"Are you ready? Try taking a shot, sweetheart."

Frederick's low, steady voice pulled Arabella back to reality.

She fluttered her lashes and said solemnly, "You can't just fire at random; it'll scare off the prey. Besides, I don't feel like shooting right now."

She sounded so earnest it left him momentarily dazed. Frederick suppressed a smile. "Alright, Ms. Aerona. I'll teach you whenever you're ready to learn."

"Then give me one!" Arabella hugged the rifle tightly. "Give me this one, I like it."

Frederick didn't agree immediately. He tilted his chin toward a nearby leather case. "This is too heavy and unsafe; it misfires easily. Sweetheart, go open that case. There's a golden pistol inside for you."

The case was filled with various firearm accessories. Sure enough, Arabella found a pistol on the second layer. It had a gold and walnut wood grip and was exquisitely crafted. It felt heavy in her hand, but much lighter than the hunting rifle.

It was a P7 series produced by the German company Heckler & Koch, featuring a custom color scheme that made it a true luxury item. Most importantly, it was incredibly safe; one needn't worry about it misfiring even in a pocket.

"This gun doesn't have an external safety. It has to be squeezed firmly to unlock, which is quite unique." Frederick was demonstrating how to use it when a rustle came from the nearby grass. A small creature scurried out.

Frederick pivoted instantly, aiming at the sudden target. He pulled the trigger coldly, without a moment's hesitation.

With a bang, a raccoon collapsed in the brush. Its head had been pierced; there was no struggle. It died more cleanly than a crushed piece of hard candy.

Arabella held her breath the entire time, her pupils dilating slightly. She saw the flash of predatory excitement in Frederick's eyes the moment he pulled the trigger. It was a stark contrast to his usual refined demeanor—he looked cold and bloodthirsty.

That feeling was back. Last night, she thought Frederick would use a small whip to spank her; now, she felt he might use a gun to do it.

What was going on?

Frederick lowered the gun and turned back to the dazed Arabella, a gentle smile on his face. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Arabella suddenly covered her bottom. "You aren't allowed to hit my bottom with a gun. It'll hurt."

"............"

"What goes on in that little head of yours? Do you see me as some kind of monster?" Frederick glanced at her, amused. Even if he were to spank her, he would only use his palm, never any other tool.

"No..." Arabella shook her head. "But you were so cold when you fired. You didn't seem like yourself."

Ah, she was frightened. Frederick sighed inwardly. Putting the gun down, he pulled Arabella into his arms and kissed her cheek, comforting her like a gentle mother would a startled baby.

"Don't be afraid, Aerona. That's just part of hunting. I will never be cold to you. Stop letting your imagination run wild, alright?"

"Alght, Frederick," Arabella said. "You're the best person to me."

Frederick found it hard to describe the feeling. He kissed her cheek and the tip of her nose. Surely God had taken pity on him to send such a gift. He would hold on tight.

Arabella felt dizzy from his kisses. Her fur-lined collar framed her flushed face, making her look more like a delicate lily.

"This gun belongs to you now, baby. It will protect you always."

Arabella took the beautiful firearm and tucked it carefully into her pocket. "I'll study hard. I think I have a talent for it, Frederick—it's a feeling. I'm definitely going to be a marksman."

Frederick laughed heartily; his confident Little Bird was truly captivating.

Peach retrieved the dead raccoon, dropping it into a two-wheeled cart designated for prey. It was the first kill of the day. Though small, it was a good start. Moreover, the raccoon's fur was exceptionally glossy and smooth; it had clearly fed well.

Frederick measured the length of the raccoon's tail with his hand; it was just enough to wrap around the girl's slender neck. "I'll use the tail to make you a scarf later. Or perhaps I could make a tail for you to wear. Do you like tails?"

Arabella didn't understand why she would want a tail. In truth, she didn't like fur products, but she nodded dizzily anyway. Whatever Frederick said went.

Frederick had already decided what to do. He brushed the dust off his hands with satisfaction. "By the way, what did Daisy say to you earlier? You looked quite happy."

Arabella's eyes lit up as she reported immediately: "Yes, yes! You won't believe it—she actually apologized to me! She even invited me to go dog walking and shopping with her! I knew I was likable. Daisy likes me, and her little dog likes me too!"

Frederick narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint appearing in his deep blue gaze, though it was quickly and seamlessly hidden. "And you forgave her?"

"Mhm, we made up."

"You're a good child, Aerona."

But she didn't need to be too good.

In truth, Frederick wanted to tell her that making friends was fine, but one must always keep their guard up and never trust others completely. Yet, he held back, unwilling to shatter her fairy-tale innocence.

Regardless, after this trip to Hamburg, she wouldn't have another chance to see Daisy. He would arrange their relationship for her. As long as the Little Bird was happy, that was enough. He would keep her living in a world of fairy tales.