Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Lloyd did not immediately return to Navy Headquarters. Instead, he went directly to the Figarland Family and reported Roger's movements to Garling.
Garling lounged on the sofa, arms crossed, legs propped up, while Lloyd sat opposite him. After hearing Lloyd's account, Garling raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Oh? Roger is heading to the End?"
Lloyd sipped from his teacup, replying calmly, "Yes, he has already gathered the four Road Poneglyphs. He should be moving soon."
Garling did not show impatience. Instead, he smirked disdainfully. "It's rare for him to work so hard. Let him go… he'll see soon enough and give up."
"Uncle Garling, what do you mean?"
"The secret of the End can only be deciphered by Joy Boy's successor. Roger clearly isn't that."
"Just because he isn't a Nika Fruit user, right?"
"Exactly. That is the most basic requirement. No matter how much trouble Roger causes, our foundation remains secure. Otherwise, would we have just let the Navy send Garp alone to hunt him? Only fools think Garp could catch Roger."
Lloyd smiled faintly, noncommittal. "Uncle Garling, should we continue searching for the Nika Fruit?"
"Of course. We must pursue it relentlessly. Even if Joy Boy is destined to rise again, we must delay him indefinitely. Only we Celestial Dragons are fit to rule this world."
"Though… aren't there far too many Celestial Dragons? Too many useless ones, I mean."
"Hmm?" Garling's heart trembled slightly, startled by Lloyd's remark. He fixed his gaze on Lloyd, trying to peer into his thoughts.
Minutes passed in tense silence as uncle and nephew stared at each other.
Finally, Garling laughed. "Yes… too many. So, what do you plan to do about it, my good nephew?"
Lloyd shrugged, a faint smile curling at his lips. "First, we remove someone from that position. After all, it should have belonged to our Figarland Family."
Garling nodded without speaking. Lloyd continued, "However… she is from the same era as the ancestor. Even if she wasn't as strong as him then, eight hundred years have passed. Her current power is still unknown."
"Patience," Garling said. "Your talent is unparalleled in Figarland history. You will surpass her."
Lloyd grinned. "By then, I'll still need your support, Uncle."
"Nonsense! You are my only nephew. Who else would I help?"
Lloyd's expression turned calculating. "Uncle Garling… should I bring back that boy, Shanks?"
At the mention of Shanks, Garling's expression froze. After a tense silence, he said, "Forget it. The heir of the Figarland Family is only you. Better not risk him returning and causing trouble."
Lloyd blinked a few times. "Hey, hey, hey! Uncle Garling, are you overthinking?"
Garling rose from the sofa, muffling his voice. "Let's not speak of this now. That boy isn't ready anyway."
With that, Garling vanished in a flash, leaving Lloyd with a self-satisfied smile. "Uncle Garling… it's you who isn't ready, isn't it?"
---
The Red Line was not limited to Mary Geoise. Beneath the Celestial capital lay a bustling town, ironically the one closest to the center of global power. Yet it thrived on vice: gambling, prostitution, and slave trading flourished openly.
The reason was simple: the Celestial Dragons allowed it. The social superstructure dictated the economic base entirely.
Slaves lined the streets in cages. Anyone with Berries could claim them at a moment's notice. Lloyd lingered in the Family territory, curious to explore. Though he had never been here before, he disguised himself with a black high-necked top and brown sunglasses—gifted by Kizaru for his birthday, a frame of pure gold, a rare extravagance from the Marine Admiral.
As Lloyd strolled, his gaze casually swept over the "display cases" of slaves lining the street. Some eyes were hollow, some filled with despair, others flickered with longing for freedom, though powerless to act.
Despite the pitiful scene, philanthropy was not on Lloyd's mind. Only if someone truly caught his interest might he consider purchasing them. At present, none did.
Most slaves were pirates captured by peers or traders. The strong had long since been sent to Impel Down. Male slaves with sturdy, well-built frames commanded higher prices. Zoan users were present but weak—nothing of interest. Female slaves followed a similar principle: beauty and figure dictated price. Even Celestial Dragons thought like commoners in this regard.
With enough Berries, Lloyd could buy every female slave on this street and indulge in any whim. Yet in his eyes, none matched the allure of Lucia or the others. There was no reason to linger.
He began to feel drowsy, intending to return to his palace to rest.
A shout drew his attention.
"Come see! Today's new arrivals! A pair of sisters! Only two hundred million Berries! Buy one, get one free!"
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Powerstones?? (´ε｀ )
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Patreon = _Zeph