Garling looked at the sword in Spandam's hand, which had transformed into a long, orange serpent, and said calmly,
"The sword you're holding has eaten the Cobra Fruit. Carl had already named it 'Venomous Serpent.' As for the other sword, it's called 'Forest Python.'"
Hearing this, Spandam immediately knelt on the ground with a thud and kowtowed deeply, exclaiming,
"Thank you for the blessing of these swords!"
Garling shook his head slightly, glancing at the chair on the other side of the room. Whenever Carl came here in the past, he would always sit in that chair.
He said,
"No need to thank me. Carl mentioned your weakness. These swords should at least give you some ability to protect yourself."
Spandam, overwhelmed with gratitude, trembled as he remained on the ground, unsure of what else to say. Garling, uncharacteristically verbose due to Carl's regard for Spandam, finally stood up and walked toward his bedroom. Before leaving, he left an order:
"Take Boa Hancock to Carl. Lucia is also there, let her train her."
Garling had been swayed by Spandam's words earlier, suspecting Carl might indeed have a preference for "nurturing types," so he agreed on behalf of the still-slumbering Carl.
Spandam promptly carried the iron cage containing Boa Hancock and, under the guidance of a gold-armored guard, headed toward Carl's chamber. Once at the chamber doors, the guard departed. Spandam set down the cage, adjusted his attire, and stepped inside.
In the main hall of the chamber, Monet, her younger sister Sugar, and Robin were each engrossed in books. These books had been brought back by Carl from Ohara, the world's most extensive repository of knowledge.
Monet enjoyed meteorological books and occasionally indulged in novels, though she avoided letting Sugar see the latter. Sugar preferred scientific readings, while Robin was absorbed in dense, philosophical texts.
The three girls sat on small stools, reading intently, completely oblivious to Spandam's entrance.
Spandam, aware of how much Carl favored these three, dared not disturb them and stood quietly, waiting until Lucia, dressed in a black gown, emerged from Carl's bedroom.
When Carl was taken to their ancestral land, Lucia had immediately petitioned Kong to leave the Marines, citing her wish to care for Carl. To Lucia, Carl was her everything. Her rank as a Vice Admiral meant nothing in comparison.
Kong, knowing Lucia was Carl's "cousin" and understanding her intentions, granted her an extended leave but refused her resignation. Lucia's prowess made her one of the most prominent women in the Marines, with the potential to become the first female Admiral. Kong wasn't about to let her go so easily.
After some negotiation, Lucia secured permission to bring Ginny along as well. However, Ginny was still adjusting to life in Mary Geoise and had not yet settled there permanently.
Lucia's daily routine consisted of tending to Carl and training Monet, Sugar, and Robin. The three were well-behaved, particularly Monet, who idolized Lucia and aspired to be like her.
When Lucia emerged, she immediately noticed Spandam standing at the entrance. Frowning slightly, she asked,
"Spandam? Who let you in here?"
Lucia's voice snapped the girls out of their reading. They quickly closed their books and greeted her respectfully,
"Lady Lucia."
Spandam hurriedly set down the iron cage, bowed deeply, and said,
"Lady Lucia, it was Saint Garling who sent me."
He removed the black cloth covering the cage, revealing Boa Hancock inside. He added,
"Lady Lucia, this is a gift I prepared for Saint Carl."
Lucia glanced at Boa Hancock, her eyes flashing with intrigue as she asked,
"A gift? Is this girl a slave?"
"Yes, her name is Boa Hancock."
"Boa Hancock… She doesn't look well. Is she healthy?"
"Rest assured, Lady Lucia. She's perfectly healthy. You wouldn't believe it, but I took her from the Kuja Pirates. Though only eight years old, she's quite strong, so I sedated her with some calming medicine."
Lucia raised an eyebrow and replied,
"Oh? A little pirate, huh? Wake her up, then."
Spandam immediately opened the cage and took out a small bottle of black liquid, pouring it into Boa Hancock's mouth. Moments later, Hancock's eyes flew open, and she rolled onto the floor, coughing violently.
After regaining her breath, Hancock stood slowly. Just as Spandam was about to speak, she suddenly lashed out, kicking him squarely in the groin.
"Ugh!!!"
Spandam's face turned beet red as he collapsed, clutching himself. Hancock darted toward the door, hoping to escape.
The three girls were stunned, their mouths slightly agape. Sugar whispered softly,
"Lady Lucia is amazing…"
Lucia's eyes narrowed, and in a flash, she disappeared from sight.
Just as Hancock was about to reach the door, Lucia appeared before her. Startled, Hancock instinctively tried to kick again, but Lucia caught her ankle effortlessly.
"You do have some strength," Lucia said with a faint smile before twisting her wrist. Hancock was flung into the air, spun several times, and crashed heavily to the ground.
Hancock let out a pained groan while the three girls exchanged wide-eyed looks. Sugar timidly added,
"Lady Lucia is so strong…"
Spandam finally managed to stand, gasping for air, and bowed deeply,
"My deepest apologies, Lady Lucia, for this embarrassment!"
Lucia glanced at him before turning her gaze to the fallen Hancock. Her tone grew cold as she said,
"Boa Hancock, this is not a place where you can act out. If you want to stay here, you'll need to behave yourself."
Hancock clutched her ankle, sobbing softly,
"I want to go home…"
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+210 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg