Chapter 32
You might have a grudge against deserted islands, which is why you got lost when Moby Dick stopped there for a short rest. Coincidentally, Satchel was also lost, but his condition was worse than yours; he had a high fever. And fate was unkind to you, trapping you and Satchel in a cave with a torrential downpour, preventing you from leaving.
At first, Sachi was in good condition, even managing to chat with you, asking about your food preferences, and offering you his shirt out of concern that you might catch a cold. Thanks to the medication from Marco and the nurses, as well as Sachi's dietary therapy, you are now much better than when you first arrived on the Moby Dick, and even a slight drop in temperature won't cause you any problems.
"Really, there's no need. I'm fine. It's Sachi who's not doing so well. Why don't you rest for a bit?"
As the rain outside the cave intensified, Sachi's flushed face and rapid breathing became equally apparent. Clearly, Sachi's fever had reached a certain level. Even so, Sachi was still trying to appear nonchalant.
"Me? I'm just a little hot, it's not as bad as you're making it out to be."
Seeing Thatch's stubbornness, you now understand why Marco and the nurses talked about their headaches when they were sick. These seemingly strong and tough pirates are quite formidable when they're ill. Of course, by "formidable," I mean stubborn, not a compliment.
Having failed to convince you, Sachi tries to convince you with his culinary skills.
"Really, I can even cook for you here."
Seeing that Sachi was thinking of doing something on the spot, you quickly grabbed Sachi's hand, which had become cold due to a high fever.
“I know, but right now I hope Sachi can get some rest.”
Under Sachi's bewildered gaze at your touch, you glanced at the white expanse of rain outside the cave, then turned back to Sachi and changed your words.
"Otherwise, even if the rain stops, I won't be able to get out by myself, will I?"
At this point, if Sachi still insisted on showing off, there was nothing you could do. Fortunately, Sachi was able to distinguish between what was important and what wasn't, so he stopped trying to be brave, though he looked rather stiff. Only when you let go of his hand did his straight back relax.
The rain hadn't stopped, and Sachi's condition was worse. He was still lucid enough to talk to you a moment ago, but now he needed to lean against the stone wall to rest. Perhaps to avoid worrying you, Sachi managed a smile before leaning against the wall, saying he was just a little sleepy from waking up too early.
To allow Sachi to rest better, you didn't argue with him. You simply moved him from the stone wall onto your lap when he started groaning in his uncomfortable sleep.
Although you don't have much flesh on you, a slightly fleshy thigh would be better than the cold, damp stone wall. During the movement, Sachi showed no signs of waking up; the only reaction was a soft groan of discomfort when she first lay on your lap.
The rain was still falling, and the damp, cold cave had become even colder. Even with an extra jacket, you could feel the cave was cooler than before. And Sachi, who had been complaining of being hot not long ago, was now saying he was cold, which was giving you a headache.
Anyone currently with Satchi from the Moby Dick could easily bring him back to the ship. But you're the one with Satchi, and all you can do is take off your coat and cover him. The awkward thing is, your coat doesn't cover much of Satchi's large frame, but it's better than nothing.
If the cave you're using for shelter from the rain were a bit bigger, you might consider venturing deeper to try your luck; you might just find some herbs you recognize that can relieve Sachs' symptoms.
Unfortunately, the size of this cave is immediately apparent. All you can do is provide Sachi with his own coat and his thighs, which are relatively more comfortable than the rocks. Then, pray that the rain stops soon so you have a chance to find Marco and the others, or that Marco and the others will have a chance to find you.
However, more important than the unfulfilled wish is Sachi, who can't sleep peacefully on your lap and keeps saying "I'm sorry." It's hard to imagine that Sachi, who usually projects a reliable and cheerful image, has this side to him.
In addition, Sachi used many words you've never heard before, each word illogical and impossible to connect, except for the word "sorry," which was exceptionally clear.
You don't know who Sachi is apologizing to, nor what kind of past he has. But this Sachi reminds you of the islanders who clung to you like a lifeline, holding your hand hidden in their wide sleeves, and making a heartfelt wish.
You didn't want to remember that memory, but Sachi, just like the islanders you couldn't bring yourself to hate in that memory, took your hand. When his cool, broad palm touched you, your breath caught in your throat for a moment. Fortunately, the sound of rain outside the cave was loud enough to pull you out of that memory.
After calming yourself down and taking a deep breath, you covered Sachi's tightly closed eyes with your free hand. When your palm touched his skin, which was oily from cold sweat, Sachi, who had been apologizing incessantly, quieted down. The grip on your hand tightened dramatically, as if letting go would send him plummeting into a bottomless swamp.
You'd much rather Sachi said something like he did before than remain silent. As he is now, who knows if Sachi might kill you in a moment of mental confusion, mistaking you for an enemy? Given the difference in your size and strength, even a sick Sachi could easily take you down.
This indirectly shows that Sachi is currently extremely vulnerable. And the only one who can provide him with emotional support right now is you, who are closest to him. Recalling the words Sachi just recited, which contained what sounded like names, coupled with his repeated "I'm sorry," what you can say is quite clear.
"It's alright, Sachi."
Even if you don't know why Sachi is in pain, or whether his pain is based on the pain of others, all you can do now is offer Sachi verbal comfort.
Having probably heard what you said, Sachi loosened his grip on your hand. Even so, you still couldn't pull your hand away from Sachi's grasp. At the same time, Sachi, who had temporarily quieted down, began apologizing again. To calm Sachi down, you could only repeat "It's okay" along with his apologies.
Perhaps it was the effect of your persistent comforting, or perhaps it was Sachi's amazing constitution, but you felt that the temperature under your palm was not so high anymore, which made you breathe a sigh of relief.
Even so, your and Sachi's predicament remains unchanged; you're still trapped in the cave, unable to move. Fortunately, Sachi is asleep, no longer giving you a headache like before. The price is that the leg you used as a pillow is numb, and you still can't pull your hand away from his grasp.
Judging from the degree of numbness in his legs, even if you move Sachi's head away, it will take quite a while for his numb legs to regain their ability to walk. Even if you remove your hand from his grasp, it won't make any practical difference, not to mention that if you try to separate yourself from Sachi, the sleeping Sachi will make a sound as if he has been woken up.
In conclusion, you're now stuck with Sachi, who has a fever. Rather than bothering Sachi, who seems to be recovering on his own, and making your situation awkward, it's better to let Sachi get a good night's sleep, and you can have some peace and quiet. Having made up your mind, you remain in your current position, gazing at the forest shrouded in rain.
Judging from the current situation, if any ferocious beasts or creatures intending to harm you appear, neither you nor Sachi will fare well. Thinking of this, you quickly shook your head, banishing the thought from your mind. You're already this unlucky; it's too much for the world to be any more harsh on you.
After clearing your mind of the headaches, the only sounds you can hear besides the rain outside the cave are Sachi's steady breathing. If the situation weren't so inappropriate, you wouldn't mind taking a nap here, but in this predicament, one of you and Sachi has to stay awake.
Fortunately, the rain stopped shortly after Sachi fell asleep, and Marco and his group, who had discovered Sachi's absence, found you. Normally, you would feel awkward about your awkward position with Sachi, but your numb thighs from being used as a pillow made you burst out laughing when you saw Marco.
"Anyone will do, just move Sachi away first."
And so, the crew members who were frozen in your and Sachi's awkward position rushed forward, helping the still unconscious Sachi to his feet, one on each side. Your thighs, which were almost numb from being used as a pillow, also needed rest. Unable to get up for the time being, you explained Sachi's situation to Marco. After understanding the situation, Marco nodded, his gaze falling on your legs, which were still in the pillow position.
"Are you sure you don't need me to help you up?"
In your opinion, whether someone helps you or not, the temporary numbness in your legs won't change. If they help you up, and you make a blunder because the blood hasn't flowed to your lower limbs yet, it would probably be even more embarrassing than when they found Sachi and you. To avoid that situation, you think it's better to adjust slowly on your own.
"Yes, I'll be fine in a bit. You take Sachi back first, and I'll go back following the footprints you left behind once I've recovered."
Footprints are easily left in the mud after rain, and you think it's safe to follow them back. That makes sense, but Marco still looks helpless at your suggestion.
"You really are... If you could go back, we wouldn't be here, okay?"
Marco's words made sense, but you felt your own words also made sense. Seeing that you were about to come up with another amazing quote through your brainstorming, Marco ruffled his hair, sighed, and then squatted down to pick you up in his arms, as you were still waiting for the blood to flow to your feet.
Things unfolded so suddenly that you only realized you were being swept up in Marco's arms when he announced the search team could return. You had so much to say about Marco's decision to abandon you, but in the end, the words in your mind were swallowed back when you met Marco's smiling eyes.
Perhaps your silence was too obvious, because Marco, who seemed to be in a good mood, took the initiative to start a conversation with you.
"You're not going to tell me to put you down, are you? That would delay our journey."
Knowing that Sachi's condition is best treated as soon as possible, you naturally wouldn't want to cause trouble at this time. Therefore, your request is the complete opposite of letting go.
"No, I just wanted you to change your position. Let's use your back, it'll be easier for you to walk, and I won't feel awkward."
Your words made Marco, who had already anticipated your possible responses, stop in his tracks. The moment your eyes met, you were prepared for Marco to put you down and walk away on his own. But Marco, who had stopped, smiled, continuing to walk forward, his eyes, clearly seeing your figure, revealing undisguised cunning.
"I'm so sorry, ma'am, this weight isn't enough to affect my walking."
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