Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 10
It was more bearable than moving heavy materials, but it was just slightly less lethal. The hardship and exhaustion remained.
The mental damage inflicted by the constant nagging of the supervising guard didn’t help either.
“Hey, man! That’s not how you do it! Apply it evenly, like icing a cake!”
“I’ve only ever eaten cakes, never made one.”
“What a boast. That’s how it is for you nobles, living a refined life, treated with nobility.”
The criticism and nagging drained me.
Standing up, I felt dizzy, and the room spun.
A large hand supported my back as I staggered back, about to fall.
It was Johann, with three 60 kg sacks slung over one shoulder.
He looked down at me intently.
His face was impassive, but a peculiar interest flickered in his dry green eyes.
As if he had witnessed something fascinating.
“You have a special talent for making it impossible to look away.”
“Could that be… sympathy?”
I asked without even wiping the blood trickling from my nose.
It wouldn’t hurt my pride if you had compassion for the less fortunate.
I wished for the cold-hearted schemer to step in and miraculously offer to do my work for me.
He casually wiped my nosebleed with the sleeve of a passing prisoner, smirking with a corner of his mouth lifted.
His smile seemed to be one that hid plenty of schemes.
Was it because of the scar on his lips, or his inherently decadent beauty?
“Virginity, you ask? Do you want to check? It’s not something I show just anyone.”*
(T/N: It’s a play on words. 동정심, stated by Beatrice means sympathy and 동정남, stated by Johann means virginity.)
“No, I didn’t question your purity… not that…”
Despite his foul mouth, the man whose body remained untainted neatly stacked the sacks and then carefully seated my staggering self.
He leaned in to meet my gaze and said,
“It’s amusing to watch.”
“What is?”
“Seeing when you’ll finally drop dead.”
Isn’t he a psychopath?
***
After a long day and the end of the grueling labor,
I finally returned to my cell, my sanctuary.
I was on the verge of collapse, but I couldn’t give up washing; I was too filthy.
Though I barely managed to wash, I had no energy left to even open my eyes and ended up sprawled on the floor, motionless.
“Number 49. Dead already?”
I heard Johann’s voice but had no strength to respond.
That man, if his questions aren’t answered immediately, he threatens XX…
No, nevermind.
What does it matter now?
Johann’s fingers gently brushed the hair covering my face.
He must have come closer to inspect, as the scent of soap from my recent wash and his warm breath settled on my forehead.
I felt a poke on my pale cheek and heard his soft, deep voice.
“…Really dead this time?”
Suddenly, I felt as if my body was floating.
I could feel Johann’s body heat, bare skin, and firm chest as he picked me up.
Only now did I realize he must be taking me to the infirmary, understanding the gravity of the situation.
But why is he shirtless?
“Where are you going?”
Enrique, having returned to the cell, asked worriedly.
Johann’s broad chest slowly deflated as he exhaled deeply.
“Seems she’s finally kicked the bucket. Call the guard, toss her in the incinerator. While at it, might as well roast some potatoes.”
Such a morally bankrupt statement would make even the dead open their eyes.
Planning to roast potatoes using my body as firewood? Are they insane?
I mustered the remaining strength to lift my eyelids.
Locking eyes with Enrique, whose expression was bidding me farewell, his golden eyes framed beautifully under his silver hair.
“I’d like mine medium rare, please. Rest in peace, Lady 49. You won’t be forgotten.”
I’m not dead! You see that I’m not dead!
Are you claiming that I’m deceased just so you can have medium rare roasted potatoes?
“I’m not d-dead… f*ck…”
“Guess she’s not dead.”
Hearing my desperate curse, Johann put me down.
He rummaged through his pants pockets and pulled out a few potatoes, his brow deeply furrowed.
“Raw potatoes taste bad. Could you pretend to be dead for a bit? I’ll throw the potatoes in and take them out before it catches fire. We’ll get caught if we cook them here.”
These cruel bastards.
I lay flat on my back, eyes wide open, just as he had left me.
This is madness. I’m getting out of here.
This became the moment I resolved to plan a quick escape.
