Chapter 114

### **Chapter 114**

Darian watched with a gloomy face as Carl left. When their backs disappeared from his sight, he glanced at the deep trench carved into the ground by Garling's sword energy and suddenly laughed.

**"Have you grown stronger again? If I didn't have this fruit, I really don't know where you would have thrown me in the future."**

After a brief silence, his body suddenly liquefied into blood, splashing onto the ground and slowly seeping into the shadows.

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On the other side, Garling sent Carl back to the palace. In that short time, Carl had almost fully recovered, the flames behind his neck burning even more vigorously.

With a thought, his wings dissolved into darkness and retracted into his body.

Seeing that Carl was fine, Garling said, **"Go back and rest well. Darian won't come again."**

Carl suddenly spoke up. **"Uncle Garling, be careful of Darian. The power of the Blood-Blood Fruit is tricky. If it weren't for the Dark-Dark Fruit's ability to suppress other Devil Fruit users, Darian's strength wouldn't have been so limited tonight."**

Garling raised an eyebrow. **"Do you think Darian, with the Blood-Blood Fruit, is stronger than me?"**

**"No, Darian's strength isn't as great as yours, Uncle Garling. But there's no telling if his Blood-Blood Fruit has other strange abilities."**

Carl had fought both men firsthand. Judging from the intensity of their Conqueror's Haki, Darian was far weaker.

Carl only felt the aura of a true "king" from Garling—something Darian lacked. The strength of Conqueror's Haki came from one's will, and the stronger the aura, the more powerful it became. Over time, it only grew stronger.

Ten years ago, Garling might have only been slightly stronger than Darian. But now, the gap between them had widened considerably.

Still, the Blood-Blood Fruit was an unpredictable factor, and Carl knew they both had to be cautious.

Garling nodded. He valued Carl's warning. The combination of Darian and the Blood-Blood Fruit was not to be underestimated.

After exchanging a few more words, Garling headed to his room.

Carl stretched and returned to his own quarters. As soon as he entered, Lucia, who had been waiting for him, approached.

Seeing her, Carl's face lit up. He took out some food he had brought back from Garling's table and said,

**"Lucia, you haven't eaten yet. These were made just for you. Heat them up, and you can enjoy them."**

Lucia had indeed skipped dinner, waiting for Carl. But food wasn't on her mind now. She snuggled up to him and asked softly,

**"Young Master, Saint Garling sent people to seal off the family estate earlier. There was quite a commotion in the central courtyard. I was stopped when I tried to go. What happened?"**

Carl didn't hide anything and told Lucia about his fight with Darian.

Lucia was furious after hearing it and said, **"Has he not given up on you yet? It's hard to believe there could be such a cruel father!"**

Carl smiled. **"Don't mention him. Let's eat first."**

Lucia nodded obediently and called for the servants to heat up the food.

Once the meal was served, Carl leaned his chin on his hand, watching Lucia as she ate.

After dinner, Lucia dismissed the servants and went to prepare a bath for Carl.

Carl extinguished the flames behind his neck and sank into the warm water, closing his eyes to relax.

The bathroom door quietly opened, and Lucia tiptoed in, wrapped in a white towel. She approached the tub, her eyes gleaming with a strange purple hue.

She raised her hand, and the towel slipped to the ground, revealing her alluring figure.

Carl had already opened his eyes. He quietly watched as Lucia stepped into the tub, her smile turning seductive as she moved closer to him.

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