Lili's shrill scream filled the lakeside as she sailed through the air, limbs flailing in comedic desperation. She crashed spectacularly into the lake, disappearing beneath an explosion of water and startled bubbles.
On the shore, Arthur stood for a long moment, breathing deeply and smiling faintly. He watched the ripples slowly calm, the lake returning to its tranquil state as if nothing had disturbed its surface. As he shook away the last stubborn clumps of mud and grass from his hair, he found himself still chuckling softly.
"What a strange girl," he murmured quietly, shaking his head in amused disbelief.
Yet, despite his irritation, he found his curiosity intensifying. Her absurd fighting style, the strange references she'd shouted, the bizarre terms she'd used—Conor McGregor, Jedi, Yamcha, Hokuto Shinken—they echoed strangely familiar yet alien to this medieval world. They were terms a native of this land shouldn't possibly know.
Arthur frowned, puzzling over it deeply. Could she be…?
He hesitated to even think it, but the suspicion wouldn't leave his mind. Could she be reincarnated too?
His heart skipped suddenly at the possibility. A sharp longing rose within him—he had waited years to find someone else from his past world, someone who might truly understand him. Someone like Bruce.
Arthur paused, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Could she actually be Bruce?
He almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of that idea. No, surely not. Bruce was gone—lost to a previous life. Besides, the thought of Bruce, his best friend, reincarnated as a small, blonde, fiercely stubborn little girl was so utterly ridiculous he couldn't seriously entertain it. Bruce had been a big man, awkward and earnest—not a tiny, wild-haired savage shouting absurdities and throwing dirt in people's faces.
No, he reasoned silently, pushing the impossible thought away. If this girl was reincarnated, she was probably just some nerdy child tossed into this world by chance, some girl who'd spent her former life reading stories or playing games. She must have been a kid obsessed with strange fantasies—Star Wars, anime, maybe even gaming.
He nodded slowly to himself. Yes, that made much more sense. Reincarnated, perhaps—but certainly not Bruce.
Yet, even as Arthur reassured himself, he felt a strange pang of disappointment.
Suddenly, a soft rustling drew his attention. He turned toward the edge of the garden, seeing several chickens approaching hesitantly from between tall stalks of lavender. A pair of curious rabbits had come as well, their tiny noses twitching nervously at the lake's edge. Arthur watched, eyebrows furrowing slightly as the animals stared quietly into the water, almost expectantly—as if looking for someone.
His heart sank sharply. The girl.
He realized suddenly she still hadn't resurfaced. Had she been underwater this whole time?
Arthur's pulse quickened with sudden anxiety. In his previous life, swimming had been a common skill—but here, in this primitive, violent world, almost no one could swim. Even nobles rarely learned, and commoners practically never. What if the girl couldn't swim? Had she hit her head when he'd thrown her into the lake? And hadn't she been bleeding earlier, possibly injured somehow?
A sudden, vivid fear surged through Arthur's chest. His amused expression vanished instantly, replaced by genuine worry. He'd fought and played around with her as if she were an equal opponent—forgetting just how fragile she truly was. She might be reincarnated, or she might simply be mad, but in either case, she was likely the only other person in this entire strange, primitive world who could possibly understand his loneliness and the feeling of being hopelessly lost between worlds.
He didn't even know her name yet, he realized painfully, as guilt bit sharply at his heart. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her—of losing the only person who might understand him.
"Gods damn it," he muttered fiercely, shoving aside all dignity and hesitation. Without further thought, Arthur rapidly unbuckled his cloak, pulled off his heavy leather armor, and stripped down to only his trousers. He glanced urgently once more at the still lake surface, then dove forward without another heartbeat's hesitation.
He plunged into the cool water, his powerful strokes driving him swiftly downward, eyes scanning anxiously beneath the surface for any sign of the girl. He swam deeper, dread steadily building in his chest as he searched for her frantically.
Unbeknownst to him, however, Lili had already long been aware of his movements. Years of solitary swimming practice in this lake had taught her how to hold her breath far longer than most. She hovered silently near the muddy lake bottom, eyes narrowed cunningly as she watched Arthur swim past her, completely unaware of her presence.
The moment he passed overhead, Lili launched herself from her hiding place with expert agility, swimming swiftly and silently toward the shore. Her heart raced with excitement. Her original plan had been to wait for him to turn his back before leaping onto him again—but this was far better. Now she could seize his mighty sword—surely just a fake plastic or wooden prop, given how effortlessly he carried it around.
She broke the surface quietly, lungs aching slightly, but a triumphant smile spread across her face as she scrambled eagerly up the muddy lakeshore. She rushed to Arthur's abandoned gear, eyes fixed upon the massive black blade he'd called Dragon Slayer.
She reached out confidently, wrapping both small hands around its ornate hilt, and pulled with all her might.
It didn't budge.
She tugged again, straining desperately—yet it remained utterly immovable, a slab of solid steel so dense she could scarcely even shift it an inch. Frustration flooded through her as she released the sword, stepping back with a scowl. Not plastic, then, she thought bitterly. Definitely not fake.
"F-fine," she muttered stubbornly to herself, swiftly retrieving her fallen spear instead. She hurried knee-deep back into the water, spinning around to face the lake again, weapon raised dramatically in preparation. "I'll j-just beat him again with my Spear of Sparta!"
She waited eagerly for Arthur's return, eyes locked intently on the rippling surface. Her heart hammered with anticipation. She still thought the fight was ongoing, completely oblivious to Arthur's genuine fear for her safety.
Beneath the lake's surface, Arthur continued desperately searching, panic rising sharply within him. His lungs burned, but his anxiety far outweighed any discomfort. Finally, realizing he couldn't find her underwater, he turned sharply upward, racing toward the surface, dread gripping him tightly.
Above him, Lili's spear remained poised, ready for battle, her small frame standing firm with stubborn defiance—completely unaware of the prince's real feelings, his sudden fear, or the profound effect she'd unknowingly had on him.
Around her, the lakeside gradually came alive with quiet anticipation. The animals had emerged slowly, drawn by the excitement and noise of the earlier confrontation, gathering now as curious spectators at the shore's edge. Mister Squirrel perched nervously on a nearby branch, bushy tail twitching anxiously as his tiny eyes flicked between Lili and the lake. Mister Frog added his deep croaking commentary from a distant lilypad, seemingly unconvinced that the action was truly over. The deer—normally cautious and timid—now lingered near the clearing's edge, ears perked high, eyes wide with nervous expectation as they cautiously peeked from behind the safety of nearby trees.
Terminator, majestic and commanding as ever, stepped forward boldly, feathers gleaming in the sun. He clucked gently, as if offering words of encouragement.
"I-I know, Terminator," Lili whispered, glancing back at him briefly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement and anxiety. "I'm ready. I'll b-be careful. I promise."
Terminator gave another proud, firm cluck, as though he approved of her brave stand. Lili turned back to the lake, steeling herself once more. She had to stay focused. This fight was far from over.
Then suddenly, the water surged, and Arthur burst through the surface, gasping sharply, water streaming down his face and shoulders. For a moment he seemed startled, looking wildly around—until his eyes settled on the small, determined figure before him.
His relief was instantaneous, overwhelming. She was alive, safe, standing defiantly before him with her spear in hand and fire in her eyes. But relief swiftly gave way to a surge of exasperation and annoyance.
"You!" Arthur shouted furiously, the relief in his voice mixing sharply with genuine frustration. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? I thought you drowned, you reckless, impossible girl!"
Lili, misunderstanding entirely, merely grinned triumphantly, thrusting her spear defiantly in his direction. "Ha! Y-you thought you defeated me that easily, r-rogue? Think again! I'm not d-defeated yet!"
Arthur's eyes narrowed, irritation flaring once more. This girl had made him feel fear and panic—something he absolutely hated—and now she had the audacity to continue their absurd battle as if nothing had happened.
He clenched his jaw, deciding firmly in that instant: he was going to teach this stubborn little savage a memorable lesson. He would spank her, he resolved, not to harm but certainly enough to imprint upon her reckless little mind the foolishness of challenging someone clearly stronger, especially with a weapon that outweighed her entire body.
Yet despite his anger, Arthur maintained a façade of calm, even playful menace. "Oh, is that so?" he called back, smirking darkly as he slowly waded toward her. His tone was low, deliberately menacing yet teasingly amused. "I was planning to go easy on you, but perhaps you need a stronger lesson."
Lili wavered slightly at his cool confidence, but stood her ground, her voice shaking slightly despite her brave façade. "Y-you don't scare me, villain! M-my Spartan Spear of Justice shall s-strike you down!"
Arthur laughed softly, a sound full of genuine amusement and predatory anticipation. "Spartan Spear of Justice, is it? Are you sure it isn't just a sharpened stick?"
She glared fiercely. "It's forged from C-Cerberus's fang—"
"Yes, yes," he interrupted smoothly, eyes twinkling mischievously. "And Zeus's oak. I remember. Terrifying indeed."
Lili scowled furiously, feeling her confidence slowly eroding. His calm demeanor was unsettling, especially as he drew closer. "Stay b-back! I m-mean it!"
But Arthur only chuckled again, now emerging fully from the lake, water streaming down his powerful, muscular form. He stood tall, nearly naked save for the wet trousers clinging tightly to his waist, every inch of his broad shoulders, thick chest, and sharply defined muscles on full, intimidating display. Droplets of water cascaded down his strong, sculpted physique, glistening beneath the bright sunlight as though he were a hero from ancient Greek legends.
Lili froze, eyes widening, heart pounding uncontrollably as she took in his towering, nearly godlike form. The sheer physical presence he radiated suddenly made her feel incredibly small and fragile, like a tiny rabbit cornered before a powerful predator.
Arthur stepped closer, deliberately looming over her, his eyes calmly locking onto hers with quiet authority.
"Well then," he murmured softly, his voice low and deep, both playful and dangerously stern, "are you still feeling brave, little rabbit?"
Arthur stood before her, water streaming from his muscular form as the sunlight gleamed off his sculpted physique. Every inch of him radiated strength, from the eight clearly defined abs down to his broad shoulders, powerful chest, and thick, masculine neck. He seemed impossibly large, his golden hair giving him the aura of a lion, fierce yet regal. Beside him, Lili felt painfully aware of her small, slender body, soft curves, and delicate features. She felt like nothing more than a frightened rabbit facing down a mighty predator.
Yet her stubborn pride kept her standing firm. Trembling slightly, she held up her crude spear defiantly, her eyes locked on Arthur's as she desperately tried to maintain an expression of courage.
Arthur's calm gaze met hers with a quiet, amused intensity. He took another measured step forward, closing the distance between them so that the spear's wooden tip pressed softly against his bare chest. He tilted his head slightly, almost daring her with his eyes.
"Go on, then," he murmured softly, his voice deep, resonant, and tinged with amusement. "Poke me with your 'Spartan Spear.' Show me this supposed strength of yours."
Lili hesitated, heart hammering wildly. Her grip on the spear faltered slightly, her fingers trembling. "I—I don't want to hurt you," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I j-just want you to apologize."
Arthur's gaze softened momentarily, but his voice remained firm. "You couldn't hurt me even if you tried, little rabbit. But if it will convince you how mismatched this fight really is, then I insist—poke me."
Lili's breathing grew rapid, her courage flickering uncertainly. She bit her lower lip nervously, staring at the spear's tip pressed uselessly against the immovable wall of muscle before her. Slowly, she shook her head, her voice small and stubborn. "No."
Arthur sighed softly, a small smile tugging at his lips as he gently reached forward and took hold of the spear's shaft, just beneath the wooden tip. He held her gaze calmly, eyes intense yet strangely kind. Then, without even breaking eye contact, he tightened his grip slightly, the muscles in his forearm flexing just briefly.
A loud, sharp crack echoed across the lakeside as the spear shattered effortlessly in Arthur's hand, splinters of wood scattering around them like dry leaves in the wind.
Lili stared in wide-eyed shock at the broken weapon, suddenly realizing just how utterly defenseless she was. Her eyes slowly lifted back to Arthur, the reality of her situation finally beginning to dawn upon her fully. The strength she'd imagined herself wielding, her confidence, and even her imagined position as president of this little kingdom—all seemed utterly meaningless now, faced with this boy whose strength defied every rational explanation.
Her knees trembled slightly beneath her, the remnants of her courage rapidly fading. Her heart thudded anxiously in her chest as she stared helplessly up at Arthur, realizing for the first time just how deeply outmatched she truly was.
Arthur watched her quietly, noticing the sudden flicker of uncertainty and fear in her eyes. His expression softened, but he maintained the calm, firm demeanor he knew was necessary to drive home his point.
"Do you see now?" he asked gently but sternly. "This isn't a game. You're brave—maybe too brave for your own good. Challenging strangers, attacking people clearly stronger than you… it's reckless, foolish, and could easily cost you your life."
Lili's lower lip trembled slightly, her voice coming out weak and uncertain. "I—I just wanted you to apologize."
Arthur sighed deeply, shaking his head. "I know. But you must understand there are consequences for your actions. You're small, vulnerable, and right now, completely defenseless. You need a lesson, little rabbit—a gentle one, but one you'll never forget."
Lili looked up anxiously, her small body trembling as she realized just what kind of lesson he intended. Panic and embarrassment surged within her, but also a strange and unexpected sense of trust. Despite everything, despite her embarrassment and frustration, she felt a peculiar sense of safety in his stern yet gentle presence.
Arthur reached toward her carefully but decisively. "Trust me," he murmured gently, "this truly is for your own good."
Lili flinched instinctively, her eyes widening as Arthur firmly grasped her waist, swiftly spinning her around. Before she could even comprehend what was happening, she found herself pressed gently yet firmly against the soft, grassy slope beside the lake. A startled gasp slipped from her lips, her small frame wriggling beneath his controlled strength.
"W-wait! Wh-what are you doing?!" she protested anxiously, confusion and panic rising in her voice.
"You need to understand, little rabbit," Arthur said calmly, pinning her down gently but securely with one hand placed firmly at the small of her back. "Every foolish action has consequences. You attacked me, threatened me—even tried to hurt me. You must learn humility, especially in a world as dangerous as this."
Lili's heart thundered, her cheeks flushed bright red with embarrassment as she squirmed helplessly beneath his firm grip. "L-let go, you brute! I'll—I'll scream!"
"You've screamed plenty already," Arthur remarked dryly, faint amusement coloring his voice. "A few more won't trouble me."
With deliberate calmness, his palm struck sharply against her exposed skin, the sound ringing clearly through the lakeside clearing. Birds scattered into the sky, and even Terminator turned his head sharply in surprise.
"Aah! S-stop it!" Lili cried out, kicking her small feet and twisting in vain beneath his careful restraint.
"This isn't cruelty," Arthur explained with patient authority, his voice steady yet gentle as he delivered another firm, stinging slap. "It's discipline. Necessary discipline."
A second, sharper smack followed quickly, drawing another startled cry from Lili's lips. Humiliation and embarrassment surged within her, mixing with stubborn defiance.
"I—I'm not sorry!" she declared stubbornly, though her voice trembled slightly. "Never!"
Arthur paused, genuinely impressed by her determination, and chuckled softly. "Remarkable. Still defiant? You're certainly spirited. But fortunately, I know just how to tame wild creatures."
Without warning, Arthur leaned forward swiftly, pressing down more securely against her trembling form, and gently but firmly bit the delicate skin at the base of her neck, just as the wild Lycans of the northern forests had taught him to subdue the fierce.
"Aaah!" Lili shrieked, sheer panic overtaking her as she squirmed wildly beneath him. "Oh no! You're—you're eating me! S-stop! I-I don't taste good!"
Arthur laughed heartily at her frantic protestations, neither confirming nor denying her fears. "Eating you? Now, there's a thought." He teasingly whispered against her ear, "So, little rabbit, are you finally ready to surrender, or must I bite you again?"
"No! Please don't!" Lili squeaked desperately, finally overcome by panic and confusion. "I—I give up! You win! Don't eat me!"
Arthur chuckled warmly once more, instantly releasing his grip and gently turning her trembling form to face him. Tears welled in her eyes, trickling down flushed, humiliated cheeks. Her small body shook slightly, overwhelmed by vulnerability and shame.
Seeing her genuine distress, Arthur's playful demeanor instantly shifted to gentle concern. Carefully, tenderly, he scooped her small, trembling frame onto his lap, cradling her protectively against his broad chest. His strong hands began softly stroking her damp, tangled hair, offering silent reassurance.
"Shh, hush now," he soothed softly. "It's alright, little rabbit. It's over now. You're safe."
Lili stiffened initially, her pride still smarting from defeat, but slowly she began to relax into his comforting embrace, unable to resist the unexpected warmth. The feeling of security, the simple kindness in Arthur's touch—it reminded her so deeply of Frank, her best friend from her past life. Silent tears continued to slip from her eyes, but now more from relief than pain.
Arthur continued gently stroking her hair, speaking quietly and reassuringly. "Listen, losing doesn't make you weak. You're small, delicate—still young. There's no shame in yielding when you're clearly outmatched, especially to someone larger. You should be proud of how bravely you fought, despite your reckless approach."
Lili's fists clenched slightly against his broad chest. "But I—I lost. Everyone saw me lose, even Terminator…"
Arthur smiled gently, glancing toward the watching animals. "They don't think less of you, little rabbit, and neither do I. They're impressed with your courage. But you must learn caution. This world isn't kind or forgiving. Most who cross your path won't be as patient or understanding as I've been."
He tilted her chin upward, forcing her bright, tear-filled eyes to meet his steady, compassionate gaze. "Promise me you'll think twice before picking fights you can't win."
Lili hesitated, pride lingering stubbornly, but the gentle insistence in Arthur's eyes finally penetrated her defenses. Reluctantly, she nodded, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
"I—I promise," she whispered, sincerity mingling with lingering embarrassment.
Arthur smiled warmly, gently ruffling her hair again. "Good girl. You've made the right decision."
They sat quietly together for a long moment, silence peaceful between them. Lili felt oddly comforted in his embrace, despite the embarrassment she'd suffered. Slowly, the humiliation ebbed, replaced by a simple warmth, a longing fulfilled by finally connecting with another human being after such a lonely existence.
But then, as confusion lingered beneath her calm, Lili suddenly remembered the original cause of her rage. She tensed slightly, turning to Arthur with a serious, uncertain gaze.
"But wait..." she asked softly, eyes wide with confusion. "If you... if you're really so gentle now, why did you make me bleed earlier? It—it didn't really hurt much, but... but it scared me. That's why I attacked you."
Arthur's eyebrows shot up in surprise, genuine confusion crossing his handsome features. "Make you bleed? When did I—?" His eyes drifted down slowly, following her gaze toward her slender legs, noticing now a small trickle of dried blood staining her pale skin.
Realization dawned upon him swiftly, leaving him momentarily stunned. "Oh… oh, I see."
Arthur's face softened, his expression turning gentle yet complicated as he understood what was truly happening. A faint blush of embarrassment colored even his cheeks, though he quickly hid it behind a careful calm.
Lili watched his reaction nervously, feeling uncertain. "What is it? Did... did I do something wrong? Or is it really you?"
Arthur shook his head slowly, a gentle sigh escaping his lips as he offered her a reassuring yet thoughtful smile. "No, little rabbit. You misunderstand. This bleeding—it's something entirely natural. Nothing caused by me or anyone else."
She stared at him in bewilderment, clearly lost. "Natural? What—what do you mean?"
Arthur hesitated, considering carefully how to explain something he himself barely understood. In this world, the realities of womanhood and puberty were poorly comprehended, often steeped in superstition and misunderstanding.
"It's... complicated," Arthur began gently, brushing a comforting thumb softly across her cheek, wiping away fresh tears. "It's something every young lady experiences eventually, though few truly understand why."
Lili's expression grew even more confused, fear flickering briefly in her eyes. "What—what's happening to me?"
Arthur sighed again softly, pulling her into a gentler, comforting embrace. "Don't worry," he murmured soothingly. "I promise, it's nothing bad, just part of growing older. I'll try to explain."
Lili nodded hesitantly, resting against his chest again, feeling secure in his gentle hold. Despite her confusion and lingering embarrassment, she trusted his reassuring voice, comforted by the warmth and familiarity of his presence.
She closed her eyes, sighing softly, allowing herself finally to trust him completely, if only for this brief moment. Arthur, gazing thoughtfully into the quiet of the lakeside, prepared himself to explain the strange mysteries of life and adulthood to a girl whose fierce spirit and innocence had unexpectedly captured his heart.