Arthur cleared his throat softly, visibly uncomfortable as he shifted Lili gently to face him. The blush spreading subtly across his cheeks deepened as he chose his words carefully. "Alright, little rabbit. I'll try to explain it to you—this bleeding, it's something that happens to every young girl eventually, you see?"
Lili tilted her head curiously, blue eyes wide and eager yet entirely baffled. "B-but why?" she asked innocently. "Is it, um, because you attacked me?"
Arthur immediately shook his head, an awkward smile crossing his lips. "No, definitely not. It's completely natural. It... means your body is changing. It's something called puberty. It's when you start becoming an adult."
Lili's brow furrowed in confusion, and she glanced down at her body uncertainly. "B-but, what kind of changes? Why do I look... like this?" She gestured vaguely to her small frame, the soft curves of her figure, and then back at Arthur's strong, muscular build. "W-why don't I have muscles and a big chest like you? And—and when is my voice going to become manly?"
Arthur paused, clearly taken aback. He had briefly wondered, absurdly, if this little girl might somehow have been Bruce reborn—despite how ridiculous it seemed. Her strange references, her absurd quotes from movies he vaguely remembered Bruce mentioning, had momentarily given him pause. But now, hearing these genuinely confused and utterly innocent questions, he was certain he'd been mistaken. She had clearly been an innocent, sheltered child before reincarnating. Possibly extremely naive, even by children's standards.
Arthur carefully softened his voice, adopting the patient tone he'd once used as Frank when explaining life to his own small children. "Ah, well, that's because you're a girl, little rabbit. Girls don't usually become big and muscular like men. You're supposed to be smaller, softer. It's perfectly normal."
Lili's eyes widened in dismay, and her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief. "Wh-what do you mean, I'm a girl? Th-that's not right. I-I'm supposed to get big and muscular! Like—like King Washington, or maybe R-Rambo! And... why do I have breasts? Are they gonna... um, make milk?"
Arthur's face turned visibly red now, and he struggled to suppress an amused yet mortified smile. He'd never had to explain these matters before, certainly not to a confused and earnest child who had no real grasp of biology or even basic anatomy.
"Well, yes, in time they—well, yes, that's what breasts do. But only when you have babies," he clarified gently, trying not to embarrass her further.
"B-babies?" Lili stared at him blankly. Her mind flashed with panicked confusion. "But how—how do babies even get inside you in the first place? Is it... Is it like in that movie Alien? W-will something burst out of me!?"
Arthur winced inwardly, now thoroughly regretting having started this explanation. He quickly shook his head, smiling reassuringly as he stroked her hair again. "No, nothing like that. It's... well, complicated. Usually, when a man and a woman—um, love each other—they, ah, join together, and then the woman has a baby growing safely inside her. It's completely natural, nothing scary, I promise."
Lili stared incredulously at him, utterly lost. Her voice trembled slightly as she leaned closer, whispering anxiously, "B-but how do they join? Is it like, um, fusion from Dragon Ball? Or like—when the Power Rangers combine their Zords?"
Arthur blinked, utterly mystified by her strange words. The vague familiarity of these absurd references reminded him uncomfortably of Bruce, who always rambled about such nonsensical things back in their past lives. Yet hearing them from this tiny, bewildered girl made them seem almost adorable in their innocence.
"Not—not exactly," he said slowly, choosing his words very carefully. "It's... something very special and private, nothing violent or explosive."
Lili looked somewhat relieved but still deeply puzzled. She continued softly, "But... um, if I'm a girl, why don't I have a, um, thingie like you? When will it grow? Am I like—late or something?"
Arthur coughed abruptly, choking back laughter and embarrassment as he gently placed his palm over her small mouth, shaking his head. "Alright, little rabbit, let's not talk too much about that right now. Trust me, girls aren't supposed to have... 'thingies' like men."
Lili's expression became even more bewildering. Her voice muffled beneath his hand as she asked earnestly, "Mmhh... b-but am I supposed to continue peeing while sitting down my whole life, then? I mean, without one? I don't like s-sitting down and peeing; it's not cool."
Arthur sighed deeply, realizing he had underestimated the depths of her innocent ignorance. Carefully removing his hand, he cleared his throat gently. "Girls have their own way of doing things. Trust me, everything is exactly as it should be."
Lili frowned uncertainly, but finally accepted his words reluctantly, visibly disappointed and perplexed. Then her eyes fell thoughtfully onto Arthur's muscular arms, broad shoulders, and perfectly defined chest. A curious question popped immediately into her mind, and she couldn't help but ask, wide-eyed and serious, "Um... Mister, why are you so huge and strong-looking, then? Do you take anabolic steroids or something?"
Arthur blinked several times, baffled. "Anabolic... steroids?" The words were familiar, a strange relic from the distant past. Arthur recalled Bruce mentioning them once as something he had seen athletes use. Of course, he had advised Bruce against using them and not listening to those athletes, and that had been that, or so he hoped. Arthur had never personally paid much attention to them; as Frank, he'd always been too busy with his life, work as a Navy SEAL and later as an undercover police officer, and also his family responsibilities took too much time to delve into such trivial details or animes or the movies Bruce liked to watch in his personal time.
"No," Arthur finally answered gently, a bemused smile tugging at his lips. "This is just natural. Regular training and a good diet make me strong. No special potions or strange medicines."
Lili stared at him skeptically, eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully. "So w-what about my voice, when will my voice get deeper, then? W-when will I look strong like you and sound cool?"
Arthur felt his heart soften, and he gently placed his hand upon her shoulder, speaking with fatherly warmth. "Your voice won't get deeper, little rabbit. You're perfect just as you are. Your voice, your appearance—it's all exactly how it's meant to be."
Lili pouted stubbornly but finally accepted this explanation, even if reluctantly. Her expression shifted slowly, becoming calmer, slightly comforted by his patient explanations. Still confused but somewhat reassured, she sighed softly, resting her head quietly against Arthur's strong muscular chest.
Arthur watched her silently for a moment, now convinced beyond doubt that she was truly nothing more than a confused, innocent, and incredibly naive little child. Her ridiculous yet earnest questions—full of references from movies and cartoons he'd never fully grasped in his previous life—confirmed it clearly. She couldn't possibly be Bruce, a grown man; the idea now seemed utterly absurd. This sweet child must have been very young, sheltered, and deeply misunderstood before reincarnating here, an anime fan or something like that.
He gently ruffled her soft hair again, his voice now calm and comforting. "Listen, little rabbit, all these changes are normal. Everyone goes through them differently. You'll understand better when you're older. Just know that you're perfectly fine exactly as you are and that I'm here for you now if you want to ask something more. Although I don't think it's any of my business instead, you should probably ask these things parents about it the next time. I'm sure your father would do a much better job explaining this to you; besides, it's his duty to do so and raise you."
Lili nodded slowly against his chest, whispering softly, her voice small and innocent, "O-oh ok thank you, Mister."
Arthur smiled warmly, sighing with relief as he gently stroked her hair once more. He'd barely known her for an hour, yet already this curious, confused, ridiculously naive little girl had managed to completely endear herself to him. He found himself silently promising to watch over her—protect her—no matter what the future might bring.
"You're welcome, little rabbit," Arthur murmured warmly, pulling her gently into a comforting embrace. "You're alright now. I promise. Everything is ok."
For a fleeting moment, Lili felt utterly secure. She sighed softly, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to trust him completely—if only briefly. Arthur, gazing thoughtfully toward the calm lakeside, silently prepared himself to explain more mysteries of life and adulthood to the girl whose fierce spirit and innocence had unexpectedly captured his heart.
Yet, before he could begin, a powerful voice, rough and booming with impatience, echoed through the forest.
"Boy! Where the bloody hell are you? Damn it all, Art!"
Startled, Lili stiffened immediately in Arthur's arms, her eyes flying open wide in alarm. The voice was strong, filled with obvious frustration and anger, echoing loudly through the peaceful clearing.
Noticing her sudden tension, Arthur chuckled softly, quickly comforting her. "Relax, little rabbit. That's just my very old, very grumpy master. He's harmless, mostly. Well, maybe just a bit terrifying."
"Art! You damn rascal!" Master Reinhardt's deep voice thundered again, closer this time, impatient and irritated.
Arthur laughed lightly, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards into a playful grin. "I should probably go. He's probably a little upset that I sort of... left him behind as a joke. You see, we were actually supposed to be heading to Castle Leo—I'm meeting my future bride there."
At the mention of a future bride, a strange pang of irritation flashed briefly through Lili's heart. She turned away slightly, her eyes drifting toward the water in silent embarrassment.
Arthur hesitated, suddenly gripped by an impulse. "You know, you could come with me," he suggested excitedly, gently nudging her with his elbow. "It'd be great fun. I've always wanted a small, cute little sidekick to join me on adventures. Imagine it: fighting bandits, hunting down stone giants, even battling savage Lycans if they dare threaten the kingdom."
Lili's head jerked upward sharply, embarrassment coloring her cheeks bright red. She sputtered indignantly, stammering, "W-what? A s-sidekick?! M-me, your sidekick?!"
Arthur nodded cheerfully, oblivious to her growing irritation. "Exactly! We could become heroes—real heroes, little rabbit. I'll even get you a proper spear, one truly worthy of being called the Spear of Sparta. Think about all the good we could do!"
Still convinced she was Lord Foster's daughter, Arthur quickly tried calming any concerns she might have. "And don't worry, I'm sure your father will understand once he hears you're traveling with someone like me. After all, I'm rather great, if I do say so myself," he said, flashing a charmingly arrogant smile. "I'll even pay you well for your troubles. What do you say?"
Yet Lili only felt her embarrassment grow deeper. Her pride wounded, she turned her head sharply away, defiantly huffing, "No! I'm nobody's cute little sidekick—never, ever!"
Arthur sighed in disappointment, momentarily deflated. "Ah, well. I suppose it was worth a try."
From the woods, Master Reinhardt's voice boomed once more, closer now and clearly running out of patience. "Art, you worthless rascal, come here right now or I swear by the gods—"
Arthur winced slightly, glancing apologetically down at Lili. Gently lifting her off his lap and setting her softly onto the grassy ground, he rose smoothly to his feet, adjusting his clothing quickly.
"Well, I truly must be going," he said softly, casting a longing glance toward her. "But if you ever change your mind, little rabbit, come find me in Camelot. Just ask for the most handsome, most skilled swordsman in all the land—you'll find me easily enough."
Lili pouted silently, trying to hide her embarrassment behind a mask of stubborn indifference. Arthur, however, seemed undeterred by her silence. "And if you never do come to Camelot," he added firmly, his voice softer now, more sincere, "then one day I'll simply come get you myself. I'm not someone who accepts 'no' very easily."
Bending down, he picked up his dark cloak and carefully draped it around her slender shoulders, giving her a reassuring, gentle squeeze. "Take this, and please stay safe. Go home already—don't linger here alone."
Speechless, Lili clutched the cloak tightly, drawing comfort from the fabric's warmth and Arthur's lingering scent. She watched silently, unable to form words, as Arthur turned away from her, his powerful form disappearing into the trees toward the source of the irritable shouting.
Moments later, she heard the thud of horse hooves, and her eyes caught sight of Arthur mounting a massive black stallion. Beside him rode a much larger man cloaked entirely in black—Master Reinhardt. Lili's heart sank as she watched the two men vanish into the distant forest, disappearing from her sight.
"Wait!" she cried suddenly, struggling hastily to her feet, desperate to chase after them. But as soon as she took a shaky step forward, her legs buckled beneath her. She collapsed clumsily onto the ground once more, landing heavily on her rear.
Alone again, her chickens and bunnies gathered curiously around her, tilting their heads inquisitively. Lili sighed deeply, feeling a sudden wave of frustration and loneliness overwhelm her. There were still so many questions she had wanted to ask Arthur, so many things left unsaid.
"Stupid legs," she muttered irritably, rubbing her sore bottom. "And stupid Art. Sidekick, hmph. Who does he think he is?"
Yet even as she complained, her fingers curled tighter around his cloak, unconsciously drawing comfort from its presence. Despite her embarrassment and irritation, she had to admit it—talking to Arthur had been strangely comforting, exciting even. She felt safer now, despite his arrogance and teasing.
Looking thoughtfully down at the soft fabric in her hands, Lili felt a small, reluctant smile forming on her lips. Perhaps he wasn't entirely terrible after all. Maybe—just maybe—she might even consider finding him again one day.
For now, however, all she could do was sit silently beside the peaceful lake, surrounded only by her loyal animals, clutching Arthur's cloak as though it were the most precious thing in the world.
Lili sighed softly, her mind lingering on the boy's face, his gentle but teasing eyes, and that irritatingly charming smile. A sudden realization struck her sharply—she hadn't even gotten his real name! Surely "Art" wasn't his actual name; perhaps it was just some nickname or insult used by his old, grumpy master. Frustration bubbled within her as she clutched the cloak tighter.
Turning sharply toward Terminator, who sat perched proudly nearby, she frowned deeply. "And you, Terminator! You didn't even help me! What kind of vice president lets their president get spanked without at least trying to peck the enemy once or twice?"
The rooster merely tilted his head, clucking softly as if to say he had done precisely what was expected—nothing. Lili sighed, unable to truly hold anger against her trusted companion. "Fine, maybe you knew he wasn't dangerous... eventually. But still! Getting spanked was not cool, not cool at all! You better believe I'll get revenge. I'll spank him next time, and we'll see how he likes it!"
With that declaration made, Lili suddenly felt lighter. Revenge would indeed be sweet. But more importantly, she now knew exactly which way to go to find civilization. Her gaze drifted in the direction Arthur had ridden off, imagining the bustling cities filled with delicious food and modern wonders she missed dearly from her previous life.
"Imagine it, Terminator," she said dreamily, "I could finally find real food again! McDonald's hamburgers, Starbucks coffee, donuts, and those fries—chips, I guess they say in the UK. Civilization must have all of those wonderful things."
Yet doubt quickly clouded her optimism. She frowned, hesitant. "But wait... what about my father? What if he comes here looking for me while I'm away?"
Then another thought occurred. Arthur had mentioned something about her father being a lord—Lord Foster, was it? Perhaps her father had simply forgotten about her. Maybe she should actually go looking for him instead of endlessly waiting. Yes, that was it—she would go find her father herself.
Determined now, she quickly stood up, brushing grass from her knees. "Alright then," she proclaimed firmly to her assembled animals. "I've decided—I'm going to civilization, and I'll find my father there!"
Swiftly, she prepared for her journey, filling a small woven basket with berries and fruit from her garden. She proudly wrapped Arthur's oversized cloak around her shoulders, giggling slightly at how large it was, trailing heavily behind her on the grass. Her small frame was nearly swallowed by the heavy fabric, yet it felt warm and comforting, infused with Arthur's scent.
At last, she stood before her animals, basket in hand, cloak around her shoulders, and determination shining brightly in her deep blue eyes.
"Terminator," she addressed formally, "take care of our great nation while I'm gone. Keep order and watch out for my father if he finally comes by. Tell him to wait here, at least until I get back."
Terminator raised his head regally, crowing confidently in response. "Cock-A-Doodle-Do!"
She smiled warmly, turning toward her garden one last time. "Farewell, chickens, Mister Squirrel, Mister Frog, and all my other loyal citizens. I promise to return soon. Just a day or two, no more."
With these words, she turned, setting off into the forest along the path Arthur and his grumpy master had taken. Her animals watched her leave in silence, a small procession bidding farewell to their beloved president as she disappeared among the trees.
Excitement filled her chest, mingled with nervous anticipation. Finally, after eight long years of isolation, she was truly embarking on her first adventure toward the unknown—a journey to civilization and perhaps even to her father.
Yet as Lili walked, the unfamiliar weight of Arthur's cloak made her feel small again, reminding her vividly of how easily he had subdued her. Her cheeks burned fiercely at the memory. She grumbled quietly to herself, cheeks flushed, voice full of stubborn determination.
"I'll show that arrogant boy," she muttered defiantly. "Sidekick indeed! Hmph! We'll see who the sidekick is next time!"
With renewed determination, she moved faster, heart pounding with each step toward the future, leaving her peaceful lakeside home behind for the first time in her life.