Chapter 53: Doflamingo

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As they left the training room, Garling strode ahead, his expression dark. Lucia followed behind Carl, her face flushed red.

Carl, on the other hand, remained calm, lost in thought as he recalled what had just happened.

Wrapped in countless soft black feathers, Lucia had kissed him passionately. He had kept his eyes open the entire time, watching her until she finally released her fruit ability.

As the *Flame of Desire* burned out, Lucia's purple eyes regained clarity—only to find Carl staring at her intently.

Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she had fainted in his arms, leaving Carl to struggle for quite some time to wake her up.

After witnessing all this, Garling made a firm decision—these two were *never* sparring again.

Now, walking ahead in silence, his frustration was palpable.

Carl glanced at Lucia, who kept her head down, and teased, "Lucia, your fruit ability really surprised me."

"Master, please don't tease me anymore. I… I…"

A wisp of steam seemed to rise from her head.

Though she still refused to lift her gaze, Carl could see her ears, bright red from embarrassment.

He wasn't done yet. Smirking, he continued, "But I want to hear it again—who did you say you liked the most?"

Lucia nearly buried her face in her chest.

She hummed softly, hesitating. But under Carl's persistent teasing, she finally mumbled, "I like you the most, Master…"

Carl felt oddly satisfied and nodded. "Good enough."

That was the final straw for Garling.

He spun around, roaring, "Enough!"

Lucia yelped in surprise and immediately hid in Carl's arms again.

"…"

Garling's fingers twitched toward the hilt of his sword. He was seriously contemplating enforcing *family law* right then and there.

Carl, blissfully unaware, simply pulled Lucia closer.

Before things could escalate further—

**Buru Buru Buru…**

The sound of a Den Den Mushi echoed through the hall.

Garling frowned and pulled out the snail-like device. This one had a white beard, a scar over its left eye, and an unmistakably stern expression.

As Garling answered, the Den Den Mushi spoke in an aged, authoritative voice.

"Saint Garling, come to the meeting room. A matter requires your arbitration as the leader of the Knights of God."

"What is it?" Garling asked gruffly. "Speak clearly. I'm with my nephew."

The Den Den Mushi's face twisted in shock.

"Nephew? You mean… Carl? You brought him back?!"

"Yes, he's back. Now tell me, what's the issue?"

A brief pause. Then—

"Do you remember Homing of the Donquixote family?"

Garling scoffed. "That complete idiot? Of course. He sent a message not long ago wanting to return to Mary Geoise."

"…He's dead."

Garling's eyes narrowed dangerously. His thumb lightly pushed against the hilt of his sword, just enough for a gleaming sliver of the blade to show.

"How did he die?" His voice was cold. "Who killed him? Hmph… Though he was a fool, Celestial Dragon blood still ran in his veins. No one kills him without *my* permission."

Silence. Then the reply came.

"It was his own son. Doflamingo."

Garling's expression froze.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze—directly at Carl.

Carl spread his hands in exasperation. *What are you looking at me for? I haven't even done anything yet!*

The voice on the Den Den Mushi continued, "Doflamingo has returned with Homing's severed head. He wishes to be reinstated as a Celestial Dragon. It's a complicated matter. We've summoned representatives from other families, and we're waiting for you to discuss this."

"…Understood."

Garling hung up.

Carl tilted his head. "Uncle Garling, who was that?"

"Saint Saturn. You should remember him—he was at the Valley of the Gods. He's one of the Five Elders and oversees the science division. He has a good relationship with our family."

Carl raised an eyebrow. "So you're going to see him now? Take me with you. I'm curious about this Doflamingo."

Garling smirked. "I figured his *methods* would interest you."

Carl chuckled. "Any reason I *shouldn't* go?"

"…Fine. You've barely been in Mary Geoise. It's about time you got familiar with the place. But first—you need to change."

Carl's expression immediately soured. "You mean those ridiculous space suits? No way. They're ugly and bulky. I hate them."

Garling scowled. "Nonsense. You'll wear the *family's* formal attire. It's a symbol of status. Lucia will help you change."

With that, he turned and walked off to prepare himself.

Lucia smiled softly. "Young Master, the formal attire is actually quite elegant. Come on, let me help you."

Carl sighed but relented, following her back to his old room.

Seven years had passed since he had last been here. Yet, the palace remained spotless—especially his bedroom, which was immaculately maintained.

Lucia opened the wardrobe beside his bed, revealing a row of long black trench coats, ranging in sizes from childhood to adulthood.

She pulled out a few that would fit and laid them neatly on the bed.

"Every year, while you were away, I had a few new ones made," she murmured. "Just in case you came back and couldn't find one that fit."

Carl looked at her in surprise.

Lucia had a habit of unintentionally pulling at his heartstrings.

Stepping forward, she began to unbutton his shirt with practiced ease.

"I used to dress you when you were a child," she said softly. "I may be a little rusty, but… I hope you won't mind, Young Master."

Carl studied her. "Lucia… Have you been cleaning my bedroom all these years?"

She nodded. "Yes. It's my duty. Though there are many places to stay in the palace, I thought… you'd still prefer this room, right?"

Carl smiled faintly. "Yeah."

Lucia finished folding his discarded coat before lifting one of the black trench coats. She helped him slip it on, then carefully fastened the buttons.

Carl looked down at her, a sudden thought crossing his mind.

"Lucia."

"Yes, Young Master?"

"If I asked you to stay with me… would you feel like you've lost your freedom?"

Lucia froze for a moment.

Then, slowly, she lifted her head and met his gaze.

After a pause, she pressed her face against his chest and murmured, "How could that be possible? Master… this is my wish."