Lola's voice was resolute and unwavering.
At that moment, it struck like a thunderclap, causing everyone present to change their expressions instantly.
Ian's companions all smiled faintly.
Dorry and Brogy burst into loud laughter, clutching their chests and pounding on them, tears streaming from their eyes.
There was no need for them to stir up trouble — this alliance was effectively over.
Aunt Linlin trembled with anger, her Conqueror's Haki unconsciously radiating out.
The Charlotte family members behind her clenched their teeth in unison.
No one had expected that it would be Lola who messed things up in the end!
"Miss Lola!!"
But the most intense reaction, of course, came from Prince Loki.
The prince of the world's strongest nation had tears streaming from the corners of his eyes.
"Why! Why do you reject me! Why, I am so sincere, yet can't even get a little love in return!"
Ian smiled gently and comforted him.
"Loki, love is something that can never be forced. There has never been a rule in this world that if you love someone, they must love you back."
"If all you want is to marry Miss Lola, then you can do it now. I don't think Aunt Linlin would refuse."
"But that's not love — that's possession."
"What do you think?"
"Waaah!"
Prince Loki was crying loudly like a child, truly showing the fragile heart of a young boy shattered into pieces.
"No! Prince Loki!"
Aunt Linlin was unwilling to give up and tried to console him.
"Lola was just joking. How could she not like you? Before coming here, she kept telling me that you were her favorite!"
Prince Loki stopped crying for a moment.
Really?
But then—
"I have no feelings for Prince Loki, not even sympathy!"
Lola said firmly, without hesitation. "From now and forever, there's no way I will marry Prince Loki!"
"Lola!!"
Aunt Linlin's pink hair at the back of her head flew wildly as she was overwhelmed with rage. At that moment, she looked like the wicked witch from a fairy tale—terrifying and fierce.
"And—"
A sudden blush appeared on Lola's face. She turned her head shyly.
"Just now, I've already found someone I like!"
A dark premonition suddenly formed in Ian's heart.
No way.
Could someone really repay kindness with betrayal like this?
"My Lord Ian!"
Lola bowed to Ian with utmost sincerity. "Please marry me!"
Ian's mouth twitched.
"Waaah! Ian! You're too much!"
Prince Loki's mental state completely collapsed. He wiped his tears and shouted loudly.
"Waaah! But I understand. Lola is just such a charming woman! After you marry her, you have to treat Miss Lola well!"
Well, aren't you generous.
Who would want to marry her anyway?
Ian really wanted to punch someone.
"Ian!!"
Yamato was even more shocked. She slammed the table so hard it broke into pieces. "Are you really going to marry her?"
Where did you hear that from again?
"Hmm—"
Aunt Linlin fell into thought at that moment, looking thoughtfully at Ian. "In that case, it's not impossible."
Even if Lola couldn't marry the Giant Prince, marrying Ian didn't seem so bad.
If they couldn't win over the giants, wouldn't winning over Ian be even better?
"I refuse."
Seeing the topic had completely derailed, Ian frowned coldly and said without mercy, "I have no interest in Miss Lola whatsoever."
"I knew it!"
Yamato cheered happily.
"Ugh!"
Lola staggered back as if struck in the chest, clutching her heart, her face turning pale.
Don't make it look like you're really heartbroken.
Weren't they just meeting a few minutes ago?
"How is that possible?"
Loki was so shocked he stopped crying. He stared at Ian in disbelief. "Ian, you actually refused Lola's proposal?"
"Amazing willpower!"
It would be strange if he couldn't refuse.
Ian hadn't been this troubled in a long time.
"Since—"
The Giant Prince Loki's eyes lit up again. He looked hopefully at Lola once more. "Since Ian refused—"
"Absolutely impossible!"
Lola declared righteously.
"Waaahhh!"
And so, the Giant Prince started wailing loudly again.
"Prince Loki!!"
Aunt Linlin's cheeks trembled, but she still forced a smile in front of the giants.
"Actually, even if Lola doesn't want to, it's okay. You can take her back to the Giant Kingdom and slowly build a relationship!"
But—
"No!"
Loki shook his head while crying.
"If I do that, won't Miss Lola end up hating me? I can't force something like that!"
Ian didn't know whether to call him a simp possessed by principles or just a guy with too much honor.
Aunt Linlin's smile visibly faded.
She panicked and said, "It's okay! If Lola doesn't like you, there are other children!"
She quickly turned and shouted, "Chiffon! Come over here!"
Luckily, this time she was prepared with a backup plan.
Besides Lola, her younger sister was brought along too!
A girl who looked exactly like Lola quickly ran out from behind Aunt Linlin.
"Look, Prince Loki!"
Aunt Linlin pushed the girl named Chiffon toward Prince Loki like she was selling a product.
"Chiffon is Lola's sister—they're twins, and they look exactly alike!"
"If there's no Lola, there's still Chiffon!"
Prince Loki instinctively glanced down at the girl named Chiffon.
He blinked.
Then shook his head repeatedly.
"No, not the same! They're completely different!"
Not only Aunt Linlin but even Ian was a little surprised.
How were they different? Didn't they look exactly alike?
"Miss Lola is one of a kind. I only want to marry her!"
Loki wiped his tears.
"But since she doesn't want to marry me, I can't force her."
"Let's end this matchmaking here."
Ian looked at Loki in surprise.
Maybe this guy's eyes weren't really the problem.
He was simply love-struck by Lola at first sight.
A true pure love warrior, this guy.
"No! No way!!"
Aunt Linlin's face had completely darkened. "How can it just end like this?"
"Prince Loki! I still have many daughters. You can choose any of them!"
"No matter who you like, I will marry her off to you, but it can't end here!!"
How could it just end like this!
What about her longing all these years?
There won't be a better chance than now!
"No."
Prince Loki just shook his head. "Ian is right. Love can't be forced."
"Just like I can't force Miss Lola to love me, I can't force myself to like someone else."
Ian nodded gently.
This kid has potential.
**********
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