The mermaid princess didn't return home for yet another night. The other merfolk in the palace paid little heed to her absence—after all, it was not unusual for their princess to wander about freely, and her absence from her own palace was entirely expected.
However, Belle was deeply troubled, having squatted outside the princess's chambers all night, yet she still did not see her return.
With a gaze filled with reproach, Belle fixated on the empty, soft bed of her mistress, struggling to comprehend why the princess would choose to follow that human, forsaking so much in the process.
What was so alluring about him that compelled the princess to abandon everything? Was it merely because he was a prince from some unknown corner of the world?
Since it had been too dark during their earlier excursion at sea, and Belle had concealed herself underwater, she was only vaguely aware of the figure that had captivated the princess.
Furrowing her brow, she attempted to recall the details, but all that emerged were the sharply defined contours of the human—nothing more.
Her thoughts were entirely consumed with the image of her beloved princess.
Belle bit her lip, feeling utterly useless, impotently watching as the princess was led away by a mere human.
Meanwhile, Lu flung herself onto the generously sized bed in the cabin, lovingly prepared by the little sea creatures while she lay submerged beneath the sea. Her small face nestled into the bedding, still imbued with the brine of the ocean, and she sighed in contentment.
Ah, to her surprise, a dry bed was equally intoxicating!
It felt entirely different from being submerged in the sea, and yet it was oh so comfortable.
As the charming human was still figuring out how to navigate the boat, Lu displayed no interest in such matters. After a restless night, she reluctantly bid farewell to Sebastian and ventured to select a room for herself about ten minutes prior.
Given that the cabin had previously housed other occupants, Sebastian had kindly pointed her to a room originally intended for himself before leaving her to familiarize herself with her surroundings.
In her temporary haven, Lu rolled playfully on the soft bed, blinking her eyes, utterly satisfied with her new quarters.
Ah, how wonderful it would be if the handsome human were willing to join her for a sleepover!
But as she pondered, Lu made a soft clicking sound with her tongue, feeling a pang of regret as she understood it was unlikely—after all, humans were often shy and reserved, lacking in emotional expression… which she could appreciate.
Still, the fact that the handsome human wished to bring her back to his kingdom was something she should feel content about!
As the little mermaid lay on the soft bed, daydreaming of a beautiful and hopeful future, a faint white light suddenly illuminated the small pouch she had carelessly tossed aside on the bedside table.
It was not blinding, but its allure was undeniable.
Lu stared at the pouch in momentary confusion, tilting her head in thought. Gradually, she sat up and reached for the pouch, rummaging inside to extract a glowing seashell that continued to shimmer persistently.
Pouting, the little mermaid glared at the seashell for several moments before reluctantly bringing it to her ear.
A warm, steady male voice resonated:
"Little Lu, where are you? Come back."
The message was concise and left no room for refusal.
Lu's face darkened, and she tossed the seashell back into the corner of the room with a petulant flick of her wrist.
What nonsense!
Why did this shameless water serpent possess a seashell that directly connected to her?
She had foolishly assumed it was her brothers seeking her out for her late return… she would rather face their scoldings!
Yet, despite having discarded the seashell, it remained in the corner, its light unwavering—waiting stubbornly for its owner to respond to the call.
It seemed the male voice on the other end anticipated her reaction, as after one phrase, he ceased talking yet showed no intention of ending the communication, confident that the little mermaid would retrieve the seashell once more.
Lu frowned, her small face displaying an expression of deep grievance.
In truth, although she was vexed, she dared not allow the male voice on the other end to wait indefinitely for her.
After all, given the nature of that water serpent… he might very well continue to wait without end.
Not to mention the potential toll on her seashell from this insistent creature; if he failed to hear from her, he would likely rush to inform her parents—
Just the thought of how her parents had previously pressured her to cultivate feelings with that so-called "childhood friend" infuriated her!
He was merely a water serpent, yet he insisted on exploiting his distant kinship with the dragon clan to intrude upon the merfolk kingdom daily!
It was simply shameless!
"What do you want? What relevance do I have to you—"
"None at all!!"
Fuming, Lu stomped across the soft bedding to the corner of the large bed, seized the seashell, and shouted into it, her face flushed with anger.
The voice on the other end remained steady, "You didn't inform your parents that you went out to sea, did you? The merfolk kingdom's prohibitions have been strictly enforced for years, yet here you are, a royal, breaking the rules…"
"What do you want to say?" Lu's expression darkened.
"...I heard you are doing this for a human? You still have time to return."
"What I do is none of your concern?!" Lu inhaled deeply, warning, "You had better not entertain any ulterior motives!"
"It seems you are quite obstinate." The male voice finally revealed a hint of displeasure, "Little Lu, are you deliberately trying to provoke me?"
Lu glared, "Pah! Who do you think you are, demanding that I be angry with you?!"
"...It appears you are unwilling to heed my advice. Very well, until we meet again." The voice coldly severed the connection.
Just as Lu prepared to continue their quarrel, she was momentarily stunned, incredulously staring at the seashell in her hand, the words lodged in her throat, unable to rise or fall.
How utterly shameless!
...Indeed, she could not possibly get along with such a hypocritical individual!
It was infuriating!
Lu tossed the seashell behind her, losing interest in rolling around on the large bed, and instead lay despondently on the soft bedding, contemplating her aquatic life—
She felt she needed the handsome human to brighten her spirits.
However, the handsome human was quite busy, and she did not wish to disturb him.
Yet that odious water serpent might come after her any moment now; once that happened, she certainly couldn't remain with the handsome human, lest she entangle him in her troubles.
...How bothersome!