The Cute Mermaid's Sweet Love

At the banquet, 

"Your Highness, it appears that you and the esteemed guest share a remarkable affinity; the matching golden hues you both don not only complement each other but also enhance your elegance," a striking woman in a red gown remarked, covering her mouth with a playful smile. 

It was unclear whether she referred to their attire or to the individuals themselves. 

The attention of the guests turned towards them, with many chuckling in agreement. 

"Indeed, I was quite astonished when I first saw it." 

"I hadn't noticed before, but now that you mention it, it truly is." 

…She was the Prime Minister of the sea creatures from the Western Sea. 

Lu listened as the Third Prince discreetly explained to her behind the cover of his cup, nodding thoughtfully. 

She seemed to recall something. 

But—what did it have to do with her? 

Since the lady had spoken, it was only polite to respond. 

Thus, Lu fixed her translucent blue eyes on the woman and, with a serious expression, said, "Thank you for the compliment. My brother, the Third Prince, is also adorned in gold; it is merely a coincidence." 

The striking woman paused, glancing at the smiling Third Prince beside Lu, only to realize that this remarkably handsome mermaid prince was indeed clad in a light golden ceremonial robe. 

Yet the hue still fell short by more than a degree. 

She smiled, "It is precisely such coincidences that weave the fabric of fate~ I wonder what the esteemed guest thinks?" 

As she spoke, she beamed at the highest seat hastily added by the serpentine clan just hours earlier— 

The young man with golden eyes, holding a cup, had his phoenix-like gaze half-closed, seemingly lost in thought. Upon hearing her words, he lifted his eyes and smiled, "…Oh?" 

He then lazily turned his gaze towards the mermaid, who was biting her lip and appeared somewhat anxious, raising an eyebrow, "Does the princess not think that, rather than mere coincidence, the term 'compatible' would be more fitting?" 

Lu: "W-what?" 

She was momentarily taken aback, staring at the young man who seemed to be smiling yet not smiling at her, furrowing her brow. 

…Was he being so direct? Did he mean what she thought he did?? 

What was he playing at, joking in such a public setting? 

The striking woman looked at Sebastian and then at the mermaid princess, who still seemed bewildered and unresponsive, and could not help but reflect on how sheltered this young lady must be. 

It was indeed surprising that the mermaid royal family would allow her to venture out. 

Were they not concerned that the one above would unceremoniously swallow this little princess whole? 

"Indeed, indeed, the two of you… your attire certainly complements each other." One sea creature, noticing that the mermaid princess had not responded for some time and fearing Sebastian's displeasure, mustered the courage to speak up with a sheepish grin. 

Sebastian cast a leisurely glance at him, remaining silent. 

"Those unaware might even think it was a matching set." The man, feeling guilty under Sebastian's gaze, pondered for a moment before awkwardly adding, 

Um, was this not meant to be lighthearted banter? Why did the atmosphere suddenly feel so off? 

"Isn't that why we call it fate?" Sebastian finally withdrew his gaze, reiterating the woman's earlier words with a meaningful tone. 

The Third Prince furrowed his brow slightly, placing a hand on Lu's shoulder to halt her impending response, and smiled, "Indeed, the esteemed guest shares a connection with us. However, since this is a rare celebration, why not divert our conversation to other topics? After all, sharing joy is better than solitary enjoyment." 

Although he was unsure why this rare dragon seemed so interested in his little Liu… Regardless, continuing on this topic would not bode well. 

The Third Prince's instincts warned him that this golden dragon likely harbored ulterior motives— 

And his target was unmistakably Lu.

"Speaking of which, it seems we have yet to catch sight of the young master from the Clan Jack?" The alluring woman chuckled lightly, skillfully diverting the conversation. 

Her objective had been achieved. 

"Indeed, it is rather peculiar. I recall that the young master appeared to have been quite fond of the princess?" The sea creature who had previously spoken, without much thought, shifted the focus back onto Lu. 

Lu forced a smile, nearly unable to suppress her laughter. 

No, this is merely your misconception. 

Why did it seem as though everyone today was conspiring against her? 

The chieftain of the Clan Jack, noticing the unexpected attention directed towards himself, hastily cleared his throat and vaguely explained, "That child is preoccupied with some matters." 

Sebastian took a sip of his wine. 

Indeed, he was occupied. 

After all, he was competing for the affections of the little mermaid, and it was hardly a challenge for him to deal with that mere water serpent.