Chapter 61 Dominance

Given that the originally allotted time for each sea creature to speak was already brief, there was no special treatment for Lu, even as she felt a touch guilty for leaving early. Consequently, the next twenty encounters unfolded just like the previous ones, and before long, they were over.

As the little mermaid tucked away her nearly numb smile and raised her hand to rub her cheek, the maidens continued distributing numbered tickets to the sea creatures who had yet to be called, ensuring that tomorrow's gathering would proceed in an orderly fashion.

Among the waiting sea creatures were many who had been in line for quite some time, just a few numbers away from their turn, and their spirits were understandably low. After all, they had finally made it this far, only to be abruptly cut short before they could converse with the mermaid princess.

Frustration coursed through the crowd as they exchanged glances, their grip tightening around their tickets, each pair of eyes reflecting a shared sense of discontent.

After a moment of silent communication, they furtively glanced at the striking young man standing beside the little mermaid, who was leaning in to whisper something to her.

Though the sea creatures were eager to pursue their desires, their instinct to avoid danger remained intact. Moreover, the palpable pressure emanating from the man, which seemed to envelop the entire banquet hall, was far from negligible. Had this oppressive aura hinted at any imminent threat, the assembly of sea creatures might have succumbed to sheer panic.

As it stood, however, they merely shivered at the sight of the smiling young man, inexplicably unnerved, and quickly averted their gazes.

...Though they could not ascertain his background, there was something about his smile that felt unsettlingly formidable.

...Truth be told, ever since his arrival, the little mermaid had been unable to engage with them!

Was it not merely a matter of returning tomorrow? Their positions were secure; they would not be restricted from conversing with the little mermaid, and they had nothing to lose!

Thus, the adaptable sea creatures reassured themselves—ah, indeed, it would be better to return tomorrow; what a splendid idea!

"...Is your face uncomfortable?" Sebastian inquired, noticing Lu's persistent rubbing of her cheek. He reached out, placing his hand gently on her soft skin, applying a slight pressure through the half-hand she had resting on it.

Lu paused, bewildered, and looked up at him. "What are you doing?"

Was he amused by pressing down on her hand?

Lately, she found herself increasingly perplexed by this handsome man...dragon.

Sebastian merely lowered his gaze to observe the delicate length of his fingers against her fair complexion, raising an eyebrow.

The little creature had indeed been pampered.

He wondered if even a slight application of pressure would leave a mark.

Yet, despite his musings, he could never bring himself to treat the little mermaid harshly. Instead, he chuckled lightly and asked her in a leisurely tone, "What do you think I intend to do?"

Lu instinctively glanced at the sea creatures still lingering in the hall—so many eyes were upon them, and it was evident that several were momentarily taken aback by their interaction.

She bit her lip.

It was over; her image was ruined.

The mermaid princess, who had maintained her composure for an entire afternoon, now felt utterly defeated.

How embarrassing! And she was powerless against the instigator of her humiliation.

"What are they looking at? Am I not more appealing than them?" Sebastian followed Lu's gaze, seamlessly shifting his actions to cradle her elegantly shaped chin, turning her face toward him.

His half-closed phoenix eyes locked onto hers, a teasing smile playing at his lips.

Lu was momentarily stunned, and as realization dawned, her ears flushed crimson. She swiftly swatted his hand away from her chin, her blue eyes widening in indignation. "You... you are simply..."

"Simply what?" The young man withdrew his hand, maintaining an air of calm.

"You are simply being unreasonable!" Lu furrowed her brow, her cheeks puffed in frustration.

"Unreasonable?"

Sebastian feigned contemplation before slowly smiling at the little mermaid. "I could be even more unreasonable."

At that moment, the diligent maidens had successfully ushered the reluctant sea creatures out of the hall, retreating themselves to grant their princess some privacy with this inexplicable man who had appeared from nowhere. They had no choice but to leave, for the oppressive atmosphere directed at them was simply too daunting!

If they wished to dismiss the guests, they could have just said so; this covert maneuver was utterly shameless!

Had it not been for the evident connection between their princess and this man, the maidens would have been most unwilling to allow her to remain in ambiguous company with a stranger.

Moreover, their reluctance was solely their own concern; if the princess was willing, they could only comply with her wishes. 

Lu instantly became vigilant, raising her eyes to regard him with suspicion, her translucent blue gaze flickering with a hint of tension. "...What do you intend to do?" 

Then, as realization dawned upon her, she grew irate with herself. 

...What was she so anxious about? What could this man possibly do to her? 

In truth— 

He could indeed do something to her. 

When an unfamiliar warmth pressed against her lips, Lu's mind exploded in chaos. 

Though her eyes were wide open, it felt as if she could see nothing, only a vast emptiness remained. 

She stood rigidly in place, enveloped by a shadow, drawn into an embrace, her gaze appearing somewhat dazed. 

Sebastian half-embraced the little mermaid, who seemed momentarily stunned by his kiss, letting out a gentle sigh as he pulled her closer, resting his chin atop her head while one hand soothingly stroked her back. After a brief silence, he asked, "...Are you unable to accept it?" 

Lu finally regained her senses, her ears flushed crimson, the blush extending to her cheeks. 

She parted her lips but found herself at a loss for words. 

In the end, she simply buried herself against the familiar chest she had already collided with twice, remaining silent. 

Sebastian frowned slightly. "...I apologize; I won't do that again." 

He hadn't intended to act so quickly with the little one; however, given the circumstances... it was only natural for the mermaid to be upset with him. 

Lu held her breath, acutely aware of the lingering warmth on her lips, wanting to press them together yet too timid to do so. Instead, she muttered, "Do you still wish for there to be a next time?" 

Sebastian pondered for a moment. "...Then, there won't be?" 

This was his first attempt at soothing an angry little mermaid, and he lacked experience. 

As for whether there would be a next time... he wasn't particularly concerned about divine retribution; occasionally deceiving the little one over trivial matters was hardly a grave offense. 

Moreover, he was well aware that there would be plenty of time ahead. 

However, upon hearing his response, the little mermaid inexplicably grew even angrier. 

Lu remained in the young man's embrace, surrounded by his warmth, which, in comparison to her, felt almost scorching, yet surprisingly, she did not find it unpleasant; in fact, it offered her a sense of comfort and an inexplicable feeling of safety. 

It was important to note that mermaids typically dwelled in the depths of the ocean, their only familiar and comforting cradle being the frigid sea waters. To not reject warmth was already quite remarkable, let alone to find it enjoyable. 

Lu hesitated for a moment; despite her anger, she slowly lifted her arms to return the embrace, burying her head in the reassuring warmth, her voice muffled and barely audible. "Actually, it's... it's not entirely unacceptable." 

Sebastian's heart skipped a beat. 

"But what you did is not right, do you understand?" the little mermaid murmured. 

"What is wrong with it?" 

Sebastian's voice was slightly hoarse. "...Tell me, and I shall amend my ways." 

"It's just that..." Lu felt the tightening of the embrace and grew somewhat flustered. However, having already spoken, she could only grit her teeth and continue, "If you wish to kiss me in the future, you must inform me in advance!" 

"What you just did was utterly shameless!" It had startled her! 

A low chuckle escaped him. 

Then, the firm embrace loosened slightly, and his handsome face drew closer, his magnetic voice whispering enticingly in her ear, "May I kiss you now, my little mermaid?"