Lloyd's words, carrying an unmistakable warning, made everyone shiver once more.
He narrowed his eyes, scanning the group, then let out a sudden, low laugh. "Yare Yare, it seems I frightened you. My apologies."
The laugh rang a few times, but seeing that no one had relaxed, a faint frown appeared on his face.
Olvia's pupils constricted at the subtle change in Lloyd's expression. She stepped forward quickly, forcing a laugh and saying, "It really does make one feel safe having an Admiral by your side, don't you think?"
The others, not wanting to seem cowardly, followed her lead. Awkward smiles spread across their faces as they echoed her words.
Lloyd's frown eased slightly. Olvia quietly exhaled in relief, and she slowly approached him, bowing respectfully. "Black Dragon Admiral, you haven't told us why you sought us out."
Lloyd waved a hand dismissively. "It's not urgent. I heard you are heading to Alabasta for an investigation. I can accompany you. My own business can wait until after your investigation is complete."
Olvia's heart skipped. She dared not let Lloyd follow them so easily. "No need, Admiral. It's a simple investigation. Your matters are far more important. Just let us know if we can assist in any way."
Lloyd's lips curved into a small, approving smile. "You don't need all these people. You alone are enough. There's a ruin I discovered, and I need someone capable of interpreting ancient texts inside it."
Olvia's eyes brightened at the mention of ruins. Archaeology wasn't just her profession—it was her passion, an obsession she couldn't resist.
"Black Dragon Admiral," she asked carefully, "you just said you weren't interested in history. Why seek someone to interpret ancient writings?"
Lloyd crossed his arms, a faint half-smile on his lips. "Olvia, your thirst for knowledge can lead you into mistakes far too easily."
Her expression froze. His words, always so pointed, made her, already feeling guilty, even more uneasy.
Observing Olvia's apprehension, Lloyd allowed himself a brief smirk. That Aokiji fancies scaring young girls like Robin, but I— he thought with dark amusement—am ahead of him, frightening Robin's mother directly.
After indulging in that little internal jest, Lloyd continued. "But I can tell you. There is something of interest inside the ruin, and I need it removed intact."
Olvia didn't press further. She nodded eagerly. "Understood. I'd be happy to help. Shall we depart now?"
"There's no rush. You can't leave this boatload of people behind. Simply tell them what you need done."
"Then I'll have them return to Ohara."
"Hmm? Aren't you here on an investigation? Let them wait in Alabasta. I can return you there quickly."
"Uh… alright."
Olvia issued a few brief instructions to the others, her words and movements cautious in front of Lloyd. They were nothing more than practical guidance.
Finally, she turned back to him. "Black Dragon Admiral, we are ready to depart."
Lloyd nodded, replying simply, "Mhm."
Then, in an instant…
Whoosh!
A pair of immense black wings unfurled from Lloyd's back. Before anyone could react, he scooped Olvia into his arms. A powerful gust of wind erupted from his wings, sending the remaining scholars sprawling across the deck.
When they recovered, Lloyd had vanished.
Someone muttered in awe, "Are all Admirals monsters…"
High above the sea, Lloyd cut through the clouds, carrying Olvia swiftly, until they landed on his warship. His speed was incomprehensible; Olvia hadn't even had time to react before she found herself on the deck, surrounded by Navy soldiers saluting him.
These were no ordinary soldiers. Every Marine Headquarters operative was elite, their prowess far beyond what civilians could imagine.
Lloyd's warship was an Admiral-class vessel, guarded by specially chosen troops. Their collective presence did nothing to faze him, but Olvia instinctively leaned closer, her heart racing.
Looking at his youthful face, she couldn't help but sigh. To wield such power at under twenty years of age… he was truly a favored son of fate.
Lucia stepped forward, saluted, then glanced at Olvia before approaching Lloyd. Olvia's eyes widened slightly—she recognized the Rear Admiral insignia on Lucia's shoulders. "You are the Fallen Angel Lucia from the Navy Supernovas!" she whispered in disbelief.
Lucia's expression remained impassive. "Yes. Hello."
To anyone other than Lloyd, she was always reserved.
Olvia realized her earlier words had been impolite and hurriedly apologized. "I'm sorry, Rear Admiral Lucia. I didn't mean any disrespect. Please allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is—"
"Nico Olvia. The Black Dragon Admiral mentioned you before leaving," Lucia interrupted smoothly.
Lucia then turned to face Lloyd, her expression softening into a bright, captivating smile that contrasted sharply with her prior stoicism.
"Cousin, you're back!"
Lloyd neither denied nor affirmed the term. He reached out, stroked Lucia's smooth black hair, and chuckled. "Mhm. Dr. Olvia, you were invited by me. Now, we can set off for Sleepy Ancient Town."
Lucia nodded obediently, issuing commands to the soldiers. They moved with precise efficiency—some taking positions along the deck's edge, others steering the warship toward Sleepy Ancient Town.
Olvia's gaze flicked between Lloyd and Lucia. Although Lucia had called him 'cousin,' her instincts, sharp from years of experience, whispered that their connection was far deeper than that.
Even the knowledgeable Olvia, usually so composed, remained silent this time. She had been truly unsettled by Lloyd today, and she wasn't ready to question anything else.
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