Return

Lucia accepted Garling's arrangement and joined the Figarland Family's guard corps, training desperately every day.

Her thoughts were simple. If Gigue never made it out, then at least she could still do something with her own strength.

But Gigue ultimately failed to hold on, dying in the laboratory at the age of eight. Naturally, this was not publicized; only a handful of people within the Figarland Family knew about it, along with several influential figures among the other Celestial Dragons.

Lucia did not know that Gigue had died, though that was a good thing for her.

Gigue was what drove her to train so desperately. If she had learned the truth, she probably would not have lived until now.

Over the years, her happiest day had been when Garling returned from God Valley and specifically told her that Gigue had come out, though special circumstances meant he still could not return to Mary Geoise for the time being.

Though she felt some regret, hearing that news finally lifted a huge weight from Lucia's heart. She trained with even greater determination, looking forward to the day she would see Gigue again.

Then, six years later, Garling found her again and told her that Gigue was coming back. Having already become a captain, she was so overjoyed she nearly lost her mind. Before dawn, she brought her subordinates here to wait for Gigue.

When the elevator doors opened, she spotted Gigue standing in the center at once. The little boy who had once called her Sister Lucia had now grown into a tall, handsome young man.

Perhaps too much time had passed. After she removed her helmet, Gigue did not seem to recognize her. But that did not matter. Lucia felt that all her years of waiting had been worthwhile. Her Saint Gigue stood before her once more.

The memories of Lucia in his mind gradually became clearer, and Gigue's gaze upon her grew gentler. He remembered this girl who had followed Garling into the laboratory all those years ago.

He raised a hand and gently touched the scar beneath Lucia's left eye. Her body trembled, and she stared blankly at Gigue.

"Lucia, I'm back."

Gigue's voice was not loud, yet it struck the softest part of Lucia's heart like a heavy hammer. Her large amber eyes were already brimming with tears.

Because this was Mary Geoise, where hierarchy was strict, she forcibly suppressed the urge to embrace Gigue and said with a smile,

"Young Master, welcome home!"

Gigue nodded softly. The two gazed at each other for a long time, while the Golden Armor Guards Lucia had brought remained perfectly still. Not one of them raised his head.

Spandine, standing behind them, barely dared to breathe. As for the remaining men in suits, there was no need to mention them. Anyone with sense knew that lowering their heads and counting ants was the wisest choice right now.

Gigue reached out and wiped away the tears at the corners of Lucia's eyes, then said softly,

"Take me to see Uncle Garling."

Lucia gave a soft assent. The moment she turned around, her expression became cold. She ordered the guards kneeling on the ground,

"Form ranks and escort the Young Master home!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the guards rose one after another and formed two lines behind Gigue, maintaining perfect order throughout.

Spandine swallowed and shouted while hopping about behind the guards,

"Saint Gigue, I'll wait for you on the ship!"

No one responded to him now. Gigue and his group had already marched away in grand procession.

Along the way, Celestial Dragons riding slaves occasionally passed by. Seeing such a display, they immediately began to gossip.

"Hey, isn't that the Figarland Family's personal guard corps? Who's the one at the front?"

"Who knows? Heh heh, isn't that Lucia? She's getting prettier by the day. It'd be nice if I could get her by my side."

"Keep dreaming. Saint Garling publicly stated that woman was being reserved for his nephew, Saint Gigue."

"Saint Gigue? Now that you mention him, I'd nearly forgotten about him. They say he's a direct descendant of the Figarland Family, yet he's never shown his face. Who knows whether he even exists?"

"That's true. Father told me that this generation of the Figarland Family still hasn't produced a single heir. Saint Garling and Saint Gurando don't seem very interested in women either. At this rate, the Figarland Family might disappear~"

"It'd be best if they disappeared! Then all their resources would be divided among us, wouldn't they?"

The unrestrained voices of the Celestial Dragons drifted over. Gigue's expression did not change, while Lucia gave a disdainful snort. Even if the Figarland Family declined further, it was not something a bunch of useless drunks like you could covet.

Having stayed with the Figarland Family for so many years, she still felt that everything she had seen was only the tip of the iceberg.

And now Saint Gigue had returned. As long as he was here, the Figarland Family would continue. It was just a pity that she could not help with that matter...

Thinking of her status as a slave, a shadow fell over Lucia's face.

"Lucia, you don't look well. What are you thinking about?"

Lucia looked up and met Gigue's concerned gaze. She hurriedly shook her head and said,

"It's nothing, Young Master. It's just that hearing those people made me feel sorry for you..."

"Sorry for me?"

"Yes. Young Master, you are clearly the Figarland Family's only heir. Your status is so noble, yet you suffered something like that. The glory that should have been yours has never truly been given to you, even now!"

Though Lucia was not speaking of what she had just been thinking, those words were also sincere.

After hearing her, Gigue sighed softly and looked ahead.

"Aren't you the same? I remember Uncle Garling telling me that you were once a princess of a country. If your country had not fallen, you would surely be much happier than you are living in this so-called Holy Land."

Lucia had not expected Gigue to still think of her. A complicated emotion brewed within her heart, and her lips trembled as she murmured,

"Young Master..."

Gigue did not look at her and continued,

"Lucia, you said earlier that you've become a captain. You really are exceptional. But I imagine you must have suffered greatly over these years."

Lucia could no longer contain the intense emotions in her heart. Ignoring the shocked looks around her, she finally threw herself into Gigue's arms and wept bitterly.

"Saint Gigue, I missed you so much! Where have you been all these years?!"

Gigue gently stroked Lucia in his arms and said,

"First, I spent six years in a country called Sorbet. Now, I've joined the Navy."

"The Navy?! Young Master, with your status, why would you join the Navy?"

"Heh heh..."

Gigue watched as the Figarland Family estate ahead gradually came into clearer view and said calmly,

"Of course, it's to gain strength. Otherwise, wouldn't I be letting down his expectations?"