Within the palace corridors of the Nerona family in the God's Domain, Figarland Garling paced back and forth, his expression grave.
Sommers and Maffy were there as well, leaning casually against the stone pillars, chatting about what had just happened.
"I told you long ago that the brat Doflamingo has guts. Now you see it, don't you?" Sommers grinned, clearly enjoying the chaos.
Maffy looked somewhat helpless. "And you're still making jokes? That was the Nerona family's third-in-line heir…"
"Eh, it shouldn't be that serious, right?" Sommers hesitated slightly. "Didn't they already send in a medical Devil Fruit user?"
Truth be told, Sommers didn't fear some "third-in-line" from the Nerona family at all. Even setting aside his status as a member of a Five Elders family, he was a core member of the Holy Knights, someone who had made a contract with Imu-sama.
No matter how you looked at it, in Imu-sama's eyes, his importance far exceeded that of some so-called third successor.
The only reason everyone treated the Nerona family with respect was because of Imu-sama's existence.
Just then, the doors to the great hall opened, and several exhausted medical personnel walked out.
Garling immediately stepped forward. "How is he? What's Carfa's condition?"
It wasn't that Garling particularly cared about Carfa. But as Commander of the Holy Knights, he held one crucial authority—judging crimes committed by Celestial Dragons.
Doflamingo had clearly crossed that line. Garling had to carry out his duty.
"His life is no longer in danger after our full efforts…" the doctor hesitated before continuing, "…but Saint Carfa's reproductive ability has been severely affected. Only the right side remains functional. As for the future… it's uncertain."
Garling's face twitched.
Doflamingo… you ruthless little monster.
With that alone, Carfa's position as third successor was effectively finished. There was no longer any chance he could inherit the Nerona family.
Before Garling could say anything else, another figure stormed out of the hall—a middle-aged Celestial Dragon, face twisted with fury.
"I want that bastard Doflamingo to pay with his life!!!"
Garling recognized him immediately—Nerona Cadro, Carfa's father.
Strictly speaking, Carfa wasn't part of the main Nerona line. It had taken enormous effort and resources for Cadro to maneuver his son into the position of third successor.
And now? One elbow strike from Doflamingo had destroyed everything.
Cadro wanted nothing more than to tear Doflamingo apart.
But just then, another man stepped out behind him—sharper-looking, with a faintly calculating expression.
"Cadro, don't be so impulsive," he said lightly. "At the end of the day, it's just a conflict between children. Carfa isn't dead, is he? How can you demand the life of the Donquixote family's heir?"
This man was Nerona Cassit—the first successor, and Cadro's elder brother.
As the saying goes: start a fight, and the system will match you with the perfect teammate.
Cadro had spent a fortune sucking up to the old patriarch of the Nerona family to get his son named third-in-line, all for the sake of grabbing power. As the eldest son and first-in-line, Cassit naturally found him an eyesore.
You dared to maneuver your son into the third-in-line spot? Were you hoping my son and I would die?
Now that Carfa was crippled and couldn't keep his status, Cassit genuinely felt that Doflamingo was a "good person"! This kid had looked agreeable to him since he was a baby!
"You!!!" Cadro trembled with rage, glaring at his brother, but ultimately said nothing. After all, Cassit was the legitimate eldest son.
Cassit felt even better seeing this. Of course, he was only making snide remarks. He wasn't about to openly protect the Donquixote family—after all, it wasn't his business, and doing so would damage his reputation.
Still, he turned to Garling and said:
"Saint Garling, as Commander of the Holy Knights, you hold the authority to judge internal crimes among us Celestial Dragons. I only ask that you remain fair."
"The Donquixote heir did seriously injure a member of our Nerona family—he is guilty. But it is not a crime deserving death."
"We Celestial Dragon families are all intertwined. At the end of the day, we share the blood of the Twenty Kings. Do not be swayed by emotion."
"After all… he is still just a child."
The words were flawless—measured, generous, and dignified. Anyone hearing them would have to praise his magnanimity.
Garling had no regard for Cadro's ranting anyway. A side-branch like you dares shout about executions? Who do you think you are?
Cassit, however, was worth listening to.
Garling nodded calmly. "Your words are noted, Saint Cassit. The Holy Knights will judge according to established law. No outside interference will be permitted."
...
Two days later, the Holy Knights issued their verdict.
Donquixote Doflamingo was found guilty of violently assaulting fellow Celestial Dragon Nerona Carfa, causing severe injury and permanent damage to his reproductive ability.
The crime was classified as malicious assault against a Celestial Dragon with grave consequences.
The official judgment:
-Stripped of Celestial Dragon status
-Sentenced to five years imprisonment in the Divine Prison
-Upon release, expelled from the Holy Land, Mary Geoise
-Permanently banned from ever returning
...
Garling's ruling was, in truth, quite measured.
The Nerona family's status couldn't be ignored—crippling their third successor demanded consequences. If this had been some insignificant side-branch Celestial Dragon, it would've easily warranted a death sentence.
Doflamingo survived largely because he was the Donquixote heir—and because of Cassit's intervention.
In fact, there was still room to maneuver.
Those five years were time deliberately left for the Donquixote family to act. If they could satisfy the Nerona family and compensate Cadro properly, Doflamingo might even have his status restored after release.
Among Celestial Dragons, after all, things were rarely absolute. Unless it was outright treason, everything could be negotiated.
But Garling had his doubts.
That fool Donquixote Homing… would he even understand the deeper meaning behind this sentence?
In Garling's eyes, Homing was even more ridiculous than Doflamingo.
Like father, like son—two lunatics in one family. Truly living up to the Donquixote name.
...
As for Sommers, after hearing the verdict, he saw opportunity.
There was still room to work with.
Doflamingo was a rare talent—already daring to assault fellow Celestial Dragons at such a young age. Who knew how monstrous he'd become in the future?
Someone like that…
Belonged in the Holy Knights.
After all, the Holy Knights rarely descended to the lower world. Their duty was to manage internal Celestial Dragon affairs.
And for that?
They needed ruthless individuals who weren't afraid to turn on their own.
Sommers smirked to himself.
Once things cooled down…
He'd find a way to pull some strings.
...
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