Lily knew there was no escaping this ordeal today. Still, she wasn't the type to break down crying like some helpless girl — she simply closed her eyes in resignation.
Seeing Lily's reaction, Carl's smile grew even more wicked. No longer restraining himself, he decided to make her fully taste the bitter fruit of scheming against him.
Although Lily had never experienced anything like this firsthand, she was certainly no stranger to the knowledge of it. After all, she'd lived for over eight hundred years — it would be strange if she didn't know even this much. Over the long centuries, she had accumulated a wealth of theoretical knowledge.
Carl had no intention of showing mercy, but given Lily's bodily strength, this level of experience would only serve to stimulate her further.
Sure enough, in no time at all, Lily found herself overwhelmed by an entirely new sensation. Her mind went blank, her body completely yielding to Carl's movements.
...
Outside the black sphere surrounding the two, Nusjuro and the other three Gorosei had already landed on the frozen surface created by Aokiji. Facing the black sphere, all four dropped to their knees. After witnessing Peter's fate earlier, none of them even dared lift their heads.
Off to the side, Garling stood with the assembled members of the God Knights. Arms crossed, he gazed upward at the black sphere with a hint of concern for Carl's situation inside.
Meanwhile, the Marine Admirals stood together, also looking up at the black sphere suspended in the air.
Aokiji scratched his head and said,
"It's been over an hour already... what the heck is Carl-senpai doing in there?"
Aramaki shot Aokiji a glare and barked,
"You impatient brat! Do you think Lord Carl needs to report to you what he's doing?"
"Uh... I was just a little worried about Carl-senpai..."Aokiji paused briefly, then lowered his voice, speaking in a more conspiratorial tone,
"Mainly because that Celestial Dragon named Imu doesn't seem easy to deal with. Didn't you see? She killed a Gorosei just now using some strange, terrifying method! Carl-senpai's been stuck with her in that tiny space for so long... what if she snaps again?"
Aramaki frowned deeply at that. After a moment of thought, he said,
"You have a point... but you better watch your mouth. Imu-sama's status is unimaginably high. Say the wrong thing, and you might lose your life."
Aokiji pursed his lips and spoke slowly,
"Of course I know how important she is. She killed a Gorosei like it was nothing — no question she's the ultimate authority behind the World Government. But if she really does make a move against Carl-senpai... what would you do, Aramaki?"
As he spoke, Aokiji's usual lazy expression gradually disappeared, replaced by rare seriousness.
Aramaki stiffened for a second, then snapped angrily,
"You bastard... do you even have to ask?! Of course I'd follow Lord Carl's lead and take her down!"
Aokiji blinked in surprise, staring at Aramaki with a curious look,
"Ara ara, I thought you'd hesitate, honestly. Aren't you always the one who shows the most respect for the Celestial Dragons? Imu-sama is basically the leader of all Celestial Dragons, you know. Are you really willing to strike at her?"
"Idiot! What kind of crap are you spouting?! If Lord Carl gives the order, there's nothing I wouldn't dare do! In my eyes, Carl-sama is the embodiment of what a true Celestial Dragon should be. His status is absolute! I won't allow anyone to oppose him!"
Aramaki's face was filled with fierce determination, completely unconcerned that Nusjuro and the others nearby could hear every word.
The four kneeling Gorosei certainly heard, but at this moment, they wisely pretended to be deaf.
Aokiji stared at Aramaki for a while, then nodded slowly and said,
"I feel the same."
...
No sooner had he spoken than Akainu's deep voice drifted over from nearby,
"If this world really is going to be remade... then it must be Carl who does it. No one else."
Borsalino, hands in his pockets as usual, chimed in lazily with his familiar catchphrase,
"... Looks like everyone's already getting ready for the next battle. How full of energy you all are."
Even as he spoke, his hand slowly slipped out of his pocket, a cold glint flashing across the surface of his tea-colored sunglasses.
At the forefront, Lucia glanced back at the others, silently nodding.
Then she turned her gaze back upward, staring intently at the black sphere hanging high above.In her heart, she thought,
"Young Master... this is your foundation..."
...
Above Mary Geoise, Carl's group of handmaidens also waited anxiously. Sugar tugged on Monet's sleeve and whined,
"Big Sis, why isn't the Young Master back yet? That annoying Joy Boy is already dead!"
Monet tapped Sugar's forehead lightly with her finger and said,
"What's the rush? Isn't that Imu-sama in there too? The Young Master must be discussing something important with her."
Nearby, Sharlia nodded her little head in agreement, adding,
"Yeah, that Imu-sama's status is ridiculously high. Only Lord Carl could have such close contact with her."
Robin adjusted her black-rimmed glasses and commented,
"Imu-sama clearly seems to be a woman... "
This stumped not just Monet and Sugar, but even Sharlia, who was herself a Celestial Dragon. In fact, almost none of the Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land Mary Geoise even knew about Lily's existence.
Standing beside Robin, Olvia, adjusting glasses identical to Robin's, said slowly,
"In history, some female rulers, whether by choice or necessity, allowed themselves to be addressed with masculine titles. After all, in most people's subconscious minds, men symbolize strength and dominion more than women. Using male titles can bolster a ruler's authority."
If she had said this back on Earth, some groups would have immediately labeled it as extreme,but this was the world of One Piece — where male strength advantages were amplified several times over. Just look at Kuina's experience as proof.
Hearing this, Monet and the others nodded thoughtfully. Sugar looked up at Olvia with sparkling eyes and said,
"As expected of Olvia-san! You know so much!"
Robin and the others also gazed at Olvia with admiration, while only Sharlia's eyes still held a distinct glint of naive stupidity.
A little embarrassed by the attention, Olvia replied gently,
"It's only speculation. Imu-sama is no ordinary person — there may be hidden reasons we can't imagine..."
-----------
+150 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg