Chapter 75
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Chapter 75
16. The Flower of Temptation
I checked on Enoch's condition the moment I woke up that morning. He didn't stir easily—it seemed the accumulated exhaustion had finally caught up with him all at once.
The raging fever had subsided, leaving only a faint warmth. I wiped Enoch's face with a damp cloth and checked again to ensure his wounds were healing properly.
"Young Lady, how do I read this medicine label?"
While examining Enoch's wounds, Rujeep, sitting beside me, asked the question.
He sat quietly, studying the medicinal contents in the container. I carefully explained to him the names and properties of medicines that didn't exist in this world.
Perhaps because we had all slept together on the first floor of the Cabin, both Asdal and Yuanna had risen early with the others.
"We'll need to reorganize the scouting team."
At Asdal's words, I lifted my head from discussing medicines with Rujeep. Asdal stood in the center of the living room, drawing everyone's attention.
Yuanna and Diego were preparing breakfast, while Kaiden was placing firewood he'd gathered that morning into the fireplace.
"I mean, we need to visit the location where the Holy Maiden awakened. In his current condition, he won't be able to make that journey, so it would be best to reorganize the scouting team."
Asdal gestured toward Enoch, who remained unconscious.
He was right. Because of Enoch's injuries, we needed to reassign members for the team to visit where Yuanna had awakened.
"The Half-Blood won't do well without Flone Young Lady by his side, so it would be best to exclude the Young Lady from the scouting team as well."
Everyone had now learned of Enoch's separation anxiety. I felt embarrassed and said nothing, keeping my mouth shut.
"I don't mind either way."
Yuanna shrugged indifferently and returned to dividing the washed mushrooms into coconut bowls.
I pondered Asdal's words and turned to look at Kaiden. He yawned, acting as though he couldn't care less about whatever Asdal was saying.
"Kaiden, you'll need to go."
"What? No way. You're not going."
Kaiden flatly rejected my suggestion.
"Rujeep needs to help treat Enoch, and I need to stay by Enoch's side. Among us, you're the only one who can go."
"But the Imperial Guard commander and Asdal are here...."
"Those two aren't our people. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Kaiden finally nodded, seeming to grasp my meaning. Then, as if struck by a thought, his expression turned sullen and he pouted his lower lip.
"I want to stay with you, Margaret. I have separation anxiety too."
I shook my head at Kaiden's absurd excuse, unable to help myself. Suddenly, words he'd spoken a few days ago came to mind.
"I want you to live. Even if I die saving you."
When I'd asked if that was a confession, Kaiden had looked at me as if he didn't understand what I meant.
There's something about him that's confusing. If I hadn't read the novel, I might have misunderstood his reckless attitude as affection for me.
And even if I had felt some fondness, it wouldn't necessarily translate into the kind of love Enoch has for me.
'I'm overthinking this.'
Or perhaps it's the suspension bridge effect. I was convinced it was the latter.
Either way, these feelings will disappear once we leave this Island.
With that thought, I made Kaiden a proposal.
"If you go and come back, I'll do something you want."
"...Anything?"
He perked up immediately, lifting his head to look at me, his eyes sparkling.
"Not anything, but within reason—only things I'm actually able to do."
"Hmm."
Kaiden rested his chin in his hand, his face contemplative as he pondered my words. After a moment, he nodded.
"Alright."
Pleased with his agreement, I found myself absently stroking his hair like I would a puppy when Asdal suddenly interjected.
"So we can consider it final that Rodban will also participate in the reconnaissance? The Holy Maiden and Rodban, and for the third member, I believe Diego would be ideal."
"Your Highness won't be going yourself?"
I asked Asdal with a puzzled expression. I had expected him to volunteer to lead the expedition.
"It's simply a rational decision. Diego's swordsmanship surpasses mine, after all. I'll remain at Base Camp while Diego is better suited for the reconnaissance team, which carries greater risk."
Perhaps because he was a prince, he had a keen mind for deploying people efficiently.
"Then I believe we should depart today itself. We've already lost considerable time."
Diego spoke as he quietly helped Yuanna pour water into a coconut bowl.
"That's right. Rodban, what do you think? Can you leave immediately?"
At Asdal's question, Kaiden's face filled with displeasure, and he clamped his mouth shut. Then he kept stealing glances at me.
I sighed and turned to Asdal.
"Yes, it appears we can depart right away."
"Margaret."
Kaiden suddenly grasped my arm. His beautiful face—the one I adored—filled my vision as he tilted his head close to mine. So near I could feel his warm breath.
"Wish me safe passage before I go."
"I'll pray for you. Be careful."
"Not that kind of thing."
"Then what?"
As I asked with confusion, he tilted his head at an angle.
I was about to wonder at the sharp line of his jaw when I suddenly felt his lips brush against my cheek, and I gasped in surprise.
"?!"
Startled, I covered my cheek with my hand where his lips had touched.
"Like this."
He smiled at my reaction with evident amusement, his eyes crinkling with mischief. It was an enchanting smile—the kind that could captivate someone entirely.
I lost myself for a moment before suddenly feeling anger rise within me, and I glared at him.
"Kaiden."
He opened his eyes wide and looked at me.
"I told you not to do things like this if you don't actually care about me. This is a terrible habit of yours."
As I spoke with a sharp edge to my voice, Kaiden seemed genuinely startled, his wide eyes blinking before an awkward smile crossed his face.
"Margaret, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'caring.' If you're asking whether it's love, I don't think it is."
'Are you toying with me? What are you trying to do?'
Just as irritation was about to sour my mood, Kaiden added something strange.
"I just... I miss you when you're not around, and it makes me happy when you smile. I like touching you, and I wish you would look only at me."
Huh?
"I like touching you. And I like it when you touch me too."
What?
"I'm sorry for kissing you without permission. If I ask for forgiveness for that reason, will you hate me?"
I stared at Kaiden as if he were something bizarre. I was simply trying to understand his intent, but he gazed back at me with an innocent expression.
What was this? A new confession technique?
"Honestly, that man is hopeless."
From not far away, Rujeep, having overheard our entire conversation, shot Kaiden a contemptuous look.
"Stop fooling around. Get ready quickly, Rodban."
Asdal jabbed at Kaiden, though Kaiden paid him no mind whatsoever and kept his eyes fixed solely on me.
I found myself caught in a dilemma over what to do with him. Kaiden had thrown the bomb, yet somehow I was the one left worrying about it.
But if I tried to talk to Kaiden, we'd only end up going in circles again. Besides, regardless of anything else, that wasn't what mattered right now.
Before discussing love or any such sentiment, I needed to prepare extra rations and water for the scouts and gather the necessary supplies.
'Why do I have so much to do?'
After organizing my belongings, I began preparing the meal. I was utterly exhausted.
The scouts all shared a mushroom soup together and made thorough preparations for departure.
"Ah, Margaret. This is a gift."
As departure preparations neared completion, Kaiden handed me a long bow and arrows.
A few days ago, I had casually mentioned wanting him to make them, and he had actually crafted a bow and arrows.
"Kaiden, is there anything you can't make?"
As I praised him with gleaming eyes, Kaiden seemed embarrassed and scratched his cheek, averting his gaze.
I had expected him to respond nonchalantly, but seeing him so flustered made me feel awkward as well.
"Be really careful."
When I cautioned him once more, Kaiden nodded vigorously and smiled.
I pulled out my notebook from my crossbody bag and tore a page from it, stuffing it into Kaiden's pocket.
Kaiden blinked at me with a bewildered expression, clearly confused.
"It's a map of the Island I sketched. I've marked the Cabin's location and the Island's terrain as seen from the Mountain Peak. Just in case."
It was a map containing only the information Kaiden would need, excluding the Bunker's location. I then retrieved a compass.
"You know how to read a compass, right?"
"Of course I do."
Kaiden nodded. I placed the compass in his other robe pocket.
"If you discover something at the Key Location, be sure to remember its exact position."
It would be ideal if the exit from the Island were nearby.
A fleeting thought crossed my mind that if an escape route were truly found, the scouts might abandon us and leave, but I had no other choice.
I couldn't leave Enoch behind and depart with them.
"Margaret."
Kaiden called my name quietly. Then he reached out and gently touched my cheek.
"Thank you."
For once, he offered me nothing but a straightforward expression of gratitude.
"Let's depart now, Rodban."
Diego and Yuanna, standing at the Cabin entrance, called to Kaiden. He glanced at me once more before obediently following them out of the Cabin.
He'll manage on his own, surely?
With Diego and Kaiden together, it's a combination I can trust.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org