Chapter 65 Setting the Stage
"Human?" Sebastian met the matriarch's gaze with a smile.
The matriarch returned his gaze with an expression devoid of emotion, though she too was surprised by the revelation. "Such coincidences do not exist; the dragon lord cannot possibly resemble a human emperor so closely."
Both were fated children, embodying the fortune of heaven and earth; the celestial order would not commit such a foolish error.
Thus, the conclusion was self-evident.
The young man neither confirmed nor denied it, leisurely averting his gaze as he remarked, "...You should know whether I am human or not."
"Considering the time, it's about time to return and continue persuading the mermaid princess regarding the engagement. Would you care to join me, Grandmother?"
He could muster a degree of patience for the little mermaid's family and didn't mind lowering himself to befriend them, but that did not mean he would be bound by them.
Knowing the truth was inconsequential; it was not a matter of great significance.
Ultimately, what he desired from the very beginning was merely that somewhat foolish little mermaid with a rather irritable temperament.
Taking a deep breath, the matriarch finally relaxed the tension that had gripped her since the dragon clan's proposal, saying, "...Very well."
Since it was indeed the same person... what she hoped to see should not be impossible.
However, she was uncertain about Lu's true feelings.
If Lu was unwilling, she would not force her.
The relationship between humans and sea folk could not possibly outweigh her granddaughter's happiness... especially since the situation had not yet reached a dead end.
Inside the grand hall,
the second round of comprehensive discussions commenced. The dragon clan, which had previously been represented solely by Sebastian, now sent several members to bolster their presence—
At a crystal long table, the mermaids sat on one side, while the dragons occupied the opposite.
This arrangement was not only for aesthetic appeal but also demonstrated the dragon clan's earnestness regarding the proposal.
The little mermaid, who had previously been infuriated and adamant about not marrying, suddenly lost her earlier defiance, sitting silently with a furrowed brow.
Only when opinions were solicited did she glance at the child sitting obediently among the dragons, hesitatingly murmuring, "W-well, it's not entirely out of the question."
Though she still didn't understand; hadn't the dragon clan claimed that there hadn't been any dragonlings for hundreds of years? Where had this little dragon come from?
But... if what this little dragon said were true...
Lu pressed her lips together, reluctant to admit that she was somewhat angry.
Yet her anger was directed at Sebastian! How could he act this way?!
He had kissed her, and yet he still wished to marry someone else?!
What happened to taking responsibility? Was he going to pass that responsibility onto someone else?
The king, who had already prepared for the worst, asked, "Lu, are you sincere?"
The mermaid matriarch cleared her throat, "Yes, Lu, if you are unwilling, I will support you; we won't force you."
Could something have transpired during this break?
That shouldn't be the case; hadn't she pulled everyone away?
Or perhaps... the willful Lu was finally beginning to understand the bigger picture, willing to sacrifice her own marriage for the sake of the relationship between the merfolk and the dragon clan?
The matriarch felt a pang of sympathy for the child.
The queen pondered for a moment before slightly tilting her head and casually asking, "Lu, do you... truly wish to marry?"
After a moment's thought, she added, "You are still quite young; it is indeed a bit early for marriage."
Lu was momentarily taken aback, not expecting such a reaction from them.
…Why did her agreement lead to their disbelief?
Moreover, did they find it strange that she consented to the engagement?
The little dragon opposite her furrowed his brow and could not help but voice his frustration, "What's wrong with you merfolk? Do you look down on us dragons? She is willing to marry, so why are you urging her not to marry her uncle?"
"Her uncle…"
Sebastian interjected, "...Xiao Yi speaks bluntly but with reason. We naturally respect the princess's wishes."
The implication was clear: his request was for the mermaid princess's hand, and had nothing to do with these idle onlookers.
However, some things were better left unsaid in public.
Tsk, it seemed the reward he had initially planned for would need to be reconsidered.
"Then, Lu, have you truly thought this through?" the mermaid king asked solemnly.
Lu, under the scrutiny of many eyes, nodded.
After all, she thought... getting married didn't mean she couldn't get divorced later.
Besides, hadn't that child just mentioned that his uncle, that shameless dragon, was seeking a wife?
Why should he marry another dragon?
If he were to marry, it could only be her!
He hadn't even received her consent yet, and he was already contemplating marrying another dragon—absolutely not!
"Then it is settled."
The elder accompanying the dragon clan beamed, gesturing for the dragon attendants behind him to present an array of ornate boxes, each distinct yet unified by their vibrant red hue.
"Ahem, these are small gifts prepared by our dragon clan for the future matriarch, Princess. Please accept them."
These gifts were not dowries; rather, they represented the heartfelt sentiments of each dragon.
After all, their clan leader had been single for so many years, and it was rare for him to take an interest in someone, regardless of whether she was a dragon or not—willingness to marry was all that mattered!
Of course, it would be best if this mermaid princess could bear him twins within three years.
The dragon clan had not welcomed new life in centuries.
Seeing the dragon clan's earnestness, the queen felt somewhat reassured and smiled, "You are all so considerate. Xiao Lu, why don't you express your gratitude?"
Yet, despite their good intentions, they did not truly understand the dragon clan. If Lu were to suffer any grievances after marrying into their family, she would never stand idly by.
But at this moment, the scene before her was the best she could hope for.
…Lacking strength ultimately meant lacking confidence.
Lu glanced at Sebastian, who was gazing at her with a gentle smile, and suddenly felt a flutter in her heart. Her ears flushed as she softly said, "Thank you, elders and everyone."
It dawned on her that she was now bound to this person.
The consequence of a momentary impulse was stepping into marriage.
Yet perhaps... a little impulsiveness wasn't so bad?