Gion frowned, just as she was about to brush away Jessica's hand pulling at her collar, when Lloyd's voice suddenly rang from behind her.
"What are you lot doing?"
Startled, Gion froze mid-motion. She turned, and for a moment the widening collar exposed a flash of pale pink beneath — but Lloyd did not even glance at that. He ignored Gion entirely, stepping past her to reach Ginny. He patted a stray strand of her pink hair and spoke quietly.
"Hey, silly girl, what's up?"
Ginny flinched and turned her head away, stammering, "N-Nothing!"
Lloyd's tone remained calm, but his words carried a hidden weight. "Then why are you looking down? Finished training for today? Trying to slack off?"
"N-no!" Ginny jumped in place anxiously, then gathered herself and said softly, "Lloyd-san… do you like high heels?"
"High heels?" Lloyd's brow creased in confusion. "Why this question now?"
"Oh — ignore it. Just tell me, do you like them?"
"Hm… they're fine," he replied after a moment, tone almost dismissive. "If you want, I can get you a pair. But boots might suit you better for training."
Ginny's face brightened. "You think boots suit me better? Okay! I'll go with boots then."
Lloyd merely folded his arms and muttered to himself, "Honestly… both kinds of shoes influence movement a lot. For training, I wouldn't recommend either properly."
Ginny ignored the rest of his words. Turning, she made a face at Gion — who lingered behind Lloyd — then grabbed Jessica and fled, as if escaping from a predator. Lloyd watched them go, expression unreadable, then vanished. In the time it took to blink, he was gone.
Gion straightened her collar, her eyes narrowing as she glared after them. She muttered under her breath, "What an impolite man. I don't believe he'll be able to ignore me forever." She glanced toward where Ginny had gone, the corners of her lips curling into a cold smile. "As long as I get close to that Ginny…"
---
Later that evening, Lloyd returned to the dormitory. Akainu and Kuma were away bathing. The only other occupant was Kizaru, who lay comfortably on the upper bunk, lazily peeling a banana and biting into it as though it were fine fruit.
Seeing Lloyd walk in, Kizaru fumbled under his pillow and tossed another banana down. "Here, Lloyd — got some bananas from dinner, take one."
Lloyd caught it with one hand, placed it beside his pillow and replied with a small smile, "No thanks. I just brushed my teeth. I'll eat it in the morning."
Kizaru shrugged, unbothered by anything so trivial.
In this world, there was no cell phone. After tidying his bed, Lloyd sat down to rest — but the purple shell of a Den Den Mushi on the table began to vibrate and ring with a low buzz. This device had been placed there only a few days prior, and their dorm was the only one to have one. Because the four of them had reached the strength level of a Flag Officer, Zephyr-sensei no longer treated them as ordinary cadets. For impromptu missions, he contacted them via this Den Den Mushi.
Akainu wasn't around tonight, but Kizaru muttered without lifting his eyes. "What does the old man want at this hour? Answer it, Lloyd."
Lloyd shrugged and grabbed the Den Den Mushi. The shell glowed faintly, and Zephyr's voice — crisp and commanding — echoed out:
"Is that Lloyd? A member from the World Government requests your presence at the entrance. Go meet him."
Kizaru's ears perked up. Lloyd nodded. "Understood."
He didn't bother changing into formal wear. He threw a jacket on and stepped outside. As he left, Kizaru called after him, "If you're not returning tonight, send word. If something happens, just say so."
Lloyd paused in the doorway and looked back. In the faint light, Kizaru's concern looked unfamiliar but earnest. With a quiet tone he said, "It's fine. Zephyr-sensei told me who it is. Maybe it's a message from my family."
With that, he shut the door behind him.
---
Outside, at the school gates: the guards recognized Lloyd and opened the main doors immediately. As Lloyd stepped out, a shadow detached itself from the darkness behind the gate. A thin figure crept forward, bowing obsequiously.
"Saint Lloyd, sorry for calling you out personally. I feared that if I came inside, your identity might slip before others."
Lloyd raised a hand, dismissive. "Just speak. What is this about?"
The man bowed his head even deeper. "Saint Fingarland Garling requested your presence in Mary Geoise."
Lloyd's eyes narrowed slightly. "Uncle Garling wants to see me? Did he mention why?"
"No, Saint Lloyd. He said only that he wishes to see you in person."
The man's voice shifted into a smooth, flattering tone. "Saint Lloyd, your performance here has already become known to the World Government. I assured them that they should personally assess your potential."
He glared at Lloyd with weak awe. In his mind he mused, As expected of the Figarland heir. This year's batch is guided by Zephyr himself. Their recruits are top-class. And you, Lloyd, you stand out among them like a purple star in crimson night.
He swallowed gloomily. To him, Lloyd was more than a candidate — he was a walking vote of confidence. He dared to dream: to become Lloyd's number-one subordinate.