Chapter 106: The Lie Takes Root
The memory of Chief of Staff Tsuru's fierce, protective demeanor in Mary Geoise flashed in Ian's mind, sending a fresh chill down his spine. If Peacock had actually been injured yesterday, Tsuru's wrath would have been apocalyptic. She had nearly exposed Figarland Garling's deepest secrets just for a perceived slight. If Ian had truly wronged her granddaughter, would he even be breathing today?
That scene reaffirmed a core principle in Ian's heart: never, ever get physically involved with a woman who has such powerful family backing.
…..
The next morning, Ian awoke and first used his enhanced sensory abilities to conduct a swift, psychic sweep of the naval base. Confirming that the night had passed without any gossip or incidents, and that all was secure, he finally relaxed.
He slowly opened the door and stepped out of Peacock's room...
Holding a small mirror, he examined his neck and collar area with a critical eye, muttering to himself with a mix of weariness and conviction: "I told you my principle couldn't be wrong... you should never engage in a rematch with the same woman in one night! Look at this stubborn hickey, it's going to take days to fade!"
He put the mirror away and adjusted his high-collared jacket, doing his best to conceal the lingering evidence of the previous night's... negotiations.
Following his discussions with the Five Elders, his departure preparations began this morning. He had a crucial task to complete before heading to the New World: a return trip to the deep-sea prison, Impel Down.
…..
At noon, within a cozy office on Impel Down's first level, Domino and Little Sadie had gathered as usual, this time with a spread of delicious food and fine wine. Their guest, as had become customary, was their "good sister," the Gifter Speed.
"Oh my god, have you seen the newspapers, Speed?!" Domino exclaimed, sliding a plate of roasted meat towards the blushing prisoner. "Your boyfriend, Major General Ian... no, he should be Lieutenant General Ian now! Another promotion! It's so rapid! This time, he took down the pirates who killed a Celestial Dragon. That's another monumental achievement! Speed, I truly envy you for having such an outstanding man."
Pfft!
"L-Lieutenant General?" Speed stammered, almost choking on her wine. "Is it really that easy to get promoted at Marine Headquarters? My dear Ian... I knew he could do it. Why else would I have fallen for him?"
She grabbed the newspaper from the table, her eyes wide as she scanned the article. Domino's words had genuinely shocked her. The rank of Lieutenant General was a world apart from Rear Admiral. Upon reaching Vice Admiral, one became part of the absolute core of the Marine Headquarters. Speed had never imagined that the "meal ticket" she had fabricated would achieve such heights at such a young age.
"Mmmmm, he's so cool!" Little Sadie sighed, gazing dreamily at Ian's picture in the paper. "I get jealous of Speed every time I see this. Since Speed can't leave Impel Down anyway... do you think there's a chance for me to get in touch with Lieutenant General Ian? If a girl found a Lieutenant General as her man, she'd be set for life, right?"
"That won't do!" Speed retorted hastily, the meat in her mouth forgotten. If Little Sadie actually met Ian, the entire persona Speed had painstakingly built would come crashing down! She remembered all too clearly the harsh treatment and frequent interrogations other prisoners on Level 1 endured. The life of luxury and ease she'd secured by riding on Ian's coattails was something she had grown deeply accustomed to, even addicted to.
Even a lie, once frozen solid by repetition, could be passed off as ice cream. Speed didn't have any malicious intent; she just didn't want her ice cream to melt so soon.
"Hmm? Why not?" Domino and Little Sadie asked in unison, giving her questioning looks.
Speed's mind raced. "Because... because Ian said he only loves me!" she blurted out. "Yes, that's it! That's the promise we made to each other. Do you two understand the power of a promise? It's obvious you sisters have never been in true love. A vow between lovers won't be easily broken! Now that Ian has become a Lieutenant General, with his abilities... he'll surely find a way to come and get me soon. So, Little Sister Sadie, you can't steal my love!"
She finally found a reason that sounded somewhat plausible. As long as no one from Impel Down actually met Lieutenant General Ian, she could wear the cloak of his "rumored girlfriend" forever.
Click-clack!
The sound of a key turning in the office lock echoed from outside.
"Wha-What?!" Speed yelped, jumping to her feet and scrambling into a corner. Since their "secret gatherings" began, it had always been just the three of them. Speed would always regale the two jailers with new, fabricated chapters of her love story. They had never been interrupted.
Little Sadie and Domino stood up cautiously, exchanging worried glances. "Wasn't the door locked from our side?"
"Yes. Besides us, only the Warden has a spare key..."
"..."
"Warden Magellan!"
"It must be the Warden!"
The two women whispered to each other, guessing the identity of their visitor.
Click...
The door swung open, and a familiar, impossibly timely voice filled the room.
Speed: "Ah! Lieutenant General Ian!!"
Little Sadie: "Ah! Lieutenant General Ian!!"
Domino: "Ah! Lieutenant General Ian!!"
The three women shrieked in perfect, stunned harmony. The man whose picture they had just been admiring in the newspaper was now standing in the doorway. The shock was overwhelming.
"Ah... ah..." Speed felt tears welling in her eyes, her legs trembling uncontrollably. It's over! It's all over! I'm finished! The ice cream... it's completely melted!
"Oh my God, am I dreaming?" Domino whispered, her cheeks flushing as she covered her face in disbelief. The long, elaborate love story Speed had woven over weeks seemed to have manifested in the most tangible way possible.
Speed: "!!!"
Little Sadie, however, recovered quickly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She eagerly hopped over to Ian's side, bowed deeply, and said with fervent hope, "Lieutenant General Ian! Welcome to Impel Down! Is it... is it true? Have you finally come to take Speed away?"
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