Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 11
In the past, the Empire, true to its meritocracy, also determined titles by ability rather than birth order.
Instead of my father, the eldest son, my uncle Claude, who had acquired demonic powers, took over the House of Farsene, the family of Sloth, while my father received the title of Count and established a branch family.
Though the five major families and their kin are known to possess sturdier bodies than ordinary nobles… I was essentially a defective product.
‘Our poor child…’
My parents, the Count and Countess, always fretted over me, born frail and afflicted with various illnesses.
It wouldn’t have been surprising if I had died at any moment, but miraculously, I survived even the most severe illnesses that should have been the end of me.
This acted as a kind of cruel hope for my parents.
‘Surely a child destined to be a great wielder of powers, how can it be that you were born so weak and lived a life of suffering. Sweetheart, your father will surely find a cure.’
My parents scoured the continent for a cause and a solution.
Despite years of effort, they could not find a definitive cause.
One sorcerer claimed it was a curse, while a monk suggested it was a blessing.
A sage from across the sea paradoxically said I was afflicted with both a curse and a blessing at once.
It seemed like there was nothing my family hadn’t tried: medicine, magical artifacts, divine power, folk remedies.
I think it was the heartbreaking effort of my parents, hoping for my power to manifest.
Since Uncle Claude, the head of the family, lived unmarried without direct descendants, there was a chance for me to become the head of the family.
My parents passed away when I was six.
Being left alone at such a young age was overwhelming, but luckily, Uncle Claude, returning from the war, took in and raised me, now an orphan.
He might not have been the best at parenting, but his heart as a doting uncle was sincere.
He always cherished me as if I were his own child.
‘Time is a healer, Kido. Just bear with it a little longer. Everything comes at a cost, you know. You’ll awaken your powers one day.’
He must have thought those words too complex for a child to understand.
Even as an adult, it was hard to grasp what he meant.
As Uncle said, with time, I improved enough to engage in outdoor activities as an adult.
Or perhaps, I just became accustomed to the pain.
Unable to awaken any powers even in adulthood, I made numerous connections through social activities and provided political support to my uncle.
‘There are many talented power wielders, but I believe those who can move their hearts are the ones fit to lead. The world has changed.’
Uniquely, my uncle marked me, the only one among our kin who hadn’t awakened any powers, as his successor.
The world was kind to me, favored by the head of a great noble family and equipped with extensive connections, and most were considerate of my frail body, so I rarely felt inconvenienced.
My fatal flaw became a means of natural understanding and benefits.
Of course, not everyone offered their kindness sincerely.
There were many pretentious ones and enemies as well.
I wonder what happened to my uncle.
It’s unlikely he died so easily.
I asked other guards and Damian, but no one would answer.
My stream of consciousness has drifted far off course.
It’s time to start thinking about an escape plan…
Drrrrrrring!
“Ah!”
Startled awake by the blaring sound of the alarm, I opened my eyes wide.
When did morning come?
But I can’t feel my right arm.
Did I lose the ability to use it?
As I panicked, a soft voice mixed with breath whispered in my ear.
“Are you dead yet?”
Turning my head, I saw Johann lying next to me, using my right arm as a pillow.
He seemed to have just showered, a towel draped around his neck.
“No…ugh.”
Perhaps due to yesterday’s labor, even a slight movement caused my muscles to feel as if they were tearing apart.
I wish he’d move his head off my arm.
“Aren’t you going to wash up? I dislike dirty things, and I’m especially sensitive to smells. When I was in the military, I’d forcibly dunk those who didn’t bathe.”
Johann gave me a look that said if I didn’t want to face harsh consequences, I’d better clean up quickly.
Taking deep breaths, I tried several times to get up, only to give up and slump back down.
“I hate being dirty and smelly too, but my body won’t move.”
My voice sounded thoroughly exhausted.
Johann, sitting up, frowned deeply.
“You’re really f*cking troublesome.”
He hoisted me up effortlessly, opened the creaking cell door, and walked out.
I was consumed with horror.
“Are you going to throw me into the incinerator just because I said I won’t wash?”
“Not really. I was going to help you bathe.”
“??”
