Saturday arrived, and Mike specifically chose a slightly more formal outfit: a stiff 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 will never go out of style.
Nearing noon, Mike went to the mirror to fix his hair and then said to the young girl in front of the computer, "Paige, you're on your own for lunch. If you don't feel like cooking, you can go to the Cooper family across the street for a meal."
"Got it," Paige replied without looking up.
She was already accustomed to Mike going on dates with girls on weekends.
At precisely twelve o'clock, the family's Lincoln car arrived punctually in front of Connie's house.
Regarding this meeting, Queen Renaldi had already had Mr. Joe formally notify Mike by phone last night.
The time they agreed upon was exactly noon.
"Mr. Mike, please get in. Queen Renaldi is waiting for you," Mr. Joe said, opening the back car door for the guest like a true butler.
Because the formal meeting was today, this royal protocol officer did not deliberately conceal Queen Renaldi's identity.
"Thank you," Mike nodded in acknowledgment and then got into the back of the Lincoln car.
This extended luxury Lincoln had a very spacious back seat, and there were many hidden compartments in the car doors and seat cushions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Joe, after picking up Mike, seemed to transform into a robot, silently driving the vehicle 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 extremely proficient; even when driving an extended vehicle, he managed to be both fast and steady.
Precisely ten minutes later, the Lincoln car smoothly parked in front of a luxurious villa.
"Please follow me."
After getting out of the car, Mr. Joe led Mike to a cubicle by the villa entrance, pulled out a metal detector, and said, "Sorry, this is a necessary step before seeing the Queen—"
[Investigation Experience +3]…[Investigation Experience +3]…
After a scan and confirming there were no issues, Mr. Joe led Mike into the living room.
"Your Majesty, I have brought the person you wished to see." After reporting, Mr. Joe stepped aside, once again resuming his role as a butler.
Queen Renaldi, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room, seemed to have been chatting with her granddaughter earlier.
Upon hearing the report, she stood up, straightened her long dress, and then welcomed him with a smile, "Hello, Mike. I'm very glad you could come. I am Mia's grandmother, Renaldi."
[Temperament Attribute +5]…[Etiquette Experience +3]…
This elderly woman, who had been a queen for several decades, exuded an elegant temperament in every movement.
Temperament, while seemingly abstract, is very easy to distinguish between having it and not.
It's like the difference between a nouveau riche and an aristocrat; an astute person can see it at a glance.
"Hello, Ms. Renaldi," Mike responded politely.
The small crown on her head at that moment already made her identity clear.
However, since Queen Renaldi was willing to introduce herself as a friend and elder, Mike was naturally happy to go along with it.
Looking at Mike's clever demeanor, Queen Renaldi's expression became even more benevolent.
Mike, with his exceptionally high good looks, naturally made a good first impression. Coupled with his clean black and white outfit today, he appeared even more sunny, cheerful, and full of youthful spirit.
This appearance also happened to garner more favor from elders.
"You haven't had lunch yet, have you?" Queen Renaldi asked.
Seeing Mike shake his head, she turned to the butler and said, "Mr. Joe, please prepare lunch for our guest."
Once only the three of them remained in the living room, Her Majesty formally introduced herself, "Mike, you must already know, my identity is Queen Renaldi of Genovia. And Mia, beside me, is the future Princess of Genovia."
Stating their identities at this point would also facilitate their subsequent conversation.
Mia had been waiting for this moment.
She had been hiding behind her grandmother, constantly winking and making small gestures at Mike.
Now, she widened her eyes, hoping to see a surprised expression on Mike's face.
This was a little amusement unique to girls.
After all, that was a princess.
However, Mia was destined for disappointment; Mike didn't react much and remained polite: "Yes, I already know. Queen Renaldi… and Princess Mia."
"Oh, how did you guess Grandma and my identities?" Mia's expression showed some regret, as she hadn't seen what she wanted to.
"Mr. Joe told me at the door," Mike replied.
Of course, this was a lie; he had actually known Mia's identity since Monday.
"Really? That's boring. How could Mr. Joseph tell you the answer in advance?" Mia, unaware of the detection procedure at the door, harbored a slight resentment towards the butler.
"Alright, let's go have lunch," Queen Renaldi, who saw through everything, said, not giving her granddaughter time to continue being foolish.
In the dining room, the butler had already prepared a lavish meal for the three of them.
By its scale, it was clearly prepared according to royal lunch standards.
"Please be seated—"
Queen Renaldi arranged for Mike and Mia to sit opposite each other at the long dining table.
"Mike, if there's food you can't reach, you can ask Mr. Joseph to get it for you." As the meal began, Mia secretly glanced at her grandmother at the head of the table, then quietly reminded Mike opposite her, "Remember, your butt must not leave the chair…"
This was a piece of wisdom the girl had gained after many painful experiences.
At the same time, the girl had some selfish motives; she really wanted Mike to leave a good impression on her grandmother.
"Okay, I understand," Mike nodded, indicating to the girl that he knew.
In fact, even if the other party hadn't reminded him, Mike knew something about royal dining etiquette.
Half an hour later, Mike, full and satisfied, was once again led back to the living room by Queen Renaldi.
"Mike, Mia is currently preparing to learn the Genovian Royal Dance. Would you be willing to learn with her?" Queen Renaldi stated her purpose for the visit.
To put it plainly, Queen Renaldi simply wanted to find someone to supervise Mia and help her learn the skills a princess needs more quickly.
After all, there wasn't much time left until the Genovian Royal Family gathering.
If Mia hadn't learned how to be a true princess by that day, she might never have another chance to become one.
Within the Genovian Royal Family, Mia was not the only one capable of becoming the kingdom's heir.
In fact, some princes and ministers in the kingdom, for their own personal gain, did not wish for another princess to emerge in the kingdom.
"I'd be delighted to help," Mike replied with a smile, looking at Mia in the living room.
The girl had also been meticulously dressed up today; wearing a beautiful formal gown, she looked just like a blooming rose.
"Very well, Mr. Joe, you will be responsible for teaching them the Genovian dance…" After arranging everything, Queen Renaldi went to sit down.
The Genovian Royal Dance was a variation of a partner social dance.
At the Genovian Royal Family gathering three months later, there would also be a dedicated ball segment.
A qualified princess needed to showcase her charm during the ball segment.
"Please place your hands on each other's waists and follow my instructions for your dance steps…" Mr. Joe transformed into a dance instructor.
[Dance Experience +5]…[Dance Experience +3]…
With the sounds of "one-two, one-two" during practice, Mike quickly grasped the knack of this dance.
Meanwhile, the rural "wild girl" Mia showed her unsophisticated side.
Even coordinating her steps with her dance partner proved difficult for the girl.