Chapter 58: Good Night, Young Master

###

Garling kept his hands tightly clenched within his sleeves. He suddenly looked at Carl and said,

"Carl, I'm sorry."

Lucia's eyes widened in surprise. Did she hear that right? Garling, actually apologized? What happened while she was gone?

Carl trembled slightly, looking up at Garling with mixed emotions as he whispered,

"It was Darian who hid the truth from you. You didn't know."

Garling shook his head.

"If I had been firmer back then, you wouldn't have suffered in that place… wouldn't have almost died. I—"

"Enough, Uncle Garling. You really don't need to blame yourself. You're my only family. There's nothing for you to feel guilty about."

A small smile appeared on Carl's face, but it only made Garling feel worse.

This was the second time in his life he had ever said, "I'm sorry."

The first time was when he drove a sword through his own father's heart. Back then, his father had smiled at him—so peacefully, so content—yet the only thing Garling could say in return was an apology.

Now, here he was, saying it again.

Garling sank into his chair, murmuring,

"Family…"

Carl turned and gave Lucia a quick wink. She immediately understood. Snapping her fingers, she called in a line of servants carrying dishes, while others stepped forward to place napkins around Garling.

Dinner was a strange affair. Garling was visibly troubled, while Carl made an effort to keep the conversation light, trying to lift his uncle's mood.

Lucia, however, couldn't shake the feeling that their roles were somehow reversed—Carl coaxing Garling like an elder brother comforting a younger sibling, and Garling sulking like a scolded child.

Once the meal was over, Garling left for his chambers, escorted by the servants. Carl and Lucia remained behind in the dining hall.

Though Lucia was curious about what had happened between them, she knew better than to ask. Living in a family like Figarland had taught her that some things were best left unsaid.

Carl rubbed his temples, his exhaustion creeping in.

"Let's go rest, Lucia."

Lucia blushed, murmuring a soft "Mhm" as she removed his napkin, then followed him to his bedroom.

Inside, Carl collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling in a daze.

No matter how composed he had seemed earlier, the memories of his time in the laboratory still haunted him. They had carved deep scars into his heart, ones he rarely acknowledged—even to himself.

Just then, he felt a gentle touch at his feet. Sitting up, he found Lucia kneeling before him, carefully removing his shoes.

He blinked.

"Lucia, it's fine. You should rest. I can undress myself."

But when he tried to pull his feet away, she held on tighter.

Lucia looked up at him with a soft smile.

"It's my duty, Young Master. You didn't object during the day."

"That was just a coat—I didn't take off my shoes. They're dirty."

"What are you saying? Just lie down and leave it to me."

Before Carl could argue further, Lucia moved with surprising speed, slipping off his shoes and reaching for his shirt buttons.

His hand shot up, grabbing hers.

"Wait, Lucia! I'm going to sleep!"

Lucia lifted her gaze.

Carl's breath hitched.

Her eyes glowed with purple flames—**the flames of desire.**

She had used her Devil Fruit ability.

"Lucia… what are you doing?"

Lucia's expression turned sultry, the same seductive look she had worn during their battle earlier. Her actions became bolder.

With a teasing smile, she pushed Carl onto the bed, straddling him as she traced slow circles on his chest with her fingertip.

"Young Master," she purred, her voice dripping with honey, "you're right… it's time to sleep~"

Before Carl could react, Lucia burst into motion, stripping him down to his underwear with astonishing speed.

When she reached for the last barrier of his clothing, Carl finally snapped.

His arm turned jet-black as he activated his **Dark-Dark Fruit** powers, grabbing Lucia by the shoulders.

"Lucia! Wake up!"

Lucia froze.

The flames in her eyes extinguished instantly.

Her gaze became unfocused as she processed what had just happened. Then, as if a switch had flipped, her face turned beet red.

"Y-Young Master, I…"

Before she could finish, her body went limp, and she collapsed against him.

Carl let out a sharp breath.

Lucia's soft form was now pressed against his bare skin, and despite his best efforts, he **felt** it.

Taking a deep breath, he placed a steadying hand on her back.

"Lucia… what just happened? Why did you use your fruit powers?"

Lucia buried her burning face against his chest, her voice barely a whisper.

"I—I'm so sorry, Young Master… I just… I just wanted to be brave, so I used a little bit of my ability… I didn't expect it to be so strong…"

Carl was dumbfounded.

"Brave? What do you need to be brave for? It's not like I'm going to eat you."

Lucia peeked up at him shyly.

"If you wanted to… I wouldn't mind… Over the years, I—I learned some things from the female officers who trained slaves…"

Carl shut his eyes and sighed.

"Lucia, stop thinking about nonsense all the time. We've only been reunited for a day, and Uncle Garling literally just warned me to focus. If he finds out what almost happened tonight, he'll make sure I regret it. And he probably won't let you stay with me anymore, either."

At that, Lucia shot up from the bed, panic flashing across her face.

"No! I finally got to be with you again—I don't want to be separated!"

She hurried to the wardrobe, rummaging through Carl's black formal wear before pulling out a set of black silk pajamas.

Without hesitation, she slipped them on right in front of him. Then, in one swift movement, she dove back onto the bed, curled up against him, and closed her eyes tightly.

"Good night, Young Master~"

Carl exhaled.

He knew better than to argue.

Instead, he just lay back, staring at the ceiling, his mind still buzzing.

**Tomorrow was going to be… interesting.**