The Cute Mermaid's Sweet Love

"where have you been? Why have you only just arrived?" The patriarch of the Clan Jack seized Jack, whose eyes were half-closed as he passed by, his brow furrowed with irritation. 

"Do you have any idea how long your mother has been searching for you? You've been wandering around here all this time! Since you've finally shown up, couldn't you at least inform us?" 

He had initially feared that his stubborn son had encountered some trouble. 

Jack lifted his gaze slightly, "...Father." 

The patriarch of the Clan Jack was not in the mood for pleasantries, pulling his son toward a corner to avoid attracting the attention of other guests. "So you do remember I am your father." 

As he spoke, there was a hint of disappointment in his tone. "Haven't you always been fond of that little mermaid? How is it that on such an important day, you've failed to make an appearance, and now that she has been whisked away, you decide to show up? What good does that do?" 

"After all the effort over the years, it seems a single evening has undone it all!" 

Indeed, if Jack were to be with the mermaid princess, the patriarch would be more than pleased, for an alliance with the merfolk would yield benefits in every regard— 

Moreover, having observed his son's eagerness to visit the merfolk since childhood, he could not bear to see him disappointed. 

Yet, what had happened? 

After all these years, at such a crucial moment, he had chosen to vanish?! 

If he wasn't anxious, he found himself feeling anxious on his behalf! 

Now, it was too late; the couple had finished their dance, and what good was his arrival now? 

However, Jack merely met his father's gaze with an unruffled expression, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his lips as he retorted, "Father, are you suggesting that I should contend with the dragon clan?" 

He knew full well that his own father's character was not one to be trusted. 

Surely, the dragon clan could easily persuade the entire serpent clan with just a few well-chosen words. 

Not to mention that face... Jack averted his gaze, his expression darkening. 

The patriarch of the Clan Jack was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words. "...That is not the case." 

"Father merely thinks..." 

But he could not continue. 

Was he to brazenly snatch someone away? 

The mermaid princess had already pledged herself to another; with mutual affection between them, what right did an outsider have to interject? 

The banquet hall was bustling with guests, and even in the corner, people passed by. The patriarch sighed, suppressing his frustration. "Do not be so extreme; there are plenty of good girls out there. Do not fixate on the mermaid princess; do not do anything foolish." 

Moreover, that princess was notoriously pampered, having been raised in the lap of luxury within the merfolk kingdom. It was not as if his son had succeeded in winning her over after all these years— 

Upon reflection, it might be for the best that she had not formally married into their clan. 

Otherwise, the territory of the serpent clan would have become a second home for the entire merfolk royal family. 

"How could I possibly act foolishly?" Jack glanced at his father, who was now comforting himself, and moved his hand hidden within his wide sleeve; the scars on his wrist throbbed painfully. 

He pressed his lips together. "...Father, do not worry. I have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave." 

With that, he turned and melted into the throng of guests in the banquet hall before his father could respond. 

The patriarch of the Clan Jack furrowed his brow, pondering for a long while, unable to believe that Jack would simply let this matter rest. 

...After all, this child had always been quite obstinate; when he desired something, he would go to great lengths to obtain it, even at the cost of his own well-being. 

Yet, surely he would not be foolish enough to challenge a dragon clan that was so vastly superior? 

On the other side, 

"What do you still want? I must go find my brother!" Lu glared at the golden-haired youth blocking her path, angered. 

She had already embarrassed herself during three dances; was he not satisfied yet? 

"...Didn't you want me?" 

Sebastian leaned down, bringing his head close to her ear, chuckling softly, his phoenix eyes lowered as he lowered his voice, "How is it that after offering yourself, you now seek no reward?" 

"Reward?!" Lu felt a warm flush creep to her cheeks at his breath, taking a step back in embarrassment, her blue eyes darting away as she blinked twice, her face slightly flushed. "...When did I say I wanted you? Don't speak nonsense!" 

"Hmm?" Sebastian tilted his head, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at her. "Am I being too sincere... that you truly do not want me?"

Lu was momentarily taken aback, pondering slowly, "Perhaps... perhaps it's better not to." 

What did she want him for? 

There was nothing to play with, nor anything to eat. 

...If what he said aligned with her thoughts. 

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, straightened up, and sighed regretfully, "Very well." 

"Just don't have regrets later." 

"Let's go." 

Lu frowned and followed, lowering her head in an effort to consider whether she had fallen into another trap, while also asking, "Where are we going?" 

"To find your royal brother. I saw him heading in that direction earlier; he should still be there." 

"...Oh." Lu blinked in surprise. 

He was genuinely taking her to find the Third Prince? 

Yet, she felt as though she had forgotten something important. 

"Wait, you clearly promised to give me the little figurine! Where is it?" 

Seeing the Third Prince conversing politely with others not far away, Lu was momentarily dazed before she finally realized, reaching out to tug at Sebastian's sleeve, demanding an explanation indignantly. 

"...Didn't you just say you didn't want it?" Sebastian shot her a sidelong glance, a teasing smile on his lips as he pointed toward the Third Prince, speaking slowly, "Your beloved brother is over there; shouldn't you hurry over?" 

Lu's eyes widened in disbelief. "When did I say I didn't want it?" 

Then, recalling their earlier conversation, her blue eyes grew round with annoyance. "You shameless person!" 

How could he be so brazen! 

Absolutely, utterly shameless! 

"Shameless?" 

Sebastian mused, "Just say it... Is it that you have been yearning for it, perhaps out of admiration for me?" 

Lu: ...??! 

"After all, it resembles me quite closely, being of my blood... Yet I am right here before you; shouldn't you cherish the original even more?"