Lloyd smiled with a calm expression and said, "She is truly remarkable, so you want to discuss terms with me again, correct?"
Otohime completely relaxed and nodded simply, answering, "Yes, Black Dragon Admiral, I do have a request, but I do not know if you can speak for the entire World Government."
She looked at Lloyd with bright, hopeful eyes. An Admiral indeed held great power, but that authority did not automatically extend to representing the entire World Government. Not even a Fleet Admiral could claim that right. What she truly wanted was to know whether Lloyd came with the World Government's official intent this time and how much authority he carried.
Lloyd paused at her question, then placed his hand on his forehead and laughed genuinely.
Otohime's heart caught in her chest as she wondered if her question had been too blunt. She felt uneasy, unsure why Lloyd would suddenly laugh. In her mind, uncertainties and fears swirled. Had she offended him? Would he strike out in anger? The imbalance of power between them made her anxious, a sorrow the weak often feel in the presence of the strong.
As Otohime and the others waited tensely, Lloyd's laughter slowly faded. He looked at Otohime and said, "Is it enough that my family name is Figarland?"
The moment he spoke that name, Jinbe and the others showed no reaction, but Otohime and Neptune felt as if lightning struck them. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they stared at Lloyd.
Otohime's voice shook as she replied, "N-N-No, Black Dragon, are you referring to that Figarland from Mary Geoise?"
Lloyd narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "What, have you heard of anyone else in this world who dares to carry this surname?"
Then Shyarly, perched lightly on Lloyd's shoulder, spoke softly, "His surname is indeed Figarland. I heard someone refer to him as Saint Lloyd n the crystal ball…"
Her words confirmed Lloyd's identity. Otohime and the others had always trusted Shyarly's insight. Otohime murmured, "Saint Figarland Lloyd … Someone from that family has actually become an Admiral?"
Looking at Lloyd's youthful face, Otohime nodded stiffly and continued quietly to herself, "Of course, someone from that family possessing such talent is only natural…"
Neptune was both terrified and relieved. As the king of an allied nation, how could he not understand the weight of the name Figarland? Compared to that legacy, the aura of an Admiral suddenly seemed insignificant. The fact that Lloyd had spared his life moments ago now seemed a sign of remarkable mercy.
Tiger, Jinbe, and the others watched Otohime and Neptune's reactions in confusion, unaware what significance the name Figarland held.
In the silence, Lloyd spoke calmly, "Now then, am I qualified?"
His voice rang in Otohime and Neptune's ears like thunder. Otohime nodded with great fervor, "N-No, Saint Lloyd, you are certainly qualified!"
Lloyd then said, "Then state your request."
Otohime's head lowered nearly to her chest as she spoke through clenched teeth, "I dare not call it a request, please accept it as my heartfelt wish. I only hope to allow the residents of Fish-Man Island to live on land, so humans may understand that Fish-Men and merfolk are not strange beings, and that all people can live together in true harmony."
Lloyd regarded Otohime quietly. At that moment he seemed like a sovereign emperor, whose words could determine the fate of countless lives. He remained silent for what felt like an eternity to Otohime and the others.
Finally he spoke, "Very well, if I meet your daughter, I will grant that wish."
Those words, spoken simply, felt like a thousand-pound weight lifting from Otohime's shoulders, and she exhaled in relief. Ecstasy filled her face, accompanied by a sense of disbelief and overwhelming joy.
People like Otohime, born into nobility, had long worried about the future of both the Fish-Men and merfolk. She understood that humans ruled the world. Without acceptance from humanity, her people faced inevitable ruin. Therefore she had devoted her life to bridging understanding between races.
But she also knew prejudice ran deep, and without action from the World Government itself, her efforts might amount to nothing. Changing the World Government's stance was far more difficult and essential than simply swaying public opinion.
Now, with Lloyd's answer, she saw hope for the first time. That light was brighter than any dream.
Otohime could not contain her excitement. She rushed forward, took Lloyd's hands, and with tears in her eyes said, "Thank you, Saint Lloyd. If that day truly arrives, you will be the benefactor of all Fish-Man Island!"
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, replying, "I am not particularly interested in such things, it depends on when you give birth to your daughter."
"I understand Saint Lloyd, I will do everything in my power!"
Lloyd commented casually, "No need to rush, it will not help if you harm your health."
In truth, Lloyd was not deeply concerned with Otohime's condition. He simply knew that before Shirahoshi was born, Otohime needed to produce three strong sons. If she exhausted herself before that, it could jeopardize the future.
Otohime nodded, though it was clear she was already mentally preparing to act at once.
If Otohime had matched Lloyd's personal tastes more closely, he might have considered deeper involvement. But her resolve and mission were admirable even so. Their marriage had been short, only a few months, yet her devotion to her ideal was unwavering. And yet, if she had pushed herself too far, perhaps Shirahoshi would not survive.