Chapter 3: Cold Treatment

Luoling took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and walked over to Enan’s side, speaking softly.

“Lord, these people do deserve death, but perhaps execution by Lingchi is too much. How about demoting them to serfs? If they behave well in the future, they can become free citizens again?”

Enan listened to Luoling’s suggestion, his gaze sweeping back and forth over the kneeling, pleading rioters.

He hadn’t planned on killing them anyway. After all, they were valuable labor.

“Fine… From today onward, you’ll fish in Silver Lake.”

Enan mused.

“You must hand over one hundred Silver Fish each day. If not, I’ll kill you.”

No one expected Enan’s personality to turn so ruthless!

Silver Fish were the only specialty of the Silver Lake Territory.

While they didn’t enhance magic, their delicious taste made them a favorite delicacy among the surrounding nobles.

But these Silver Fish were very cunning and hard to catch. For one person, a hundred per day was almost the limit.

“However…”

Enan’s tone shifted.

“I’m not without mercy. I only require one hundred. You can do as you wish with the rest.”

Enan’s words rekindled hope in the eyes of the despairing rioters.

The market price of one Silver Fish was about five silver coins, enough to feed a family for a month.

“Lord, is this true?”

An older rioter braved himself to ask.

Enan gave him a cold glance.

“As your Lord, my word is law. But first, you must deliver one hundred Silver Fish every day.”

The rioters agreed one after another, as if they saw a ray of hope.

After resolving the matter with the rioters, Enan took out five hundred Gold Coins and handed them to Yuan, the commander.

“This is for equipping the soldiers. Use it as quickly as possible. When war comes, you and I are tied to the same fate.”

Yuan received the heavy pouch with both hands. The clinking of Gold Coins sent a chill through his heart. He knelt on one knee.

“Rest assured, Lord, I will not fail your expectations!”

“Go.”

Enan waved his hand, dismissing him.

He glanced at the percentage above Luoling’s head. Having accepted her advice, it should have increased.

[Luoling Loyalty 43% — Submissive]

It seemed the move worked. This was also a stage Enan created for her.

“Luoling, thank you so much just now.”

Enan patted Luoling’s head.

“You really are a kind girl.”

“Lord… you overpraise me.”

Luoling lowered her head slightly, her voice soft.

“I just thought their crimes weren’t so grave, and the territory needs manpower now. This is better for everyone.”

In a relationship between master and subordinate, the superior’s attitude should be like a roller coaster.

Sometimes warm, sometimes cold.

The superior should adjust their behavior based on the response of the one being tamed.

If the tamed subject shows obedience, a reward should be given promptly.

Enan understood this deeply.

Seeing Luoling’s gentle demeanor, he decided to reward her further to increase her loyalty.

“I’ll give you a day off today.”

Enan took out a few Gold Coins from his pocket.

“You can go shopping, buy food, or do anything you want.”

Luoling stared at Enan in disbelief.

This bastard Lord seemed like a different person, suddenly considerate, giving her a holiday and even Gold Coins.

She felt… pampered.

Luoling tried to refuse, but Enan shoved the coins into her pocket, then pinched her fluffy ears.

“Go have fun. Enjoy yourself, okay?”

Luoling’s cheeks flushed red. The string of affectionate gestures made her heart race.

But she could hear the undeniable command in Enan’s tone—a dominance she had never felt before.

“Yes, Lord.”

She held the Gold Coins close and left the castle with hurried steps.

Enan watched Luoling’s departing figure, thoughts turning to the next phase of his plan.

***

The moment Luoling reached the market, she was surrounded by lively noise.

Stalls lined both sides, displaying colorful accessories, fresh fruits and vegetables, and enticing snacks.

Unable to resist, the fox girl headed straight for a stall selling candied fruit.

The stall was filled with glistening fruit pieces, their sugary coating sparkling in the sunlight, releasing a sweet fragrance.

Her ears perked up as she leaned closer, examining each type of candied fruit.

“Miss, try our candied strawberries! Sweet and sour, very tasty!”

The vendor called out warmly.

Luoling accepted a small piece of strawberry from the vendor and took a bite.

Instantly, the sweet and sour flavor spread across her tongue.

The strawberry’s aroma and the sugar’s sweetness blended perfectly, making her sigh in satisfaction.

“I’ll take two bags.”

Luoling smiled, thinking she could share one with Enan…

At that moment, she simply wanted to give him something good.

She wandered into a sachet shop, recalling her Lord’s earlier complaints, and bought two sachets—planning to give one to Enan as well.

She didn’t spend much that day, just about ten silver coins, and decided to return the rest to Enan afterward.

Luoling returned to the castle in high spirits, clutching her gifts for Enan as she walked briskly to his study.

She imagined his surprised face upon receiving the present, her lips unconsciously curving into a smile.

But when she tried to present her feelings, she was met with cold indifference.

At Enan’s door, she knocked lightly.

“Come in.”

His slightly cold voice came from inside.

Luoling opened the door. Enan sat at his desk, not even looking up, focused on a document with a serious expression.

“Lord, I’m back.”

Luoling spoke softly, trying to catch his attention.

Enan merely grunted, still reading the document.

Luoling didn’t dare disturb him. She placed the gifts she bought on the table.

“Lord… I bought you some things from the market.”

Enan picked up the candied strawberry and tasted it under Luoling’s expectant gaze.

Then he frowned, seeming dissatisfied with the flavor.

“It’s not bad.”

He looked at Luoling.

“You’re thoughtful.”

The indifferent compliment brought Luoling no joy.

Did he dislike strawberries?

Or sweets in general?

I… I just wanted to share good things with him…

At that moment, the little fox was overwhelmed with self-doubt.