The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 38.2

For the next few days, Ugris had been persistently requesting an audience with You Ting, failing even to notice that the little mermaid in the Secret Garden was gone.

You Ting deliberately made him run here and there, yet refused to see him.

Ugris was fuming, but unfortunately had no way to deal with You Ting, so he could only do as he was told.

Even Claude found it a bit much and said tactfully, “Princess, after all, we are still within the borders of the Billy Kingdom. Isn’t this about enough?”

Ugris’s behavior over these past few days was being watched by everyone in the capital.

No matter what, he was still the Crown Prince of a nation.

Claude feared that if this continued, their Princess might stir up public outrage.

You Ting considered that it was indeed near Ugris’s breaking point.

Besides, after playing for a few days, it wasn’t very interesting anymore.

She hummed in agreement, as if granting a great mercy: “Let him in.”

When meeting Ugris, You Ting specifically changed locations, preventing the little mermaid from seeing him again.

Seeing this neighboring princess once more, Ugris actually felt a sense of “a lifetime away.”

After being toyed with for so many days, Ugris naturally felt dissatisfied. He said as if reflecting, “It truly isn’t easy to see the Princess.”

You Ting smiled faintly and replied in an arrogant tone, “I am the only princess of the Monchell Kingdom; it should naturally be difficult.”

A single sentence was like a bucket of cold water poured over Ugris’s heart.

It brought him completely to his senses.

He hurriedly put on a remorseful smile. “I didn’t mean to blame the Princess. To be able to do something for Princess Stilly is my honor.”

You Ting glanced at him.

Sweet words truly came to him with ease.

After a few pleasantries, she asked directly: “Has Your Highness come looking for me for a particular reason?”

Ugris replied, “It is like this. My birthday is approaching, and I am preparing to host a grand ball.”

He looked at You Ting, his dark red eyes seemingly flowing with tender affection. “I wish to invite Princess Stilly to attend.”

You Ting let out an “Ah.” “So that’s how it is. Since it is Your Highness’s birthday ball, I will naturally attend.”

She asked further: “Does Your Highness mind if I bring someone along?”

Ugris thought she was referring to an attendant like Claude and shook his head quickly. “Of course not. As long as the Princess is happy.”

You Ting smiled without speaking.

She would be very happy indeed.

She was only afraid that when the time came, the one who would be unhappy would be Ugris

“What? I’m going too?”

Arturdo’s face was filled with conflict. “But I don’t want to see Ugris at all.”

You Ting said calmly, “There will be a nine-tier tall cake at the birthday ball, as well as many fruits and snacks.”

“You can also see everyone dancing together,” she looked at Arturdo, her tone full of temptation. “Are you really not going?”

The little mermaid’s eyes brightened.

So tempting.

But, still, should she go or not?

Arturdo was a little worried that if she saw Ugris again, she would be taken back to the Secret Garden or somewhere else.

Then she wouldn’t be able to see Stilly.

As if seeing through her unease, You Ting suddenly reached out and placed her hand over the little mermaid’s.

Her fingers slowly folded Arturdo’s hand into hers.

She said softly, “It’s okay. I’ll be with you.”

The little mermaid stared at the hand You Ting used to hold hers. After a long while, she looked up and broke into a brilliant smile.

“Okay.”

Arturdo said, “I believe in Stilly!”

When the day the ball was to begin finally arrived.

You Ting brought out the dress she had prepared in advance and personally taught the little mermaid how to put it on.

She stood behind Arturdo and tied a beautiful bow with the ribbons on the back. “There.”

Wearing such a complex and magnificent dress for the first time, the little mermaid took every step with extreme caution.

She turned and spun a circle in front of You Ting, asking happily, “How is it, how is it?”

You Ting replied with a smile: “Very beautiful.”

The little mermaid was delighted and said loudly and happily, “Stilly is very beautiful too!”

You Ting extended a hand to her. “Come, get into the carriage.”

Arturdo placed her hand on it without hesitation. She found herself loving being by Stilly’s side more and more.

The carriage slowly left the temporary palace and rushed toward the venue of the ball.

Ugris stood at the main entrance looking forward with anticipation. He had changed into a high-end, handmade suit, his hair combed meticulously, and a gentle smile on his lips.

He had clearly dressed up with care.

These past few days he had been acting low-key, secretly dealing with the factions of the other princes.

Gradually, the storm caused at the border began to subside and was being forgotten.

The guests attending this birthday ball were all prominent figures in the Billy Kingdom.

Although the King did not come, he had sent a gift.

Ugris was using this method to show everyone that he was still the future successor of this country.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—

Carved with patterns representing the Monchell Kingdom, the familiar carriage finally appeared in Ugris’s line of sight.

His eyes were full of surprise, and he eagerly went to meet it. “Princess Stilly, you’ve arrived.”

The carriage stopped.

Slender fingers lifted the curtain, a complex hem was revealed, and the person inside slowly stepped down.

Ugris looked up with a face full of smiles, then bit by bit, he froze on the spot.

This…

How is this possible?

How could it be that mermaid!

Arturdo shot him a quick glance and gave a light “Hmph.”

The one who followed out was You Ting.

Catching the look on Ugris’s face that was about to shatter out of the corner of her eye, she asked knowingly: “Oh my, Your Highness’s expression seems a bit unwell. Are you sick?”

Ugris tried his best to calm the storm in his heart, answering perfunctorily: “It’s nothing. Thank you for your concern, Princess. The ball is about to begin; please go inside.”

You Ting replied, “Alright.”

She naturally took the little mermaid’s hand and headed toward the ballroom.

Claude handed the prepared gift to Ugris.

Ugris stayed at the very back, holding the gift absentmindedly, his thoughts all flying to the two figures in front.

In a short instant, a mountain of questions filled his mind, making him shocked and uncertain.

Why would Arturdo appear here, and why would she be with Stilly?

To what extent had the two of them developed? Were they already very close?

Did Stilly know of Arturdo’s identity as a mermaid?

Just now Arturdo hadn’t smiled and greeted him as she used to. Had she already discovered his intentions?

Behind this, was there any help from Stilly?

Diverse thoughts, like a tangled mess of silk thread that couldn’t be cut or untied, found no beginning or end.

The music in the hall had already begun. Ugris had no choice but to suppress all his doubts and act as a graceful host of the ball.

He stood before the crowd and said with a face full of smiles: “Thank you all very much for coming to my birthday ball. I hope you all enjoy yourselves.”

“I am particularly happy today,” Ugris looked at You Ting with deep affection, “especially knowing that Princess Stilly was willing to grace us with her presence.”

The crowd burst into a clamor of applause, and an appropriately bashful expression of a young man in love appeared on his face.

Where You Ting was standing instantly became the focus of everyone’s attention.

She looked at Ugris’s performance with a cold and indifferent expression, as if the person being discussed was not her.

The little mermaid beside her clenched her fist in indignation. “Don’t listen to him!”

You Ting tilted her head curiously and saw the little mermaid’s face was red with anger.

She asked amusingly, “He’s talking about me. Why are you so angry?”

Arturdo hemmed and hawed for a long time before squeezing out a sentence: ” Ugris lied to me. He’s not a good person.”

“I already knew he wasn’t a good person,” You Ting smiled. “Only you, this dummy, would believe him so much at first.”

The little mermaid lowered her head in disappointment and said in a tiny voice, “If only the person I met at the beginning was you.”

Her voice was very soft, but You Ting still heard it.

You Ting hooked Arturdo’s finger and replied in a similarly low voice: “Meeting now isn’t too late either.”

The orchestra played a cheerful dance, and the ball officially began.

After the warm-up performance, it was time for the traditional custom of a Billy Kingdom ball.

As the host, Ugris would invite a lady present to be his partner for the first dance of the opening.

This was a way many young people used to express their feelings, so people usually tacitly referred to it as the “Dance of Commitment.”

Thus, everyone’s gaze naturally fell upon You Ting.

Everyone knew that Prince Ugris had been pursuing this neighboring princess.

Ugris began to move.

He held a delicate rose in his hand and walked toward You Ting’s direction.

Finally stopping, he performed a gentlemanly bow.

“Princess Stilly, may I have the honor of being your partner and inviting you to the first dance?”

The entire hall fell silent instantly, everyone holding their breath waiting for You Ting’s answer.

The light shone upon the two of them.

Ulgis’s handsome face was filled with restrained deep affection, the gaze he turned toward You Ting soft enough to drip water.

The little mermaid heard people whispering beside her: “Prince Ugris  and Princess Stilly are truly a perfect match!”

Arturdo puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

Not at all.

Not a match at all!

“How enviable. Prince Ugris likes Princess Stilly so much; it will surely become a beautiful story after they marry.”

No, no.

Stilly doesn’t like Ugris at all. How could she marry him!

“As expected, Prince Ugris’s Dance of Commitment invited Princess Stilly. As long as she accepts, this marriage is a done deal!”

The Dance of Commitment?

Arturdo stared at You Ting huffily.

If Stilly accepted, then she would be… she would be… she would be the biggest dummy in the whole world!

She would return to the deep sea immediately and never talk to Stilly again!

Gazes of different meanings all landed on You Ting.

Finally, under Ugris’s expectant gaze, You Ting slowly raised her hand.

It looked as if she were about to take that rose.

But in the next moment, You Ting’s hand suddenly changed direction and grasped Arturdo beside her.

You Ting said with a smile, “Forgive me, Your Highness, I already have a dance partner.”

“What?” Ugris stared with wide eyes in disbelief.

“But she…”

You Ting blinked innocently. “There’s no rule saying I can’t choose a woman as my dance partner, is there?”

Ugris forced out a few words: “Of course there is no such rule.”

No one expected such a result.

The whispering voices all around made Ugris  feel he could hardly stay on the stage; his face turned blue then red.

The fingers beneath his sleeve clenched into a fist, but he still had to maintain a generous posture: “As long as the Princess is happy.”

From the moment her hand was held, Arturdo was a bit dazed.

She tilted her head and met You Ting’s smiling eyes.

All that original inexplicable unhappiness vanished in an instant.

All that remained was a small joy bubbling up from nowhere, popping like bubbles in her heart.

You Ting asked formally, “May I invite the beautiful Miss Arturdo to dance with me?”

The little mermaid nodded vigorously in delight.

The development outside of the plan left Ugris’s mind blank for a moment.

But the ball had to continue.

He could only force himself to calm down, invited another elder as a partner, and hurriedly finished the first dance.

The orchestra changed to another piece. The guests tacitly chose to forget the awkward scene just now and entered the hall in a stream to dance.

You Ting and Arturdo were among them.

Once they stood in the hall, Arturdo felt a bit of trepidation in her heart, saying guiltily, “I don’t really know how.”

In fact, she didn’t know at all.

Before the ball, You Ting had found a palace maid to teach her.

The little mermaid had watched with great interest from the side, but watching and actually doing it were very different.

At this moment, her mind was blank, and she was so nervous her palms were sweating.

You Ting comforted her softly: “Relax, just follow me.”

She reached out, her fingers sliding through Arturdo’s, interweaving their fingers.

Perhaps it was her calm gaze and the warmth of skin-on-skin contact that made the little mermaid gradually calm down as well.

She nodded, her eyes curving into crescents at You Ting. “Okay.”

She said in a serious tone: “I believe in Stilly, I will always believe in you.”

The music flowed slowly in people’s ears, and they swayed their bodies to the beat.

Arturdo tried her best to relax her whole body, giving the initiative to You Ting and moving according to You Ting’s movements.

Her waist was held, and her hand was also tightly held.

She didn’t even need to look up to feel the other’s gaze.

Clearly it was her first time dancing, yet they were so in sync it was as if they had rehearsed a thousand times.

Due to their status, and because they were the only female pair in the ballroom, people’s gazes couldn’t help but fall on them intentionally or unintentionally.

On the second floor, Ugris held the railing, his gaze also fixed tightly on You Ting and Arturdo.

However, the malice hidden in his eyes was clearly deeper.

Ugris gripped the railing in fury, his previous affectionate appearance completely gone, as if fire could erupt from his eyes.

That hateful Stilly!

Relying on being the only princess of the Monchell Kingdom, she dared to play with him like this!

Clearly she had no intention of dancing the first dance with him, yet she deliberately agreed, giving him hope, and then making him lose all face in front of everyone.

Combined with his previous old and new grudges, the murderous intent in Ugris’s heart reached its peak.

If he could, he wished he could pull that damn woman out right now and cut her into a thousand pieces to satisfy his hatred!

But clearly, neither You Ting nor Arturdo cared about these disturbances.

Their gazes met. It seemed at this moment, in each other’s world, only the other’s presence existed.

The emerald-green eyes were like a clean and deep lake; Arturdo couldn’t help but be dazed.

She felt as if she had truly sunk into that lake water.

Since leaving the deep sea and coming to the continent, her body had always felt a bit of discomfort.

But now, she felt her whole body become comfortable for the first time in a long while.

She only needed to leave everything to the other.

The little mermaid trusted You Ting, and You Ting gave the little mermaid endless security.

Until the dance ended, the little mermaid didn’t make a single joke out of herself by stepping on the wrong beat.

This was her first time dancing; her bright emerald-blue eyes could hardly hide her excitement. Even after leaving the dance floor, she kept asking You Ting: “Was what just happened real?”

“I really know how to dance now?”

“Am I dreaming? Otherwise, how could it be so smooth?”

You Ting interrupted her rambling: “Stop.”

She gave a helpless light sigh. “You’ve repeated it no less than ten times. It’s real, you’re not dreaming.”

The little mermaid skipped while holding her hand and shaking it. “That’s great!”

“I knew I was very amazing and could do anything!”

You Ting cooperated perfectly and agreed: “Yes, yes, yes, whatever you say is right.”

“A pity I can’t use magic, otherwise I would definitely record it and bring it back to the mermaid tribe for everyone to see!”

Mentioning the mermaid tribe, Arturdo’s excitement dimmed a bit, and she gave a long sigh.

She had been on the continent for a while now; she missed her relatives and friends in the tribe.

The little mermaid was about to say something, then suddenly stopped abruptly, her complexion turning from rosy to a bloodless, pale ghastly color in an instant.

She hooked You Ting’s finger, swaying as if she were about to collapse, looking miserable to the extreme as if she were at her last breath.