My New Life as a Leviathan in Another World

Chapter 16: The Encounter.

That day will be with me for the rest of my life.

Oh, my apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I am known as Adella, princess of the Marine Kingdom.

I am the sole heir to the throne, something that has been heavily debated for some time now. Many believe it best if his and her majesties tried once more for children, however such beliefs are born out of ignorance. Even if their intentions are good, I cannot just sit idly by while those people not only blatantly disregard me as unfit to rule, but more importantly how could they ask something so selfish of my parents without even knowing what led to me being the only child born.

Yes, although it isn't talked about, my family, like most Merfolk, had laid hundreds of eggs, and while not all were expected to survive, who could have guessed that all but one would die within the first month? No one seems to know the cause of it. Many believe a plague was the culprit, but that's ridiculous.

How could a plague only affect the castle, let alone only my brothers and sisters?

I'm a miracle to be alive, that much I don't take for granted.

I was told when I was younger that I was lucky, because I was born with a special constitution which seems to help fight off or repel any disease.

After the incident, the royal family covered up all signs of problem and simply said that her majesty could only produce one egg at the time.

Although many were suspicious, no one said anything.

Not until it was announced I would be the sole heir to the throne.

So, anyway, that sums up me. Back to the present.

I had gotten up early in the morning because it's the only time I can get some time alone to just be myself instead of the Princess.

As much as I love my maids, they are surprisingly pushy for doing my every need, which is why I made a habit of waking up early to do things myself before I became incompetent.

Although nothing unusual tends to happen, today was different.

I had already heard about a terrifyingly powerful 'guest' staying over for a while to 'sightsee' as I recall.

I couldn't believe my father, who never once wavered in the face of the most dangerous creature in this oceans depths, the kraken, to suddenly cower before someone else.

It should be understandable that I couldn't have a good picture about someone who could hurt the image I had of my father.

And yet, the moment we met...

I was walking down the hall heading towards the cafeteria in order to grab breakfast, when I saw a confused looking Merman pacing back and forth as if he was lost.

As someone who's lived in this castle for most of her life, I can say for certain that I do remember all new faces, and as I hadn't been informed of anyone new coming to work in the castle, that left me with two choices.

A. He's a weirdo who snuck in.

B. He's the guest that I didn't have a good opinion of.

Either way, they didn't look all that strong.

As I got closer the man also noticed me back, and as we finally came face to face, I couldn't help but blush.

He was so...Attractive?

I'd seen plenty of Mermen before, but none stuck out to me much. Even those I agreed had a good face simply seemed dull.

But the moment I saw his eyes, as if looking at the majestic reflection of a golden sea, and his hair which resembled the uneven tides that ebb and flow.

All of a sudden, as if a *click* had gone off in my head, I couldn't help but fall in love at first sight.

And from the looks of it, he too seemed attracted towards me.

We barely got a word in for the first minutes as we embarresedly glanced at each other.

After awhile, he finally broke the ice.

"Ah, well, um, do you happen to know where the cafeteria is? I've only recently arrived and am starving, so..." He asked.

"Um, yes, I was also going there to get something to eat anyway, so follow me." I replied.

Ok. He said as he followed behind me, I had trouble swimming through the hallways as I couldn't take my eyes off him.

After we grabbed our food, we decided to sit at an empty table, though most tables were empty this time of the day.

Somehow we ended up sitting across from one another, and when our eyes met, I saw him looking away, as if embarrased...No, not embarrasment, more like...Guilt?

Could it be, does he have...?

I decided to probe first.

"This is the first time we've met, I'm Adella, the sole heir to the Marine Kingdom." I said.

"Ah, right, my names Levi?" He replied, confused.

"Why are you framing it like a question?" I asked.

"Ugh, sorry. I'm just not used to introducing myself." He answered.

"I see..." I asked.

"Yeah..." He replied.

Ugh, this isn't good, he still won't look at me.

"Did you know it's rude to not look at someone when talking to them?" I asked, somewhat aggressively.

"Ah, sorry. Just, well. Sorry." He gave a hasty apology as if trying to not say something.

"Jeez, why won't you look at me!" I shouted..

"Sorry?" He replied, startled.

"You've been staring at the floor this entire time, is it really more interesting than me?!" I asked.

For the first time, he properly looked me in the eyes, his face blushing red as he said.

"I can't help looking away, because your just too cute, I'd fall in love with you if I stared for too long."

"U-um, ok..?" Were the only words I could muster.

I couldn't help but scream internally as my face began burning up.

"How could say something like that with a completely straight face!" Is what I desperately wanted to shout, but I managed to keep myself in check.

"A-Anyway, moving on. Let me get straight to the point, do you have a girlfriend?" I asked.

The way he's been acting recently was bugging me, so I thought I'd probe a bit.

"Not...exactly. There is someone, though I'm not sure what to call it." He explained embarrasedly.

"Oh? Do go on." I encouraged, although I'm secretly clenching my teeth.

I can't believe someone got ahead of me, but if their not in an official relationship, then this is my chance!

Is what I thought, until I heard his story.

Yeesh, so the two of them confirm they liked each other, but never really thought to just say "Go out with me?" what the hell, are these two idiots? What's worse is they both just rush off in the opposite direction of each other!

(is this guy really worth potentially getting my heart broken over?) I thought.

"Well, anyway. That about sums it up, so I'm not sure what to call us, BUT!" He said as he slammed the table shocking me back to my senses.

"That means, I'm sorry. Ever since I first saw you, I couldn't help but like you, but there's already someone in my heart, so, be seeing you!~" He said seriously before dashing away.

"Ah. I didn't get one word more in, did I?" I muttered to myself.

I don't even know what he's making a big deal out of, but well, I'll probably see him again sooner or later.

I wonder if he realizes we both live here?

I'm sure he's realized it by now and is going to be completely pale the next time he sees me.

Well, I'm looking forward to it "Mr. Levi the Leviathan."