Boa Hancock, secretly getting ahead of her yet again.
Ginny had already silently resolved during the banquet that she must fully claim Lloyd tonight. She had even quietly confided this determination to Lucia beforehand. Lucia, naturally, supported Ginny's desires and assured her that she would keep Monet and the others occupied, leaving Lloyd entirely to Ginny for the evening.
However, despite Ginny usually appearing completely carefree and bold on the surface, she became uncharacteristically timid when the actual moment arrived. Her true purpose in sharing her plan with Lucia was to ensure that Lucia would accompany her to provide a sense of courage.
Lucia had always harbored a slight sense of guilt regarding the fact that she had advanced her relationship with Lloyd while keeping it a secret from Ginny during those years, so she had readily agreed to Ginny's request.
Lloyd, however, completely misread the situation. In his assessment, since Ginny had requested Lucia's presence in the room tonight, it implied that the evening would remain entirely uneventful and strictly conversational.
After stepping into the spacious bedroom, Lloyd casually untied his bathrobe, tossed it aside, and reclined onto the large bed.
Ginny and Lucia exchanged a quick, silent glance. Lucia's eyes held a clear look of encouragement, and Ginny nodded with sudden determination, raising her hands to loosen her own robe. The smooth fabric immediately slid from her shoulders to the floor, revealing her flawless, delicate form completely.
Lloyd, who was leaning back against the headboard, observed the display with an unreadable gaze.
Ginny's face flushed deeply as she took measured steps toward Lloyd on the bed. Seeing this, Lucia smiled faintly, untied her own bathrobe as well, and followed closely behind her.
Witnessing this alluring sight, Lloyd blinked slightly, realizing that the progression of tonight's events was unfolding differently than his initial assumption.
Ginny reached the edge of the mattress, lifted the heavy blanket, and slid inside smoothly. A moment later, Lloyd felt her warm body press directly into his embrace. He looked down, meeting the sight of her vibrant pink hair resting against him.
Lloyd reached down, patting Ginny's head as he spoke in a dry, teasing tone, "Ginny, do you intend to sleep directly on top of me tonight?"
Ginny's shoulders trembled slightly before she propped her upper body up with her hands. Her long pink hair parted over her shoulders, draping past her chest. Combined with her deeply blushing face, her expression carried a distinct mix of nervous hesitation and clear invitation.
At that moment, Lucia slid into the bed on Lloyd's other side. She naturally wrapped her arms around Lloyd's forearm, letting out a soft chuckle. "Young Master, it appears Ginny has absolutely no intention of sleeping tonight."
The moment the words left Lucia's mouth, Ginny uttered a soft, embarrassed moan and immediately buried her face back into Lloyd's chest, refusing to look up again.
Lloyd smoothly withdrew his arm from Lucia's grasp, shifting his position to loop his arm securely around Lucia's waist instead. He delivered a firm slap to her hip, adopting a mock tone of reprimand. "You have grown bold enough to tease Ginny in front of me? It seems you require a proper punishment."
The moment she drew close to Lloyd, Lucia's innate abilities responded immediately to his presence. Her eyes took on an enchanting, deep violet hue, and the corners of her lips curved into an incredibly captivating smile.
"Young Master, Lucia always looks forward to receiving your punishments."