Grace chuckled, "Alright, but..."
"What is it?" Princess Olivia asked.
"My big brother is a really... proper guy. Since he knows he's adopted, he's always super cautious," Grace said. "He might just turn you down."
Princess Olivia bit her lip, saying nothing.
"But he's absolutely someone you could trust for a lifetime. If you really marry him, you'll definitely be happy," Grace said. "Just... whether it works out or not depends on you..."
Princess Olivia understood what she meant and nodded.
"Please wait here for a moment. I'll go get him."
As she spoke, she turned to the Antler Serpent on the ground and said, "Cutie Pie, stay here and keep the princess company! Make sure you protect her!"
Cutie Pie nodded.
"Wow, your Antler Serpent is adorable! It can even nod!" Princess Olivia squatted down with a smile. "Can I pet it?"
"No, no!" Grace hurriedly said. "This little guy doesn't like being touched. If anyone tries, it'll bite them."
"Then can I talk to it?"
"Sure, that's fine." Grace glanced at the Antler Serpent and walked away.
The Antler Serpent followed her for a few steps, then looked back at the princess. Reluctantly, it stayed behind.
......
On her way back to the banquet hall, Grace caught up with Jason Zhuo.
"Big Brother!" Grace called out.
Jason Zhuo turned around. "What are you doing over here?"
"The princess is over by the Red Plum Garden. She said she wants to see you," Grace said.
Jason Zhuo frowned.
"You should go. It's better to talk things out face to face."
Jason Zhuo took a deep breath. "Men and women shouldn't be alone together. Come with me."
"Alright! Let's go!" She led Jason Zhuo back.
When they arrived, Princess Olivia was squatting in front of the Antler Serpent, chatting away with a huge smile.
For some reason, in that moment, Grace suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.
Maybe because she was used to the Antler Serpent ignoring everyone, and now it was getting along so well with Princess Olivia... she actually felt a bit annoyed.
Of course, it had nothing to do with Princess Olivia.
It was just her own possessiveness acting up.
Grace shook her head, secretly laughing at herself for being petty. She walked over and asked, "Princess, what are you talking about with it?"
"I asked it a few things and it actually understood everything! It can nod and shake its head too," Princess Olivia said with a smile. "What a clever spirit beast."
Grace smiled, bent down to pick up the Antler Serpent, and hugged it in her arms. "Princess, my big brother is here. You two chat—I'll head over there."
Jason Zhuo walked over from behind. Their eyes met, but neither spoke.
Once Grace left, Jason Zhuo bowed to Princess Olivia. "Princess."
"Young Master Zhuo," Princess Olivia looked at him. "Actually, I came today to ask you... Did you see the poem on the handkerchief?"
Jason Zhuo pulled the handkerchief from his sleeve and handed it back to her with both hands, expressionless. "Princess, you accidentally left this behind. Allow me to return it. Forgive my rudeness."
So he really did turn her down...
She expected it, but it still hurt.
Princess Olivia stared at the neatly folded, snow-white handkerchief in his hands. She had picked it out after writing poems on more than a dozen handkerchiefs, pouring all her feelings into it... and just like that, it was rejected.
She couldn't help feeling unwilling to let go.
Suddenly, Princess Olivia looked at Jason Zhuo and said, "Young Master Zhuo, I know I'm being bold, but... I actually wanted to tell you that I like you."