Ang's gaze moved back and forth between Shaven and the merfolk princess as he continuously considered his current situation.
He had thought this trade with the merfolk would be simple and straightforward. He had never expected it to turn into a "marriage alliance" deal.
Although Shaven was trying to exchange the Tide Whisper Tear through marriage, feelings were not something Ang could casually trade away.
He had always preferred trading tangible items and value rather than becoming entangled in such complicated relationships.
"This isn't a matter of whether I'm compromising or not." Ang shook his head, sounding somewhat helpless. "It's just a kind of trade I never expected at all."
Shaven chuckled, seeming not to find anything improper about it. "Don't you humans all hope to have princesses from other races?" Her words carried a hint of teasing, as though she had already anticipated Ang's reaction.
Ang frowned slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting. "That's other people. I'm not interested. Besides, I prefer relationships with genuine feelings."
He spoke bluntly, his gaze unwavering.
Shaven's smile did not fade. Instead, she seemed even more alluring as she slowly said, "Then how about our princess returning with you so you can develop feelings?" Her voice was soft and seductive, while her eyes seemed to carry a trace of amusement.
Ang felt as though he had been pushed into a situation he could no longer avoid.
He let out a long sigh, his brow furrowing again. "Does it have to be this way?"
It was not that he failed to understand the merfolk's thinking. They simply wanted to establish a long-term relationship and secure future benefits.
But he did not want to be dragged into a marriage alliance without any emotional foundation.
Shaven still did not rush to give him an answer.