As she helped him drink, she couldn't help nag, "You never think about yourself when helping others." Though her tone held no real blame, her worry was clear. The decisive, compassionate man before her was the Arthur she loved. He could watch coldly as Timothy was torn apart by wolves, but he'd also rush into danger to save Hudson from bullies. Now, he'd pushed through pain to help strangers just so they could receive their stipends sooner and focus on their studies. Ashley knew Arthur understood their struggles because he'd experienced hardship himself. Having been through the suffer, he wanted to help others. She could never blame him for that. But it didn't stop her from being concerned for his health. She wished she could bear his pain for him. As Ashley gently wiped his face, Arthur felt warmth in his heart. Teasingly, he said, "Ashley, I can already picture our old age together." He imagined them in a quiet, beautiful place, in a small house with a yard. They'd sit on rocking chairs, enjoying the breeze as Ashley nagged. Their hair would be white, their faces wrinkled, but they'd still walk hand in hand through sunsets, sharing meals and seasons until the very end. With Ashley by his side, life would always be beautiful, no matter the scenery. Ashley blinked, then acted like she was mad. "Are you saying I talk too much?" Arthur burst out laughing. "Haha!" Ashley's cheeks turned pink. She teased back, "I haven't even agreed to marry you yet!" Arthur's laughter stopped abruptly. "You won't marry me? Then who will you marry?" Seeing his sudden seriousness, Ashley felt a flicker of triumph. Usually, Arthur was the one teasing her until she blushed. Now, she had the upper hand. She lifted her chin proudly. "Hmph! Whether I marry you depends on your performance!" Arthur's expression remained solemn, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. He played along. "Then I'll have to treat you even better! I'll make sure my future wife is satisfied!" He even gave a playful salute. Ashley giggled. "You're such a sweet-talker!"Though she pretended to scold him, her smile never faded. Arthur's gaze softened as he took in her red cheeks. Suddenly, he leaned closer and whispered, "So, my dear wife, how would you like me to perform?" Ashley blinked, momentarily confused. Hudson had been given a separate room to give them privacy, and the others had left. Now, only Arthur and Ashley remained in the room. The door was closed, but there was a small window for medical staff to check on patients. Outside, people occasionally passed by. Seizing the moment, Arthur sneakily pinched Ashley's waist. She yelped, her face turning red. She glanced at the door. Thankfully, no one is there! She turned back and lightly punched Arthur's arm. "What are you doing?! People outside can see!" Arthur grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, I'll be sneaky. They won't notice." Ashley's blush deepened. She squirmed, trying to evade his wandering hands while nervously checking the door. Arthur had been cooped up for too long, first due to his injuries and then the inconvenience of their time in Mose City's outskirts. He couldn't hold back anymore. Ashley's flustered reactions only added to the thrill. Firmly holding her in place, Arthur said, "Stay still. Let me handle this."