Facade of Love

Chapter 289 Are They Poisonous?

As I spoke, I offered the simple water container I had crafted from leaves to Charlie’s lips. ” Have some water first, and later, I’ll roast some mushrooms for you to eat.”

His lips had already dried up a bit from the fever, and he took a few shallow sips of water. His complexion improved slightly, but it seemed like his attention was on me. He looked at me and said, “I thought you wouldn’t come back.”

I was momentarily taken aback by his words, not understanding why he would say that. I could not help but respond, “What are you saying? How could I not come back? You’re already this sick, and if I were to leave you behind, I wouldn’t deserve to be called human.”

He smiled wryly, seemingly resigned. “No, it’s just that in my condition, I’m a burden to you. It would be faster for you to find a way out on your own.”

I could not fathom his line of thinking. After giving him some water to drink, I checked his clothes, most of which had been dried by the fire. Then, I examined his leg, which had become significantly more swollen.

Seeing his condition, I told him, “You should lie down for a while. I’ll prepare some food first and then tend to your injuries.”

He responded with a quiet “okay“. He appeared so haggard that he might pass out at any

moment.

eyes by the fire. I busied myself with processing the mushrooms and

found some thin branches and skewered the edible mushrooms together, slow–roasting them by the fire. Then, I located a stone to grind the gathered medicinal herbs. Since I did not have any gauze, I used vine strips and leaves.

that Charlie was still asleep with his eyes closed. I

rolled up his pant leg and applied the crushed herbs to his leg, which was already covered in sores. Perhaps the medicine was too cold, as he suddenly opened

a pang of regret and furrowed my brows as I looked at him. When our eyes met, his weakened but wary gaze locked with mine. I could not help but

he hesitated for a few seconds before his gaze softened

herbs, and while I had dropped some, there was still enough. I continued to apply the medicine to his wounds, explaining, ‘ I’m helping you treat your injuries. These herbs have anti–inflammatory and pain–relieving properties. I can’t do much else for your injuries, but I can ease your pain. It might hurt a bit, so please bear with it. Once it’s bandaged up, you’ll

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doctor, and without proper medical tools, his leg ended up looking a bit like it had been wrapped in unsightly tree bark. It was definitely not aesthetically

his bandaged leg, I felt a bit self–conscious and looked at him apologetically. “It might look a bit ugly, but I assure you the medicine

His gaze

intently. His dry lips parted slightly as

continue focusing on my less -than–impressive medical skills. I then handed him the