Translator: Nox

Chapter 21

6. The Dress Thief on a Remote Island

I suffered from severe dehydration after replenishing my fluids with only coconuts.

And I reached a state of exhaustion, expelling all the fluids I had struggled to replenish.

Enoch nursed me for days and nights. But to be honest, it was just a stomachache. It didn't really require that much nursing.

After time passed and my condition improved, I finally came to my senses and decided to only drink purified water.

Fortunately, there was a small stream about 100 meters into the bushes next to the cave.

While Enoch was out hunting, I took two empty coconuts and headed to the stream.

The reason I moved when Enoch wasn't around was because I knew he would make a fuss if he saw me.

He acted like I was a seriously ill patient and was overprotective.

"Still, it's a relief that Enoch is starting to trust me."

That meant my chances of dying had decreased.

If the law of the original work's immutability didn't apply, it would be worth a try. Maybe I could survive, unlike in the original story.

"Wait, but I'm going through all this trouble, Enoch wouldn't change back to how he was in the original story after meeting the female lead, would he?"

Damn it. Sadly, I had to consider that possibility. If he really did change like that, I would have to run away to the Bunker immediately.

"I need to find the location of the Bunker before that happens."

I put my thoughts about Enoch aside for a moment and filled the coconut shells with water from the stream.

Then, I secured the coconut shell filled with stream water in a high place and the empty shell in a low place. I connected the two coconut shells with different heights by draping a rolled-up long cloth halfway over each.

The sediment in the stream water would sink to the bottom of the shell over time. And the water would travel down the cloth due to gravity, flowing into the empty shell below.

If I left it like that for about half a day, purified water would collect in the empty shell. Boiling that water once would give me clean drinking water.

I was really glad that the Chemise I wore under my dress was made of cotton. Although the dress was a mess, it was a great help for survival.

Enoch and I set immediate goals to recover our strength and improve our survival skills.

The goal of finding the Bunker was also put on hold for a short time. First of all, we needed to be healthy to do anything.

After finishing the purification process, I took the coconut shell filled with clean water and returned to the cave.

Enoch was on his way back with the fish he had hunted.

"I told you to rest."

He frowned when he saw the coconut shell in my hand.

"We have to eat to live."

Enoch closed his mouth, as if he had nothing to say.

He was always so over the top. Enoch was being overprotective as if he were taking care of a pregnant wife.

I shook my head and was about to enter the cave with Enoch when I suddenly stopped in my tracks.

It was because of the man lying in front of the cave.

I reflexively placed my hand on my bruised cheekbone when I saw the silver hair of the fallen man. And Enoch's face twisted fiercely at the sight.

"That bastard."

I never expected such vulgar words to come out of Enoch's mouth. His atmosphere as he glared at the fallen man was ominous.

I glanced at Enoch and turned over the man lying on the ground. The earring on his right ear swayed.

It was Kaiden after all.

"Margaret."

Enoch grabbed my arm. I held the precious coconut shell filled with purified water in my arms, looked at Kaiden, and then raised my head.

Enoch's worried gaze soon reached my cheek.

"That scar on your face, did this man do it? The owner of the pendant."

At first glance, Enoch's eyes seemed calm and composed, as if he was maintaining his reason.

But there was a faint anger in his voice, so I couldn't figure out what state he was in at all.

"Yes."

I nonchalantly affirmed Enoch's words and looked up at the sky.

I didn't have a watch, so I had to check the time by looking at the sky every time, but I had gotten used to it to some extent now.

The red shadow of the sun was spreading like an afterimage, dyeing the sky with twilight.

"Rather than that, it looks like it's going to get dark soon. We need to move quickly. And this man..."

'Let's leave him behind. Or tie him up.'

I wanted to say that, but

"It would be good to tie him up."

Enoch said what I wanted to say for me.

"We should be wary of him, as he may be a dangerous person."

Enoch added.

"Ugh."

In the meantime, Kaiden suddenly let out a groan of pain. Surprised, I looked at him,

He suddenly reached out to me as if he was talking in his sleep. His rough hand grabbed my wrist.

"Ah!"

I almost fell. If Enoch hadn't easily wrapped his arm around my waist, I would have rolled miserably on the ground.

"Are you okay?"

I heard Enoch's worried voice from above. His strong arms hugged me tightly.