Crown of Thorns

26-30

CHAPTER 26

Translator and editor : Cuties

As the insides of the tower brightened, the dirt became more prominent. I didn't care much about it when it was dark, but when it got revealed; I had a desire to clean it all up. So I started helping Evan diligently. The rotten stuff was piled up on one side. Because I couldn't take it out right away.

Evan said he would throw it out on his way out, but I shook my head knowing that every time he went in and out, he was scratched by thorns and hurt himself. It was possible enough with my ability. It would be difficult still to face the bright world, but I thought it might be possible for me to go out at night. When I saw the light inside the tower, I wanted to see a world painted with colors. It is really true that greed has no end.

The insides of the tower were more spacious than I thought. When it was filled with darkness, I couldn't perceive its vastness well, so it felt new. I used to lean against the wall or lie on the floor, so it didn't matter whether it was wide or narrow.

"Are we done now?"

"Well, shouldn't we wipe the dirt off things? My clothes always get all black."

Evan stretched out his palms and nodded at his blackened figure. I had to grow out the water and wipe it off. Besides the bloody spot, the whole floor was dirty. The stench still lingered. But it was difficult to clean up right away, so I decided to do it myself. I thought I could get it done while Evan was back to town.

So I was about to open my mouth to voice it, but then I heard the sound of water flowing from somewhere. I turned my head toward the stairs, wondering if there was still any rotten blood left that I hadn't pushed out. It had already gone down a long time ago and there was nothing left, but I heard the sound again. I walked towards the stairs because I felt like something was stuck somewhere. No, I was about to go.

"What is it?"

Evan grabbed me by the wrist. He was slightly lowering his head, but his flushed face was not hidden from my sight. It was when I opened my mouth to ask the question again that the sound of the water running was heard again. But it wasn't by the stairs. It was coming out right in front of me.

"You don't have to go."

Evan still had a calm face, only his cheeks were red-hot. The sound, similar to that of water flowing, was coming from Evan's stomach. Only then did I think of hunger. I haven't eaten ever since I got trapped in the tower because I realized that I don't die even if I don't eat, I didn't remember that Evan in front of me was a human being who had to eat. The idea that he'll go hungry and eventually die if he doesn't eat struck me like a waterfall.

Before he came here, I saw him pick up some fruits and eat them in the witch's forest. I also saw him in the village selling bones and herbs to merchants in exchange for bread and simple dishes. But it was too little. He couldn't even eat them and often starved.

So even the young man in my memory did not grow up properly despite his good physique. He was so thin that his arms and legs looked wobbly, his hair was rough, and his face was gaunt. It shouldn't have been so. It was important to feed him well.

"You'll have to eat something first."

"There's nothing to eat here. You don't eat anything at all, do you?"

"It doesn't matter if I don't eat."

"I'm, I'm fine, too."

I'm used to it. Evan muttered in a small voice, but I heard him clearly. A child accustomed to hunger made my heart ache. And when I remembered the boy who brought me food with him, my heart was fluttering. I was overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude towards the boy for giving his precious food to me and guilt for throwing it away without eating it.