Ethan noticed that the Merfolk Third Princess didn't seem particularly surprised after he kicked the twelve guards. Instead, she simply observed the scene, a peculiar glint flickering in her eyes, as though she were watching an amusing performance.
"Don't try to guess what I'm thinking. These men truly are unbearable…"
The Princess's voice suddenly resonated inside his mind.
"Got it!"
Ethan didn't bother replying telepathically. He just said the words aloud, cutting her thought short.
His sudden verbal response startled everyone nearby.
The next instant, the twelve guards—who had just been verbally accosted by Ethan—snapped out of their confusion and quickly straightened back into their bowing positions.
Ethan's body flickered. In a blur, he darted past them like a flash of silver fish.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Twelve sharp slaps echoed in rapid succession, crisp as firecrackers in the water.
Then—
Ethan's figure shot backward just as swiftly.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
