Sharlia paced restlessly in the open space outside the entrance of Garling's palace. Although Lloyd had previously told her she could look around freely, she had no interest in wandering now.
She knew that Lloyd and Garling would certainly discuss matters concerning her. If things went well, she would become Lloyd's wife.
The mere thought made her so happy she felt faint.
In Mary Geoise, Lloyd had already become the ideal partner for nearly every female Celestial Dragon. This was no exaggeration.
His appearance alone, appealing to both men and women, was enough to captivate everyone in the Holy Land. On top of that, his status, lineage, and overwhelming strength made him unmatched. Any one of these qualities could drive the Celestial Dragons into obsession.
Many of them wished they could present themselves to him without hesitation.
It was not only the younger generation. Their elders shared similar ambitions, preparing to arrange marriages for their daughters.
Unfortunately, Lloyd rarely stayed in the Holy Land. Even when he occasionally returned using Kamui, no one could track his movements. Garling himself lived in seclusion, and when he did appear, his presence alone kept others at a distance. Aside from the God's Knights, no Celestial Dragon dared to approach him.
As for how Sharlia managed to enter Garling's notice, it traced back to her experience at Sabaody Archipelago.
If any other Marine Admiral had handled that incident, she would have considered it natural. But because it was Lloyd, she saw it as an extraordinary act of favor.
After returning from Sabaody and burying Charloss, Rosward immediately brought Sharlia, along with numerous valuable gifts, to the Figarland residence.
Rosward was not entirely foolish. He deliberately brought Sharlia with him, hoping she could make an impression on Garling.
The outcome proved he made the right decision.
Although Sharlia was arrogant and cruel toward common people, she behaved properly among her own kind, especially in front of Garling. Her demeanor was polite, and her appearance stood out even among Celestial Dragons. After several interactions, Garling remembered her.
Seizing the opportunity, Rosward cautiously brought up the topic of Lloyd's marriage.
Garling did not agree immediately. He simply stated that such matters required consideration.
To Rosward, that response was more than enough. With Garling's personality, rejection would have been immediate and direct. The fact that he did not refuse meant there was a possibility.
From that moment on, Sharlia frequently visited the Figarland residence. Garling allowed it without comment, at least until Lloyd returned.
...
Time passed slowly, and Sharlia had lost count of how many times she had walked in circles.
The heat of the day was intense. Even inside her protective suit, sweat soaked her clothes, yet she barely noticed.
After a while, Lloyd finally appeared at the palace entrance.
"Saint Lloyd!"
The moment she saw him, Sharlia stopped. However, as soon as she did, her body gave out. A wave of dizziness hit her, and she nearly collapsed.
Lloyd reacted instantly. In a flash, he appeared beside her and caught her before she fell.
Looking down at her pale face, he frowned slightly.
"What's wrong? Where do you feel unwell?"
Sharlia spoke weakly, her voice unsteady.
"I… I don't know. I feel dizzy… like I might vomit…"
Lloyd glanced at the thick suit she was wearing and let out a quiet sigh.
"You got heatstroke."
Confusion appeared on her face.
"What is heatstroke?"
Pampered since childhood, Sharlia had never experienced such discomfort. Under normal circumstances, servants would shield her from the sun and keep her comfortable at all times. No one would ever allow her to suffer like this.
Lloyd rubbed his forehead.
"With your condition… forget it. You need to rest."
Leaning against his arm, Sharlia tried to steady herself.
"Saint Lloyd, I'm fine…"
He gave her a flat look.
"You clearly are not. I'm returning to my palace. You'll rest there, and I'll send you back once you recover."
Sharlia's eyes widened in surprise.
"Eh? Saint Lloyd, you're letting me stay in your palace? Does that mean you agreed?"
Lloyd lowered his gaze, irritation flickering in his eyes.
"Agreed to what?"
Startled, Sharlia shrank back.
"N nothing…"
Without another word, Lloyd supported her and led her into the palace.
As they entered, several pleasant voices greeted him.
"Young Master!"
Only his personal maids were allowed inside. They had already learned of his return through Pudding.
Lloyd gestured casually.
"Monet, take her."
Monet stepped forward immediately. When she saw Sharlia's pale condition, she looked concerned.
"Sharlia? What happened to you?"
She gently took Sharlia into her arms. Surprisingly, Sharlia did not resist. Instead, she leaned into Monet, appearing far more docile than usual, a complete contrast to how she treated Pudding.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow.
"Monet, has she been here before?"
Monet nodded.
"Yes, Young Master. Saint Sharlia has visited often while you were away. We all know her. Is she ill?"
Lloyd glanced at Sharlia, who was now comfortably resting against Monet.
"Heatstroke, most likely."
Sharlia let out a soft sound and shifted closer, pressing against Monet as if seeking comfort.
Monet's face turned red. She looked at Lloyd uncertainly.
"Young Master, Saint Sharlia is…"
Before she could finish, Lloyd stepped forward and pulled Sharlia away with a firm grip. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"You dare take advantage of my Monet?"