The strange Devil Fruit instantly caught Lloyd's attention because it had two cherries on it, one red and the other purple — an unusual sight that set it apart from all others.
Rosward was about to tell Lloyd the names of the three Devil Fruits before them, but Lloyd was already one step ahead. He pointed at the cherry fruit and asked with detached curiosity, "This one is called the Sweet Fruit, right?"
Rosward blinked twice, surprised that someone could recognize such a rare Devil Fruit on first sight. He quickly answered, "That's right… it is the Sweet Fruit. It's usually considered suitable for women. I saw you just purchased—"
Lloyd lifted his gaze slightly. A brief scarlet gleam flickered in his eyes, and Rosward abruptly stopped speaking.
Two banana-shaped Devil Fruits laid beside the Sweet Fruit. Just by their appearance, it was obvious they were Zoan-type Devil Fruits — most likely the Snake-Snake Fruits that belonged to Empress Hancock's sisters.
Without hesitation, Lloyd reached out, waved his hand over the three Devil Fruits, and collected them into his dark bible.
Under Rosward's anxious stare, Lloyd said with cool indifference, "Not bad. I'll take these Devil Fruits. You may leave."
Upon hearing this, Rosward felt as if he had been spared a grave disaster. He struggled to his feet, thanking Lloyd profusely, as though Lloyd had granted him some tremendous favor.
Only when Lloyd's face showed clear impatience did Rosward nod hurriedly, and with the help of a suited aide, rushed out, leaving piles of fallen Berries scattered across the ground.
Neither Garling nor Lloyd had mentioned taking the money, but they also hadn't said not to take it, so Rosward didn't dare question it. More importantly, he only cared about easing the Figarland Family's wrath.
Lloyd watched Rosward disappear through the doorway and then quietly shook his head, a faint chuckle escaping him.
"I didn't expect someone like him to surprise me a little."
Garling, seated behind him with tea in hand, set down his cup and asked, "It looks like you're particularly fond of that so-called Sweet Fruit. Does it have some special ability?"
Lloyd turned toward him with a teasing tilt to his lips. "Yes. Its ability is as interesting as its appearance. What do you say, Uncle Garling? Want to try it? Devil Fruits that catch my interest are never useless."
Garling smiled calmly. "I'm sure it's a fine fruit, but I just don't like the name. You said it's good for women."
"That's just prejudice, Uncle Garling," Lloyd replied, voice cool but playful. "Since when did Devil Fruits start dividing between men and women? Maybe if you ate this, you could charm that kid Shanks into returning and acknowledging his roots."
"Brat… you—"
Lloyd burst into hearty laughter and blinked out of sight from the spot.
…
Lloyd stayed in the Family territory for over a month. Finally, Kong at Marine Headquarters had enough. He called the World Government to confirm Lloyd's whereabouts and learned that Lloyd had been in Mary Geoise all this time.
From Kong's perspective, Lloyd had been out of contact ever since he left Cake Island. The fact that Lloyd's den den mushi was unreachable was driving Kong insane.
In truth, it was Lloyd's own fault. Every time he returned to the Family territory, he grew too comfortable and forgot to report back, his sleeping hours lengthening with each passing day.
If Kong hadn't seen a newspaper headlined "Black Dragon Rampages on Cake Island", he might have genuinely sent forces to search for Lloyd.
Once Kong confirmed Lloyd was alive, he exhaled heavily. Although he had been frustrated by Lloyd's "disappearance," he didn't blame him.
After all, Lloyd had once again made a tremendous contribution. According to reports, Cake Island had been nearly destroyed by Lloyd, and Charlotte Linlin had lost many children — news that alone was enough to satisfy most Marines.
After asking about Lloyd's situation, Kong ordered him to return to Marine Headquarters when he was free. Lloyd was now the undisputed face of the Navy.
As a dutiful Marine, Lloyd prepared to depart after receiving orders from his superior.
Before leaving, he called Monet and Sugar to his side and spoke to them with a tone strangely like that of an old father.
"I have to return to the Navy," he said. "While I'm gone, listen to your teacher and study hard."
Monet and Sugar nodded obediently, but reluctance showed clearly in their eyes — especially Monet's.
She felt that being captured by pirates had been fortunate, because life now felt like paradise compared to before, not only in material comfort but also in how people treated them.
Although they were technically slaves, they felt no sense of degradation here. Everyone around them treated them kindly.
Monet knew in her heart that it was because they belonged to Lloyd.
She no longer resisted being a slave. In fact, she secretly hoped to become the Young Master's favorite slave.
When she learned Lloyd was leaving, Monet lifted her eyes and said, voice trembling, "Young Master, please don't forget about me and Sugar. If possible, please come back often to see us."
Sugar nodded vigorously in agreement.
Lloyd looked at the two girls and shook his head with a slight smile.
"I don't have many slaves total," he said. "How could I forget about you? Besides, this is my home — I'll return often."
Monet's face brightened, her features softening into a sweet smile.
Just then, someone entered to report, "Saint Lloyd. A man named Spandine is outside looking for you."
Lloyd raised a brow. "Let him come in."
"Yes."
A short time later, Spandine was led into Lloyd's chamber by two Golden Armored Guards.
When he saw Lloyd, Spandine immediately wore his usual ingratiating grin, then dropped to his knees.
Because this was Figarland Family territory, Spandine didn't have to hide anything from Lloyd anymore.
"Saint Lloyd! Long time no see! This humble one truly has missed you!"
His overly sweet words made Monet and Sugar shiver beside Lloyd. Lloyd waved his hand with mild exasperation.
"Alright, get up. What do you need?"
Spandine rose, still leaning forward in his usual obsequious stance.
"Saint Lloyd," he began, "the woman named Olvia that you asked me to keep an eye on… some of her recent actions have crossed the red line. Should action be taken against her?"