The Celestial Dragons, usually arrogant and condescending, now treated Lloyd with deference, all due to his identity as the sole heir of the Figarland Family.
This status was dazzling. Outside, Celestial Dragons were the epitome of untouchable authority, their word absolute. But in Mary Geoise, their base of power, the Figarland Family was a unique and formidable force. It symbolized authority. As long as Imu did not intervene, the Figarland Family served as the final bastion of Celestial Dragon glory.
The respect Lloyd received mirrored the treatment Garling himself had commanded. Garling observed silently from the side, until a hint of impatience flickered across Lloyd's face. He extended a finger and tapped the table lightly, his deep voice cutting through the hall: "Quiet, it's time to discuss Doflamingo."
A faint, regal aura radiated from Garling. Except for Saint Saturn, the other Celestial Dragons unconsciously held their breath. They murmured awkwardly, then silently returned to their seats.
Saturn said nothing. In terms of status, he and Garling were equals. But today, Garling was formally introducing Lloyd, and he chose to lower his presence, tactfully framing this as Lloyd's official "public introduction." It was a face-saving gesture, a subtle declaration of Lloyd's position within the Figarland Family.
For Doflamingo, from the moment Lloyd's identity was revealed, he had been reduced to insignificance. How could a traitor's son compare to the heir of the Figarland Family?
Had Lloyd not steered the conversation back to him, he might have remained ignored until the meeting concluded. Doflamingo felt the sting of collective neglect, but no matter his anger, he could only grit his teeth, awaiting Garling's judgment. His life and death depended entirely on it.
Jealousy, fear, resentment—all collided within him. He wanted to leave, yet to do so would forfeit his only chance to regain Celestial Dragon status, a price he could not pay.
Garling's gaze was cold, and his keen Observation Haki detected every negative emotion swirling within Doflamingo. He cast his eyes on the head of Saint Homing and asked, "How does it feel to personally kill your own father?"
Doflamingo shivered violently. The question tore open old wounds. He clenched Saint Homing's hair, forcing out through gritted teeth, "It doesn't feel like anything. He deserved to die!"
"Give me a reason why he deserved to die."
The boy could no longer restrain himself. Only ten years old, he erupted under Garling's scrutiny, his emotions spilling over. "He was too foolish! He killed Mother! And made me and my brother endure that life!"
He recounted his experiences outside the Holy Land after leaving, finally tossing Saint Homing's head aside like refuse. The head rolled across the floor, striking a table leg before stopping.
The last vestige of filial affection in Doflamingo's heart had now transformed fully into hatred. He glared at the Celestial Dragons around him, who watched as though he were a clown, and seethed inwardly, "I could have been one of them! My life is ruined!"
Garling merely sneered, ignoring the head that had rolled to the floor. "As expected, he brought it upon himself. This outcome is deserved."
Saint Saturn interjected, voice even, "Saint Garling, what are your thoughts on Doflamingo's return to the Holy Land?"
Garin considered for a moment. He cast a glance at a Celestial Dragon seated diagonally across the room. The Dragon had green hair and a less-than-attractive face—though, among the Celestial Dragons present, except for Garling and Lloyd, few were handsome.
"Saint Musgard, Doflamingo is from your Donquixote Family. Do you wish for him to return?"
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, recalling the Dragon vaguely. Hadn't he once fought another Celestial Dragon to save Shirahoshi, only to be executed by Garling? Though that Dragon had yet to be brainwashed by Otohime, his personality remained like most Celestial Dragons: arrogant and self-serving.
Musgard glared at Doflamingo with disdain. "Homing is a sinner who brought shame to the Donquixote Family! Our Family has expelled him. He and his line will never return."
Doflamingo felt as though struck by lightning. His fists clenched tightly, eyes blazing. Musgard, however, turned his attention to Garling with a polite smile. "Ultimately, how to handle him rests with you, Saint Garling. If you desire his return, that is your decision."
"Understood," Garling replied, waving his hand to halt further discussion. He then turned to Lloyd, saying, "Lloyd, whether Doflamingo stays, leaves, or dies, I leave the decision to you."
A wave of surprise swept through the hall. All eyes fixed on Lloyd. Even he displayed a faint expression of astonishment; he had not anticipated such authority being granted so swiftly.
Saint Saturn, observing silently, already understood Garling's intentions. This was a deliberate move to consolidate Lloyd's position as the Figarland Family heir, establishing his influence within Mary Geoise.
When Saturn's gaze fell on Lloyd, arms crossed, he noticed the black blade-shaped mark on the back of Lloyd's hand. His eyes widened in astonishment. "The Demon Blade Muramasa? Garling has entrusted it to Lloyd!?"
Saturn, initially inclined to voice his opinion, fell silent. Whatever decision Lloyd made regarding Doflamingo, Saint Saturn resolved to support it. The Demon Blade Muramasa was not merely a weapon—it was the symbol of the Figarland Family head, carrying immense significance for the Celestial Dragon lineage.
It was a blade capable of slaying gods—not these Celestial Dragons who fancied themselves divine, but the Nika, whose awakening might come at any unknown time.