After settling matters with the Five Elders, Lloyd returned to the Figarland Family estate.
Garling had been waiting. The moment uncle and nephew met, Lloyd calmly recounted everything that had transpired during his audience with Imu. Not a single detail was omitted.
Even Garling, a man rarely shaken, revealed clear astonishment as one revelation followed another.
"That man, Saint Warcury, is truly dead?"
"Yes. His death was gruesome, nothing left but bones. His remains should have already been returned to the Topman Family."
Garling exhaled slowly, shaking his head.
"That old relic… to think he would fall so carelessly. The tides of fate are never stable."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Does Imu intend for me to take Saint Warcury's position?"
"Yes. Given the current state of Mary Geoise, you are the only one qualified to ascend as one of the Five Elders. The position of the God of Law suits you perfectly. Of course, refusal is still an option. No one can compel the Figarland Family."
Garling's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Before Joy Boy is completely eliminated, securing a seat among the Five Elders benefits the Family greatly. There is no reason to decline."
"That aligns with my thoughts. Since you agree, Uncle Garling, you may formally enter Pangea Castle as one of the Five Elders."
Garling raised a hand, stopping him.
"There is no urgency. Before assuming that role, there are matters I must settle."
Lloyd narrowed his eyes slightly.
"What matters?"
Garling's lips curved upward as he studied Lloyd.
Lloyd felt a faint sense of unease under that gaze.
"This concerns me?"
"What else would it concern?" Garling replied evenly. "I have decided to transfer both the position of head of the Figarland Family and the role of Commander of the God's Knights to you."
Lloyd paused, momentarily surprised.
"Isn't this too abrupt?"
"Too abrupt?" Garling let out a quiet chuckle. "Did I not just suddenly become one of the Five Elders myself? Besides, I made it clear long ago that these positions would eventually be yours. Do not tell me you never prepared for this."
"It is not that I was unprepared… but Shanks has yet to return. Informing him will be difficult."
"There is no need," Garling replied dismissively. "The situation does not allow delays. You also mentioned reforming Mary Geoise. I agree with that notion. This place has grown rotten. Many here no longer deserve to be called Celestial Dragons alongside us. With you taking command of the God's Knights, enforcing order becomes justified."
Without waiting for a response, Garling removed the golden medal pinned to his chest and placed it onto Lloyd's uniform himself.
The medal symbolized absolute authority, the Commander of the God's Knights.
Lloyd glanced down at it.
"Doesn't this transfer require approval from Imu?"
Garling let out a low laugh.
"It is unnecessary. In Mary Geoise, no one outside the Figarland Family is worthy of wearing that insignia. Anyone else would only invite humiliation."
He adjusted Lloyd's collar with deliberate care.
"The God's Knights have already prepared to receive you. From this moment forward, they are yours to command."
At that instant, Lloyd's authority reached its peak within Mary Geoise. From the Five Elders down to ordinary Celestial Dragons, he held the power to judge, imprison, or execute at will.
With Imu remaining within the sealed Flower Room, there were effectively no restraints on him.
After a brief silence, Lloyd spoke again.
"Uncle Garling, has Saint Shalria been here recently?"
Garling glanced at the ornate clock on the wall.
"She visits almost daily. At times, she even stays the night. In your room, no less. Judging by the hour, she should arrive soon."
A faint twitch appeared at the corner of Lloyd's mouth.
"She seems to have made herself at home."
Garling crossed his arms, a knowing expression forming.
"What is the issue? Saint Shalria is quite suitable. You have interacted with her often. What is your current impression?"
"She is somewhat foolish," Lloyd replied plainly. "However, her ability to integrate with Monet and the others was unexpected. That aspect is… tolerable."
Garling's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Then you accept the marriage?"
Lloyd remained silent for a moment before answering.
"I can allow Saint Shalria to become my wife, but she will not be the primary one."
Garling showed no surprise.
"You still intend for Lucia to hold that position?"
Lloyd nodded, his tone unwavering.
"Yes. That position belongs solely to her."
Garling accepted this without hesitation.
"Very well. Then it is settled."
Lloyd frowned slightly.
"That easily?"
"There is nothing surprising about it," Garling said calmly. "You have surpassed me. In Mary Geoise, nothing can restrain you now. Do as you see fit."
His voice carried unmistakable relief.
The child he once guarded had grown into a force beyond even his own reach. Under Lloyd's rise, the Figarland Family had broken free from centuries of stagnation and stepped toward an unprecedented height.
Garling felt no regrets.
He had given everything he could.
Traditions, rules, expectations, none of it mattered anymore.
Placing a firm hand on Lloyd's shoulder, Garling spoke softly.
"I will head to Pangea Castle and meet the remaining Elders. Once I return, the Family will gather, and I will formally pass leadership to you."
Lloyd raised his hand, stopping him.
"I will not fail you, Uncle Garling. Joy Boy will die by my hand."
Garling met his gaze steadily.
"I believe that. But remember this, victory requires survival. I would rather see Joy Boy escape again than lose you."
Lloyd's expression remained composed.
"There is no need for concern. My Yami Yami no Mi differs from that of our ancestor. I will not repeat his failure."