Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 52
It was nice when I read the novel, but after learning about the inner workings of the Order and the Saintess through Number 27, the original story suddenly felt like utter garbage.
I guess you really don’t understand something until you experience it yourself.
“When was the last time you received purification?”
At my question, Johann stroked his chin, lost in thought.
“A month ago, maybe? With the way I’m starting to feel irritated, it seems like it’s about time.”
Sh*t… I’ll have to be careful.
***
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the western cave, where the 20s were camped.
The hut I had burned down seemed to have been partially repaired.
Leah and Deneb, who had been roasting meat over the campfire, rushed over with exaggerated concern when they saw Johann carrying me.
“Kido, are you alright? I heard you fell off a cliff and went missing.”
“Oh dear, we were so worried! Is Enrique alright? Where has he gone?”
They didn’t even bother to fully hide their ulterior motives.
Among the people, Number 27 stood watching me with a cold gaze.
I smiled as if nothing was wrong.
I’ve survived in high society as the weakest for years, and I can’t even manage my expressions?
“I strangely don’t remember much. I recall entering the forest with Number 27, but after that, it’s all a blur. Johann found me collapsed in the woods.”
When our eyes met, Number 27 feigned a worried expression.
“I was just about to gather people and go search for you together.”
“Thanks for worrying about me. Looks like I’ve caused trouble again.”
Ugh, that shameless bastard. He’s definitely going to look for another opportunity.
It’ll probably be tonight, or if not, on the day of the prisoners’ deathmatch.
“I’ll stay here for the remaining two days as well. You’ve done a good job setting it up.”
Fortunately, Johann said he’d stay here. I won’t be dying tonight.
“We’re deeply honored. It may be humble, but we will do our best to serve you.”
Deneb bowed at a ninety-degree angle, like a hotel manager welcoming a VIP guest.
I wish she’d treat me like that too.
“So, you lot go find another place. I’m shy around new people.”
Johann waved his hand dismissively as if he couldn’t be bothered.
Another prisoner stepped forward with an indignant expression.
“What? But we spent days working hard to…”
“Thanks for preparing such a lovely place for me. You’ve worked hard.”
As expected, he’s a villain to the core.
The 20s tribespeople, who had just had their living quarters snatched away, wore expressions of utter despair.
“Y-yes, we will. Let’s go, everyone. We only have two days left, right? Let’s just endure for one more day.”
Leah, looking like a chieftain being forced to relocate, spoke as she gazed at the 20s prisoners.
In this survival-of-the-fittest situation, they had no choice but to obey quietly.
“Please let Leah and Deneb stay here. The hut may have burned down, but there’s still room in the inner part of the cave. It’s spacious.”
I grabbed Johann’s sleeve and spoke.
Even if it wasn’t genuine, they were still the only ones who had treated me kindly.
I couldn’t care less if the others froze to death or not.
Johann tilted his head as he stroked his chin.
“This is a bit awkward. We have some… *private* business to take care of at night, just the two of us.”
“What?”
What private business could we possibly have at night?
My rotting brain could only come up with those kinds of thoughts.
“The hut is a bit separated, so they won’t be in the way. That cave is pretty soundproof too. When will Lord Enrique be back?”
Leah’s voice perked up slightly as she mentioned Enrique, perhaps thinking of being left alone with him overnight.
She seems to be quite a perverted person too.
It’s a relief to know I’m not the only one thinking like this.
To begin with, it’s Johann’s fault for making such statements that give off such unwholesome vibes.
“May I join as well? I would like to help.”
Deneb stepped forward cautiously.
Even though she’s a fan of Johann, she said something incredibly bold without showing the slightest hint of discomfort.
I’m not sure if she’s just a worn-out, learned person beyond help or if her brain is purely empty.
“Two is awkward. I don’t have those kinds of hobbies.”
“Yes… it’s an important strategy meeting, so I shouldn’t interfere.”
At Johann’s blunt refusal, Deneb stepped back with a disappointed expression.
She clearly had the wrong idea about something.
“Fine. Let 49’s friends stay in that charcoal kiln.”
He pointed at the blackened, burnt hut, as if doing them a favor.
“Thank you very much.”
Leah and Deneb bowed at a perfect 90-degree angle, as if measured by a protractor.
Why are they thanking him when the host and guest roles are clearly reversed?
So, what exactly is this secretive thing we have to do together?
