The next morning, Galette personally escorted Stussy and Lloyd to the wedding venue.
The venue was set within a vast garden. Rows of white tables and chairs filled the center, creating an elegant and carefully arranged setting that reflected the Charlotte Family's grandeur.
After guiding them to their assigned seats, Galette turned to Stussy.
"Please wait here for the ceremony to begin. I need to join my brothers and sisters to welcome Mother and Edward Newgate. There will also be several important guests arriving later."
She was about to leave when Lloyd's voice stopped her.
"Miss Galette, who are these important guests you mentioned?"
Galette looked at him and replied without hesitation,
"The leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon."
A faint smile formed beneath Lloyd's mask.
"That is indeed significant."
Unable to see his expression, Galette assumed he was surprised. She paused briefly, then spoke in a more serious tone.
"Today is not like last night. You must not act recklessly again, or you will not survive the consequences."
Lloyd tilted his head slightly toward a distant table.
Pekoms sat there, stealing glances in their direction. The moment their eyes met, he immediately lowered his head, clearly intimidated.
Seeing this, Galette said nothing more. She turned and quickly left to join the others at the entrance.
Lloyd returned to his seat, closed his eyes, and waited in silence.
...
Inside a pink themed room, Charlotte Brûlée carefully adjusted Charlotte Chiffon's hair, tying it into a neat bun.
After examining her work, she spoke softly.
"Sister Chiffon, are you satisfied?"
Chiffon stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression devoid of joy.
"Does it matter whether I am satisfied? I only want this wedding to end as soon as possible."
Among the Charlotte siblings, Brûlée shared the closest bond with the twin sisters, Chiffon and her runaway sister, Charlotte Lola. Only in front of them did she reveal her genuine emotions.
Brûlée pressed her lips together.
"Sister Chiffon, you do not truly want to marry Marshall D. Teach, do you?"
A bitter smile appeared on Chiffon's face.
"What do you think? I had never even met him before this arrangement. I do not know anything about him. Yet Mother has decided everything. I have no choice."
Brûlée sighed quietly.
"That is why I admire Sister Lola's courage so much."
Chiffon turned her head and looked at her.
"If Mother arranged a marriage for you in the future, what would you do?"
Brûlée froze briefly before lowering her voice.
"I do not have Lola's courage. I would obey Mother."
Chiffon felt a flicker of disappointment, but more than that, she felt sympathy.
She knew her own appearance was not considered desirable. Aside from those with unusual preferences, few men would willingly choose her.
But Brûlée was different. Among the Charlotte daughters, her beauty stood out. She should have had the chance to pursue her own happiness.
Thinking of that future, Chiffon gently reached out and stroked Brûlée's head.
Just as the mood became heavy, Brûlée suddenly brightened.
"Oh, right. I saw something interesting last night. Sister Galette might be falling for someone."
Chiffon blinked in surprise.
"Galette? With whom?"
"A man called Zero. He wears a mask."
"Zero? That is an unusual name."
"I only know he is Stussy's guard. But his voice sounded very pleasant, like someone refined."
Chiffon frowned slightly.
"Galette is not someone who judges based on appearance alone."
"Of course not. He is also very strong. He easily suppressed that troublesome man last night."
Chiffon's interest was piqued, and the gloom in her heart eased slightly as they spoke.
However, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Lady Chiffon, the ceremony is about to begin. Please proceed to the venue."
Reality returned instantly.
Chiffon exhaled softly and left the room with Brûlée.
...
Back in the garden, the major figures of the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates had already taken their positions.
The Revolutionary Army, led by Monkey D. Dragon, stood alongside them.
Beside Dragon were Sabo and Karasu, positioned like silent guards.
Galette stood among her siblings, her gaze drifting repeatedly toward Lloyd.
When she saw him sitting quietly with his head lowered, she let out a subtle breath of relief.
Soon, the Charlotte Family began organizing the seating. Division commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates and officers of the Revolutionary Army were guided to their places.
At the highest table sat the leaders of the three forces, Charlotte Linlin, Edward Newgate, and Monkey D. Dragon.
Once everything was arranged, the Charlotte siblings moved toward their own seats.
Halfway through, Galette suddenly changed direction.
Leading the group, Charlotte Katakuri noticed and called out,
"Galette, where are you going?"
She stopped, then answered without hesitation.
"Brother Katakuri, I spoke with Miss Stussy last night. I plan to sit with her for a while."
Katakuri accepted the explanation and nodded.
Not far away, Brûlée and another sister exchanged knowing smiles.
At Lloyd's table, Stussy watched Galette approach and smiled.
"Miss Galette, will you be joining us?"
Lloyd lifted his head slightly.
"I thought you would not come."
Galette stiffened before replying sharply,
"As if I wanted to. I am only here to make sure you do not cause trouble again."
She sat down beside him without waiting for a response.
A faint chuckle escaped Lloyd.
He gestured toward the main table where Dragon sat between two Emperors, his presence appearing almost subdued in comparison.
"That is Monkey D. Dragon? He looks rather unimpressive."
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