The entire morning had been swallowed by chaos, nonsense, and more drama than a palace could handle. By now, stomachs were growling louder than the royal war drums. Nobody had eaten since dawn, and it was nearly noon.
The sister, lianhua, grabbed Xiaoxi by the wrist.
"Come with me. You need clothes that aren't… uh… soggy."
Xiaoxi blinked innocently. "Why? I thought wet clothes are fashionable. Look, they shine under the sun~ ✨"
Lianhua gave her a death glare. "Not another word. Change. Now."
She changed, and this time, instead of looking like a mischievous cute little girl, Xiaoxi came out looking elegant. Her wet hair was left untied, flowing down naturally, making her look like a princess who had just stepped out of a royal bath. Even Lianhua blinked twice before smiling.
At the grand dining table, everyone gathered again—the Empress, the Grandmother, Lianhua, Xiaoxi, and of course, Haoran. The three brothers had been sent out on duty after reports came of another assassin sighting.
Haoran sat quietly, but his eyes—traitors!—kept sneaking glances at Xiaoxi. The way her hair shimmered made him almost choke on thin air. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice.
Xiaoxi sat beside Haoran, cheerfully.
"Where are my brothers?"
"They're investigating," lianhua replied.
"Ohhh~ so brave~!" Xiaoxi sighed dramatically.
Just then—
"AAAAAaaaachooo!!"
Both Haoran and Xiaoxi sneezed at the exact same time.
Everyone at the table: 👀👀👀
Both of them: "Sorry!!"
Again, together.
The sister smirked. "Great. Now you two even sneeze in harmony. What's next? Breathing in sync?"
The grandmother chuckled softly. "Just start eating already."
🍲 Lunch finally began. But it wasn't quiet for long.
Xiaoxi chattered endlessly, telling random stories, asking questions, making jokes. Haoran, trying to eat in peace, finally snapped.
"Listen, you little brainless puffer fish—"
"Yes, Froggyyyy?" Xiaoxi interrupted, smiling sweetly.
Haoran inhaled deeply, closed his eyes, and put his chopsticks down. Calm down. Calm down…
Then, he said seriously, "You should go home."
"Yes, of course I will," Xiaoxi nodded politely.
Haoran exhaled in relief.
"…after thirty days. 😁"
"WHAT?!" Haoran nearly choked.
"I mean you should go home right now!"
Xiaoxi gasped dramatically. "That's so RUDE! How could a dignified prince—no, future king—treat a guest like this?!"
The grandmother gave Haoran a sharp glance. "Indeed, that is rude."
Haoran: 😐😤 Why is everyone always on her side?!
Xiaoxi leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "Don't worry Froggie~ you'll get used to me."
Haoran: Over my dead body…