Chapter 328: Something significant
Chapter 328: Something significant
Nina let out a soft laugh.
"Oh? So it started that early?"
For some reason, she suddenly found this fish of hers rather adorable.
Lex’s face turned even redder.
"If you never looked down on me, then I won’t look down on you either," Nina said gently. "So promise me you’ll stop feeling inferior because of this, alright?"
She squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Having a beautiful appearance is certainly a good thing, but it isn’t everything. Even without it, there are countless other qualities that make someone special. Some forms of charm last far longer than beauty. Some leave a much deeper mark on people’s hearts."
She understood his feelings better than most.
When she was younger, she had struggled with her own insecurities about her appearance. It had taken years to overcome them.
Besides, everything Lex had sacrificed had been for her sake.
How could she possibly blame him?
Lex gazed at her quietly before nodding.
"I’ll try."
His fingers tightened around hers.
"But... can you give me some time?"
He wanted to stay by her side.
More than anything.
That was why he was willing to fight his fears.
Nina smiled.
"Of course."
Then a teasing glint appeared in her eyes.
"So tell me, are you planning to run away again?"
Lex immediately looked embarrassed and shifted his gaze elsewhere.
"No."
His voice was little more than a mumble.
"I won’t run anymore. I’m sorry. This was all my fault."
If he ran again, Nina probably would not come looking for him a second time.
He never wanted to spend another three days alone, crying pearls in an empty room.
Nina chuckled softly.
"It’s alright. It’s getting late. You should rest. I’m going back now."
Reluctantly, Lex loosened his hold on her hand.
"Then... rest well."
Nina nodded and left.
Dian had been waiting outside the entire time.
The moment he spotted her, he rushed over.
His expression was so pitiful that he looked like an abandoned puppy.
"Nina," he complained, "today was supposed to be our bonding day."
He glanced toward the darkening sky.
Unfortunately, the day was already nearly over.
Nina reached up and stroked his cheek.
"How about tomorrow instead?"
Dian wrapped his arms around her immediately.
"Alright. But tomorrow has to happen. No more delays."
His tone carried genuine concern.
Things had already been postponed repeatedly.
Because of previous complications, the dead wolf had gotten ahead of him. Who knew what unexpected disaster might appear next?
Nina pinched his cheek lightly.
"Don’t worry. Tomorrow for sure."
This little fish’s bonding ceremony really had been delayed long enough.
Dian’s eyes brightened.
"Then can you spend the whole day with me tomorrow too?"
Since he had the opportunity, he intended to negotiate every possible benefit.
Nina laughed.
"Alright. I’ll spend the day with you."
A satisfied smile immediately spread across his face.
He hugged her tightly, looking happier than he had in days.
Back inside his room, Lex sat alone for a very long time.
Over and over, he tried to prepare himself mentally.
Eventually, he gathered enough courage to pick up the mirror stone again.
Perhaps if he looked often enough, he would become accustomed to it.
Slowly, he removed his mask. Then he lifted the mirror.
Less than a second later, the stone hit the floor with a loud crash.
Lex inhaled sharply.
Perhaps he needed a little more time after all.
Giving up for the moment, he bent down and began collecting the pearls scattered across the room.
It would be a waste to leave them lying around.
Maybe one day he could use them to make another dress for Nina.
The night passed peacefully.
Early the next morning, Lex was once again waiting outside Nina’s door before sunrise.
This time, however, he was not alone.
Dian had arrived just as early.
The moment Nina stepped outside, both males hurried toward her.
Sal emerged carrying her in his arms, looking thoroughly satisfied with life.
Meanwhile, Nina rested comfortably against his chest, appearing relaxed and slightly sleepy.
The two fish followed them all the way to the dining hall.
The other mates glanced toward the masked Lex.
By now, everyone knew what had happened.
For once, even they had to admit the fish had done something worthy of respect.
After breakfast, Dian dragged Odian over and had him leave an inscription informing everyone that they would not be returning for lunch.
The moment that was done, he scooped Nina into his arms and carried her away.
After all, Nina had promised to spend the entire day with him.
He planned to cook for her personally.
The remaining mates watched their departure with unconcealed jealousy.
Lex stood quietly among them, staring after the retreating figures.
Only after they had completely disappeared from sight did he finally turn around and head back to his room.
He still had a great deal of work to do.
After all, overcoming years of pride, insecurity, and fear was not something that could be accomplished in a single day.
Setan silently walked into the kitchen and resumed practicing his cooking.
Perhaps one day, he thought, those skills would finally be useful.
Meanwhile, Dian brought Nina to a breathtaking stretch of coastline.
The sea here shimmered beneath the sunlight, its waters a brilliant shade of blue unlike anywhere else. Waves rolled endlessly toward the shore, breaking gently against the rocks.
Carrying Nina in his arms, he settled with her atop a large outcropping overlooking the ocean.
Wrapping his arms tightly around her, he rested his chin against her shoulder.
"This used to be my favorite place," he said softly. "The water here is the bluest and the most beautiful."
Nina slipped off her shoes and let her bare feet trail through the cool seawater.
"It really is beautiful," she said with genuine admiration.
Dian’s eyes lit up.
"And there are lots of delicious seafood nearby."
He pointed toward a distant area offshore.
"The fish over there are especially fresh."
Then he pointed elsewhere.
"And the lobsters over there are enormous."
His excitement was infectious.
"Nina, what would you like to eat for lunch? I’ll catch it and cook it for you."
Nina considered it thoughtfully.
"Then let’s have giant lobster."
"Deal!"
Dian grinned.
"I’ll go catch some right away."
Nina’s eyes sparkled.
"I want to help. I’ve never gone lobster hunting before."
Dian laughed.
"Alright, but be careful. They like hiding between rocks. Don’t bump into anything."
Although females were rarely expected to do such things, if Nina wanted to play, he would gladly accompany her.
"Let’s go now," Nina suggested eagerly.
Without hesitation, Dian took her hand and led her into the sea.
Together they searched among underwater rocks and reefs until they found several enormous lobsters.
Afterward, they returned to shore, where Dian immediately began preparing a lavish feast.
Nina enjoyed every bite.
Knowing she had helped catch the meal herself somehow made it taste even better.
As evening approached, they sat side by side watching the sunset paint the horizon in shades of gold and crimson.
Later, they enjoyed another seafood feast before Dian finally brought her to the underwater palace.
Holding her hand, he guided her into his private chambers.
The first thing Nina noticed was the enormous shell-shaped bed occupying the center of the room. Luxurious furs covered its surface, making it look both elegant and inviting.
The entire room had been decorated with remarkable care.
Beautiful coral formations, polished seashells, starfish ornaments, and countless ocean-themed decorations filled the space. It felt like stepping into a dream crafted from the sea itself.
Dian wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"This is the room where I grew up," he said quietly. "Do you like it? If there’s anything you don’t like, I can change it."
Even though she would only stay one night, he still wanted everything to be perfect.
Nina looked around with a smile.
"I love it. You’ve made it beautiful."
She genuinely adored the ocean-inspired atmosphere.
Pleased by her response, Dian brought her into an adjoining bath chamber where warm water had already been prepared.
The two spent the evening together, enjoying the comfort of each other’s company.
The underwater palace seemed wrapped in tranquility as the hours drifted by.
For Dian, every moment felt like a dream finally coming true.
The long delays, the obstacles, the frustrations, and the countless setbacks had all led to this night.
At long last, he had become one of Nina’s mates.
By the time dawn arrived, sunlight filtered through the sea above, casting dancing patterns of gold across the palace walls.
Dian carried Nina back to the coastal palace with an unmistakable spring in his step.
His smile never faded.
He was finally Nina’s mate.
Nothing in the world could make him happier.
Nina spent the following day resting.
Before long, news from White Sand City arrived.
Lani hurried to the palace, his expression unusually serious.
Something significant had happened.
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