The King of the West Asia Kingdom saw the prince smile warmly at Ariel and invite her to sing in the royal court. He lazily let out a yawn.
"Ah, young people are always full of romantic fantasies."
"Letting a girl of unknown identity sing in my court? How absurd."
"Let him have his way for now. Once Eric is a little older and looks back on these experiences, he'll understand how ridiculous this feeling is."
He did not care which woman his son took an interest in, as long as it did not develop into genuine love.
The king knew that royal marriages had never had anything to do with love, just as it was with him and his wife—the current Queen. There were far too many things in this world more important than love.
In the plans that had long been arranged, his son was destined to marry the princess of Engeland.
—Of course, this had nothing to do with love. It was entirely a matter of geopolitics: the West Asia Kingdom relied on maritime trade and fishing, and it needed Engeland's dominant naval military power.
After receiving the prince's permission, Ariel walked to the center of the hall.
"I offer a song for His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and His Highness Prince Eric!"
The king lazily closed his eyes, enjoying the warm afternoon sunlight and paying no attention to this farce.
If this girl Eric picked up can sing even half as well as the court singers, I'll casually praise her a little and make Eric happy. The king thought. *Eric is nearly sixteen already. He does not have much time left for youthful fantasies. Soon, he must understand what it means to become an adult and the new king of the West Asia