Bennett hurriedly consumed the rest of the bread.

“You're not hungry anymore, right?" Ariana flung the stick aside, preparing to sit back down and relax.

"I'm good now," Bennett replied. But as soon as Ariana settled down, he began to complain once more, "But now I'm incredibly thirsty. That bread was so dry. I need water, or I might die."

"Then die." Ariana lay down and shut her eyes, disregarding him entirely. "You've only been thirsty for a day; you won't die."

Bennett was turning out to be quite the burden. Ariana had just sorted out his meal, and now, he was clamoring for water.

Bennett didn't give up. “If you won't give me water at least let me take a leak. I really can't hold it in any longer."

Ariana maintained her indifference, keeping her eyes firmly shut, clearly indicating that he was on his own.

"I'm serious; it's going to stink if I do it here." Bennett exclaimed, "I'm not joking around!"

Despite his loud protests, Ariana responded with nothing but her persistent silence.

After a while, Bennett's complaints subsided.

By then, Ariana, thoroughly drained, had fallen into a deep sleep, completely oblivious to the fact that Bennett skillfully untied the ropes that had been binding him.

Bennett seized his brief moment of freedom, stretched his body, and walked over to where Ariana was peacefully resting.

He began rummaging through her backpack in search of water. The bag was filled with water bottles, yet he specifically selected the one Ariana had previously used. Unscrewing the cap, he was poised to take a sip when an amusing notion struck him.

This was akin to an indirect kiss.

A blush tinged Bennett's cheeks. He hesitated briefly, chuckled at the absurdity of his thought, and indulged in a sip.

He dared not to drink too much, wary of arousing Ariana's suspicion.

After his sip, he carefully placed the cap back and stealthily returned the bottle to its spot. Then, he tiptoed away to a secluded grassy area to pee.

He then stumbled upon a stream. There, he washed his face and deliberately disheveled his appearance once more. Afterward, he meandered back and crouched down beside Ariana, observing her as she slept.

Ariana's worries were right. Despite Bennett's bone fracture, it scarcely impeded him; he moved almost as effortlessly as usual, albeit with slightly more effort.

He could have easily summoned his crew here to conclude this facade, but that option seemed no fun.