The Cute Mermaid's Sweet Love

Before long, the ceremonial carriage carrying Lu and the Third Prince arrived at the very heart of the Eastern Sea— 

the main venue for this grand celebration. 

By this time, numerous guests had already gathered in the plaza, some entering the banquet hall in pairs, while others stood to one side, reminiscing and laughing together. Their respective guards stood resolutely behind them, and the plaza was further animated by curious little creatures gathered to watch the festivities. 

The previously conspicuous mermaid guards and luxurious carriage no longer seemed out of place, yet they still attracted the attention of some onlookers—

After all, the mermaids' distinctive fish tails, along with their power and beauty, easily draw the attention of the masses. 

Since the celebration was orchestrated by the serpent clan, a graceful serpent maiden greeted the mermaid envoy, performing a languid bow towards the Third Prince as he assisted Lu from the ceremonial carriage. 

With a beaming smile, she gazed at the Third Prince, who cast a sidelong glance her way, and sweetly remarked, "I see we have the mermaid envoy here; you must be His Highness, the Third Prince." 

It is no wonder that mermaids are favored by the heavens, for their beauty is truly captivating; even the most worldly among us cannot help but be charmed. 

One wonders if this mermaid prince's prowess in the bedroom is as delightful as his handsome visage... 

Standing beside the Third Prince, Lu pursed her lips, casting a glance at the serpent maiden's partially revealed figure, momentarily pausing as she suddenly felt that her own resplendent golden attire might not be as eye-catching as she had thought. 

After all, this serpent maiden certainly seemed to capture more attention than she did. 

Though she was not entirely certain of the purpose behind such attire, it appeared that the serpent clan, along with many sea creatures, had a penchant for it. 

"Hmm." The Third Prince furrowed his brow and began walking towards the banquet hall with Lu, his expression cool and detached. "You may attend to the other guests; we have no need for your services." 

The maid, seemingly oblivious to the subtle dismissal, instinctively took a step closer, forcing a smile. "But..." 

She hadn't even had the chance to utter a second sentence! 

Wasn't it said that mermaids appear aloof yet are easy to approach? 

The serpent maiden bit her lip, ultimately following along. 

Meeting the Third Prince's slightly impatient azure gaze, she feigned good humor and explained in a languid tone, "I shall escort you both to your seats and then take my leave." 

Meanwhile, the other sea creatures who had intended to approach the two young mermaids exchanged glances and, in unison, halted their steps— 

It was clear that the mermaids were not interested in polite formalities, so why should they press forward? 

After all, they were merely mermaids blessed by nature; without their innate gifts, they might not seem so remarkable. 

Within the banquet hall, the serpentine maidens glided gracefully among the guests, guiding them to their seats while occasionally sharing lighthearted banter. 

The atmosphere was lively and cheerful. 

Lu settled onto a lavishly adorned chair embellished with a variety of gemstones, surveying her surroundings. She blinked her blue eyes and quietly remarked to the Third Prince seated beside her, "This is rather different from what I had imagined." 

It didn't seem as solemn as she had expected. 

Moreover, the guests, dressed in their finery, were hardly less extravagant than she was. 

Another serpent maiden approached, performing the customary greeting among sea creatures, and poured them a fragrant, specially brewed sea beverage, accompanied by an assortment of pastries. 

"It's merely a celebration; it's not a somber memorial," the Third Prince said, not unfamiliar with such gatherings. He was only accompanying his dear Lu and smiled, "Relax; the real exertion comes later." 

Dining, drinking, and chatting were merely the prelude, allowing guests to leave a favorable impression and exchange glances. 

"I'm not nervous at all," Lu huffed. 

The Third Prince chuckled, just about to say something further when a commotion erupted at the entrance of the banquet hall. 

He raised an eyebrow, glancing at the other guests, who had already subdued their laughter. "That must be the dragon clan, causing quite a stir." 

It was puzzling why the dragon had only now chosen to enter the banquet hall despite having arrived earlier. 

A figure clad in radiant gold emerged amidst the continuous flow of compliments and chatter, surrounded like a star amidst the moon. Adorned in golden robes and a jeweled crown, the dragon's golden eyes sparkled with a hint of nonchalance. 

"...Yes." 

"...Indeed." 

"...Occasionally." 

He responded casually to the remarks of those beside him while scanning the interior of the banquet hall, swiftly locking his gaze onto Lu, seated at the high table. 

His golden eyes narrowed slightly, and a sly smile crept onto his lips as he boldly met her gaze and said, "Little mermaid, it has been a long time." 

His voice, slightly husky, somehow pierced through the din of the banquet hall, reaching Lu's ears with startling clarity.

Almost the entire banquet hall fell silent in an instant, as if a collective gaze from various directions converged upon one of the high seats. Amidst the shock, they could not help but ponder the connection between this mermaid princess and the dragon clan. 

It seemed that the serpent clan, who were distantly related to the dragons, had always maintained a cordial relationship with the mermaids. 

"Lu?" The Third Prince glanced over in disbelief, "You know her?" 

How could he have been unaware of such a notable figure? 

Under the watchful eyes of the guests, each reflecting a myriad of emotions, Lu stiffly withdrew her gaze from that familiar handsome face and replied, "…Perhaps." 

Yet what she truly thought was—could this be a coincidence? Was she perhaps dreaming? 

Such serendipity seemed too improbable!