In Dressrosa, the night had already deepened, yet the streets remained brilliantly illuminated and full of life. Laughter, music, and chatter filled the air, creating an atmosphere that refused to rest.
Lloyd had changed into a black, high-collared trench coat suited for everyday wear. Wanda walked at his left, Carrot at his right, both keeping pace with him as they moved through the lively streets.
After failing to locate Zou, Lloyd decided to bring the two of them into Dressrosa to rest for the night.
The kingdom was known for its openness and tolerance. Although Wanda's mature charm and Carrot's lively, adorable presence attracted plenty of attention, the citizens did not pry into their identities as members of the Mink Tribe.
Carrot, having slept comfortably in Lloyd's arms for most of the day, was now brimming with energy. She darted from stall to stall, her curiosity unrestrained, occasionally mimicking others as she attempted to bargain with the merchants.
After much effort, she returned with only a few carrots in hand.
Watching her, Wanda could not help but shake her head, letting out a soft laugh. Carrot nibbled on one of the carrots, chewing contentedly as she muttered,
"What are you laughing at, Wanda? I'm a rabbit. Isn't it normal for me to like carrots?"
Wanda smiled warmly and gently stroked Carrot's head.
"Of course it's normal. I just think you look adorable when you eat them."
Carrot narrowed her eyes in satisfaction. She then glanced at Lloyd from the corner of her eye and hummed.
"That's right. Everyone says so, except for a certain bad guy who always talks about eating me."
Lloyd lifted his chin slightly, a faint smirk forming.
"You do look quite appetizing."
As he spoke, he raised his hand toward her. Carrot instantly froze, her ears standing upright as she hurriedly hid behind Wanda.
Seeing this, Lloyd let out a low chuckle.
"Relax. I have no intention of eating you anymore. After all, you belong to me now."
Carrot peeked out from behind Wanda, her lips pursed.
"Who belongs to…"
Before she could finish, Wanda flicked her lightly on the forehead. Carrot yelped, clutching her head as she looked up with teary eyes.
"Wanda…"
Wanda's expression turned firm.
"Carrot, you're being too disrespectful."
Carrot lowered her head and mumbled a quiet acknowledgment before Wanda guided her forward to stand before Lloyd.
Under Wanda's stern gaze, Carrot bowed slightly.
"Sorry…"
Lloyd tilted his head and casually reached out, his fingers brushing against Carrot's rabbit ears. Her body trembled at the contact, but she quickly stilled, allowing him to continue.
After a moment, Lloyd withdrew his hand, his gaze settling on her.
"Don't look so dejected. Being mine might not be as unpleasant as you think."
Carrot gave a few soft hums in response, her meaning unclear. Lloyd did not press further. Instead, he shifted his attention to the bustling street around them.
"Take a look around. If there's anything you want, say it. You can have it."
Carrot blinked in surprise, looking up at him. Lloyd tapped her small nose lightly.
"Don't limit yourself to carrots. If you lack money, speak up. Otherwise, you'll only make me look bad."
Her face flushed immediately. He had struck directly at her situation. While she loved carrots, she had long wanted to try other foods and buy items she had never seen on Zou. Without money, those thoughts had remained out of reach.
Wanda also showed a faintly embarrassed smile, clearly sharing the same predicament.
Lloyd observed their expressions and understood instantly. With a slight smile, a black glimmer flickered in his hand, and two thick bundles of high-denomination Berries appeared.
Carrot stared in disbelief as Lloyd placed one bundle into her hands. When he extended the other toward Wanda, she quickly shook her head.
"I can't accept this, Celestial Dragon Marshal. This is too much…"
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, his expression turning faintly displeased.
"Wanda, have you forgotten your position?"
Her body stiffened slightly.
"No, I haven't…"
"Then say it."
Wanda hesitated, her cheeks flushing as she lowered her gaze. Under Lloyd's piercing golden eyes, she spoke softly, her voice tinged with both embarrassment and something deeper.
"I am… the Celestial Dragon Marshal's pet…"
Lloyd's expression eased immediately, a subtle smile returning.
"Good. From now on, don't address me that way. Call me Master."
The word lingered heavily in the air. Wanda's body shivered faintly as a strange sensation coursed through her.
After a brief pause, she spoke, her voice quieter yet steady.
"Master…"
The moment she said it, the tension within her seemed to dissolve. She lifted her head, her eyes shining as she looked at Lloyd. Behind her, her tail swayed uncontrollably.
At that moment, she resembled a loyal canine before its owner, which aligned with her nature as a canine Mink.
Lloyd noticed the shift in her demeanor. He slowly raised his hand, intending to lift her chin. However, just as his fingers neared her, Wanda leaned forward and lightly brushed her tongue against his palm, a soft sound escaping her lips.
Carrot froze in place, utterly stunned by the scene before her. She could not reconcile this obedient, almost affectionate behavior with the composed Wanda she knew.
Even Lloyd paused, his hand hovering midair.
Blushing deeply, Wanda gently took his hand in both of hers and pressed it against her cheek, nuzzling into it with a soft murmur.
"Master…"
Though Lloyd did not immediately analyze the change, he did not resist it either. Instead, a faint satisfaction settled within him, the earlier frustration from failing to find Zou fading entirely.
Meanwhile, Carrot's gaze toward Lloyd grew increasingly wary. In her mind, this could only be the result of another strange Devil Fruit ability. To her, Wanda had clearly fallen under his influence.