Chapter 470 – First Subjugation of the Demon, Thereafter (4)

Upon entering the room and confirming the situation on the bed, I exhaled a deep sigh.

“Do you somehow generate water within your body?”
“…It’s because you have neglected me for too long.”

Resigned, Gu-seul muttered scornfully, her voice dry and cracking.
Her lower half was completely soaked.
I had much to attend to as well. Naturally, such incidents occurred due to my negligence over time.

“Do I need to buy that?”
“What… are you talking about?”
“You know, the urine pot, the one connected by a hose. If only I could use it, such discomforting incidents wouldn’t occur.”

At my insouciant words, Gu-seul gritted her teeth tightly.

“To what extent will this disgrace continue…”
“I too wish to visit more often, but I couldn’t help it yesterday as there was a rebellion. Why do these damned gangs keep appearing?”
“I… don’t wish to see you.”
“Alright. Should I undress you?”
“Eh…”

Gu-seul’s pure white clothes were undressed in a single swift motion.
Her clothes, designed for the ease of patients, were easy to put on and take off. I had stolen and been using a few pieces of Gu-seul’s underwear, and it seemed this would continue for a while.

“Uh, uh… ugh.”

Gu-seul trembled as her breasts and genitals were exposed.
Her body was so emaciated that her ribs were clearly visible. The body ached. It was due to her recent refusal to eat, causing her to lose weight.

I held Gu-seul in my arms and entered the bathroom. Supporting her buttocks with my arm was lighter and more comfortable than encircling her waist.

-Swoosh.

After checking the water temperature, I moistened her genitals with water.
This damn urine.
I considered using diapers, but imagining how much it would wound the pride of Gu-seul, who had lived a life of luxury and been treated preciously, I decided against it.

If she attempted to bite her tongue and die… there wouldn’t be a worse predicament.
Well, I had prepared in advance, so she couldn’t possibly die.

“… Do you really have to do it by hand?”
“Would you rather live uncomfortably?”
“King, I truly detest you…”
“Think as you like.”

Since it had come to this, I decided to wash her entire body.
I hung the shower head above and washed Gu-seul’s hair.

“…Why are you doing this?”
“What else are you dissatisfied with?”
“…Your treatment is, quite peculiar.”
“What, are you worried I’ll treat you like a slave?”

Gu-seul didn’t respond; perhaps she was considering this.

-Gurgle.

As her stomach grumbled, I continued to wash her hair, speaking in a steady tone.

“Are your teeth alright?”
“Why?”
“I should feed you something. Oh, and I have a question.”
“I won’t answer.”
“Do bubbles in your eyes hurt you as well?”
“…You beastly man.”

I was genuinely curious. My apologies.
The virtuous Gu-seul, who seemed unlikely to ever curse, spat out a curse for the first time.
Feeling awkward, I busily continued my task.

“It doesn’t hurt. All the sensory nerves in my eyes have died.”

The hush response from Gu-seul. My curiosity was thoroughly sated.
If all the nerves have expired, it would be quite a challenge to create a functioning prosthetic eye. Still, I requested the person who had crafted the prosthetic eye for Yuli, the wife of Tae-yang.
That was my purpose in coming today.

– Squeak.

After bathing thoroughly and patting dry with a towel, I even utilized magic to evaporate the remaining moisture on the skin.
I dressed her in a fresh patient’s robe and a lacy, black undergarment of Gu-seul’s choosing, rendering her pristine.

“…How long am I to remain imprisoned in this room?”
“Are you finding it increasingly difficult to endure?”
“Well, isn’t that obvious? I can’t see a thing… nor can I move my limbs.”
“That seems understandable. Since becoming incapacitated, you were destined to deteriorate, regardless of the method.”
“Had it been some other power and not you… it might have been better.”
“Perhaps. But didn’t the World Tree attempt to kill you?”
“I’m suggesting it would have been better to die. Do you comprehend… how humiliating this is? The only entity I can converse with is you… and it’s been a week already.”

– Click.

I set up a few pieces of equipment I had brought ahead of time. There’s no risk of a medical mishap, I have learned enough.

“During this week, the thing that vexes me most is… the time spent conversing with you is somewhat comforting. So… “
“Are you waiting for me then?”
“…….”

I’ll go insane. The realization of not having a single soul to converse with, given her physical condition.
Having lived in the Deskan Gardens for quite some time, I learned a great deal.
Gu-seul loathes solitude. She has a tendency to become restless if she’s not engaging in conversation every hour.

Even those who attempted to endure a month alone in a dark room, gambling billions, are said to have lost their sanity on the 15th day.
Imagine what it would be like for Gu-seul, who can’t move her limbs.

– Thud.

Even if I receive her hatred, I’m not in a position to offer sympathy.
Composedly, I carried out my task.

“What are you doing?”

Gu-seul asked with clear unease.

“Can you open your eyes?”
“… Why?”
“Just stay still.”

I approached the rigid Gu-seul and opened her eyelids.
I extracted the crude prosthetic eye and secured it with a device.

“What… what are you…”

Gu-seul began to shudder at the dreadful sensation of the cold machinery.
She gasped as she felt something being pulled out from within her eye.
Tears began to streak down her face.

“Stay still.”

It’s surprisingly a light shade of pink.
There’s a slight inflammation, but it’s manageable with a potion.

Common prosthetic eyes use PMMA, basically acrylic, to roughly fill the socket.
Of course, being a prosthetic, it does not connect to the nerves.
Moreover, since it’s a material used in the world where I used to live, the method of creating an eyeball in this world is somewhat different.

– Whoo!

I put magic into it and analyzed the circuitry around the eyeball.

‘Naturally, it’s impossible to create an eye that could see perfectly.’

In this world where magic flourishes, mending nerves is a relatively simple task. I found myself recalling a conversation I once had with Tae-yang.

[Should a circuit collapse, it’s not a major issue, but if a circuit mutates as Aori’s did, the likelihood of a prosthetic body functioning becomes almost nonexistent. It was fortuitous that Yuli’s circuit remained unaffected.]

If one is injured by certain weapons crafted via magic engineering, constructing a prosthetic body becomes challenging. Similarly, A.B., who suffered harm at my hands, was unable to restore his physical form.

-Glurg.

As I poured the liquid that stimulates the magical circuit into the eyes, the individual, Camellia, grimaced.

“…Are you attempting to create an eyeball? It’s futile.”
“One ought to try…although, I agree with your sentiment.”

The contamination of the circuit has surpassed the parameters of an ordinary predicament. Granted, Camellia is nobility. They have likely faced such trials countless times and deemed them impossible. Eyes that cannot be revived without a miracle.

‘But there’s something I possess that the experts lack.’

I unfurled the healing abilities within my hands. A power that withstood even the explosion of Sisyphus’s avatar three years prior. It was the same power that saved Sansuyu, who had been on the brink of death.

Regardless of the nature of the wound, given enough time…

-Woong Woong!

As I infused Camellia’s eyes with my power, I was immediately struck by an uneasy feeling. This healing process would be lengthy. Even after several days of care, the prosthetic eye capable of perceiving magical energy remains inadequate.

“This is proving to be a challenge.”
“See…?”
“Just need to document the magic circuit and repair it step by step. Nothing is impossible.”
“…Such foolish words.”

Miracles are meant to occur twice. If I am unable, there’s always The World Tree of Healing. A being celebrated as humanity’s hope due to its unparalleled healing capabilities. With the use of its abilities, even the impossible becomes possible.

I recorded the form and circuit of the eye, as well as a few photographs, preserving them in my memory.

“We’re done. What do you fancy for a meal? If you’re hoping for a quick bite, porridge is the best choice.”

The initial phase of creating a prosthetic eye was complete. As I closed my laptop and asked, Camellia deliberated for a moment before cautiously responding.

“Something… chewable for a longer duration.”

Something to chew for an extended period. Was this a roundabout way of requesting a delectable piece of meat? Or could it be… to prolong our conversation?

‘Am I overthinking?’

I asked again for clarity.

“Be more specific.”
“S-something…tough… No, never mind. Please, a salad.”
“Understood.”

Camellia, who had been on the verge of saying something, abruptly changed their mind and opted for a safe choice. I promptly fetched a salad.

“Ah.”
“…Ah.”

-Munch, munch.

Camellia chewed the salad I brought for a considerable amount of time. They moved their jaws until the salad transformed into liquid.

“My arm’s about to fall off. When will you swallow it?”

Despite my jab, Camellia continued to munch without a word.

After about ten minutes of mastication, she swallowed her mouthful.

“Wait, please. At least until I finish eating.”

With a voice mixed with sobs, Camellia, having swallowed her salad, uttered these words.

The time it took to consume an entire small plate of salad was approximately two hours. As the one feeding her, I was obliged to remain in her company for this substantial duration.

Days passed. And then, I was finally able to elicit a response from her.

“I… I think I’m ready.”

* * * * * * * * * *

With a creaking sound, the door opened, and a beautiful woman with golden hair peered inside.

“…”

She was observing, intensely so. Star stepped cautiously into the room, her gaze fixed on the figure of Shiba, who sat motionless on the bed.

“Shiba…”

Star entered the room, looking as nervous as a primary school student forced to give a presentation during a parent-teacher meeting.

“Auntie is missing.”
“Auntie?”
“Yes. Auntie…”

Despite the lack of immediate danger, Shiba found herself thinking. This woman, she will surely be the one losing in love.

“Star, I’m fine.”
“Was I too harsh…?”
“No. Everything you said was true.”
“I brought tteokbokki. Shall we eat together?”

She wasn’t in the mood to eat anything. Despite the passing days, her condition didn’t improve. Shiba, ready to shake her head, momentarily caught sight of Star’s face.

She looked incredibly saddened.
Really not going to eat?
I’m regretting so much. Obsessed with you.

“…”

“Shiba…”

She started to cry.
Laughing at the absurdity of the situation, Shiba forced a smile and said,

“Shall we eat?”

Upon hearing Shiba’s words, a radiant glow returned to Star’s somber face. Star, in her ebullient state, embraced Shiba and planted a kiss on her.

*Smooch, smooch, smooch!*

Pink lipstick marks were left on Shiba’s cheeks.

“I’ll get everything ready speedily…! Come downstairs to the kitchen!”

Star quickly exited, slipping dramatically at the bedroom door.

“Kyaaaa!”
“Pfffft!”

With a thud, Star’s silly antics transformed Shiba’s forced laughter into genuine amusement. Star, rubbing the back of her head, left the room in a flash, while Shiba rose from her seat, brushing off her shoulders.

‘Right. I can’t stay like this indefinitely.’

When something unfavorable happens, one has to overcome it.
Mary or Camellia… I made a promise.

‘Firstly, I need to secure permission.’

This time it’s different. Secretly doing things instills too much worry.
Shiba thought to herself, hand on her chest, running through the scenario multiple times in her head.
How should I convey this?

*Thud*

As she descended the staircase, deep in thought, she noticed someone seated at her desk.

“… Who might this be?”
“My aunt’s sibling.”

A cascade of yellow hair, radiant as the stars, adorns a tall figure.
She is towering, and her breasts are exceptionally large. Dressed in everyday attire, I wondered if her breasts might burst forth from her tee.

“She’s a huntress… She doesn’t particularly have a name, so feel free to call her whatever you like. I came to have a chat with Shiva. For now, sit down.”
“…Pardon?”

Sweat trickled down Shiva’s forehead.
As Shiva took her seat, her heart pounding, the star-like woman spread her arms wide.

“Feast to your heart’s content!”

Spicy tteokbokki. Sundae sprinkled with a dash of salt. Piping hot fish cakes… and a variety of fried delicacies.
The quantity seemed sufficient to sate three women. The star-like woman appeared somewhat apologetic.

Shiva took her seat. Upon scrutinizing the face of the woman seated before her, she found it to be of a charmingly innocent canine resemblance.

“Well, I’ll partake.”

She picked up a skewer and took a bite. The chewy tteokbokki was satisfyingly textured and moderately spicy, which left a pleasant taste.

“Um, hello.”
“Mhm.”

A curt response to Shiva’s greeting came from the blonde woman.

“I’ve come to discuss something.”

The woman who said so took a bite of the tteokbokki. Shiva observed the blonde.

“Something to discuss?”
“Mhm.”

This time, the one who responded wasn’t the woman, but the star-like figure. Shiva swallowed hard. The spicy sauce was already setting her insides aflame.

“You seek to find the king, don’t you?”
“…Yes.”

The crux of her intended conversation.

“Yes. Perhaps, I’d like to.”
“Why?”
“At first, it was just…because.”
“Just because what?”
“My heart raced. I felt as though… a magical connection was established.”

There’s nothing more challenging than attempting to explain the inexplicable.
The star-like figure tilted her head upon hearing Shiva’s tale, but she responded with her hands clasped together, signaling her understanding, even if she could not empathize.

“I won’t label it as trivial. However… you do acknowledge it’s a perilous endeavor, don’t you?”
“Yes. And currently… there’s a man who has been kidnapped.”
“I heard from Dallae. He’s your friend, isn’t he?”
“…Yes.”
“Hmm.”

The star-like woman sighed deeply. It was a stark contrast to her tearful demeanor just moments ago.
‘Work Mode’ star-like woman was quite solemn and captivating.

-Poke.

The woman in the front seat picked up some tteokbokki and ate. For some reason, she seemed content to merely eat her tteokbokki, without contributing to the conversation.

“I understand.”

Said the star-like woman.

“Se-Young and I, too, have experienced the loss of a dear friend. In the end, you want to do whatever you can, right?”
“Yes.”
“That’s not possible.”

Shiva froze at the star-like woman’s words.

“At least, not right now.”

Words that shifted the atmosphere. Seeing Shiva’s wide-eyed surprise, the star-like woman lightly tapped the shoulder of the woman seated next to her.
Shiva and the star-like woman’s gaze shifted to the busty beauty.

“Yellow, speak up.”
“…Well.”

However, something seemed off.
A slight tremor ran through Shiva’s lips.

-Poke.

The tteokbokki-eating woman.

She swallowed the tteokbokki, chewed on another piece within her mouth, and crammed even more from the plate into her mouth.

– Throb, throb, throb.
– Filth, filth, filth, filth. Gulp.

An unstoppable 8-ton truck!
The woman’s lips, crammed full with tteokbokki, were smeared in sauce.
She was on the verge of arousal, to be truthful.

“Hey, hey! Stop… quit eating! Damn it! Why this all of a sudden, huh?”
“Spicy, chewy tteokbokki… it’s delicious.”
“What, what?”

A woman who continues to chew on tteokbokki even as she feels choked.
She appears perfectly fine, yet Shiba deemed her a madwoman.