Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 80
Prisoner No. 3, who was in solitary confinement, wouldn’t be participating in the tournament, so the next strongest option was No. 4.
The guard scratched his head, then nodded.
“Ahem… I’ll make it happen. Once I win some money, I’ll guarantee your safety in this prison. Your real goal is to join the Dark Order, right? I can help with that too. Even if I’m a rookie guard, I still have access to some information.”
“Oh, that’s part of the plan. I’d appreciate the help.”
Grandis had achieved what she wanted in several ways.
As she walked away from the clandestine meeting, she clenched her fists tightly.
Even if she were to die today, she was determined to drag Kido down to hell with her.
“Kido, I won’t be at peace until I kill you for taking away the one I cherished.”
Her hatred and resentment were intense and raw.
* * *
After leaving Damian’s office and stepping into the hallway, I glanced around.
Soon, Number 25 approached me cautiously, checking his surroundings.
Once he confirmed that no one was around, he spoke.
“Sister, you were here.”
“Brother, did you confirm it?”
At my question, he nodded.
I had already brainwashed Number 25 with illusions.
He believed that I, like him, was an executioner from the religious order, disguised as a prisoner, and that we sometimes met secretly for strategy meetings.
“As you said, today’s the day.”
I was the one who remembered the profane details of the original story like a demon, and knew what today was.
Today marked the first real edification day for Saintess Justina and the hidden masterminds.
No longer a simple hand-holding ceremony, today would be the first actual edification before the winner’s tournament.
My initial plan to wait for the seventh edification and the escape changed.
My target was the Saintess Justina’s power.
“Who are you placing your bet on, Sister? For your information, Saintess Justina has bet on the team with Number 12. There are so many variables, I’m wondering if I should follow her lead…”
Number 25 asked with uncertainty.
It seemed like orders for match-fixing had come down from above.
The idea of a saintess gambling?
Then again, in a story about a corrupted world, it wasn’t surprising.
Number 12 was a random choice by people just betting for fun.
I spoke calmly.
“The details are confidential, related to donation collection, but yes, there were instructions from above. I’ll be placed in the last match. It’s a direct order from someone important, so please ensure there are no changes.”
“Ohh, so that’s why you were in the jailer’s office. Thanks for the info. Testamia.”
“Yes, may you win plenty. Testamia.”
Having Number 25, an executioner agent, under my control made it easier to get external information.
For example, identifying other executioners.
According to him, he was currently the only executioner inside.
He would inform me when new ones arrived.
A short while later, we were loaded onto a truck like livestock and headed for the arena.
The stadium was already packed with standing spectators.
After arriving, we were bound and escorted to the underground cells.
On the way, I could see the people seated in the audience.
“Hurry up, move faster!”
A rough push from a guard snapped me out of my daze, and I reluctantly took a step forward.
Suddenly, an indescribable feeling of unease washed over me, prompting me to look around.
I froze the moment I saw her—golden hair flowing like liquid silk beneath a transparent veil, and eyes the color of violets.
I stared at her, entranced.
The guards bowed to her in reverence.
“Saintess Justina, what brings you here?”
It was Justina, the protagonist of the original story.
Her eyes curved beautifully as she smiled.
“I’ve come to edify the prisoners. It’s that time, after all.”
At the end of her gaze, I noticed that Johann and Enrique’s expressions had turned dark and menacing.
“Saintess Justina!”
I called out to her loudly.
Justina widened her violet eyes and turned to look at me.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Please, save this poor sinner.”
“…Save?”
I coughed violently and collapsed, vomiting blood.
Justina, who had been standing still, rushed over in a panic and helped me up.
“Saintess! You shouldn’t personally assist such a vile criminal!”
The guards were alarmed and tried to stop her, but she placed her hand on my forehead, checking for a fever with a sorrowful expression.
“My goodness, how can you participate in the winner’s tournament when you’re this ill?”
“Respected Saintess… Please, I beg you, bestow the blessing of edification upon me…”
I clutched her soft hand, tears welling up in my eyes.
“What? You’re asking for edification, not healing?”
Ugh, my throat hurts. Forcing myself to vomit blood really stings.
“Both, if possible, please…”
I knew Justina’s weakness.
She had secretly imprisoned the crown prince in a tower out of vengeance and twisted affection.
As a specialist in dark, toxic romances, I knew Justina wasn’t exactly a sane person either.
I brought my lips close to her ear and whispered.
“Saintess, you’re hiding something important in that tower, aren’t you?”
The moment I whispered those words, Justina’s face hardened.
That’s right, you tactless thing, let’s go somewhere quiet and negotiate before things escalate.
