Saint Fingarland had always held his nephew in high regard. As one of the elite among the Celestial Dragons, his influence spread across the World Government. The moment he uncovered Lloyd's location, the two never lost contact for six long years. Even as Lloyd readied himself to eliminate the king, Saint Fingarland sent him a single line in a letter: "Choose your own path. Remember, the Figarland Family stands behind you."
His status within the family was unshakeable. Not even the eldest son, Saint Figarland Gulando, could sway his will. Saint Garling had reservations about Gulando's previous experiments — experiments so reckless they resulted in what everyone believed was Lloyd's death. By the time word reached him, it was already too late. Now that a chance to redeem the family's honor had emerged, he refused to let it slip away.
Originally, Saint Fingarland Garling had hoped Lloyd would return to the family estate. Lloyd refused. The Figarland Family revered strength, and Lloyd wished not only to become stronger but to surpass everyone in the family. His ultimate goal was to destroy the monster who called himself his father with his own hands.
Evening fell. Ivan, who had spent the day wandering outside, returned to the church. He spotted Lloyd, Kuma, and Ginny seated on the sofa, their expressions unusually calm. Something about the atmosphere made his head shrink, and he asked weakly, "Were you waiting for me? What happened?"
Ginny leaped from the sofa, placed a hand on her hip, pointed at Ivan, and scolded him sharply. "Ivan san, where were you wandering so late again?" Her voice echoed in the room.
Ivan's large eyes widened. He raised his hands dramatically as he spoke, "Haven't you heard? The King is gone!"
Despite the explosive nature of his claim, Lloyd, Kuma, and Ginny showed no reaction. Ginny simply sighed.
Lloyd closed the Bible in his hands and smiled quietly. "He has already returned to God," he answered.
Ivan's throat went dry. He made a slashing motion at his neck and whispered hoarsely, "You mean… the King was taken by you?"
Lloyd nodded.
For a moment Ivan spun in place, hands raised, shouting with twisted glee, "I always hated that bastard King! Just like you, Lloyd san! Hehehe!" He spun toward Lloyd and threw a dangerous wink.
Ginny slapped Ivan hard and sent him rolling across the floor.
Lloyd's calm smile remained unchanged, though a single bead of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. He flipped through a few pages of the Bible absentmindedly. Over the years, he had used these old texts stored in the church not only for faith but to temper his nature and sharpen his control.
Six years ago, when something within him triggered, he awakened the genes of the Mink Tribe — but those alone did not cause his near-collapse. His body carried multiple powerful racial genes tangled together. Once awakened, they threatened to overwhelm his mind, making him lose control, threatening to harm those he cared about, even Kuma and the others.
That fear had driven him to restrain himself, to cultivate calm through reading and discipline.
Lloyd snapped the Bible shut. His expression hardened. "News of the King's disappearance is already spreading. The World Government will act soon. It will only be a matter of time before the Navy launches an investigation."
Kuma pressed his paw pads together thoughtfully. "So we will be at war with the Navy, right?"
Ginny reached into her clothes and pulled out a gold-plated pistol — a birthday gift Lloyd had secretly acquired for her during his time inside the palace. She never left it behind, except when bathing.
That pistol was more than a trinket. Many nobles had tried to treat Ginny as a possession because of her appearance. Some even used violence. But Ginny was no delicate flower. She spent her youth walking through hellish gates in God Valley. She had seen the cruelty of the world at a young age. Under Lloyd's tutelage, she learned strength mattered above all. Over time she became deadly accurate with that pistol.
Ivan, too, was not idle. His training in Okama Kenpo had already begun to take shape.
The three stood before Lloyd, eagerness and tension etched on their faces. Lloyd allowed himself a quiet laugh. "Do not be so anxious. I am not asking you to fight the Navy to death. I am offering a path — join the Navy with me."
For a moment they all froze. Ginny was the first to react after a long pause, her face clouded with concern. "I will go wherever you go, Lloyd," she said. "But we were once slaves. What if someone finds out?"
Lloyd reached out, tapped Ginny gently on the forehead, and said simply, "You forget — I am a Celestial Dragon. With me by your side, no one dares touch you."
She nodded solemnly, grasped his hand, determination shining in her eyes. "Then I will follow you. Six years ago I said we would never separate."
Kuma raised his paw in quiet agreement. Only Ivan remained quiet, head lowered. Lloyd did not push him. Instead he watched silently.
Ginny could not hold back. She grabbed Ivan's ear and shouted, "Ivan! What are you thinking? Don't you want to join us?"
For a long moment Ivan stayed silent. Then he lifted his head slowly, an unusual seriousness in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I don't think I'm fit for the Navy. I love freedom. I love the sea."
A shadow passed across Ginny's face. She opened her mouth to protest, but Lloyd raised a hand gently, silencing her.
Lloyd bore no resentment toward Ivan's choice. Everyone has their own ambitions. He would not force them. Besides, he had already anticipated this outcome. Though regret flickered for a moment in his eyes, he nodded understandingly.
He placed a steady hand on Ivan's shoulder and offered a calm, sincere smile. "It's alright. We will always remain friends. One day, we will meet again on the Sea."
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