“What are you up to?” Karl asked, narrowing his eyes slightly at Mia.

Mia didn’t answer. She lunged forward, crashing into his chest and using the momentum to slam him onto the bed.

Straddling him, she pinned his wrists above his head and smirked.

“You really don’t want Mom or Sister walking in on *this*, do you? Refuse my demand, and I’ll scream ‘assault’—let’s see who gets scolded.”

“This position clearly shows *you’re* the one assaulting *me*! If they come in, *you’ll* be the one in trouble!”

*You’re sitting on me, pinning my hands—how am I supposed to assault you?!*

“Oh~? Wanna test it?” Mia’s eyes narrowed playfully, a sly curve lifting her lips.

“Go ahead! Scream! Let’s see who gets punished!” Karl shot back, utterly unfazed.

“Mo—”

“NO! I’m sorry! Don’t shout—I’ll do anything!” Karl cut in fast.

He knew her trick: the second she yelled “Mom,” she’d twist, tug her clothes loose, and frame *him*. Not falling for it. *Never again.*

Seeing him yield, Mia beamed with satisfaction. “Good. Answer my question honestly.”

“What?”

Her face hovered inches from his. He caught the faint floral scent drifting from her.

“What were you and Sister *really* doing in your room last night?”

Karl froze. *Last night? Me and Freya…?*

“Just… talking. In bed.” A faint blush dusted his cheeks.

“LIAR! I heard everything outside your door!”

*She heard…?!*

“Sister said she’d play the recorder for you! But there was *zero* sound! What did you *do*?!”

Relief washed over Karl. *She has no idea. I almost died of embarrassment for nothing.*

“The recorder she used… was silent. Makes no sound.”

“Silent recorder?! Don’t insult my intelligence!” Mia leaned closer, cerulean eyes blazing.

Karl’s heart hammered. *Any guy would fluster this close to her.*

“Prove it. Show me the recorder. Or I won’t believe you.”

*………………*

*How?! If I show it, Freya and your parents will murder me!*

“Let me go. I’ll fetch it from my room.” *Stalling tactic. Slip free the second she loosens grip.*

Mia studied him, then pouted. “You’re planning to escape the moment I relax my hold.”

*………………*

*Damn! She saw right through me!*

“No! I swear I won’t run! Just let go!”

She pressed her full weight down, grinning. “Nice try. I finally caught you—no escape!”

*Recorder? Whatever. This brother-in-law isn’t getting away.*

Karl fell silent.

Suddenly—he thrust his hips upward, bumping Mia’s bottom.

Startled, she tumbled forward, face smacking his.

He twisted, swung a leg over, and flipped her onto the bed. Positions reversed in seconds. Karl now pinned her.

“Hehe. Thought holding on meant I was helpless~?” He smirked triumphantly.

“MEAN BROTHER-IN-LAW! STINKY BROTHER-IN-LAW! BULLY! LET ME GO OR I’LL CALL SISTER!”

Karl chuckled darkly. “Mother-in-law and Father-in-law are out. Sister’s training in the garden. Maids won’t interfere. Scream all you want—no one’s coming.”

Mia paled, tears welling. “Waaah… Brother-in-law, I’m sorry! I won’t do it again! Please spare poor, pitiful little Mia~~~”

Karl remained unmoved. *Classic act. Fake tears, then counterstrike.*

“Then say it. What was wrong?”

“I… shouldn’t have bullied you, threatened you, or pinned you… Please, have mercy on this tiny, trembling Mia~~~”

He nodded slowly. “Acknowledging fault is good. But consequences follow.”

“WAIT! You said you’d let me go if I apologized! LIAR!”

“I never promised that. Punishment starts now.”

He released her wrists, slid hands to her ribs—and wiggled his fingers.

“AHAHAHAHAHA! NO!! STOP!! I CAN’T—AHAHAHA!!”

Mia writhed, tears streaming. Her delicate frame was *extremely* ticklish.

Just then—

“Mia? Who are you talking to? I’m coming in~” Freya’s voice echoed from the hall.

Karl froze. *Pinned under me? Alone in a room? Brother-in-law and sister-in-law?!*

Then he remembered yesterday’s breakfast vision—

[*Him and Mia on the bed. Freya standing beside it. Cleaver in hand.*]

Ice shot down his spine.

While he stunned, Mia yanked the quilt over him. “Hide under it!!”

*?????*

*This makes it WORSE—*

Too late. The door creaked open.