Hearing Shalria's straightforward and passionate response, Carl extended his hand, gently pulling hers closer.
Shalria no longer hesitated and leaned against Carl's shoulder.
Carl spoke softly,
"I agree to this marriage."
"!!!"
Shalria's head shot up in surprise, her eyes wide with joy as she stared at Carl.
Carl continued,
"However, Shalria, you cannot be the main wife. Can you accept that?"
Shalria was momentarily stunned. She lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke,
"Carl, can you tell me who the main wife will be?"
"Lucia."
Hearing this answer, Shalria was not surprised. Over time, through her interactions with Monet and the others, she had come to understand Lucia's place in Carl's heart. If there was to be a main wife, it would undoubtedly be her.
As a Celestial Dragon, it was impossible for Shalria to feel nothing at all. However, giving up on marrying Carl because of this? That was out of the question!
Born with everything at her fingertips, she had finally found a goal—marrying Carl—and had worked hard toward it. Compared to that, not being the main wife was merely a minor imperfection.
Taking a deep breath, Shalria looked into Carl's eyes with determination and declared,
"Carl, I don't need the position of the main wife. I just want to marry you!"
The moment she said this, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders, as if she had unburdened herself completely.
Carl smiled, raised his hand, and gently caressed Shalria's smooth, fair cheek.
"Alright. From now on, you are my fiancée."
Shalria's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled brightly, responding with an enthusiastic,
"Mhm!" Monet and the other women, witnessing this, addressed her in unison,
"Lady Shalria."
Shalria was momentarily startled by their reaction. This was the first time Monet and the others had addressed her with such respect.
Once she regained her composure, an overwhelming sense of joy filled her heart. She truly felt the difference in her status within the Figarland family.
However, she did not let this newfound position get to her head. Instead, she waved her hand and said to Monet and the others,
"There's no need for titles. Here, only Carl matters."
Shalria had long seen through things—Monet and the others were also Carl's women. Monet, in particular, had already taken that final step with Carl, making her wholeheartedly his.
Her status as Carl's fiancée was thanks to her Celestial Dragon lineage. If not for Garling's assistance, Carl might not have cared about Celestial Dragon bloodlines at all.
She understood that emotionally, she was still far behind Monet and the others. They had been by Carl's side since childhood, making them much closer to him than she was.
If she tried to use her title as Carl's fiancée to suppress Monet and the others, it would only lead to Carl resenting her. Besides, she had grown close to them and no longer viewed them as lowly outsiders.
Having distanced herself from most of the foolish Celestial Dragons in Mary Geoise, Shalria's growth in emotional intelligence had been rapid.
Her attitude further increased Carl's favorable impression of her, and he looked at Monet with a pleased expression.
"Monet, have some servants prepare another room."
Monet nodded, glanced at Shalria, and said softly,
"Understood, Young Master. This room is for Lady Shalria, correct?"
Carl chuckled,
"That's right. Shalria, if you ever wish to stay here, you may use that room."
Shalria was so overwhelmed with happiness that her face flushed red, nearly fainting.
Seeing this, Monet chuckled and waved her hand, sending a few snowflakes drifting onto Shalria's burning forehead to cool her down.
Carl patted the small figure in his lap and said,
"Alright, Sugar. Go now. I need to return to the headquarters to make some military arrangements."
Sugar hopped off the couch and said sweetly,
"Take care, Young Master! My sister and I will help prepare Lady Shalria's room~"
Carl playfully pinched Sugar's chubby cheek before standing up. A swirl of darkness enveloped him as he slowly vanished into the air.
...
Marineford
Carl used Kamui to return to his office. After summoning Lucia, he immediately issued a command, calling for all high-ranking officers in the headquarters to convene.
Upon receiving the order, Sakazuki and the others quickly gathered in the conference room. Once all the officers were present, Carl announced the deployment of troops to defend the Red Line.
The entire room was stunned. Sakazuki furrowed his brows and looked at Carl, who was seated at the head of the table.
"Fleet Admiral, what's going on?"
Carl folded his arms and spoke slowly,
"Straw Hat Luffy, who escaped from the East Blue last time, has now taken control of Zunesha. That massive elephant stands at ten thousand meters. Based on gathered intelligence, his next move is likely an attack on the Red Line."
"Nani!?"
The room erupted in shock. Thick smoke billowed from Sakazuki's hands as he spoke in a deep voice,
"This is absurd. Monkey D. Luffy..."
Carl corrected him,
"He is no longer Monkey D. Luffy. He is now Joy Boy—a failure from 800 years ago, returning to make his move again."
The book Heavenly Dragon Genesis, compiled by Olvia, had already been published worldwide under the World Government's directive. For now, the initial edition omitted later chapters concerning Carl.
Those who had read it had gained some understanding of history over the past eight centuries.
The high-ranking officers in the room were no exception. They were aware that Joy Boy was the world's first pirate—the very source of all evil!
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+180 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg