Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 15
The reason I, devoid of any special abilities, was announced as the next head of the household and reached the pinnacle of social circles was due to my innate knack for navigating politics and situations.
It didn’t require any remarkable skills.
I simply grasped others’ weaknesses or desires to form mutual interests.
Uncle Claude seemed to highly value this trait.
Power exists everywhere.
Here too, schemes and cunning strategies are rampant, just like anywhere else.
This place operates on a simple yet strict hierarchy.
Based on the abilities one possesses, they are either revered or looked down upon. In short, it revolves around the strong.
If I lack abilities, I just need to make use of those who have them.
Johann glanced down at the potatoes and my face alternately.
He seemed displeased with something.
“I didn’t know you were a kleptomaniac.”
I was perplexed by his unexpected reaction
Why is he so sure I stole them?
I shook my head firmly in denial.
“I didn’t steal them. I received them from people I used to be close with.”
Why did Johann’s eyes show disappointment?
Enrique picked up a potato, his expression bitter.
“A prisoner we used to share a cell with once stole our underwear to trade for contraband.”
Wait, was Johann’s mention of ‘kleptomania’ referring to the underwear thief?
As I mentally noted that their underwear holds significant bargaining power, Johann added,
“In the end, he essentially traded them for his life.”
Johann approached me closely.
Given his much taller and significantly more muscular build, standing face-to-face with him was intimidating.
“The underwear was made of premium fabric with excellent breathability and high elasticity, so it was highly coveted. It was frequently stolen in the shower, and there were instances of being swapped with worn-out ones. Though the front is supposed to have an opening, that was on the back.”
Maybe because it was a luxury item, or maybe because the owner had great looks?
There was a mixture of resentment and anger in his voice, as if he had been victimized more than once or twice.
But please, don’t provide me with a detailed explanation.
“I truly pity your story, but I have no interest in your esteemed underwear.”
“And you dare steal my cherished underwear? Do you have two lives? Those underwear are the only ones that can withstand me.”
Why can’t other underwear withstand him?
A low growling sound came from Johann’s throat, his expression menacing.
Enrique slightly closed his eyes and sighed.
“Originally, I had five pairs of underwear, but now only one remains. And to think you’d steal Johann’s last pair for trade. That was too harsh, Lady Prisoner Number 49.”
They suspect, or rather are convinced, I swapped national treasure-worthy underwear for potatoes. This wasn’t the reaction I anticipated. For example…
‘You went through such trouble for us? We’re touched. We’d do anything for you.’
‘From now on, I’ll be your slave. Command me to do anything, Lady Prisoner Number 49.’
Maybe that’s going too far.
Their thought processes keep drifting towards that direction because they are gloriously handsome.
Anyway, I had hoped to create a warm atmosphere and foster strong camaraderie.
“I met some ladies from the social circles who helped me in the past. They asked if I needed anything, and I remembered how you two liked potatoes…”
I trailed off, letting my gaze drop to my toes.
It’s a gesture to show how disheartened I am by their suspicion, despite my actions being for their sake.
Enrique lightly tapped his sharp chin.
“Ah, the conversation with Prisoner Number 20 and her group earlier?”
“Yes, that’s right. We’ve been interacting and keeping in touch even before coming here.”
Though it was a one-sided interaction where I ignored their invitations, it wasn’t entirely incorrect.
Johann glanced my way as he checked the locker.
“It’s still there, untouched. I’ll trust you.”
It’s not about trusting; I didn’t steal it!
Enrique nodded towards Johann and asked,
“Is mine still in good condition?”
“That’s for your lower half to decide. You wore it earlier, didn’t you?”
“I have two now. Found the other one by chance today.”
From their conversation, it seems these two have been rotating a pair or two of underwear to the extreme, and currently, Johann appears to be without any underwear.
This was information I wished I hadn’t known.
Johann flashed me a smirk.
“I’ll grant something you wish for. Your efforts are commendable.”
