Lloyd paused for a moment, then fixed his gaze on Doflamingo and said, "Honestly, I quite admire you, Doflamingo."
Doflamingo had believed that with Garling granting the decision to Lloyd, he stood no chance. After all, Lloyd appeared far too young to command such authority. In his eyes, Garling's actions treated him as nothing more than discarded trash.
He never expected Lloyd to speak on his behalf; the best he could have hoped for was merely survival. Yet now, hearing Lloyd's words, a spark of hope ignited within him. His fate rested entirely in Lloyd's hands.
But Lloyd did not rush to decide. He asked calmly, "You still have a brother, don't you? Why hasn't he come with you?"
Doflamingo hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, his name is Rosinante. He was startled and fled. I don't know where he went."
"So now it's just you. If I allow your return, are you certain you can stay in the Family?"
Doflamingo glanced at Musgard, who responded only with a look of disdain. His silence was confirmation of the Donquixote Family's attitude toward him.
Lloyd was correct. Even if allowed to return, as a traitor's son, Doflamingo would struggle to find a place to belong. Among everyone present, only Lloyd showed a trace of concern for him.
No matter how ruthless Doflamingo might become later, at this moment he was still only ten years old. He had withstood immense pressure without collapsing. Lloyd's question, whether intentionally caring or not, warmed a corner of his cold heart.
The weight of Lloyd's status made this small gesture all the more precious. When Doflamingo spoke again, his tone reflected newfound respect:
"Saint Lloyd, what do you think I should do?"
Lloyd smiled faintly. "The Figarland Family can accept you."
"What?!"
Doflamingo barely had time to react when a collective gasp of astonishment erupted through the council hall. Garling , too, looked briefly surprised but said nothing.
Musgard's expression shifted to disbelief. "Saint Lloyd, are you serious? He's a traitor's son!"
Lloyd's frown deepened, a wisp of dark aura flickering in his eyes. "What? Are you questioning my decision?"
Buzz.
Dark Conqueror Haki radiated from Lloyd, immediately dimming the lights of the council hall. He had carefully restrained its intensity, for these Celestial Dragons were far too weak. Yet even so, many felt dizzy and disoriented under its influence, especially Musgard. His body lurched, and he toppled from his chair with a heavy thud.
He had no idea what had occurred and looked at Lloyd with wide-eyed terror. The other Celestial Dragons froze, like startled geese, not daring to move.
Saint Saturn remained unshaken. It would have been unremarkable if the heir of the Figarland Family lacked such aptitude.
Doflamingo had awakened Haoshoku Haki by accident previously, but he was far too young to understand or control it. He could only witness the terrified Celestial Dragons, and yet what struck him most was Lloyd's words.
That was the Figarland Family. Doflamingo remembered how Saint Homing had feared this Family when he decided to leave—it had the power to judge Celestial Dragons themselves.
Never in his wildest dreams had Doflamingo imagined he would one day have the chance to join. The reality was surreal, leaving him nearly speechless.
"Saint Lloyd, are… are you serious?" he stammered.
Lloyd's expression darkened. He had no patience for Doflamingo's hesitation, especially for the mispronunciation of his name. "I don't have time to joke with you," he said sharply.
Doflamingo's eyes widened. He took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and shouted, "If Saint Lloyd allows me to join the Figarland Family, I pledge my life to you!"
"Very well. You may leave now."
"Huh?"
Doflamingo's mind reeled. Leave? What did Lloyd mean? Report to the Figarland Family? He asked cautiously, "Saint Lloyd, what do you mean?"
"You may leave Mary Geoise. Go into the world, make a name for yourself, and return to me once you are strong enough. The Figarland Family does not accept trash. I am merely giving you an opportunity. Don't want it?"
On Earth, Lloyd's words would have painted a picture of immense potential. It was an enticing promise, a rare chance.
Doflamingo's expression froze. He wanted to speak further, but Lloyd's impatient glare silenced him. "Yes! Thank you, Saint Lloyd! I will devote myself fully to this chance and will not disappoint you!"
Tears of gratitude formed as Doflamingo bowed deeply, backing step by step toward the door, maintaining his posture until he finally exited.
Afterward, Garling Saint asked, "Lloyd, what are you thinking? You're not just toying with him, are you?"
Lloyd's faint smile returned. "Uncle Garling, your judgment this time does not compare to mine. That boy has potential. If the Family can utilize him, he will be a valuable tool."
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