Chapter 340: Arranged Marriage

Shalria's words hit Carl like a bolt of lightning, leaving him completely stunned.

Could it be… Uncle Garling is looking to remarry?

No, that can't be right!

Knowing Uncle Garling's personality, he'd never have such an idea. That leaves only one possibility…

Uncle Garling is picking a wife for him!

After speaking, Shalria didn't dare look at Carl. She lowered her head, acting like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

Carl stood there in a daze, saying nothing.

Meanwhile, Pudding was peeking out from behind Carl, clearly enjoying the drama as she observed Carl and Shalria with great interest.

After who knows how long, Carl finally snapped out of his stupor. Looking down at Shalria's bubble helmet, he said slowly,

"You. Come back with me."

With that, Carl brushed past Shalria and strode toward the Figarland family estate.

If it weren't for Shalria's poor physical condition, Carl might have used Kamui to transport them directly. But he couldn't.

After all, he also had Pudding to consider. Carl's version of Kamui couldn't carry people. A human body simply couldn't endure the pure darkness of the void. Even Logia users capable of elemental transformation couldn't survive there, as the void suppressed Devil Fruit abilities entirely.

Using the Dark-Dark Fruit's Kamui on someone else would turn them into a pile of spare parts.

Carl walked ahead with a grim expression, while Shalria and Pudding jogged to keep up.

By the time they reached the gates of the Figarland estate, Shalria was completely out of breath, leaning on her knees and gasping for air.

Pudding, on the other hand, was faring much better. Although drenched in sweat, she wasn't as visibly exhausted. As a member of the Charlotte family, she at least had decent stamina.

The golden-armored guards at the gate immediately knelt on one knee upon seeing Carl. Carl instructed one of them to escort Pudding to his quarters. Then he turned to glance at the still-recovering Shalria.

With a sigh, Carl walked over, grabbed Shalria, and slung her over his shoulder.

Shalria let out a startled yelp as a strong gust of wind rushed past her face. In the blink of an eye, she found herself at the entrance to Garling's residence.

She recognized the place immediately, having been here before.

Carl carried Shalria into Garling's quarters, his posture making Garling pause in surprise as the two locked eyes.

The silence was finally broken when Shalria, her face flushed with embarrassment, exclaimed,

"Saint Carl! Put me down at once! This is highly improper!"

Her words weren't meant to criticize Carl but herself, as the position she was in—facing away from Garling—was indeed undignified.

Carl ignored her protests, gently setting her down.

Once steady, Shalria hastily tidied her slightly disheveled clothing and removed her bubble helmet, holding it to her chest as she bowed respectfully to Garling.

"Saint Garling!"

Garling nodded slightly before turning to Carl.

"Carl, what's going on? Why did you bring Shalria here?"

"I ran into her on the way back," Carl replied with a shrug. "She said she's been visiting our family often and that you seem quite satisfied with her. Is that true, Uncle Garling?"

Garling chuckled.

"Indeed. Would she dare lie to you?"

Carl glanced at Shalria, who shrank back slightly and whispered,

"Saint Carl, I spoke the truth…"

Carl frowned but said, "Alright, I understand. You go take a walk outside. I need to speak with Uncle Garling."

Shalria had no objection to being dismissed and responded softly,

"Of course, Saint Carl. You and Saint Garling must have much to discuss. I'll take my leave."

With that, she bowed and retreated a few steps before turning to leave.

But before she made it far, Carl added,

"Not leave—just take a stroll nearby. I'll come find you later."

Shalria froze for a moment, then looked back at Carl with surprise and joy. She nodded vigorously.

"I understand, Saint Carl!"

She dashed out as if afraid Carl might change his mind.

Watching her retreating figure, Carl turned back to Garling, who preemptively said,

"Don't look at me like that. I know what you want to ask. Shalria is the wife I've chosen for you."

Though he had suspected it, hearing it confirmed still left Carl taken aback.

"Uncle Garling, you're arranging a marriage for me now?"

Garling rolled his eyes.

"Sit down first."

Carl walked over and sat on the sofa opposite Garling.

Garling crossed his arms and said,

"You're not getting any younger. It's time for you to marry."

Hearing this, Carl couldn't help but feel like Garling had been possessed by some meddling elder from Earth. It was the same old "time to settle down" rhetoric.

Carl bristled.

"But I was asleep for twenty-two years!"

Garling snorted.

"So what? Does that mean those years don't count? Even without them, you're still of marrying age!"

"But why Shalria? With her physique, I'd have to constantly worry about breaking her!"

"That just means your foundation is lacking. If you can't even control your strength, then you can go train in the practice hall for six months!"

"…Fine. But I'd prefer Lucia as my wife."

Garling shook his head.

"That's not possible. I know you like her, but her status means she can't be your main wife. She can only be a concubine."

Carl fell silent, his lips tightening.

Garling sighed.

"Carl, this concerns the honor and legacy of our family. Shalria was the best candidate I could find in Mary Geoise, both in terms of appearance and temperament."

For a moment, a trace of sadness flashed across Garling's face.

"You only need one Celestial Dragon as your main wife. You can do as you please with others, but one thing: no children with them."

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