We had to try. There was no question about it.
But another problem now lay before them.
The Heart Reed had split into two strands. One definitely had to be given to the patterned-faced man—but who should hold the other?
In other words, who would lead the conversation with the patterned-faced man?
After some discussion, everyone ultimately agreed that Angel should hold the other Heart Reed.
Angel could tell that both Yota and Hong Gemata had wanted to hold the Heart Reed.
However, Hong Gemata was involved in the matter himself. From his position, there were many things he might not fully understand. For example, he could not clearly explain matters concerning the Dream Crystal Plain, so he was naturally ruled out.
Yota, on the other hand, would have been an excellent candidate.
But...
Though Yota had been willing, he ultimately backed down.
Yota did not say why he had backed down.
But from the ever-changing look in Yota's eyes, Angel could roughly guess the reason.
The Heart Reed's effect was this: anyone within ten meters could hear your inner voice.
For someone of Yota's standing, there were surely no shortage of secrets hidden in his heart. He feared he would not be able to control his wandering thoughts and might think of things he should not.
That was the main reason Yota had backed down.
But Yota had actually worried too much.
The Heart Reed merely allowed those around you to hear your inner voice. It did not let them hear your "thoughts."
Simply "thinking" would not be heard by outsiders. You had to actually "speak" within your heart.
Of course, some people could not control their emotions even when speaking in their hearts, like the spotted deer from before.
But Angel believed that, with Yota's breadth of experience,