Under Spandine's constant urging, Rear Admiral Babs finally spoke, though hesitation colored his voice.
"I am sorry, but I cannot make that decision. If you wish to enter Marine Headquarters, you must first report to the recruitment office. Admiral Zephyr, now working as an instructor, oversees all new recruit selection and training."
The mention of Admiral Zephyr immediately cooled even Spandine's arrogance. Zephyr was known across the Marines for his rigid discipline and uncompromising nature. In Spandine's view, Zephyr was the type you could never negotiate with.
But his strength was undeniable. He had once stood among the Marine Admirals. Spandine did not underestimate him. He felt bold enough to bark at someone like Babs, but Zephyr was not someone he could bluster in front of so easily.
He sneaked a look at Lloyd. Lloyd's expression was calm, unreadable, almost indifferent. In fact, there was even a faint smile tugging at his lips.
To Spandine, that smile could only mean two possibilities. Either Lloyd possessed terrifying self-control and remained composed even when denied something… or Lloyd did not consider Babs worthy of his attention at all, confident in the superiority of the Figarland lineage.
Although Lloyd behaved nothing like the typical Celestial Dragons Spandine had met, he still leaned toward the second explanation. Because the Figarland Family could do whatever they wanted.
Thinking of Saint Garling's overwhelming authority, Spandine's fear of Zephyr evaporated instantly. After all… Zephyr was only a Marine Admiral. Compared to the Figarland Family, even the current Fleet Admiral Kong shrank in influence.
Just recalling Saint Fingarland's attitude toward Lloyd was enough to make Spandine straighten his spine. He raised his chin proudly and jabbed a finger toward Babs.
"Mr. Lloyd choosing to join the Marines is an honor for your Navy. Don't be ungrateful. You said Zephyr, correct? Hand me the den den mushi. I will speak to him personally. I want to see if he dares refuse an order from the World Government."
Babs was shocked that Spandine still had this level of confidence after hearing the name Zephyr. But he had already spoken. With no way to retreat, he reached into his pocket to take out the snail.
Before he could, Lloyd's hand pressed lightly against his arm.
"There is no need," Lloyd said calmly. "Procedures must be followed. Simply escort me and my companions to Marine Headquarters."
His tone was steady, cool, and absolute. He then gave Spandine a brief nod, which nearly moved Spandine to tears.
This also provided Babs the opening he needed. Recognizing Lloyd's intent, he immediately agreed and declared he would guarantee their safe passage.
Behind them, Kuma glanced toward the large wooden cross at the center of the church, worry flickering in his eyes.
Lloyd caught it instantly. He motioned for Spandine to approach and whispered something quietly into his ear. Spandine nodded repeatedly, almost enthusiastically.
Then Lloyd gave Ivan's shoulder a firm pat, called to Kuma and Ginny, and followed Babs out through the church door they had known for six long years.
Ivan remained frozen in place for a few moments before running after them, emotion tightening his throat. He shouted toward the fading figures,
"Lloyd, thank you! And Kuma, Ginny chan! Take care of yourselves!"
Lloyd did not turn back. Only a subtle smile appeared on his lips. He placed a steadying hand on Ginny's shoulder, since she was already sobbing softly beside him, then addressed Kuma.
"Kuma, your thoughts are with those old people?"
Kuma froze for a moment, startled that Lloyd read his mind so cleanly, and nodded.
"Yes. They are elderly, frail, and unable to work. If they fall ill… they have no Berries for treatment…"
Lloyd stopped walking and looked directly into Kuma's eyes, speaking with a calm seriousness.
"Kuma, there are countless people in this world who live like they do. You cannot protect everyone. Their suffering is not caused by you. You should not carry guilt for what you cannot change."
Kuma lowered his head silently. He understood the logic. But after living among those old villagers for so long, leaving them now filled him with a heavy reluctance.
Lloyd's expression softened slightly, the faintest curve at his lips.
"Do not worry, Kuma. I have already arranged something for them. Look behind you. Spandine did not follow us, correct?"
"Huh?"
Back inside the church, the nobles and ministers of the Sorbet Kingdom stood with their heads bowed, looking like frightened schoolchildren before Spandine.
Spandine, now a completely different person from the trembling servant he had been before Lloyd, held a cigar between his fingers and paced arrogantly.
"You people are truly useless," he snapped. "You cannot even manage a small kingdom properly. How is it that so many elderly citizens cannot afford medical treatment?"
The two men in suits behind him exchanged puzzled glances. They knew Spandine well. He had never cared about the suffering of commoners a single day in his life. Something was definitely off.
One minister spoke timidly.
"Spandine sama, w-we did not want things to be this way. Former King Beckley kept raising taxes for the sake of…"
"Enough!" Spandine waved irritably. "I do not want excuses. If King Beckley was incompetent, then replace him."
"Oh… Alrigh– What?!"
The ministers froze in disbelief as Spandine blew out a lazy puff of smoke.
"That settles it. I heard the former king, Bulldog, is still alive. I also heard he is far more capable. Restore him to the throne."
"But Spandine sama, changing the king of an affiliated nation requires approval from Mary Geoise. I am not sure if—"
"Do you think I don't know the rules?" Spandine snapped.
Everyone quietly thought yes, he absolutely did not know the rules, but none dared say it aloud.
In truth, Spandine had no authority to appoint or remove a king. But he only made such a bold decision because Lloyd had instructed him personally.
Thinking of Lloyd, Spandine's expression brightened fanatically. He tossed aside his cigar and wiped the ashes onto a minister's clothing.
"This is the will of Lloyd sama. He is the sky, and his words are absolute. You only need to obey. Everything else is none of your concern."
With that, Spandine turned sharply and strode away with his two suited attendants, confidence radiating from him like a man who suddenly believed he ruled the world.