Running water
I was suddenly engulfed in a deluge of water. I thrashed and flailed, desperately trying to stay afloat. I tried to cry out for help, but water rushed into my mouth, making me gurgle instead. Panic set in as I wondered if I was going to drown. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my head, and my vision went black.
***
I could hear the gentle sound of running water, with the warm sun hitting my damp face.
How relaxing…
"—NOT!"
I spring up
My eyes and nostrils burned from the river water. And my ears began popping.
"Kahk"
I coughed out the remaining water in my lungs.
I was surrounded by an abundance of greenery.
"Where am I?"
The grass was green and lush, and it was warm, too.
- Clink
"!!!"
Next to me was the blade I had picked up. It seemed I squeezed the handle too hard as the shape had deformed into the shape of my hand... And right next to that was the girl I was fighting…
Her breathing was dainty. But it seemed she was alright.
Anyway, I have to situate myself first…
***
(Suen POV)
“This… It’s warm…”
“Ertu vakandi?”
My eyes sprung open as I tried to spring up. However, a force kept me from moving.
In front of me, a shirtless man with extremely Long dark blue hair was roasting a piece of fish on an open fire. His gaze felt sharp, like a predator. The Norgian Warrior...
His long hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
Once more, I tried to get up. Only to realize that I was tied to a tree. My arms were tied to my sides, and the only things I could move were my wrists, Legs, and head.
"Wait…"
I could spot my armor and clothes hanging on a makeshift drying rack by the riverside…
I look down. Luckily, I was wearing a makeshift bikini made from what looked like a pelt.
"It's the pelt from his shirt…?"
But… Doesn't that mean he still undressed me? I felt my face grow flusher and flusher.
>///<
"You BRUTE!!!"
I flailed as hard as I could, though not exactly on purpose.
"You asshat! How could you stripe me?! You... You... You *bastard! I swear when I break free, I—"
"—Haettu!"
- Slam!
My head slammed into the tree I was tied to as he pressed his hand into my forehead. In his other hand, he was holding a broken blade. The handle had been warped by his hands...
I stand no chance without my power armor...
I give in. Relaxing my body completely.
Seeing my submission, he lets go of my forehead and unclenches the broken blade.
He lets out a sharp breath, sending a shiver down my spine.
He points to himself and introduces,
"Erling... Erling Hansen..."
"Yoon... Suen..." I respond.
(The Hasian language is based on Chinese. Calling someone a turtle egg, wan ba dan, is the same as calling someone a bastard)
***
After my threat, she seemed to calm down. At first, I didn't notice because I was too busy fighting for my life. But she's Yoon Suen, isn't she? Yoon Suen, the runner-up for the duchess title. Right after I introduced myself, she said her name, "Yoon Suen," didn't she? She matches the description, too.
I had tied her to a tree using a makeshift rope crafted from solid and fresh vines, making sure to avoid any mushy ones. She was restrained everywhere except her legs and head. I laid soft grass underneath her to prevent any discomfort or circulation issues.
Usually, I wouldn't bother being this considerate to a prisoner of war. But the better condition I keep her in, the more outrageous the conditions for her release I can set.
The sun begins descending below the tree tops. Night was falling.
I remove the fish from the flame and place it onto a big piece of leaf. I then tentatively began to stoke the fire and add more logs.
And before I knew it, the moon was looming over us.
"Haaa..."
For now—Gurrggee
"?"
Suen's stomach made a sound that could put a foghorn to shame. Ignoring me completely, she stared at the fish as if she would eat it with her eyes. I couldn't help but find the situation funny. It's incredible how some things can be understood without any words.
I grab a moderately straight and well-sized stick. I then began whittling it down to a point with my broken blade.
She noticeably began to sweat when she saw the sharp stick. I flash her a brief smile. I then waltz to the river and wash off any dirt and splinter from the stick.
Skewer made!
I also checked if the clothes were dry while I was at it.
"...Still wet."
I put the fish on a stick and gave it to Suen. She looks unsure, maybe because she's never had fish on a skewer before. So, I show her how to eat it by pretending to take a bite myself. After that, I offer it back to her. She practically inhales the thing, even seeming like she might try to eat the bones for a moment.
"hungry?"
She stared at me with a confused expression.
'Right...'
I whispered to myself.
"...Sh..."
Suen says something... Her head was downcast, and her voice was timid. It made me wonder where her confident attitude went when I was fighting her...
"Hm?"
"Shui..."
"Shui?" I parroted her and slightly cocked my head.
In response, she craned her neck and began nodding toward the river.
"Water?"
Hmm... I don't have a cup... And I'm definitely not putting my extremities anywhere near her mouth.
"Oh."
I pick up a big leaf and fill it with water. I slowly brought it near her mouth.
"Drink."
She, without hesitation, chugs the whole thing.
"Pwah!"
"..."
I get up, lie against a tree perpendicular to her, and shut my eyes.
I'll have to catch more tomorrow for her. I ate a fish earlier, so I'm content... That is what I would say... I'm also hungry...
Even though I was half naked, the fire kept me warm.
"I at least need to catch a boar tomorrow..."
With that last thought, I close my eyes and succumb to the urge to sleep.
