One hour ago.
“I need to attend to some matters with the Lord of Lorel. Wait for me here in the tent, do not leave.”
Handing a large box of chocolates to Arabella, the Emperor instructed her.
The tent was more comfortable and cozy than her attic room.
Arabella sat on the plush cushion, carefully inspecting the chocolates, when the smell of burning wood faintly wafted into the tent. Peering outside, she saw the eastern sky being engulfed in dark, reddish smoke.
“A wildfire has started!”
Arabella urgently informed the soldiers standing guard, who awkwardly smiled, already aware of the situation.
“It seems so. But the flames are unlikely to reach here. Still, for your safety, please stay inside the tent.”
“The animals in the forest could be trapped and die. I have to help them.”
“Sorry, but our duty is to ensure your safety. The fire is spreading fast, you must stay here.”
“Please, go back inside. It would be very difficult for us if you don’t.”
The soldiers avoided her gaze, looking uneasy.
They were aware enough not to mention that the wildfire was an order from the Emperor. The thought of Arabella finding out the source of the fire, and the image of the Emperor’s face in their minds, made the soldiers shiver.
Seeing the soldiers’ unconvincing expressions, Arabella seemingly gave up and entered the tent.
Shortly after, the sound of horse hooves came from behind the tent where the horses rested. The shocked soldiers saw Arabella mounting a horse.
Pulling the reins, Arabella said,
“I’m sorry. I can’t just watch the animals in danger.”
She then galloped towards the eastern forest, engulfed in flames.
The soldiers tried to follow, but she had already disappeared into the opposite side of the burning forest.
The soldiers, unfamiliar with the terrain of the southern territories, were left in confusion. The horse Arabella rode into the forest returned alone.
Commander Kyle, sent with orders to bring Arabella to the Lord’s castle, stood before the returning soldiers.
“Hang in there a little longer. Once we get through this forest, we’ll reach the valley…”
Trying to sound brave despite her cracking voice, Arabella encouraged the animals following her.
She carried a small black bear cub in her arms, leading a procession of injured mother bears, deer, antelopes, foxes, raccoons, and wild boars through the scorching forest path.
Suddenly, amidst the spreading wildfire, a girl with bright, clear eyes appeared before the disoriented animals.
She led them out of the forest, and they followed the petite human girl as if understanding her words, like tame animals following their owner. It was an unbelievable sight.
Choking smoke and heat made it difficult to see or breathe. Stumbling blindly, Arabella’s face and body were scratched from the forest underbrush.
The raging fire, which turned the animals’ habitat to ash in an instant, was hot on their heels.
Crack, a large willow tree, burning and splitting in two, fell behind them, adding to the chaos with the cries and panic of the animals.
Arabella picked up a yellow waterbird that had fallen from the smoke-filled sky.
She put the waterbird in her skirt pocket and skillfully lifted the trembling baby bear hanging from her neck into her arms. Arabella led the animals she had gathered, quickly escaping the collapsing forest engulfed in flames.
“Cough, cough,”
Her lungs felt like they were being squeezed, deprived of oxygen. Arabella’s legs trembled with fear and pain as she was chased by the searing flames.
‘I must keep my wits about me until we reach the valley of the river. The animals will be safe there.’
She tried to smile at the tired antelope trotting beside her, encouraging herself.
How long had they traveled? Amidst the roaring flames, the sound of the valley’s water began to reach her ears. Her light brown eyes sparkled with hope.
“We’re almost there. Don’t be scared, don’t look back, just look ahead, okay?”
Her face blackened with soot, Arabella reassured the shivering bear cub in her arms, forcing strength into her faltering legs.
She feared that if she weakened here, she might fall and never rise again. The wild animals, as if understanding her words, followed her more calmly than before.
Reaching the forest’s edge, Arabella’s face lit up with joy as she pushed aside the thick branches. But her eyes soon filled with despair.
They had arrived at a high cliff. The water of the valley swirled below, unreachable. The only way to the other side of the forest, and down to the valley, was across the cliff.
In Arabella’s wide eyes, an old and worn rope bridge came into view. The only passage connecting the cliff and the valley. The roaring fire was rapidly approaching, consuming the forest.
Arabella stood by the bridge, organizing the animals to evenly distribute their weight for safe crossing.
Hastily, she found the mother bear.
“In a moment, you’ll go with mommy,”
she whispered tenderly, steadying her trembling voice.
She released the waterbird from her pocket, which flew away after regaining strength.
Cold Male Lead Became My Clingy Husband (Female-Dominant)
Feng Bai Su transmigrated into a matriarchal novel, becoming the sister of the female protagonist and the Seventh Princess of the Feng Ling Kingdom.
After working herself to death in her previous life, finally reincarnating as a princess, she only wanted to be a lazy fish who could eat, sleep, and play.
Until she met the male protagonist from the book, Wei Jing Mo, and he took a liking to her!
Wei Jing Mo is the top young man in Feng Ling City, talented in both appearance and ability, from a prestigious family, with a cold and otherworldly appearance, a figure like the bright moon in the hearts of noble ladies. It was thought that only the most powerful and talented noble lady in Feng Ling City would be worthy of such a brilliant young man. Who knew that this young gentleman would secretly admire the infamous Seventh Princess?
Short scene 1:
Feng Bai Su looked at the young man crying like a pear blossom in the rain before her, and couldn’t help but doubt her life.
Wasn’t the male lead described as a cold and otherworldly figure in the book?
Then who was this poor little thing crying with swollen red eyes and tear-stained face?
Short scene 2:
Wei Jing Mo stared intently at Feng Bai Su who was about to go out, wanting to say, “Be careful on the road.”
Before he could speak, Feng Bai Su suddenly bent down and bit his cheek.
Her peach blossom eyes were full of disdain: “Tsk! You’re so clingy!”
Wei Jing Mo: “…”
A talented fox spirit female lead with a flirtatious appearance but actually abstinent VS A cold-looking but actually naive and clingy little jealous male lead
