Chapter 117: THIRD POV.
"Your highness, there's absolutely nothing to worry about. This is just a simple, friendly competition between friends to pass the time," Flounder said, his voice instantly softening as he looked down at the little girl.
He dropped to one knee so he was at her eye level, trying his best to reassure the princess and wipe the worried look off her small face. He gave her a warm, practiced smile that he usually reserved only for her.
"Oh, so you're friends now, are you?" Rudwig gave Flounder a heavy look that clearly said he didn't believe a single word coming out of the boy's mouth.
He knew Flounder hated the first mate's guts, and this was nothing more than a dangerous display of pride.
Flounder simply ignored the old man entirely, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an answer.
Instead, he reached out his hand and gently patted the princess on her soft head, smoothing down a few wild strands of her silver hair.
