After the banquet ended, Akainu and the others were led to their respective quarters to rest. Carl, meanwhile, returned to the palace with Lucia and the others.
Carl walked side by side with Lucia at the front, while the rest followed behind.
With Lucia present, the group of women was noticeably more restrained. Sugar, in particular, had transformed into an obedient little girl, a stark contrast to her behavior the previous night.
Shalria quietly marveled at Lucia's ability to keep them in check. Her commanding presence was undeniable.
...
Back at the palace, the women quickly changed into silk gowns of various colors, while Carl donned a loose-fitting black robe embroidered with gold.
Since everyone had been drinking at the banquet, they weren't in a rush to bathe. Instead, they gathered in the hall for a chat.
Carl sat on the plush sofa, resting his arms on the shoulders of Lucia and Ginny. Everyone nibbled on the treats and fruits laid out before them, engaging in small conversations here and there.
Wanda and Carrot, being newcomers, were initially a bit reserved. However, given their lively personalities, they quickly eased into the group.
As Carl had expected, the energetic Carrot and Sugar hit it off immediately. Within moments, they were chatting away with their heads pressed together, giggling in hushed tones.
Lucia and Ginny took turns feeding Carl snacks and peeled fruits, indulging him with their gentle attentions.
As Carl enjoyed their care, he pondered whether to allocate more funds to Vegapunk, encouraging him to develop some entertainment projects.
Perhaps using Den Den Mushi, he could create a television network. For someone like Vegapunk, this shouldn't be a difficult feat.
Beyond entertainment, he needed to focus on advancing the world's technological development—particularly in productivity. Compared to Earth, the world of pirates possessed supernatural elements like Devil Fruits. If utilized properly, even perpetual motion technology might become possible.
His immediate goal was to ensure the world operated smoothly under the order he had established.
But before that, he had one pressing matter to handle—eliminating Joy Boy. That detestable parasite had plagued history for 800 years. It was time for him to disappear.
...
As Carl was deep in thought, two maids approached and bowed respectfully.
"Lord Carl, the bath is ready for you. You may enter at any time."
Carl nodded lightly. "Alright, you may go."
"Yes, my lord."
The two maids stole a glance at Monet and the others with envious eyes before quietly withdrawing.
Although they were considered beauties in their own right, compared to Monet and the rest, they paled in comparison.
...
Carl and the women entered the grand bathhouse. After nearly two hours of indulgent bathing, they emerged, draped in robes.
Their faces were flushed, like delicate red roses in full bloom—radiant and captivating.
Once again, Shalria had been denied the chance to sleep with Carl. Instead, he returned to his chamber accompanied by Lucia and Ginny.
...
Ginny had long been aware of Carl's relationship with Lucia, as well as his involvement with Monet and the others. Initially, it had made her uncomfortable, but over time, she had come to terms with it.
What still bothered her, however, was that she and Carl had yet to cross the final line. If she didn't take the initiative, it seemed Carl was content to treat her as nothing more than a younger sister.
This left her feeling aggrieved. She had known Carl since childhood and was the second longest-standing companion among them, yet she lagged behind in certain areas.
From what she knew, Lucia, Stussy, and Monet were ahead of her, and she hadn't even made it into the top three.
Unbeknownst to her, just the night before, Sugar had swooped in and outpaced both Shalria and Boa...
During the banquet, Ginny had already made up her mind—tonight, she would finally claim her place.
She had even shared her plan with Lucia in secret.
Lucia, of course, supported Ginny wholeheartedly, even promising to keep Monet and the others occupied so that Carl would be hers alone for the night.
Yet, despite her usual bold demeanor, Ginny found herself hesitating at the crucial moment. The real reason she had told Lucia was that she wanted her there for support, to give her the courage to go through with it.
Lucia, still carrying a tinge of guilt for having secretly "stolen" Carl first, readily agreed to Ginny's request.
Carl, however, misunderstood the situation. In his mind, Ginny allowing Lucia to stay meant that nothing out of the ordinary would happen tonight.
...
Entering the bedroom, Carl casually tossed his robe aside and climbed into bed.
Lucia and Ginny exchanged a glance. Lucia's eyes were filled with encouragement, and Ginny nodded resolutely. Taking a deep breath, she loosened her robe. The silky garment slipped from her shoulders, revealing her flawless, porcelain-white body to Carl's full view.
Her face was flushed, and she took slow, deliberate steps toward the bed. Lucia, smiling softly, removed her robe as well and followed closely behind her.
Watching the two approach, Carl blinked, suddenly realizing that tonight might not be as simple as he had assumed.
Ginny reached the bed and lifted the blanket, slipping in like a seductive viper. Carl felt the warmth of her delicate body press against him, and when he looked down, he was met with a head of soft pink hair.
Carl patted Ginny's head teasingly and chuckled. "Ginny, are you planning to sleep on top of me tonight?"
Ginny trembled slightly before propping herself up on her elbows. Her long pink hair cascaded over her chest, partially covering her flushed face. The sight of her was breathtaking.
Lucia climbed into bed from the other side, naturally wrapping herself around Carl's arm. She giggled and said,
"I don't think Ginny plans on sleeping tonight."
At those words, Ginny let out an embarrassed whimper and buried her face into Carl's chest, refusing to lift her head again.
Carl pulled his arm from Lucia's grasp and shifted, drawing her into his embrace instead. With a smirk, he landed a firm slap on her perky backside, playfully scolding,
"Teasing my Ginny, are you? That deserves a punishment!"
As soon as she was in his arms, Lucia's "Flame of Desire" ability activated involuntarily. Her violet eyes glowed with an eerie radiance, and she grinned seductively.
"Master, Lucia loves receiving your punishments..."
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+175 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg