Come Saturday, Mike deliberately picked out a slightly formal outfit: a crisp white shirt paired with black casual trousers.
As the saying goes, when you don't know what to wear, choose black and white. This classic combination never goes out of style.
Approaching noon, Mike specifically went to the mirror to style his hair, while saying to the little girl at the computer, "Paige, handle your own lunch. If you don't want to cook, you can go to the Cooper house across the street to scrounge a meal."
"Got it," Paige answered without lifting her head.
She was used to Mike going on dates with girls on weekends.
When the clock struck twelve, a stretch Lincoln arrived punctually at Meemaw Connie's door.
Regarding this meeting, Queen Renaldi had asked Joe to officially notify Mike by phone last night.
The scheduled time was exactly twelve noon.
"Mr. Mike, please get in. Queen Renaldi is waiting for you," Joe opened the rear door for the guest like a true butler.
Since they were going to meet officially today, this protocol officer exclusive to the royal family did not deliberately hide Queen Renaldi's identity.
"Thanks~" Mike nodded and sat in the back of the Lincoln.
This stretch luxury Lincoln had a very large rear space, and there were many hidden compartments in the door and seat interlayer.
Over there, Joe, having picked up Mike, seemed to turn into a robot, driving silently towards the villa where the Queen was staying.
[Driving Experience +5] ... [Driving Experience +5] ...
It must be said that Mr. Joe's driving skills were very proficient. Even driving a stretch vehicle, he could be fast and steady.
Exactly ten minutes later, the Lincoln stopped steadily in front of a luxurious villa.
"Please follow me~"
After getting out of the car, Joe led Mike to the entrance compartment of the villa, took out a metal detector, and said, "Sorry, this is a necessary step before seeing the Queen~"
[Scouting Experience +3] ... [Scouting Experience +3] ...
After a scan and check to ensure there were no problems, Joe led Mike into the living room.
"Your Majesty, I have brought the person you wanted to see~" Joe reported and stepped aside, acting as a butler again.
Queen Renaldi, sitting on the sofa in the living room, seemed to have been chatting with her granddaughter before.
Hearing the report, she got up and smoothed her long dress, then welcomed with a smile, "Hello, Mike. Glad you could come. I am Mia's grandmother, Renaldi."
[Temperament +5] ... [Etiquette Experience +3] ...
This elderly lady, who had been a queen for decades, revealed an elegant temperament in every move.
Temperament is mysterious to talk about, but it is easy to distinguish whether one has it or not.
Like the difference between the nouveau riche and the aristocracy, discerning people can tell at a glance.
"Hello, Ms. Renaldi~" Mike responded politely.
The other party was wearing a small crown on her head at this time, and her identity was self-evident.
But since Queen Renaldi was willing to meet him as a friend's elder, Mike naturally was happy to see it happen.
Seeing Mike's clever look, the expression on Queen Renaldi's face became kinder.
Mike, with super high looks, was easy to give a good first impression. Plus his special clean black and white combination today made him look sunny, cheerful, and full of youthfulness.
This appearance, to elders, happened to garner more goodwill.
"You haven't had lunch yet, right?" Queen Renaldi asked.
Seeing Mike shake his head, she turned to the butler beside her and said, "Joe, go prepare lunch for our guest."
When only three people were left in the living room, Her Majesty formally introduced, "Mike, you should already know, my identity is Queen Renaldi of Genovia. And Mia beside me is the future princess of Genovia."
Clarifying identities at this time would help subsequent communication.
Mia was waiting for this moment.
She had been hiding behind her grandmother before, constantly winking and making small gestures at Mike.
At this moment, she opened her eyes wide, wanting to see a surprised expression on Mike's face.
This also belonged to the girl's unique little fun.
You know, that was a princess.
However, Mia was destined to be disappointed. Mike didn't react much, maintaining politeness: "Yes, I already know. Queen Renaldi... and Princess Mia."
"Eh, how did you guess Grandma and my identities?" Mia didn't see what she wanted to see, her expression carrying some regret.
"Mr. Joe told me at the door," Mike answered.
Of course, this was a lie. He actually knew the identities of the two on Monday.
"Really, that's boring. How could Mr. Joseph tell you the answer in advance~" Mia, not knowing about the detection step at the door, developed a slight grudge against Mr. Butler.
"Alright, let's go have lunch," Queen Renaldi, who saw through everything, spoke up, not giving her granddaughter time to continue being silly.
In the dining room, Mr. Butler had prepared a sumptuous meal for the three.
Judging by the scale, it was obviously prepared according to royal lunch specifications.
"Please sit~"
Queen Renaldi arranged for Mike and the other to sit facing each other on both sides of the long dining table.
"Mike, if there's food you can't reach, you can ask Mr. Joseph to help." As the meal began, Mia secretly glanced at her grandmother at the head of the table, then whispered to remind Mike opposite: "Remember, your bottom cannot leave the chair..."
This was the experience derived by the girl after experiencing many painful memories.
At the same time, the girl was also somewhat selfish; she really wanted Mike to leave a good impression on her grandmother.
"Okay, I understand." Mike nodded, indicating he knew.
Actually, even without the reminder, Mike knew some royal dining etiquette more or less.
Half an hour later, Mike, full and satisfied, was brought back to the living room by Queen Renaldi.
"Mike, Mia is now preparing to learn the Genovia royal dance. Are you willing to learn with her?" Queen Renaldi stated the purpose of this meeting.
To put it bluntly, Queen Renaldi just wanted to find someone to urge Mia to learn the skills needed by a princess faster.
After all, there wasn't much time left before the Genovia royal family gathering.
If by that day, Mia still hadn't learned how to be a real princess, she would likely never have the chance to become a princess again.
Within the Genovia royal family, Mia wasn't the only one capable of becoming the kingdom's heir.
Even some princes and ministers in the kingdom, for personal interests, didn't wish for an extra princess in the kingdom.
"I'd be happy to be of service~" In the living room, Mike looked at Mia and answered with a smile.
Today the girl had also dressed up carefully. Wearing a beautiful long dress, she looked like a blooming rose.
"Very good, Joe, you are responsible for teaching them the Genovia dance..." After arranging everything, Queen Renaldi went to sit aside.
The Genovia royal dance could be considered a variant of ballroom dancing.
At the Genovia royal gathering three months later, there would also be a special ball segment.
A qualified princess needed to show her charm in the ball segment.
"Please place your hands on each other's waist and step according to my instructions..." Joe turned into a dance teacher.
[Dancing Experience +5] ... [Dancing Experience +3] ...
With the counting sound of one-two-three, two-two-three, Mike quickly mastered the knack of this dance.
And the rural "wild girl" Mia showed her simple side.
Even coordinating with the partner's footsteps was difficult for the girl to do.