Galette stared at the chocolate pudding Lloyd handed her. Almost as if she were being controlled, she opened her mouth and took a bite, chewing slowly while glaring at him with clear resentment.
Lloyd ignored her completely.
During the dinner party, he had already assessed several factions beyond the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates. The latter had not appeared at this banquet. As the most honored guests, they were dining separately with Big Mom herself, accompanied by her most valued son, Charlotte Katakuri.
It made no difference to Lloyd. He already knew who the key figures within the Whitebeard Pirates were.
As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Guests who wished to socialize did so freely, while others indulged themselves in food and drink.
Lloyd remained seated, silent and composed. His sharp hearing allowed him to pick up conversations from across the hall.
Several names quietly entered his list of those marked for death.
One of them was Morgans, who was speaking with his subordinate about manufacturing sensational news, including exaggerating the significance of this so called alliance between Emperors.
After completing her duties, Charlotte Brûlée made her way over and sat at Lloyd's table.
Compared to the other tables filled with forced laughter and shallow flattery, Lloyd's table was unusually quiet. For Brûlée, who had been busy the entire evening, it was a rare chance to rest.
The moment she sat down, she sighed and complained to Galette.
"Galette Sister, I regret taking this job. I am exhausted. And thinking about tomorrow's wedding banquet makes it even worse."
Galette softened slightly and tried to comfort her.
"You have worked hard, Brûlée. Just endure a little longer. Mother will notice your efforts, and she may even reward you."
At the mention of their mother, Charlotte Linlin, a strange look flashed through Brûlée's amber eyes. Still, she maintained a pitiful expression and pouted.
"I do not want any reward. I only hope Mother does not punish me for any mistakes."
As she spoke, she hugged herself tightly, as if recalling something unpleasant.
Galette could only sigh. She understood both Linlin's temperament and Brûlée's fears.
Lloyd watched Brûlée with a faint smile.
He knew her behavior was nothing more than a carefully crafted mask. Among the Charlotte siblings, she was one of the most perceptive. Her harsh childhood had taught her how to navigate Linlin's volatile nature to protect herself and secure her position.
Brûlée seemed to notice his gaze and looked up, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Lloyd spoke first.
"Brûlée Miss, greetings."
His deep, steady voice caused a faint blush to appear on her face, though whether it was genuine or not remained unclear.
She quickly responded politely, but Lloyd simply nodded and said nothing further.
Galette pouted.
"Our Mister Zero is as distant as ever."
Without a word, Lloyd picked up a piece of cake with his own fork and placed it on Galette's plate.
Brûlée froze in place, stunned.
She watched as Galette, despite her displeased expression, actually ate the cake.
What was happening?
In the span of a single banquet, had her proud and beautiful sister been completely drawn in by this man?
After Galette finished the cake, Lloyd spoke again in a low voice.
"Galette Miss, I enjoyed our time tonight. I hope we can sit together again at tomorrow's banquet."
Galette, already overwhelmed by the sweetness of the cake, lifted a glass of water to cleanse her palate. However, upon hearing his words, she choked slightly and stared at his white mask, her cheeks flushing.
Realizing her loss of composure, she quickly turned her head away.
"That depends on my mood."
Before she could say anything more, Lloyd had already stood up. He extended his hand toward Stussy.
"It is getting late. We should return."
Stussy cast a playful glance at Galette before placing her hand into Lloyd's. With his assistance, she rose gracefully.
After politely saying her farewells, she naturally wrapped her arm around Lloyd's and walked with him toward the exit, her elegant figure swaying with each step.
Galette and the others watched as the two disappeared from sight.
The moment they were gone, Brûlée and another sister immediately turned toward Galette, their eyes filled with curiosity.
Brûlée's thoughts ran wild.
Could it be that Galette, who had remained single for so long, had finally taken interest in a man, and one whose face she had never even seen?
Unable to endure their stares, Galette slammed her fork onto the table and stood up.
But Brûlée suddenly asked,
"Galette Sister, where are you planning to sit tomorrow?"
Without thinking, Galette blurted out,
"As if I would sit with him."
The moment the words left her mouth, she froze.
That was not what Brûlée had asked.
Seeing the knowing smiles on their faces, Galette's cheeks flushed bright red. In embarrassment, she waved her hands, and two blobs of butter sealed their mouths shut.
Closing her eyes, she crossed her arms and refused to say another word.
Brûlée blinked, already making plans in her mind. Tomorrow, she would find a way to sit at Lloyd's table.
This was far more interesting than the wedding itself.
...
On the way back, Stussy glanced at Lloyd with a faint smile.
"Master, did you have Galette sit beside you so you could protect her?"
Lloyd did not deny it.
"She made a favorable impression. When that man tried to cause trouble earlier, she still chose to support us."
Stussy tilted her head slightly.
"That is true. She is quite fortunate."
Lloyd's lips curved faintly.
"And Charlotte Brûlée, she is a rather special individual."
Stussy's curiosity deepened.
"Special in what way?"
Lloyd looked ahead, his voice steady.
"Have you heard of the Three Eyed Tribe?"