Frederick was just about to apply the medicine when he heard her words, leaving him caught between laughter and exasperation. What was this Little Bird talking about?

Where did she hear such nonsense?

Him, marrying Daisy Beaumont? He would rather remain a bachelor for the rest of his life.

"Nonsense. Where did you hear such things?" Frederick felt like smacking her bottom, but looking at her, his heart softened with pity. He knelt down to apply the medicine first, planning to settle the score with her afterward. She pulled her leg away, glaring at him petulantly.

"It's not nonsense!"

Frederick sighed, catching her leg firmly. "Medicine first, then we discuss your absurdities". His Mandarin was incredibly fluent, even using terms like "absurdities".

Arabella was full of complaints, but she obediently let Frederick apply the ointment. The man was gentle and meticulous; after applying it, he massaged the area with his fingertips to ensure the cream absorbed into her skin. A cool, refreshing sensation spread through her, though it carried a slight sting.

Arabella watched the man in front of her quietly. She reached out a finger, wanting to trace the high bridge of his nose, but then remembered she was still "angry" and quickly pulled it back, tucking her hands under her bottom. After finishing, Frederick went to wash his hands, ensuring no trace of the cooling ointment remained before drying them and sitting back down beside her.

"Come, let's talk in detail, Birdie. First, your 'absurdities,' then your hundred thousand 'whys'". Arabella's face flushed slightly as she let out a huff. Frederick smiled and crossed his long legs in a relaxed posture, freeing the girl's hands from beneath her and taking them into his own. "So, you fought with Daisy because she told you I was going to marry her?".

"Mhm... and she called me a hick and said I wasn't good enough for you. She's so strange. I'm not a hick... am I?" She sounded a bit doubtful.

Frederick patted the back of her hand. "Aerona, you are the most noble and beautiful lady. Don't doubt yourself over someone else's idle gossip. As for Daisy, I need to explain clearly so you don't throw another tantrum".

Arabella wanted to protest that she wasn't throwing a tantrum, but she wisely kept quiet and listened as Frederick continued. "Daisy's grandfather and mine were close friends. Because of our families' history, we've known each other since childhood. A few years ago, my grandfather tried to set us up, but I refused. Regardless of anything, I will not marry her. Do you understand, Birdie?". He was not ambiguous; his voice was clear, decisive, and held a trace of uncharacteristic coldness.

"You've known each other for so long; you must have a good relationship," Arabella said, still feeling a bit dejected. "We've known each other a long time, but that doesn't mean our relationship is 'good.' I used to say we were friends, but after today, we aren't even that".

"Why?". Frederick looked at her tenderly. "Because she bullied my sweetheart.". Arabella's heart skipped a beat. She bit her lip and gave him a coquettish, teasing look. "Who is your sweetheart?". Frederick was helpless against her acting spoiled. He chuckled but didn't answer directly. "Whoever is asking me is the one".

"Then who is asking you? What if someone else asks? Would they be your sweetheart too?". She was being very literal, desperately needing a definitive answer, her tone turning a bit fierce toward the end. Frederick felt her unabashed possessiveness; in this world, no one had ever dared to treat him as their property.

Was he this little bird's? She was so weak, so fragile, with no survival skills in the wild. She could be bullied so easily—even the foolish Daisy could get the better of her..

"Why aren't you talking..." Arabella pouted, and suddenly, her eyes darted. Her hand reached out to grab the "beast" beneath the man's robe. She was as agile as a water snake and incredibly fast; Frederick nearly missed stopping her. An ordinary person couldn't possibly possess such speed unless they had undergone professional training.

Frederick used his absolute strength to prevail, firmly pinning her wrists. Seeing her face practically shouting that she'd do it again, he laughed out of sheer exasperation, his tone becoming very stern. "Aerona, who gave you permission to grab a man like that? Where did you pick up these bad habits?".

She defended herself aggrievedly, "I didn't! You just said this belongs to me". Frederick was speechless, caught between anger and amusement; he never went back on his word, as authority required consistency. "It is yours, Aerona, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you please".

Arabella ducked her head and pulled the duvet over herself sullenly. Frederick was helpless against her childish moods—sunny one moment, stormy the next. He knew he needed to spend time teaching her, and not just about her body. He preferred encouragement and rewards over punishment, especially for a stubborn and mischievous child like Aerona who needed coaxing, praise, and guidance.

"I only have one sweetheart, and her name is Aerona.". The magnetic voice of the mature man drifted over her head like a warm winter breeze. Arabella gripped the sheets and blinked but didn't look up. Frederick remained unfazed, watching her trembling lashes. "If she is willing to look up, her Daddy will give her a little reward".

"What reward?" Arabella looked up instantly. Frederick patted the bed, gesturing for her to lean in. The moment she did, he lowered his head to bite her scarlet lips, prying her teeth open to invade deeply, rhythmically sucking her wet tongue. Arabella let out a faint whimper, losing her soul to the kiss as she slumped back. Frederick supported her waist but didn't provide a solid anchor, gradually pressing her into the large bed.

"Daddy..." she murmured, her lips swollen. The man propped his arms on either side of her, his tall frame completely enveloping her and blocking out the light. "Close your eyes," he commanded softly. Arabella obeyed instantly.

"Sweetheart, do not open your eyes next". She held her breath and heard him say curtly in German, "Lichter aus" (Lights out). The lights vanished, plunging the room into darkness.

German phonetics were unique—dense and strong—making Frederick sound colder and more dominant in his native tongue, like an officer expressing absolute control. The thought made Arabella shiver.

"Are you cold?" Frederick asked gently.

"No..." 

He patted her tense waist, signaling her to relax. "Aerona, this is the reward."