The sudden vision in the great hall stunned everyone into silence, and it was only Shyarly's painful groans that brought them back to their senses.
Queen Otohime quickly stepped forward to comfort the little girl. Gradually Shyarly's breathing steadied, her complexion regaining a hint of color, though she still looked pale and fragile.
Shyarly murmured weakly,
What is that Admiral's name?
Otohime answered reflexively,
Black… No, his name is Lloyd, Admiral Black Dragon.
Shyarly shook her head slowly.
No, she said, his name is not that.
Otohime frowned, puzzled, but before she could ask more, Shyarly continued,
He does not seem like someone who should exist in the present, much less in the future. Everything about him is hazy and unclear.
Then what will happen to Fish‑Man Island next?
Shyarly replied with difficulty,
I cannot see. I only see endless darkness. Darkness is the unknown, the future unpredictable.
Her words weighed heavily on everyone present. Shyarly's ability to read futures was renowned throughout Fish‑Man Island, and she was capable of seeing events that might occur decades ahead. But even foretelling events close at hand should have been easy for her, and yet now her vision revealed only a void of blackness.
Anxiety gripped the room. For a moment no one even thought to help the pale child.
Shyarly hung her head, her small greenish‑blue tail flickering anxiously. Then suddenly a large hand settled gently on her head.
She blinked, then looked up, her vision clearing to see a calm face with warm features and a quiet, noble presence.
What stood out most was the golden right eye, noble and enigmatic in its glow.
Lloyd crouched down, lifted Shyarly, and placed her gently upon his shoulder.
Despite this strange human holding her, Shyarly felt no fear. With nervous little hands she gripped his clothing.
Lloyd turned his gaze toward the stunned Otohime and the others, a knowing smile on his face.
It seems everyone was speaking about me earlier?
Lloyd's arrival had been silent and unannounced, and Otohime had no idea when he had returned or how much he had overheard. She could only manage an awkward smile.
Even more striking was Lloyd's attire, a black robe embroidered with gold. With his golden eye and poised bearing, he emanated an aura of noble authority that surpassed any mere decoration. It was an inherent majesty and confidence that made royalty and nobles seem no different from commoners in his presence.
Lloyd's height exceeded Otohime's, and as he looked down at her with that composed smile, he spoke softly,
It is fine to discuss me, but I heard that King Neptune has a close relationship with someone named Roger. Is this Roger the Pirate?
As soon as he finished speaking, a powerful pressure erupted from Lloyd's presence. The ministers, soldiers, and even the king were immediately forced to bow low before him by the sheer force of his Conqueror's Haki.
Lloyd's senses were extraordinary. While changing clothes moments before, he had clearly heard the conversation in the hall about Neptune and Roger. His command of Conqueror's Haki had reached a level of refinement where those weaker than him felt no discomfort beyond a sense of overwhelming authority.
Yet the pressure had a very different effect on Jinbe. The honorable warrior lay face‑down on the floor, his expression one of shock and fear.
Otohime, physically far frailer than any Fish‑Man present, trembled as she prostrated herself, nearly fainting from the suppression of Lloyd's presence.
Seeing this, Lloyd eased the intensity of his Conqueror's Haki around Otohime. After all, it would be unwise if she were harmed or rendered unable to conceive.
Neptune struggled to lift his head from the ground, his voice strained as he spoke,
Black Dragon Admiral, if you wish to punish someone, punish me alone. Do not unleash your anger upon Fish‑Man Island.
Lloyd tilted his head down slightly. Shyarly nearly slipped from his shoulder, and instinctively she wrapped her tiny hands around his neck.
Neptune, do you feel that the World Government's protection of Fish‑Man Island has been insufficient?
Neptune thought the question deeply, but at this moment, he could not bring himself to admit it. He hesitated, then involuntarily shook his head.
Lloyd lowered himself slightly to meet Neptune's gaze.
Do not be afraid, he said calmly, This is widely recognized, and I agree with that sentiment.
Neptune and the gathered nobles broke into cold sweat, uncertain whether Lloyd's words masked a trap.
Lloyd continued,
In truth, I came here to ease tensions between Fish‑Men and humans, and I even considered sending some Marine Headquarters personnel to fortify Fish‑Man Island. However, when I learned of your connection to Roger, things became more complicated.
Before Neptune could answer, Otohime suddenly spoke, excitement creeping into her voice.
Black Dragon Admiral, is what you just said true?
Do I need to lie to you? Lloyd replied quietly.
Otohime struggled to sit up, but even with Lloyd's reduced Conqueror's Haki, she could not resist its pressure with sheer will alone. Exhausted, she lay back down and said,
Black Dragon Admiral, there is no substantive relationship between Fish‑Man Island and Roger, and there will be none in the future.
Lloyd smiled and said,
Perhaps. What I said can still be discussed, Queen Otohime. You should also understand that the World Government will not change its stance toward Fish‑Man Island without reason, especially given how strained Marine Headquarters is now. Transferring military forces to garrison Fish‑Man Island will not be easy.
Then what do you mean, Black Dragon Admiral?
It's simple, said Lloyd, I need to see your sincerity.
Otohime and Neptune exchanged confused glances. Even Otohime, wise beyond her years, could not immediately grasp Lloyd's intent.
After a moment, she spoke tentatively,
Black Dragon, what do you want us to do?
The corner of Lloyd's mouth curved into a wicked, knowing smile, and his words made the pupils of Neptune and Otohime shrink.
I heard that in a few years, you will have a daughter, he said, When your daughter turns six, send her to Mary Geoise. Do not worry, when she comes of age, I will personally return her to you. What do you think?