Shalria paced nervously back and forth on the open space in front of Garling's palace. Although Carl had told her earlier she could "explore around," she didn't have the mind to wander now.
She knew Carl and Garling must be discussing her future. If things went well, she would become Carl's wife.
Just the thought of it made Shalria feel like she might faint from happiness.
In Mary Geoise, Carl had practically become the dream man of every female Celestial Dragon, and that was no exaggeration.
With Carl's universally appealing looks alone, he could charm the entirety of Mary Geoise. Add to that his prestigious lineage and unparalleled strength—each enough to drive these women crazy.
Many were desperate enough to tie themselves up and present themselves on Carl's bed.
Even their elders shared the same thought, each plotting to propose marriage for their daughters.
Unfortunately for them, Carl was rarely in the Holy Land, and even when he used his abilities to return briefly, they would never know.
As for Garling, he mostly kept to himself. When he did appear, his aura of untouchability deterred most Celestial Dragons from approaching.
Shalria's luck in catching Garling's attention stemmed from the events on Sabaody Archipelago.
If any other Admiral had gone there, it would have been expected. But with Carl, it was a monumental favor!
So, after returning to Mary Geoise and laying Charlos to rest, Roswald wasted no time bringing Shalria, along with an abundance of precious gifts, to the Figarland family.
Roswald had some cunning; he brought Shalria specifically to use this opportunity to get her in front of Garling.
It worked. Shalria, despite her usual haughty and imperious demeanor toward others, acted demure and respectful in front of Garling, earning his favor.
Her exceptional beauty among Celestial Dragons didn't hurt either. After several meetings, she succeeded in leaving a strong impression.
Roswald, eager to secure ties with the Figarland family and advance his daughter's position, boldly broached the subject of Carl's marriage.
Garling didn't agree outright but remarked that such matters required careful thought.
For Roswald, this wasn't a refusal—far from it. Given Garling's decisive nature, his not rejecting the idea outright meant there was a chance!
From that moment on, Shalria became a regular visitor to the Figarland residence. Garling tacitly allowed it until Carl returned.
Time ticked by. Shalria had no idea how many laps she had completed under the blazing sun.
Wearing her cumbersome "astronaut suit," she was drenched in sweat, but she didn't seem to notice.
At long last, Carl's figure appeared at the palace entrance.
"Saint Carl!"
Seeing him, Shalria finally stopped pacing. But as soon as she did, a wave of dizziness hit her. Her knees buckled, and she started to collapse.
Fortunately, Carl moved quickly, flashing to her side to catch her.
Looking down at Shalria's pale face, Carl frowned slightly.
"What's wrong? Where do you feel unwell?"
Shalria, dazed, murmured, "I-I don't know. My head feels dizzy… and I feel like throwing up..."
Carl glanced at her thick suit and sighed helplessly.
"Are you seriously having a heatstroke?"
Shalria's expression turned blank. "Heatstroke? What's that?"
Having lived a life of privilege, Shalria had never experienced such discomfort. Usually, she was shaded and fanned by servants. Who would dare let her suffer?
Carl pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"I can't believe this… Fine, let's get you inside to rest."
Shalria leaned weakly against Carl's arm.
"Saint Carl, I'm fine..."
"You call this fine? I'll take you to my quarters. You can rest there, and I'll send you back once you're better."
Shalria's eyes widened. She stammered, "W-Wait… Saint Carl, are you saying you'll let me rest in your chambers? Does this mean… you've agreed?"
Carl shot her a sharp glance.
"Agreed to what?"
Startled, Shalria quickly shook her head.
"N-Nothing..."
Rolling his eyes, Carl helped her into the palace.
Inside, the sound of cheerful voices greeted him.
"Master Carl!"
The voices came from his group of personal attendants, who had already learned of his return from Brin.
Carl waved them over. "Monet, help her."
Monet stepped forward, her expression turning to alarm as she noticed Shalria's pale face.
"Lady Shalria? What happened?"
She quickly took Shalria into her arms. Shalria, surprisingly docile, nestled against Monet, a stark contrast to her usual behavior with Brin.
Carl raised an eyebrow.
"Monet, has she been here before?"
Monet nodded dutifully. "Yes, Master. Lady Shalria often visits when you're away. We all know her well. Is she ill?"
Carl glanced at Shalria. "Probably just heatstroke."
Shalria let out a soft sigh of contentment, snuggling into Monet's embrace.
Monet flushed and looked at Carl in confusion.
"Master, she's…"
Before Monet could finish, Carl pulled Shalria away. Narrowing his eyes, he teased, "Are you seriously taking advantage of Monet now?"
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