As Rohan and Fred were deep in conversation, a soft knock sounded at the door.
"Who's there?" Rohan asked.
"It's me, the maid you sent to watch over the madam," she replied.
Exchanging a knowing look with Fred, Rohan said, "You may enter," as the door creaked open.
Bowing her head in respect, the maid greeted, "Good day, my lords."
Waving his hand, Rohan said, "Speak maid. Why are you here?" curious about her sudden appearance.
"I was standing outside her door when I overheard an argument," the maid said.
"They were saying that ma'am seems to be having an affair with the doctor and is planning to run away with him." She bowed again after delivering the news.
Hearing this, Rohan immediately stood up, intending to rush upstairs. "You can leave," he said, waving her off.
The maid gave a final bow and left, the door clicking shut behind her.
Fred, who had been quietly observing, laced his fingers together and gave Rohan a sharp look. "Where do you think you're going? Sit down. I'll handle it," he said, rising to his feet.
"But elder brother...." Rohan called after him, only to be cut off by the slam of the door.
Fred walked up the stairs at a steady pace, hearing the faint sounds of an argument as he approached Rein's room.
Pah!
Fred paused, startled by the crisp sound of a slap. Silently, he praised her boldness. "What's going on here?" he asked as he stepped inside.
He had expected Rein to cry, complain, or seek pity but instead, he was met with her calm, indifferent expression. It caught him off guard.
Goth, seizing the moment, quickly spoke up. "Sir, I was outside guarding the front door when I heard the doctor and Rein plotting to run away and get married," he lied, hoping to ignite Fred's anger.
But Fred's response was not what he expected.
"Is that all? You can leave," Fred said calmly, pointing to the door.
"But sir..." Goth protested, stunned by his master's indifference. Fred was known for his temper; Goth had expected a furious outburst.
"I said you can leave. Don't make me repeat myself," Fred said again, his sharp glare freezing Goth in place.
"I'm sorry, sir," Goth said, bowing deeply before storming out, not without throwing a secret glare at Rein.
After he left, Fred walked over to the chair near Rein's bed and sat down. Glancing at Rein and Doctor Fills, he said, "Doctor, continue your examination."
"But sir, I think there's been a mistake. She isn't supposed to be a slave or a breeder. She's the princess of Elysium, our kingdom," Doctor Fills said hesitantly.
"Oh, that ruined kingdom," Fred replied, his expression blank.
Fills nodded eagerly. He didn't care much for the kingdom itself, he just wanted to save the princess who had once saved him.
But Fred quickly crushed his hope.
"I don't care about who she is or where she came from," Fred said coldly. "I bought her from the brothel which means she's under my custody. Finish your check-up and leave."
Doctor Fills opened his mouth to argue, but Rein interrupted him.
"Doctor, just do as he says, please" Rein said firmly, sensing Fred's barely restrained temper. She might not remember the doctor, but she wasn't willing to risk anyone getting punished because of her.
"But..."
"Do it," Rein said sharply, giving him a warning glance.
Reluctantly, Doctor Fills nodded. He retrieved his box from the bed, pulled out a stethoscope, and ran some check up tests in front of Fred. After a brief examination, he turned towards him.
"Physically, she's healthy. Her body is fine and there's nothing wrong with her brain. As for the memory loss... I can't explain the phenomenon sir," he said, still eyeing Rein suspiciously.
"Is she fit enough to bear children?" Fred asked, his voice low and serious.
"Yes, sir" Fills answered. "As long as she's fed properly, given enough nutrients, and not mistreated," he added, carefully emphasizing the last part. He couldn't save her now, but he could at least try to protect her.
"Good. You can leave. I have something to say to her," Fred said.
Doctor Fills hesitated, casting a concerned glance at Rein, but at her subtle nod, he picked up his box and exited the room.
Once they were alone, Fred rose from his chair and slowly approached the bed.
"You belong to me little woman. A property I paid for," he said quietly, his voice heavy with finality.
"Wh-what are you doing?" Rein stammered, shrinking back.
Ignoring her question, Fred grabbed her chin, pulling her closer until his lips brushed her ear.
"I don't like you mingling with outsiders," he whispered. "Apart from my brothers, no one else. If I catch you talking to anyone again..." His voice trailed off, but the threat in his gaze was unmistakable.
Fear prickled down Rein's spine, but she wasn't the type to back down easily. Her blood boiled at being threatened.
"Who the hell do you think you are?!" she snapped, trying to shove him away. "I'll talk to whoever I damn well please!"
But Fred's grip was unyielding and strong.
"Leave me this instant," she demanded, desperate to escape. She couldn't stand his closeness; she had never been this close to any guy before. The only physical contact she had ever shared was a hug with her ex-boyfriend. In her mind, kissing—or anything more intimate—was something reserved for marriage.
"Why? Are you shy?" Fred asked, noticing her nervousness. He moved closer, his mouth almost brushing hers. "What would you do if I kissed you?" he whispered, his husky voice sending shivers down Rein's spine.
"Let's see,"
"Don't come any closer!" Rein shouted nervously, her hand pressed against
his hard chest. She couldn't believe all her time at the gym was useless when it came to Fred.