Chapter 53 Talkative
"Cherish you?" Lu's face flushed crimson. "...What is there to cherish about you?"
Sebastian gazed at the little mermaid's slightly flustered, translucent blue eyes, teasing softly, "Then what does it mean when Princess Lu is so fixated on the figurine born of my dragon blood?"
"Isn't it merely a covetous desire for me?"
Lu glanced at the Third Prince, who had already noticed her and was preparing to conclude his conversation as he approached. For some reason, she felt a twinge of anxiety and pushed the young man beside her, "Keep your distance. As for what it means... I simply like it! My fondness for that little figurine has nothing to do with you!"
As she quietly explained, she kept her eyes on the approaching Third Prince, quickly adopting a serious expression and declaring with righteous indignation, "The Third Prince is coming over; stop pulling on me! We're in public!"
At her words, Sebastian paused, glancing at the approaching Third Prince, who wore an unfriendly expression, and greeted him with a smirk, "The Third Prince has arrived."
The Third Prince tugged at the corners of his mouth. "...The banquet is halfway through; Little Lu must be tired. I'll take her back."
To prevent her from getting lost while lingering with this beast.
Lu lifted the hem of her golden gown, stepping around the obstructive young man to sidle up to her royal brother, blinking innocently, "Ah, but I'm not tired!"
Returning home was not an issue... However, the East Sea had arranged many formations gathering the spirits of the sea for the Four Seas Festival, and as a merfolk, she had only danced a little; she felt quite energetic!
The Third Prince: "..."
"Your brother is worried you might tire yourself out." He cast a sideways glance at the nonchalant Sebastian and said stiffly.
"Is that so? Thank you for your concern, but I really am not tired."
"I'm not a child anymore!"
Lu declared earnestly.
Sebastian stifled a laugh behind his clenched fist.
The little one was indeed amusing.
The Third Prince looked at her with a mix of exasperation and affection. "Alright, I know you're not a child. Nevertheless, that doesn't prevent your brother and the king and queen from being concerned for you."
"However, since you're not tired, you... can play for a little while longer."
He reluctantly made a concession.
After all, as an older brother, it was wrong to blindly restrict Little Lu's interests and ideas—
If she felt he was overly controlling, she might grow closer to other royal brothers and princes, which would be counterproductive.
Lu was momentarily taken aback, turning to glance at Sebastian, only to find herself ensnared by his golden gaze.
The sounds of music and laughter filled the banquet hall, with people continuously passing through their corner; yet, he stood there, his radiant phoenix-like eyes slightly narrowed, as if he were the very center of the universe.
The tips of her azure hair, partially obscuring her ears, inexplicably flushed crimson. The little mermaid hastily averted her gaze, muttering to herself, "Who wants to play with him?"
If it weren't for this shamelessly beautiful dragon... constantly clinging to her, she wouldn't even bother with him!
He had just resorted to cunning schemes to deceive her!
The Third Prince sighed, his brow furrowing.
...What a reluctant appearance she presented while playing with someone.
It felt as though Little Lu was on the verge of being successfully whisked away.
He hadn't even had the chance to uncover this dragon's secrets; he suspected even the king and queen had never encountered this dragon.
As the Third Prince contemplated this, he cast a vague glance at the impeccably handsome young man, pursing his lips.
He had heard that the dragon clan had not birthed any young since their seclusion... Tsk, at this age, he must be at least a few thousand years old, right?
How could he dare to abduct his Little Lu?
"Indeed, as a young lady, staying up all night is hardly a good habit. I am pleased to see you have come to this realization."
Lu froze instantly.
...That was not what she meant!
The Third Prince ignored the little mermaid, who hesitated to remain at the banquet, and turned to Sebastian with a strained smile, "I appreciate your care for Little Lu this evening, but as it is getting late, I shall take her back now."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow slightly and nodded, "Until we meet again."
...Hopefully never again!!
The Third Prince returned a polite nod before swiftly pulling the still-dazed Lu along, turning without a hint of reluctance.
It was as if he feared something might chase after them.
Lu, clutching her gown, hurried to keep up, "...Brother, slow down! What's the rush? What if we bump into someone?"
"And why did you just leave while talking? Didn't you just say we could play a little longer? I haven't even tasted many of the pastries at the banquet; they seem to be a specialty of the East Sea..."
"By the way, do you know where our palace is in the East Sea? What if we step outside and draw a crowd?"
Oh, right! She hadn't even had the chance to retrieve her little figurine!
That dragon gets to keep it!!
The Third Prince: "..."
He had never realized how chatty Little Lu could be.
"Third Brother? Why are you silent?" The little mermaid wondered aloud.
Could it be that he was upset because she had danced only with that dragon tonight and not with him?
...Ah, it was all that dragon's fault for stealing her time and being untrustworthy!