Wanda listened to Lloyd's conclusion and gasped softly, her expression tightening with concern.
"If that's true, then the tribesmen on Zou are in grave danger."
Carrot immediately sprang up from the floor and leapt onto the bed. Her eyes widened with anger as she clenched her fists.
"Joy Boy, that lunatic! Damn it!"
Both Wanda and Carrot turned toward Lloyd at the same time. Carrot did not hesitate, she grabbed one of Lloyd's arms tightly, pressing close to him as urgency filled her voice.
"Ma, Master, please save my tribesmen!"
Wanda's arm around Lloyd's waist tightened unconsciously as well. Lloyd lowered his gaze, briefly observing the two of them before speaking in a steady tone.
"Do not panic. I already promised to preserve a portion of the Mink Tribe. If Joy Boy truly acts as I expect, it will only simplify matters for me."
Wanda leaned gently against his abdomen, her voice soft.
"Master, thank you. Should you return quickly and make preparations?"
Lloyd gave a faint smile.
"That will not be necessary. The military strength of Marineford and Mary Geoise is more than sufficient. Even if something unexpected occurs, I can return at once."
Wanda hesitated slightly.
"Then… what should we do now?"
Lloyd's lips curved subtly.
"We rest."
With that, he pulled the still-stunned Carrot closer with his free arm. Holding both women, he lay back without another word.
Carrot let out a small cry of surprise. She exchanged a glance with Wanda, her face flushing as the confined space beneath the covers grew increasingly warm. Neither of them spoke further, the silence carrying a quiet tension.
The next morning, Carrot slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Wanda, while Lloyd was already gone.
Memories of the previous night surfaced, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks. Avoiding Wanda's gaze, she turned her head slightly and called out in a soft voice.
"Wanda..."
Wanda's eyelashes trembled before she opened her eyes. The moment she saw Carrot's flushed expression, recollection struck her as well. Embarrassment overtook her instantly, her face heating up as she struggled to maintain composure.
Carrot noticed her reaction and quickly turned toward her.
"Wanda, what's wrong?"
Wanda bit her lip lightly and shook her head.
"It's nothing… Carrot, you saw how I behaved last night..."
Carrot pushed herself upright and placed a hand on Wanda's shoulder, her expression unexpectedly serious.
"No. I don't think it's something to laugh at. I only know that Wanda is doing this for everyone on Zou. I've already decided, next time it will be me..."
Before she could finish, Wanda gently pressed a hand over Carrot's lips.
"I'm not as selfless as you think," she said quietly. "What happened last night… it wasn't only for the tribe. I chose it myself."
Carrot blinked, confusion evident.
"Wanda… you..."
Wanda smiled faintly and reached up to stroke Carrot's rabbit ears.
"Before leaving Zou, I never imagined a man like Master could exist. To stand at his side… I don't see that as a burden. Even if I have not fully reached that point yet."
Carrot fell silent, sitting there in a daze as she processed Wanda's words.
At that moment, the door opened, and Lloyd entered the room.
Wanda turned her head toward him without hesitation, her posture relaxed.
"Master, you've returned."
Lloyd glanced briefly at Carrot's distracted expression before speaking.
"I have already informed Rosinante. We will be returning to Marineford shortly."
He walked to the bedside and sat down. As he raised his arm, Wanda naturally leaned into him, her demeanor completely at ease.
Lloyd tapped her lightly on the nose.
"What's wrong with this rabbit? Standing there absent-minded so early in the morning."
Wanda reached out and flicked Carrot's forehead. Carrot jolted slightly, snapping back to her senses.
Looking at Wanda resting comfortably in Lloyd's embrace, a complicated expression crossed Carrot's face.
"Wanda… after all of this is over, will you return to Zou?"
Wanda blinked in surprise.
"Of course. That is my home."
"I mean…"
Carrot shook her head abruptly, unable to finish her thought, leaving Wanda puzzled.
Lloyd spoke at that moment.
"What is it, little rabbit? Do you think I would restrict Wanda's freedom?"
Carrot pursed her lips and gave a small nod.
Lloyd's smile deepened slightly.
"Only those under me can truly be called the freest in this world. Understand what that means."
Carrot's ears twitched as she lowered her voice.
"Why are you talking about freedom too? That man Joy Boy used those same words to mislead Pedro and the others..."
A sharp flick landed on her forehead.
"Ah!"
Carrot clutched her head, her eyes watering as she looked at Lloyd.
"Do not compare me to him. The so-called freedom he preaches is nothing more than empty rhetoric, something that only fools would follow, like that Pedro you mentioned."
At the mention of Pedro, Wanda's expression darkened slightly.
"Pedro has been consumed by hatred. In his eyes, revenge is everything. Even if it costs the entire Mink Tribe, he would not hesitate."
Lloyd responded indifferently.
"He seeks vengeance for Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. An overestimation of his own worth."
Wanda lowered her gaze.
"Master, Pedro is still the ruler of the Mink Tribe. He is determined to follow Joy Boy. If this continues, more of our people will be dragged into the coming conflict..."
Lloyd gently brushed his hand across Wanda's back before standing up.
"They will not remain active much longer. I have already deduced when they intend to act."
Both Wanda and Carrot straightened immediately, their attention fixed on him.
Lloyd turned his head slightly, his gaze shifting toward the sunlight streaming through the window.
"Joy Boy is waiting," he said quietly, "for the full moon."