Rhine shook his head.
"I don't recommend that you drink the potion and elope to the sea just yet.
"Last night, I foresaw that a turning point in your fate is about to arrive.
"You might as well wait a few days and see what this twist of fate brings before making a decision…"
Prince Eric and Ariel nodded, once again thanking the magician who had helped them so many times.
Afterward, Ariel spent some time chatting with Aurora, sharing stories of her experiences on land.
The two princesses, each with their extraordinary journey, found much to talk about.
It wasn't until later that the prince and his mermaid lover finally took their leave.
Watching them go, Aurora replayed their conversation in her mind.
"Prince Eric said there was no better ending—no better future than the two of them transforming into merfolk, diving into the sea, and spending eternity together in the deep blue ocean.
"This way, Ariel can return to her loved ones, and Eric won't have to remain bound by his father's expectations."
Rhine chuckled, his unique sense of humor surfacing once again.
"Well, that's just because their imagination is lacking."
Prince Eric and Ariel followed the magician's advice. They didn't drink the potion right away but patiently waited a few days.
During that time, Eric had a set of men's clothing made for Ariel so she could ride alongside him. They rode through the woods, the green branches brushing against their shoulders while birds sang under the sunlight.
They cherished every moment, knowing that these might be their last days on land.
Ariel climbed mountains with Eric, gazing at the clouds and birds below. It reminded her of her days in the ocean—watching small fish swim beneath her as she hovered in the depths.
Then, a few days later, on the very day the Enderland delegation set sail for home, fate's turning point arrived.
The king summoned his son.
"My child, I've been reconsidering your engagement.
"How about this—you will take your attendants and sail to meet the Enderland princess.
"Perhaps, the moment you see her, you will fall helplessly in love. No one can predict matters of the heart.
"If, when you return, you still feel nothing for the princess… then I will reconsider your marriage. I may even grant you your freedom."
Prince Eric was stunned.
He had never expected his father to make such an offer!
Wasn't this practically suggesting that if he truly had no interest in the princess, he wouldn't be forced into marriage?
"Thank you for your generosity, Father!"
The prince expressed his gratitude.
"The magician was right—fate did take a turn.
"He may look like just a boy, but he's a genius of prophecy!"
However, Eric knew this didn't necessarily mean his father had truly changed his mind. He still had to consider the possibility of drinking the potion and eloping with Ariel.
As the prince excitedly left, the king let out a small sigh, recalling what the Enderland envoys had told him before they departed.
The Enderland envoys had assured him that there was no need to worry about his son's rebelliousness.
They guaranteed that the only reason Eric had fallen for another was because he had yet to meet their beautiful princess.
They even revealed that their kingdom's witch had prophesied:
"Once the prince lays eyes on our princess, he will fall hopelessly in love. This entire dispute will become meaningless!"
"For the prince of the Western Asia Kingdom and the princess of Enderland are destined to be together—no one can stand in the way!"
If that prophecy is true, then I have nothing to worry about…
The king took a deep breath.
However, just as he was about to put the matter aside, another thought crossed his mind.
"Speaking of prophecies…."
He suddenly remembered—the diviner he had recruited—that grand magician from the Rose Kingdom—was still staying in his camp!
"I originally hired him to investigate that girl named Ariel's origins, but I've been too busy dealing with the Enderland delegation to follow up on it."
"According to Eric, that magician uncovered something useful—at the very least, he confirmed that the girl's name was Ariel. But did he find out anything else?"
"Wait… wasn't Eric in charge of this whole matter? If the magician truly discovered something valuable, why has Eric never brought it up?"
"Could it be that Ariel's origins are too… sensitive? So much so that Eric, having fallen for her, refuses to say a word about it?"
Lost in thought, the king immediately summoned Rhine.
Soon, the silver-haired young magician stood before the king.
"Grand Magician of the Rose Kingdom, wise sage from distant lands," the king addressed him with respect. "I wish to ask you—did your divination reveal anything about this girl named Ariel?"
As a magician of some renown, Rhine was treated with great courtesy.
The king knew all too well that those who offended powerful magicians rarely met a good end.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Rhine replied.
The king's curiosity deepened.
"Then tell me—where does she come from? Why does she possess such a beautiful voice and such graceful dance?"