TFSAWE - Chapter 230: Cry For Hunger (Patreon)

When Aslan couldn't do anything, the weeping sound of Iris, who had been crying uncontrollably, gradually subsided. Instead, a murmuring sound echoed within the cave. Upon hearing that sound, Iris stopped crying and bowed her head deeply. She seemed truly devoid of any strength to cry further.

"No wonder she was crying so loudly, she must have been hungry."

It seemed that her hunger needed to be satisfied first. Lost in Aslan's brief contemplation, he raised his hand and slightly released some magic into the air. Immediately, something fell to the ground with a thud. Iris looked at the floor with astonishment. There, she saw bread, ham and cheese, and pretty-colored cookies rolling around, their names unknown to her.

"These are things that Lina eats. This should be sufficient."

A gentle smile flashed across the man's face as he spoke. Iris momentarily gazed at him, her mind wandering. The ominous aura vanished as if it were a lie, leaving behind only an expression filled with joy and longing, causing her to unwittingly swallow her saliva.

"Lina?"

As Iris mumbled in response to Aslan's words, his eyes narrowed sharply. Seeing that, Iris immediately sealed her lips. She could tell that he detested being called by that name.

"Eat these while I sleep. It's best not to think about running away unnecessarily. Hexa will tear you apart before you can go far. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes!"

Nodding, Iris replied, and Aslan gently lowered her to the ground again. Then he lay down on the floor, closed his eyes, and didn't move a muscle. Iris gazed at him as if he were a dead person, and then turned her attention to the food he had prepared.

[Gurgle]

Hunger gave her courage. Iris crawled on all fours and picked up the bread rolling on the cave floor. The bread, which still retained a warm sensation as if it had just been made, emitted a delightful aroma. She took a large bite and was amazed by how soft and white the bread was.

Iris, forgetting the situation she was in, eagerly put the scattered items on the floor into her mouth. They were delicious and beautiful things she had never tasted before. It was only after a while that Iris lifted her head.

"Lina..."

Iris cautiously mumbled the name spoken by the man. She didn't know who it was, but for now, she wanted to express her gratitude. After all, she was able to eat such food and consumed it all.

Iris stuffed the cookies she had gathered into her clothes' pockets. As she looked towards the entrance of the cave, she saw a crimson glow. It must be magic similar to what demons use, perhaps this is what people call magic.

Iris cautiously reached out to it. Contrary to her worries about whether it would hurt or prevent her from going outside, her hand passed through it without feeling anything.

Iris turned her head cautiously. The man still lay there, as if dead.

"Can I escape like this.?"

With that thought, as Iris was about to step out of the cave entrance.

[Ka-aaahhh!]

A horrifying scream reached her ears from beyond the mountain. Just hearing it made her body stiffen. It was unmistakably the cry of Heksa, the one she had seen during the day. Iris immediately turned her body and ran towards Aslan as if she were possessed. Then she flattened herself beside him, as if she were mad.

[G-gasp... G-gasp]

The grisly scene of slaughter she had witnessed during the day flashed through her mind. What should she do? If that creature finds this place again.

[Thud. Thud. Thud.]

With the sound of the ground trembling, a massive body moved beyond the cave entrance. Heksa was getting closer. Iris wished she could faint right then and there. Maybe then she could die without knowing anything. She felt the newly forming eyes, replacing the ones that had been plucked out, looking at the cave where she and Aslan were. Just as despair engulfed Iris, Heksa swiftly turned its body and flew away into the distant sky, as if there was nothing more to see here.

"Huh?"

She hadn't been found out. Iris caught a glimpse of the faintly shimmering magic at the cave entrance. Surely it was the magic this man had cast to deceive the eyes of that demon. If that's the case.

"We can't leave."

Huddled in a corner of the cave, clutching her knees, Iris murmured. She couldn't escape from this man, nor could she go outside.

"I'm scared..."

Her hidden fear seeped through the cracks of Iris's being. She couldn't help but close her eyes as she looked at her trembling hands. Somehow, she wished someone would hold her hand. With that thought, she fell into a deep sleep.

***

I struggled to recall how time had slipped away. After accepting Leon's proposal, I soon lost consciousness in his embrace. The last memory before losing my senses was Leon's arms enveloping me and Carla's voice screaming.

When I woke up again, I found myself lying on a plush bed. I cautiously sat up and surveyed my surroundings.

"Where am I?"

As I looked around, I saw opulent furniture and a carpet. But the moment I raised my head, I realized that this place was not a portable tent.

"The residence of the Imperial Order's knights. Could it be?"

And it must be Leon's abode. Otherwise, I could not explain this elegance. Lamps were lit in various places inside the tent. It seemed that night had already fallen.

"How much time has passed? And what happened afterwards?"

Lost in these thoughts, as I attempted to rise, I stumbled and fell back down. Due to exhaustion, my body lacked the strength it needed. As I gathered my strength to stand once again, I noticed what I was wearing.

I was dressed in a bride's gown.