By the time everyone arrived at the main hall, the banquet had already been fully prepared. Under the guidance of the servants, Akainu and the others took their assigned seats in an orderly manner.
Lucia was momentarily startled when she noticed Sharlia. Instinctively, she moved to give up the seat to Lloyd's left, but Sharlia acted faster and gently stopped her.
"Lucia, that seat is yours. You should sit there."
With that, Sharlia calmly took the seat to Lloyd's right.
Lucia was surprised, yet she was not one to dwell on such matters. Seeing that Lloyd showed no objection, she accepted it and sat down without further hesitation.
Ginny had initially intended to sit beside Lloyd as well, but after observing the arrangement, she chose not to insist. Instead, she took a seat just below Lucia, positioning herself beside her.
Even the usually mischievous Sugar behaved with unusual restraint tonight. With Lucia present, whom she regarded as a true elder figure, she obediently sat next to her sister Monet.
Garling observed everything from beginning to end. A satisfied smile gradually formed on his face, clearly pleased with the harmonious atmosphere surrounding Lloyd.
On the other side, Aokiji leaned toward Aramaki and whispered quietly,
"Aramaki, are all those beautiful women really Lloyd's?"
Aramaki cast him a sideways glance, his expression full of disdain.
"You country bumpkin. Haven't you seen how kings outside live? Surrounded by wives and concubines. Lloyd is a Celestial Dragon. Is it strange for him to have several women by his side?"
Aokiji took a sip of the chilled pear wine he had prepared himself, smacking his lips appreciatively.
"I just think Lloyd is impressive. Even when it comes to managing relationships, he's on another level. Look at them, they get along quite well."
"Of course they do. If you could learn even a fraction of that, you wouldn't still be as stiff as ice."
Aokiji smirked slightly.
"And you're any better? We've known each other for years, and I've yet to see anything bloom from you, old tree root."
"What did you say?"
Aramaki bristled, clearly struck where it hurt. He nearly lost control, but quickly remembered where he was and forced himself to settle down.
Seeing this, Aokiji leaned back with a smug expression.
"Already losing your composure? The night's barely begun. That drinking tolerance of yours is disappointing."
Aramaki's face darkened, and small branches began sprouting from the top of his head in agitation.
Nearby, Akainu and Kuma sat upright, maintaining their composure. Kizaru, seated between them, appeared completely out of place. His striped suit hung loosely over his shoulder as he watched the dancers performing in the center of the hall, occasionally letting out an amused,
"Oh."
There was nothing improper in his gaze. He was simply appreciating the performance. Given his position, finding companionship was never difficult for him.
This banquet had been arranged by Lloyd to welcome Akainu and the others. After briefly discussing the troop deployments along the Red Line, Lloyd gave a signal, marking the official start of the evening's indulgence.
Garling remained for a short while before returning to his own residence, leaving the main hall entirely under Lloyd's control.
As the banquet progressed, Lloyd moved toward Akainu and the others, personally pouring drinks for each of them.
The atmosphere grew increasingly lively. Even Akainu showed signs of intoxication. He loosened several buttons on his shirt, revealing part of his chest tattoo, then lifted a bucket of wine and drank deeply before casting a provocative glance at Kizaru.
Kizaru, however, had no intention of engaging. Holding a plate of banana pudding in one hand, he casually ignored the challenge, fully embracing his role as an unbothered observer.
Lloyd's gaze shifted toward Kuma, who returned it with a gentle smile.
With a slight gesture, Lloyd instructed a servant to bring over a large barrel of wine. He lifted it effortlessly with one hand and clinked it against Kuma's own barrel.
After draining it in a single motion, Lloyd spoke with a faint smile.
"Kuma, once this war ends, how about I grant you an extended leave to travel freely?"
Kuma replied softly,
"As long as I'm with everyone, I'm already satisfied."
At that moment, a slightly intoxicated Kizaru leaned over, patting Kuma's back.
"You really are… a warm man, Kuma."
With that, Kizaru leaned against him, humming quietly with half-closed eyes.
Lloyd's expression shifted slightly as he asked,
"Kuma, do you enjoy staying here, in Mary Geoise?"
This time, Kuma did not answer immediately.
Lloyd's gaze sharpened as he studied him.
"You don't like it here, do you? Because of the Celestial Dragons."
Kuma's body trembled faintly. After a brief pause, he spoke in a low voice,
"You are also a Celestial Dragon… I like you."
Lloyd set aside the empty barrel and replied indifferently,
"I'm aware. I like you as well. But that wasn't my question. Is there anything you cannot say in front of me?"
Under Lloyd's unwavering gaze, Kuma slowly clenched his fists.
"I don't like them. They… killed my parents."
Even after all these years, the memory remained vivid. His father had been executed without reason, simply for disturbing a Celestial Dragon.
Akainu frowned slightly and placed a firm hand on Kuma's back. Kizaru also straightened, his usual laziness fading into a rare seriousness.
Lloyd, however, merely gestured for more wine.
As the barrels arrived, Kuma seized one in each hand and emptied them without hesitation.
Once he finished, Lloyd stood.
"Kuma, the one who killed your father is here in Mary Geoise. Find him. When you do, bring him to me."
Kuma was startled.
"Lloyd…"
Lloyd raised his hand, cutting him off.
"I've been your elder for years, yet I never helped you avenge your father. That makes me unfit in that role."
Kuma immediately shook his head.
"No. I've never thought that. You will always be my elder. Under the laws of the World Government, that Celestial Dragon only executed his slave. He did nothing wrong."
Lloyd's expression turned colder.
"Nothing wrong? If I say he's wrong, then he is wrong. If I say he's guilty, then he is guilty. If that contradicts the law, then the law can be rewritten. At the end of the day, it's nothing more than crushing an insect."
Those words stunned Akainu and the others. They had yet to fully grasp Lloyd's current standing within Mary Geoise.
Kizaru frowned slightly.
"Lloyd… have you had too much to drink?"
Lloyd shot him a glance, unimpressed.
"When have I ever been drunk? Go entertain yourself, Borsalino."
===
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