Mary Geoise, Figarland Family Estate.
"This is as far as I can take you, Makino-sama."
Kalifa stood with perfect posture outside the gates of the Figarland estate. Dressed in a sleek tailored suit, paired with black stockings and high heels, she spoke with respectful formality to the woman in front of her.
Makino had clearly put effort into her appearance today. The headscarf she usually wore was gone, allowing her waterfall-like, deep green hair to flow freely. She wore a white, gold-embroidered corset dress that accentuated her graceful figure—it was hard to believe she had just recently given birth.
Cradling little Amara in her arms, Makino looked at Kalifa and said with a gentle frown,
"Kalifa, why are you calling me 'sama' again? Aren't we friends?"
Kalifa leaned in slightly and lowered her voice.
"Makino-sama, we're at the Figarland family estate. This isn't Foosha Village anymore. If I forget my place here, I could lose my life."
Makino's eyes widened in alarm and she nodded quickly. Pressing her lips together, she admitted nervously,
"I understand... but Kalifa, I'm still scared. That man... Saint Garling..."
Kalifa immediately tried to comfort her.
"Don't be afraid. Garling-sama is actually very... well, very kind. And besides, you've given birth to a child of the Figarland bloodline. I'm sure he'll like you."
Makino's nerves eased slightly. She gently touched Amara's forehead. The baby girl squinted and let out a giggle.
Hearing her daughter laugh brought a soft smile to Makino's face. To her, it felt like Amara was giving her courage. She couldn't resist planting a kiss on her daughter's cheek. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her foot and began walking into the estate.
...
But before she could go far, a wave of rapid, synchronized footsteps echoed toward her.
Makino looked up and saw a group of golden-armored guards approaching. Leading them was a middle-aged man with a striking hairstyle.
One glance was all it took for Makino to recognize him: Shanks' father, the former head of the Figarland family—Figarland Garling.
But to Makino, he held another identity: her father-in-law.
Even though Garling was clearly restraining his aura, his presence alone was enough to overwhelm someone like Makino, an ordinary person.
She had met powerful figures before—Garp and Shanks, for example—but their easygoing personalities made them approachable. Garling was different. Raised in Mary Geoise and steeped in the traditions of the Celestial Dragons, he exuded the pressure of one who had held high authority all his life. Even at rest, his presence was like a mountain pressing down.
...
Garling's sharp eyes locked immediately onto the baby in Makino's arms. When he saw Amara's soft, delicate little face, his stern expression began to melt.
He stepped quickly toward Makino, softening his voice as much as he could.
"You must be Makino?"
Makino nodded hurriedly and instinctively glanced toward Kalifa—but Kalifa was already kneeling, head bowed low, not daring to look up.
Makino panicked. The formal greetings Kalifa had taught her earlier vanished from her mind. She simply bent slightly at the waist while holding Amara in her arms, attempting a respectful bow.
Garling's eyes widened.
"Don't move! Don't squish the baby!"
He shot a glance at the guards behind him and waved his hand.
"You're dismissed. Quietly."
At his command, the golden-armored guards turned and retreated without a sound, vanishing from view like shadows.
Makino watched in stunned silence. She had never seen a guard unit move so flawlessly and silently before.
Gathering her composure, she looked at Garling and spoke softly,
"Garling-sama, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Makino... Shanks' wife."
Garling blinked in mild surprise at her last words. Then, his lips curved almost imperceptibly. He nodded and said slowly,
"I know. And the child in your arms—her name is Amara, yes? Figarland Amara."
Makino nodded firmly.
Garling could no longer hold back. This was the bloodline of the Figarland family!
He extended his arms toward Makino, trying his best to keep his voice gentle, afraid of startling the baby.
"May I hold her?"
This man was Amara's maternal grandfather—there was no reason for Makino to refuse. But before handing the baby over, she touched Amara's tiny nose with her finger and whispered,
"Amara, sweetheart, let Grandpa hold you for a moment, okay?"
Of course, Amara was too young to understand. She just giggled happily. Her innocent laughter made Garling's heart itch with delight.
Makino chuckled along with her daughter and carefully handed the baby to Garling.
...
The moment Amara landed in his arms, Garling's normally rigid frame visibly trembled. He had almost no experience with babies, and in his arms, Amara felt like a fragile porcelain treasure. He stiffened, terrified that any wrong move might hurt her.
But Amara didn't cry or fuss after leaving her mother's arms. She looked up at Garling with curious eyes.
The two stared at each other—one big, one small. The scene was warm and touching... yet a little absurd.
Especially when Garling finally blurted out,
"Hello there, little one."
Makino couldn't help it. She burst into laughter with a soft snort.
Garling's face twitched. Realizing how silly he must've sounded, he looked up at Makino. She quickly suppressed her laugh, bowed, and apologized,
"I'm sorry, Garling-sama. That was rude of me."
But Garling didn't seem to mind. With a completely serious face, he said,
"There's no need to call me 'sama.' You're Shanks' wife. Shouldn't you know what to call me?"
Makino froze. Of course she knew... but in her mind, calling him that at their first meeting would be overstepping, especially without his acknowledgment. She didn't feel worthy yet.
Yet deep down, Makino didn't resent the idea. Her own parents had passed away years ago, and the thought of having a father again stirred something deeply longing inside her.
Garling's brow furrowed when she didn't reply. He didn't sound angry—just puzzled.
"What is it? Did Shanks say something to you? Does he... not acknowledge me as his father?"
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+140 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg