“Origins?” Jin Lin frowned, looking impatiently at the group of old men below him. “Fine. Since you insist on making it public, then let it be public.”
The elders below exchanged delighted glances, their faces practically etched with the words, “Our king is truly wise!”
Given their king’s earlier demeanor, they had expected resistance, but to their surprise, he had agreed so readily!
However, before their joy could fully blossom, Jin Lin continued, “Announce it in my name—Xuexue is my dear friend, and I intend to bring her home as my queen!”
The elders who had come to advise him froze on the spot. If such a royal decree were issued, would it even make a difference whether they announced it or not?
Yes, it would! A decree like this would only fuel the rumors that the mighty Dragon King had been utterly bewitched by a woman from another race!
“Enough. That’s all for today. Everyone, go home.”
Jin Lin rose from his seat and strode away. Xuexue was likely practicing her spells diligently at this moment, and he wanted to hurry over to offer guidance—and perhaps earn some favor in the process. Ideally, she’d grow to admire him, then fall in love with him.
“My King.”
An unwelcome figure stepped in front of Jin Lin, bowing respectfully.
“Elder Bai, what else do you want?” Though irritated, Jin Lin didn’t brush him off.
“Your Majesty’s desire to take a queen is a joyous occasion for our aquatic kin,” Elder Bai said with a smile, seizing the moment as Jin Lin’s expression softened slightly. “However, with rumors running rampant, we hope Your Majesty will clarify Lady Yun’s background to clear her name.”
“Hmm.”
Jin Lin pondered for a moment. “Fine, announce it.”
“Your Majesty is wise.” Elder Bai bowed again, pressing further. “May I ask where Lady Yun hails from? Is she one of our own?”
Jin Lin scowled. “What business is that of yours?”
Elder Bai’s eyebrow twitched. Was the king toying with him? But rank was absolute, and this was the supreme ruler of the entire aquatic realm.
Swallowing his frustration, he forced a smile. “Didn’t Your Majesty just agree to disclose Lady Yun’s origins to quell the rumors?”
Jin Lin glared. “Didn’t I already tell you what to say? If your minds are failing you, perhaps it’s time to relinquish your positions!”
“This humble servant is deeply ashamed.” Elder Bai retreated a step, sweat beading on his forehead. For a fleeting moment, he had felt the crushing weight of the king’s royal aura. Though brief, it left his heart pounding.
The other elders, too, sensed the shift in the king’s mood and wisely backed off, clearing a path without another word.
As Jin Lin strode away, the elders turned their attention to the Turtle Chancellor, encircling him eagerly.
“Old Turtle, we heard you’ve met this mysterious Lady Yun?” one elder asked bluntly.
Under their intense gazes, the Turtle Chancellor managed a strained smile. “I’ve only met her once.”
“Did you uncover her origins?”
“Did you see her true form?”
“Is she truly an outsider?”
With Jin Lin gone, the others focused their scrutiny on the only one who had encountered the enigmatic woman.
“Everyone, calm down!” The Turtle Chancellor raised his hands, and the hall fell silent—though all eyes remained fixed on him.
“My encounter with her was brief. As for your questions… I truly know nothing!”
“How can that be?”
“What if she’s a spy from another race, as the rumors claim?”
“Our king is young and passionate. What if he’s truly ensnared by some fox spirit?”
“Gentlemen, gentlemen!” The Turtle Chancellor interjected with a placating smile. “Rumors are unreliable. Our king may be kind-hearted, but he is no fool. There’s no need for such excessive worry—”
“Ah, Brother Turtle,” another elder cut in, eyes gleaming. “While your words hold merit, we remain uneasy. You’ve served the king the longest. Could you… discreetly investigate the woman’s background?”
“Yes, yes! Until her origins are confirmed, we cannot rest easy.”
The others nodded in agreement.
“Well…” The Turtle Chancellor hesitated, but under their expectant stares, he couldn’t outright refuse. “I’ll do what I can…”
“Then we leave it to you. We await good news.” Elder Bai clasped his hands and bowed before departing.
“Brother Turtle, we trust in you.”
The rest mimicked Elder Bai’s gesture and filed out.
“I didn’t promise anything! No guarantees!” the Turtle Chancellor called after them, exasperated. He’d only said he’d try—how had they taken that as a firm commitment? Hmph! He’d rather be the one waiting for good news!
The undersea world was undeniably mysterious and beautiful, especially the legendary Dragon King’s Crystal Palace.
It was like a vast treasure trove, where rare oceanic jewels—priceless to the surface world—were mere commonplace decorations.
Yun Qingxue sat serenely in the coral gardens of the underwater palace.
Beautiful shellfish nestled on the rocky seabed, occasionally opening their vibrant or pearly-white shells to reveal their soft bodies—and the lustrous pearls hidden within, formed over untold time.
Colorful fish darted past now and then.
“Xuexue!” Spotting her from afar, Jin Lin waved and flashed to her side in an instant.
Yun Qingxue stood and smiled. “You’re here.”
Jin Lin beamed. “Were you waiting for me? Did you run into trouble with your spells? Ask me anything—I’ll explain everything.”
“No.” She turned to Shiyu. “Take the others and leave. I need to speak with your king alone.”
Shiyu glanced at Jin Lin, who gave a subtle nod, and promptly withdrew with the attendants.
“What did you want to tell me, Xuexue?”
“Jin Lin.” She met his gaze. “I think…”
His eyes sparkled with anticipation. Had she finally realized his worth? Was she about to confess?
“I think it’s time for me to leave.”
“What?” Jin Lin stared at her in disbelief. This was the furthest thing from what he’d imagined (⊙o⊙)…
“Jin Lin, thank you for your care and hospitality these past days. But I believe it’s time for me to go.”
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