Garling rubbed his temples and said,
"Alright, you may leave now."
Dr. Vegapunk nodded, gave a respectful bow, and retreated toward the door. Two armored guards escorted him out.
After Vegapunk left, Garling glanced at Spandam, who had been waiting near the entrance of the hall for some time. Garling spoke indifferently,
"What are you carrying?"
Spandam hurriedly stepped forward, clutching the iron cage in his arms. He stopped a short distance from Garling and gently set the cage on the ground.
The iron cage was not light for Spandam, and carrying it all the way here had thoroughly exhausted him. However, standing before Garling, he didn't dare rest for even a moment. He immediately removed the black cloth covering the cage.
Garling cast a brief glance at the cage's contents—a little girl lay inside.
The girl appeared to be asleep, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall. Her clothing was of an unusual style. Despite her young age, her features were strikingly beautiful. Among the many children enslaved by the Celestial Dragons, Garling had never seen one as lovely as her.
Perhaps only Lucia from back then could compare.
But Garling had no interest in matters of beauty, let alone in a child. He looked away after a single glance.
Spandam, eager to impress, exclaimed,
"Saint Garling, this is a gift I procured for Saint Carl. My men seized her from the Kuja Pirates! I've already investigated—her name is Boa Hancock, and she's eight years old this year!"
Garling nodded slightly at the mention of the Kuja Pirates. He had heard of them—their crew consisted entirely of warriors from Amazon Lily. Their former ruler had even served on Rocks D. Xebec's crew and was of considerable strength.
For Spandam to snatch this girl from the Kuja Pirates, he must have gone to significant lengths.
Garling asked calmly,
"Was this Boa Hancock requested by Carl?"
Spandam's face stiffened. Carl had never given him such an order. This was entirely his own initiative to win favor with his master.
Faced with Garling, Spandam dared not lie. He truthfully explained his intentions.
Garling listened with an impassive expression and suddenly asked,
"Spandam, do you know Carl's current condition?"
Spandam nodded silently. He had overheard Vegapunk's earlier report. Carl was still unconscious, suffering from the aftereffects of his battle with Roger.
It had been nearly a month since that fight, yet Carl had not woken.
Spandam was well aware that within the Navy, calls for Carl to assume the position of Fleet Admiral were growing louder. Sengoku the Buddha, previously the most senior and expected successor, had completely lost his edge.
If Carl recovered and returned to the Navy, his appointment as Fleet Admiral would be a foregone conclusion, with the full backing of the World Government.
Carl's recent achievements were simply unparalleled—he had personally slain the Pirate King, Roger, in a battle witnessed by the entire world.
Even Spandam, who lacked a deep understanding of combat, had been awestruck by Carl's immense power, capable of shaking the very seas. Watching the battle's live broadcast with his son, Spandam had repeatedly boasted,
"That's my master, Saint Carl!"
Unlike most Celestial Dragons, Carl genuinely cared for his subordinates, offering protection and opportunities without hesitation. Spandam would never forget the time Carl stood against Garp for his sake or how his own career had skyrocketed thanks to Carl's patronage.
Now, hearing that Carl had not yet recovered, Spandam felt no fear of losing his "backer." Instead, he was deeply concerned for Carl's well-being, though he dared not voice this to Garling.
He remained silent, awaiting Garling's orders.
Garling studied Spandam for a moment before saying,
"Spandam, Carl entrusted Vegapunk with two special items for me. He said they were meant for you and your son. I haven't had the chance to deliver them yet."
Spandam's eyes widened in shock,
"Saint Garling, Saint Carl..."
Garling raised a hand to silence him. He summoned a guard clad in gold armor and instructed him to retrieve the items.
The guard returned shortly with a tray holding two finely crafted swords, their hilts painted orange and green respectively.
Garling gestured toward the tray.
"Take one and test it."
Spandam stepped forward and carefully picked up the sword with the orange hilt. He unsheathed it, revealing a blade that gleamed with a sharp, cold light.
Garling, seated on the sofa, spoke casually,
"These swords were forged from Gold Lion Shiki's Oto and Kogarashi. The one you hold has consumed a Devil Fruit. Drop a bit of blood onto the blade and swing it."
Following Garling's instructions, Spandam dripped his blood onto the sword. As he swung it, the blade transformed into a ferocious orange serpent, venom dripping from its fangs. The venom sizzled as it hit the ground.
Witnessing this incredible display, Spandam froze, his hands trembling. Tears welled up in his eyes as he murmured,
"Saint Carl..."
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+210 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg