Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 68
Are people having a romantic rendezvous in this sacred place of labor?
I don’t think I can just let that slide.
With a serious expression, I pushed aside the bushes to peek inside.
And there, squatting in the bushes, was Clara, who locked eyes with me.
“Oh my, Clara? Are you doing your business here?”
At my words, Clara jumped up in a panic and grabbed my arm, pulling me in.
“Ugh! Gross!”
Why was she pulling me into the place she was doing her business?
Clara, being as strong as she was, easily dragged me in.
“Shh.”
She pressed a finger to her lips, frowning.
“Shh?”
“No, I mean be quiet! We’ll get caught.”
“You’ve already been caught by me. If you don’t want rumors of public urination to spread, think carefully.”
I arrogantly lifted my chin, threatening her.
As I contemplated making Clara one of my subordinates, she suddenly handed me something.
A small, colorful tuft of fur?
Looking closely, it was a tiny kitten.
“A kitten abandoned by its mother. I’ve been taking care of it during labor shifts.”
The kitten, as small as a mouse, with fur as fluffy as a dandelion seed, looked less than three months old.
“Really? It looks pretty young. Now that the only thing left is the Winner’s Tournament, how do you plan on managing it?”
“I’m going to sneak it in. I plan to hide it in the prison yard. Now that you know this secret, I’d appreciate your cooperation.”
I looked at the squeaking spotted kitten with a troubled expression.
“…Is there really anything I can do to help?”
“Raise it with me. I’ll reward you well.”
Her sudden proposal left me flustered.
Agreeing without fully understanding what’s offered might lead to getting less in return.
I should figure out what situation she’s in and negotiate.
“You have plenty of friends, though.”
“My comrades don’t like animals. One even has a severe fur allergy.”
I was about to explain that I didn’t have time to care for a kitten, given my situation… but the sight of that small, adorable kitten softened my heart.
I might not have much humanity, but I do love animals.
But now isn’t the time to care for a kitten!
I need to master my powers for the tournament!
“I’ll help with raising it.”
However, seeing that pitiful kitten’s eyes, I just couldn’t say no.
It reminded me of the cat I took care of in my past life.
“But I’m the lowest-ranked prisoner. I don’t know if I’ll have enough time to care for it.”
I mumbled with a sad expression.
Still, I couldn’t abandon my self-interest.
Even the cuteness of the kitten couldn’t entirely block my pragmatism.
“Thank you for agreeing. I’ll make sure you have enough time. I’ll have your meals moved to the same time as mine and tell them not to burden you with chores or errands. If you need anything, just ask.”
Clara smiled in relief, cradling the kitten.
I couldn’t help but worry—what if the little thing bursts in her arms?
While not being forced to do chores or errands is a small victory, getting to eat earlier is a serious privilege.
“I wasn’t expecting any reward, but there’s something I want to tell you.”
Clara nodded, urging me to continue.
“The new prisoner, number 8, Grandis… you know what she is to me, right?”
“Of course. She’s been your enemy for ages, always doing dirty things to you.”
I placed my hand on Clara’s and narrowed my eyes seriously.
“Be careful. She’ll target you first because you’re my friend. She’ll stop at nothing to crush you and rise through the ranks.”
“Are you… worrying about me now?”
A flicker of emotion passed through Clara’s gray eyes.
I scratched the back of my head, tugging at my lips.
Too much flattery makes it seem insincere.
“It’s not that I’m really worried about you. It’s just that raising a kitten alone would be tough without you.”
“Don’t worry. I’m far stronger than number 8 in combat. During the Imperial War, I won by a landslide.”
Clara and Grandis shared the same cell, and in that cell, Clara was at the top of the hierarchy.
The others belonged to Clara’s group, the ‘Seven Sins.’
Grandis might try to sway Clara, but that wouldn’t happen.
“She’s probably looking for a chance to avenge her past losses. I heard she plans to kill you, rise in rank, and become the leader of the Seven Sins. She’s a fool, but she thinks they’ll be useful once she’s in charge.”
“She said that about my precious comrades? How dare she?”
As soon as Clara finished speaking, her face darkened ominously.
Grandis, you’re in for a world of hurt.
I covered my mouth, smirking slyly as I tried to look sympathetic.
