Chapter 68 The End

At the Nine Dragons Spring. 

Clear mountain spring water flowed gently from the mouths of nine intricately carved dragon heads, the vast pool shrouded in swirling mist, with dimly lit yellow candles flickering above. 

Beneath the water, a magnificent golden dragon lay coiled, its scales shimmering with starlight in the murky waves. 

In contrast to the dragon's hardened belly, a serene azure figure nestled lazily, cradled in the protective grasp of the dragon's claw. 

At this moment, the sky had yet to brighten, but faint rustling sounds could be heard from outside the hall. 

The great dragon slowly opened its eyes, its brilliant golden pupils narrowing, before lowering its head to gently nudge the sleeping little mermaid from beneath its belly. 

"...Mm." Lu mumbled, burying her face into the somewhat uncomfortable palm of the dragon's claw, struggling to continue her slumber. 

After several nights of adaptation, she had grown immune to this rigid sleeping environment. 

After all, even the dragon's belly, where she was meant to sleep, was covered in fine scales, providing little softness. Fortunately, mermaids were naturally adaptable, and her tail was also adorned with scales, so she felt no aversion to the similar texture. 

The golden dragon gazed down at the little mermaid, who unconsciously rubbed against its claw, displaying a semblance of affection. 

If it were any other day, she could linger a little longer. But today was their wedding day. 

...Their very own wedding day. 

Sebastian hoisted the reluctant little mermaid into his arms and made his way to the shore. 

The water from the spring dripped from his loose embroidered robe onto the white jade stone floor, leaving faint traces behind. 

The young man gently placed the person in his arms onto a soft couch, softly coaxing her, "Alright, it's time to get up; you promised and cannot go back on your word." 

Lu sat up, her brow slightly furrowed, her expression still drowsy, but she immediately countered, "...I did not go back on my word." 

She was a mermaid of her word, unlike this shameless dragon; how could she possibly retract her promise! 

"Very well, if you haven't retracted your promise, then we should rise, shall we?" Sebastian chuckled. 

Lu turned her gaze toward the misty sky outside the window, momentarily stunned, realizing belatedly, "But it's still not dawn!" 

How could he have the audacity to wake her before the sun had even risen? 

Sebastian lowered his gaze, letting out a sigh, "...Do you remember the time when you stayed up all night just to see me?" 

He had learned this from the mermaid maid, Belle, who had quite the audacity to give him a stern look at that time. 

Lu's face flushed, "...You're talking nonsense!" 

"Who would stay up all night just to see you? Who do you think you are?" 

A knock echoed from outside the hall. 

"Your Majesty, are you inside?" 

"The wedding is about to begin; you and the young lady should start preparing." 

"Your Majesty, are you in there?" 

Lu kicked her delicate, fair feet, tossing aside the thin blanket draped over her legs, and then glanced at Sebastian, "Aren't you going to respond to her?" 

She surmised that the palace maid outside was too timid to enter but would likely run around the palace in a panic, just as she did on the first day. 

...As if she were unaware of the rumors circulating outside! 

It was merely a matter of sleeping peacefully by the pool, yet it felt as if they had engaged in some scandalous affair. 

With this thought, Lu pouted unhappily. 

Recently, the palace maids had been casting strange glances her way. 

However, since nothing had actually happened, she was at a loss for how to explain, and any forced explanation would only draw more attention to the matter. Thus, she chose to pretend she hadn't noticed. 

The young man raised his gaze, "…I've never seen you so concerned about me before." 

Changing the subject? 

She could do that too! 

Lu huffed softly, "…I could manage just fine on my own. If you didn't insist on being around every day, there wouldn't be so many complications." 

Besides, did this dragon not realize how large he was? The pool was ample enough for her to swim a few laps, yet his presence made it feel cramped. 

Sebastian replied, "…Just go outside." 

This little mermaid was becoming increasingly difficult to deceive. 

Two hours later. 

The sky was bright, and Lu sat before a bronze mirror, adorned in a phoenix crown and flowing robes, half-closing her eyes as the palace maids fussed about her head. 

She gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her features somewhat indistinct, feeling a bit dazed. 

…This wedding was far too troublesome. 

Her head felt heavy. 

They were forcing her to wear a red dress, which she disliked. 

Lu blinked, striving to wake up, but could not resist yawning, prompting a trembling reminder from the maid beside her, "Young lady, your eye makeup is smudging." 

Indeed, it was rather bothersome. 

I wonder how the dragon is faring. 

Three hours later. 

Lu was draped in a grand red silk cloth embroidered with golden threads depicting soaring phoenixes, obscuring her vision. 

With the matron's assistance and guidance, she stepped out the door and into the carriage. 

Shortly after boarding, a familiar presence appeared beside her, accompanied by a soft chuckle. 

The individual gently squeezed her fingertips, "…You've worked hard; just endure a little longer." 

Five hours later. 

The wedding ceremony concluded, and Lu was led into the so-called "bridal chamber." 

The red cloth that had obscured her view for most of the day was finally lifted, no longer hindering her sight. 

Lu raised her eyes to meet the deep, dark gaze of the young man before her, who smiled as he looked at her. She hesitated for a moment, "Is it over?" 

Human ceremonies were indeed lengthy; had it not been for her hunger, she might not have been able to endure. 

Sebastian raised an eyebrow and replied leisurely, "Not yet; we are merely at the final step." 

"Final step?" Lu frowned slightly, but having made it through the day, she thought it wouldn't hurt to finish quickly. Thus, she retorted, "Then why not hurry?" 

"…It may take a bit longer," Sebastian said, handing her a cup of clear wine, leaning in closer, and whispering with a smile by her ear. 

This little mermaid had finally been captured by him.