No one knew how many times the banquet had to be wrapped up before it finally ended. In any case, Eleanor couldn’t remember what happened at the end; she’d rather face a high-level sea monster than deal with those people.

Lying on her bed, the third princess was a bit dazed. That hateful father—just because she refused to get engaged, he came up with such a scheme. Hmph, she would not be discouraged!

“Your Highness, here is your schedule for tomorrow. You will wake up at six in the morning. At six thirty, you’ll have breakfast with the little princess of the merfolk king, Clara. During this time, you have one hour to become friends with her.”

“Who? That little troublemaker?”

“Your Highness, please mind your words. She is not a little troublemaker, but Princess Clara. You are now the king’s representative, and must always pay attention to your words and actions—be dignified, calm, generous, and proper...”

“Stop, stop, stop, Court Etiquette Officer, I get it! You don’t have to keep repeating it!”

Eleanor could imagine her father laughing right now, probably feeling very pleased with himself. The women of the Taote Turtle Clan were the most patient—she could even talk a sharp stone into becoming round.

“Yes. Next, at eight o’clock, you will formally pay respects to the merfolk queen, then have tea together, watch a dance, and admire the coral. At nine thirty...”

Eleanor was already completely numb, unable to take in anything else. Her only wish now was to unleash a super spell and blast everything around her into the sky!

Of course, that was impossible.

The Taote Turtle Clan etiquette officer finally noticed the princess’s exhaustion and helplessly stopped reciting the rest of the schedule. “Your Highness, please rest early. I will continue reporting to you first thing tomorrow morning.”

Chapter Two: The First Intimate Encounter (Part Two)

Eleanor pulled the covers over her head, not wanting to hear anything, until everything around her quieted down.

This can’t go on, absolutely not. Either break out in silence or perish in silence—she had to come up with a plan!

After all, Eleanor was still a little girl, and she was utterly fed up with these endless formalities. Suddenly, an idea burst into her mind, and the excited Eleanor was instantly wide awake!

Run away!

As for what would happen after she escaped, Eleanor couldn’t imagine, nor did she want to. Being a princess was just too annoying. In Dragon City, everyone knew her, but here, Eleanor felt her heart beating faster and faster.

Half an hour later...

“What! Princess Eleanor is missing? Say that again!”

Upon hearing the report from the dragon clan etiquette officer, the merfolk king and queen were both stunned. The ministers nearby looked at each other in dismay—this was a huge deal. If anything went wrong, it could become a terrifying diplomatic incident. Of course, Princess Clara, who was nestled in the queen’s arms, suddenly perked up. Her bright, charming eyes blinked a few times, her long lashes exuding endless grace. Even the always composed Taote Turtle Clan etiquette officer couldn’t help but sing her praises—she and their third princess could truly be called a pair of peerless beauties.

“Telora, what’s going on? As captain of the palace guard, you actually let our distinguished guest go missing? If you can’t find the princess, none of you will see the sun tomorrow!”

The merfolk king roared in fury, making the entire hall tremble—this was the power of magic at its peak.

“Honorable Merfolk King, please do not be angry. According to the reports from the maids and guards, the princess may have left on her own... You are also aware of some matters. Please try to find the princess while keeping things as secret as possible. The Sea Dragon Clan deeply apologizes for the trouble caused.” The Taote Clan etiquette officer spoke with great composure and propriety.

The merfolk king and queen exchanged a smile—they understood this situation all too well. After all, the queen was holding a classic little troublemaker in her arms.

“Don’t worry. Telora, do as the etiquette officer says and find the princess as soon as possible. To the outside, just say Princess Eleanor and Princess Clara hit it off at first sight. Postpone everything else—kids will be kids.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The entire palace began a large-scale search. The city gates’ security was tightened several times over; everyone passing through had to show their ID cards. This was no joke. Even though the princess had run away on her own and was a master of both magic and martial arts, she was still young. If anything happened to her, they’d be the ones in trouble.

At this moment, Julius Caesar also woke up—woken by hunger. Luckily, the princess was in trouble; otherwise, all that wine would have been taken to the kitchen, and if he’d been discovered, he might have ended up in the pot himself.

Just as he was about to come out, he noticed the door suddenly open, startling Julius Caesar into shrinking back. A petite figure slipped nimbly inside.

“Hmph, want to catch me? Not a chance. I’ll hide first and figure things out later.”

Although she could have forced her way out, Eleanor didn’t dare make a big scene—after all, she was representing the Sea Dragon Clan. Her eyes suddenly fixed on a wine barrel. That big barrel had just wobbled a bit—could it be...?

At that moment, the guards outside were already searching the area. Eleanor didn’t have time to think. With a flick of her small hand, the lid of the barrel floated up, and she darted inside. The lid gently settled back down.

“Sigh, this is rough. Who knows what the higher-ups are up to—suddenly ordering a big search like this.”

“Keep your voice down! If the captain hears us, we’ll both end up in seafood stew.”