Chapter 54 Shallow
"It's strange; weren't you just chasing after a human not long ago? How did you so quickly end up with that dragon? Have you abandoned your handsome human?" The Third Prince crossed his arms, standing within the palace, watching the little mermaid scurry about, dragging her long gown as she searched for something, showing no inclination to acknowledge him.
He sighed in resignation, "What are you looking for? You could simply ask a servant to find it for you."
Lu turned and shot him a glance, huffing lightly, "Brother, you wouldn't understand~ this is different."
Of course, she had to find her own belongings.
The Third Prince raised an eyebrow skeptically, "...Then explain the dragon who whisked you away tonight?"
Lu paused, holding up a retrieved indigo hairpin with an awkward smile, "Brother, what kind of explanation do you want?"
Should she reveal that the dragon was the human she had previously followed to land?
Impossible.
Even if she said it, they wouldn't believe her.
"This is the first time in hundreds of years that the dragon clan has made an appearance at a formal event."
The Third Prince observed as the little mermaid playfully placed the hairpin atop her head before setting it aside and continuing her search.
He frowned, "While I'm unaware of the dragon's status within his clan... the dragon tribe is known for being protective and self-centered. His attitude toward you has already effectively categorized the merfolk within the dragon clan's ranks."
The Third Prince was concerned that he might harbor ulterior motives... yet he could not fathom what those motives could possibly be.
For his little Lu?
Though Lu's beauty was indeed remarkable throughout the entire ocean, her delicate temperament was well known to all. Surely the dragon clan could not be so superficial as to fall for mere appearances?
The Third Prince gazed thoughtfully at the little mermaid's exquisite profile, lost in contemplation.
...Perhaps.
"Ah, what possible ulterior motives could he have?" Lu slowly cast a sidelong glance at the Third Prince, whose expression seemed rather off. She nonchalantly remarked, "If I'm not worried, why should you be?"
It was merely a matter of bad taste; did she truly fear him?
"This is hardly unfounded concern," the Third Prince snorted. "Just look at him; he doesn't seem like anything good."
In truth, had this situation not been somewhat beneficial and harmless for the merfolk, and had the dragon clan not held such longstanding prestige, he would have chosen to intervene from the very beginning.
As for the way he forced Lu into the equation, that was even more displeasing to him.
Wasn't this a blatant declaration of sovereignty? Who did he think he was?
Yet, this world operates on the principle of survival of the fittest; the strong possess absolute authority. The mere mention of the dragon clan was enough for him to swallow his discontent.
...After all, while the merfolk ruled the seas, they were but a shadow compared to the dragons, who embodied the essence of heaven and earth, nearly synonymous with fate itself. Thus, it was wise to avoid provoking such might.
Otherwise, should he be able to defeat that dragon, he would surely extract its very essence!
"Well, one cannot say he is entirely devoid of merit..." Lu finally discovered the glass bead she had carelessly tossed aside after playing with it for a while. Cradling it, she cautiously cast a glance at the Third Prince, who was clearly growing agitated.
"That's because you are easily deceived!" The Third Prince shot her a glare, his irritation palpable.
Could she, who so readily followed someone after just a few words, still dare to speak?
Lu blinked, hesitating for a moment. "Is that so?"
How could she be easily deceived? She was quite clever!
She puffed up her cheeks, adopting a serious tone. "In truth, that dragon might not be as bad as you think, brother! You mustn't harbor prejudice!"
Well... he did have a penchant for deceit and his words lacked credibility, but otherwise, he was quite pleasant.
He had taken care of her for so long on land, after all!
He even gifted her beautiful beads!
"...Are you defending him?" The Third Prince regarded her with an odd expression.
"I am merely stating the facts!" Lu retorted, indignant.
"How can you deem him a good person after knowing him for just a few days?"
The Third Prince laughed incredulously, "Come now, tell your brother, what has become of the human you chased after, disregarding the prohibitions? Has he married and had children?"
It was clear that Lu, with her nature, had likely fallen into her old habits, believing that attractive individuals could not possess malicious intent.
Why could she never learn?
Lu clutched the glass bead, resolutely declaring, "Regardless, that human is a good person."
Her brother was simply trying to undermine her!
But this time, she would not let him succeed!
A servant's voice from outside called for a break.
"Fine, I won't argue with you." The Third Prince moved to the door, glancing back at the little mermaid. "Make sure to rest early tonight; you'll be out all day tomorrow, and you need to conserve your energy."
"As for that dragon..." he paused, then added, "Your feelings matter little if our father and mother do not approve."
Their parents were staunchly opposed to the idea of their youngest daughter marrying. Countless proposals from the Clan Jack and other sea tribes had been met with evasion, which spoke volumes.
Moreover, given that the dragon clan posed no threat, how could they trust Little Lu to naively venture into such waters?
She would not even realize when she was being bullied.
"I never said I liked him!" Lu retorted, her cheeks flushed with indignation.
She merely stated that he wasn't bad; what did that have to do with liking him?
Why must her brother twist her words?
The Third Prince ceased to argue, merely casting her a knowing look. "Tomorrow's event represents the entirety of the merfolk kingdom; it is of utmost importance..."
If that dragon were to brazenly approach again... how amusing.