Bubbling and blushing, Kalifa was quite literally the embodiment of the phrase "a blushing teapot." Carl chuckled and said,
"Feeling hot? Then why don't you come back with me later and have Monet cool you down a bit?"
Hearing that Carl was planning to take her back with him, Kalifa's eyes widened in shock as she stammered,
"Eh—eh—eh… Carl-sama, y-you're taking me… where exactly?"
"Of course, to my bedchamber. I need to properly consider how I should reward you."
"B-but if I leave, Lady Makino and the others—"
"They're well taken care of now. You can relax."
Makino quickly picked up on the situation and could tell Kalifa was clearly tempted but hesitant. She pursed her lips into a smile and gave Kalifa a supportive nudge,
"Kalifa, go ahead and accompany Carl-sama. Amara and I will be just fine."
With that reassurance, Kalifa finally summoned her courage. Her cheeks burning red, she bowed deeply before Carl and said,
"Thank you for your gracious reward, Carl-sama!"
Carl's lips curled into a faint smile as he looked down at her.
"I haven't told you what the reward is yet."
Still bowing, Kalifa tilted her lovely face up to him, her eyes blazing with devotion.
"For me, being able to be this close to you, Carl-sama… that alone is already the greatest reward."
Her words were such shameless flattery that even Makino felt slightly embarrassed. But Carl had long since grown used to this kind of thing. After all, he already had a devoted, master-level lackey in this area—Spandam.
Even so, faced with Kalifa who was practically offering herself up, Carl was more than satisfied. He gently stroked her head as if petting a well-behaved kitten.
...
Carl's mind suddenly drifted to a classic film from Earth.
Of course, it was just a thought. His uncle and sister-in-law were still nearby. If they were already in his private chambers… heh. There would be plenty of time in the future.
As the wicked smile on Carl's face deepened, Garling, watching him closely, sighed with amusement. Knowing his nephew well, he could easily guess what Carl was thinking. That Kalifa woman would probably be his tonight.
And Garling had no objections. In fact, he even hoped Carl would put more effort into such matters—for the sake of the Figarland family's future.
Now that Joy Boy, the root of their family's eight-century-long concern, had perished, and with Carl leading the Figarland family to dominance as the number-one force in the world, it was time to consider the continuation of their bloodline.
After all, the Figarland family had never been blessed with many descendants. Successive heirs rarely showed much interest in women. Carl, having broken that trend, should absolutely be encouraged to pass on the bloodline.
Lost in thought, Garling also began to smile and cast a look of encouragement toward Carl.
With his powerful perception, Carl immediately sensed the gaze and turned his head slightly to meet Garling's eyes.
From Carl's point of view, Garling's smile was oddly ambiguous. But Carl refrained from using his mind-reading ability—that was a gesture of respect toward his uncle.
Blinking, Carl teased,
"Garling-san, what are you smiling at?"
Garling froze for a second, then realized he'd let his expression slip. He quickly coughed tactically, turned around, and said,
"It's nothing… Amara's just adorable, isn't she?"
"Ah, well, of course," Carl laughed. "She's a descendant of the Figarland family after all!"
Then he looked toward Makino and said softly,
"All right, Makino, take Amara inside to rest. Shanks should be arriving here soon. He's been missing both of you terribly."
The moment Shanks's name was mentioned, Makino's heart was overwhelmed with longing.
She was the epitome of a traditional woman, while Shanks was the textbook definition of a wanderer—even absent during her childbirth. Yet, she never held a grudge. She spent every day looking forward to their reunion.
For a man like Shanks, truly—what more could a husband ask for?
Carl raised his hand, and the maids on either side immediately stepped forward. Surrounded by them, Makino gently carried Amara into the luxurious castle that had been built just for her.
Garling snapped back to the present, reluctantly casting one last glance at the castle.
Carl caught his look immediately and grinned.
"Garling-san, it hasn't even been a full minute and you already miss your granddaughter? If you want to see her, just go inside."
Garling rolled his eyes at Carl.
"She's been at sea for days. It's time for her and her mother to get some proper rest. How could a grandparent like me disturb them now?"
After that, Garling glanced at Kalifa, who was still standing quietly by Carl's side. He shook his head and said,
"You've got things to take care of, don't you?"
Carl simply smiled in response.
Garling gave him a pat on the shoulder, chuckling,
"You…"
Before finishing his sentence, he turned and left, leaving Carl and Kalifa alone.
...
Within moments, the area was quiet and deserted.
Kalifa glanced shyly up at the tall Carl beside her, her heart pounding even faster.
Suddenly, Carl turned to her. She jumped in surprise and quickly lowered her head.
Carl, however, reached out and gently lifted her pale chin.
Seeing her panicked expression, Carl couldn't help but smirk mischievously.
"Kalifa, I've figured out what kind of reward to give you. Looks like you've guessed it too."
Kalifa blushed crimson once more, practically steaming like a teapot. Bubbles floated up from her head—bubbles that, funnily enough, were shaped like little pink hearts.
She instinctively tugged at the hem of her tight black leather skirt and bit her lip, her voice unconsciously laced with a sultry tone even she didn't realize,
"Kalifa eagerly looks forward to Carl-sama's reward…"
Carl burst into hearty laughter. With a sweep of his arm, he pulled Kalifa tightly into his embrace. The next second, the two vanished from sight, leaving behind only a cluster of floating, rosy bubbles that slowly dispersed in the air.