Ethan used a famous tactic from his previous life, "The Art of Persuasion," though he wasn't sure if it would work. But he had no other choice; without becoming friends first, it was difficult to trade for valuable items. This reminded him of Saberi on the ship, who, despite wanting to discuss business, first talked about various unrelated topics. "So Saberi was testing me. But what did he find out?"
Reflecting on his conversation with Saberi, Ethan realized he hadn't revealed any strong opinions. Lost in thought, he returned to the settlement without even noticing the journey.
Entering the study, he saw Angelina relaxing with a cup of coffee. Noticing how busy she had been recently, he decided it was time to fulfill his promise from last night.
"Darling, since we have some free time now, how about I teach you unarmed combat?"
Angelina's eyes widened. "Now? Here? Are you sure? Didn't I give you twelve times last night?"
Her voice carried a hint of shyness, but her eyes were filled with anticipation. Ethan felt his head swell with confusion. What was he saying wrong that Angelina kept misunderstanding?
To avoid any further ambiguity, he decided to act directly. He walked up to her, his fingers glowing red, and before she could react, he touched her forehead. The red light seeped into her, causing her to clutch her chest, her face contorted in pain, and she collapsed into the chair.
"Is...this...what...you...did?" she gasped.
Despite his concern, Ethan didn't help her up, knowing that touching her would only add to her burden. He gently said, "Relax, my dear. This is a skill to transfer abilities. Let your subconscious take over your breathing, and it will pass. Trust me, relax!"
Having experienced the pain of [Breath Control], Ethan knew how to guide her through it. Angelina's expression gradually eased, and her breathing became steady. Just when everything seemed fine, her breathing suddenly weakened as if she was near death.
Panicking, Ethan rushed to help her. Just as he was about to lift her, Angelina smiled mischievously, grabbed his arm, and flipped him over her shoulder. Ethan hit the ground hard, raising a cloud of dust.
Angelina clapped her hands with a smug smile. "Amazing! It actually works!"
"Ow! My back!" Ethan groaned, pretending to be in pain.
Seeing him hurt, Angelina quickly helped him up. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to try it out. I didn't mean to hurt you!"
As soon as she touched him, Ethan seized her hand, bent over, and gently twirled her onto his back before lowering her into his arms with a mischievous grin. "How about that, my dear wife? Didn't I tell you the truth?"
Angelina, hugging his neck, kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, darling! I suddenly know so many combat techniques and feel incredibly energized, like a warm current flowing through my body. Is this real?"
"Of course, it is!" Ethan affirmed.
"Since it's real, why didn't you explain it to me instead of ambushing me?" she teased.
"Uh..." Ethan was at a loss for words.
"Alright, darling, I won't make it hard for you. Let's go to the beach and practice combat!" she suggested.
"Sure!"
The two spent the entire day training on the beach, even skipping meals. Ethan, much stronger than Angelina, held back his strength to avoid hurting her, allowing her to throw him around, resulting in his clothes covered in sand and body bruised. He didn't mind; the small injuries were insignificant compared to seeing Angelina enjoy herself.
As dusk approached, they returned to the ship. Just as Ethan was about to take a hot bath, Little Yellow let out a sharp cry.
Ethan smiled. "She arrived quickly!"
Skipping the bath, he led Angelina off the ship, waiting by the side. Confused, Angelina asked, "Ethan, what's happening?"
"We're expecting an important guest. Please present yourself as the lady of the house and help me welcome her. She's very important!"
While they spoke, a girl emerged from the forest, riding the black panther. Angelina's eyes widened in shock, but remembering Ethan's presence, she remained calm. Following his example, she smiled and waited.
The girl dismounted gracefully and patted the panther's neck. The panther licked her hand and disappeared into the forest. The girl, alone, walked toward Ethan and Angelina.
Ethan greeted her with a smile. "Welcome, my dear friend, Miss Aphrael!"
The girl pulled back her hood, revealing her slightly pointed ears, and smiled back. "Thank you, Lord Ethan, Lady Angelina."
Angelina, surprised at being recognized, asked curiously, "You know me?"
"Yes," Aphrael replied with a smile. "You have a wonderful husband! Please forgive my sudden visit. If possible, could we go inside? I'm very cold." She extended her red, cold hands, smiling awkwardly.
"Of course!" Angelina responded, leading Aphrael inside. "Follow me, there's a warm fireplace inside."
Ethan followed silently, shooting a glare at Little Yellow as they passed the deck. Aphrael's comment about knowing him indicated she had been watching their combat practice. Little Yellow, knowing she was there, had kept silent, only alerting Ethan when she chose to reveal herself. This showed a clear misunderstanding of its loyalty.
Meanwhile, Little Yellow, munching on fish, felt a murderous intent, looked up, and saw Ethan glaring. It cheekily chirped back, "What can you do about it?"