Pudding followed closely behind Carl, her eyes darting around nervously as they passed numerous individuals wearing bubble headpieces who greeted Carl with utmost respect.
Being from the Charlotte family, she was well aware of who these people were—Celestial Dragons.
Yet, unlike the arrogant and condescending image of the Celestial Dragons etched into her memory, these ones displayed smiles that, to her surprise, seemed almost ingratiating when directed at Carl.
This only confirmed what she already suspected: even in the sacred land of Mary Geoise, Carl remained a man among men.
Unable to suppress her thoughts, Pudding mumbled under her breath,
"As expected of my brother-in-law…"
Carl's sharp ears caught her words immediately. He stopped abruptly, causing Pudding, with her head down, to bump straight into his back.
Turning around, Carl looked at her with an amused expression as she winced, rubbing her forehead.
"What did you just say?" he asked.
Blushing furiously, Pudding waved her hands frantically.
"N-Nothing! Where are we going?"
Carl didn't press further, his lips curving into a faint smile.
"Home, of course," he replied.
"H-Home?" Pudding blinked in confusion before a sudden realization struck her. Her face turned pale, then red, as wild thoughts filled her mind.
In her understanding, Carl was a Celestial Dragon, and Celestial Dragons were infamous for their depraved hobbies, collecting slaves to satisfy their twisted desires.
If Carl was taking her to his home… was she about to become…?
Unwanted images flashed through Pudding's mind, her complexion shifting rapidly between pale and crimson.
Noticing her unusual behavior, Carl frowned, puzzled. Just as he was about to inquire, a surprised voice called out from behind.
"Saint Carl!"
Carl raised an eyebrow at the familiar voice and turned around.
Not far away, a young woman wearing a bubble headpiece and with her hair styled high was staring at him with an excited expression.
Seeing Carl look her way, her excitement grew, and she began running toward him.
The suited guards trailing her turned pale with fright. The woman was clearly a Celestial Dragon, her outfit resembling a spacesuit and entirely unsuited for strenuous activity. If she tripped and fell, they'd all lose their heads.
Unfortunately, their worst fears were realized. The young woman stumbled after only a few steps and was about to hit the ground when a sudden force pulled her forward.
With a subtle flick of his wrist, Carl brought her safely to a halt before him.
The young woman stood there, momentarily stunned, before realizing what had happened. Blushing, she clasped her hands nervously.
"Saint Carl… you remember my name?"
Carl tilted his head slightly.
"Shalria, right?"
Hearing her name, Shalria's face turned even redder.
"Saint Carl, you actually remember me…"
The guards behind her exchanged shocked glances. They had never seen Shalria act like this. But given Carl's current status in Mary Geoise, which was nearly on par with the Five Elders, it wasn't entirely surprising.
Carl waved dismissively.
"Your family and mine go way back. How is your father, Rosward?"
His tone carried the air of an elder addressing a junior, which wasn't entirely wrong given his seniority in years.
Shalria lowered her head shyly and replied softly,
"Father is doing well. He often talks about you."
Carl's eyebrow twitched.
Rosward often talks about me? What, about that time I almost scared him out of his wits?
When Carl didn't respond, Shalria lifted her head and noticed Pudding standing behind him.
Pudding, intrigued by Shalria, was observing her closely. It wasn't every day she encountered a female Celestial Dragon, especially one as attractive as Shalria.
Their eyes met, and Pudding was about to greet her when Shalria's expression soured. A look of disdain flickered across her face.
Shalria didn't recognize Pudding, which meant she wasn't one of the elite residents of Mary Geoise. However, out of consideration for Carl, she refrained from acting out and simply averted her gaze with a haughty snort.
Turning back to Carl, Shalria asked,
"Saint Carl, are you heading home?"
Carl nodded.
"Yes. Do you need something? If not, I'm leaving."
He didn't wait for a response, instead resuming his walk with Pudding in tow.
Shalria hadn't expected Carl to leave so decisively. In a panic, she reached out and grabbed his sleeve.
"Saint Carl, please wait!"
Carl's expression turned icy.
"Shalria, mind your behavior."
A faint pressure emanated from him, making Shalria tremble. She immediately let go, bowing deeply.
"My apologies, Saint Carl. I meant no disrespect. I was simply hoping to accompany you. I happen to be heading to your family's estate as well."
Carl paused, his frown deepening.
"You're going to my house? Why?"
Blushing, Shalria hesitated before stammering,
"I-I wanted to visit Saint Garling. I've been visiting often lately… but you were never there."
Carl froze, stunned.
"You've been visiting my uncle? And he… let you in?"
Garling was notoriously standoffish, treating most people with cold indifference. The thought of him entertaining Shalria was baffling.
Shalria nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes… Saint Garling seemed quite pleased with me…"
Carl's face darkened, as if struck by a thunderbolt.
What in the world is Uncle Garling up to now?
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+250 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg