That night, everyone stayed at Becky's new home. To celebrate finally achieving her dream, Becky threw a grand banquet (because sometimes you just had to enjoy the life of the rich). Hao Ren led his little companions in heartily enjoying Horleta-style food and wine, and they carried on until nearly midnight before leaving behind a complete mess and returning to their rooms to sleep. The next morning, as usual, Hao Ren was smacked awake by Doudou's tail. The Little Merman bounced excitedly on his chest. "Daddy! Daddy! We have guests outside! Guests! They're here!"
Hao Ren grabbed Doudou and tossed her into the nearby basin, letting her swim while he sat up from the soft, fluffy bed. His whole body bounced with the mattress springs, and it took him a moment to realize he was at Becky's house. After tidying himself up, he turned toward the window and saw a group of people in the open space of the front courtyard. He recognized several of them: Marshal Ofra, Archbishop Aubin, and several archbishops and kingdom ministers he had briefly met during the secret meeting two days earlier. The rest were mostly soldiers serving as guards.
The housekeeper was receiving the distinguished guests, while a servant hurried toward the main residence, presumably to inform Becky.
Hao Ren draped on his coat and was just about to leave when he suddenly discovered that something was wrong with it. "Huh? Where did all my buttons go...?"
A splash came from the basin beside him. Hao Ren turned and saw Doudou curled up at the bottom, pretending to sleep. However, from the way her tail was twitching rapidly, it was obvious the little one felt guilty—she simply couldn't lie. He casually fished Doudou out and found several broken buttons lying quietly where she had