A civilization's guide?
The Decayer looked at Angel and saw the solemn sincerity in his eyes. He did not seem to be lying.
Only then did it nod hazily. "All right."
"If we meet again, I will serve well as the guide of the Prussia Civilization and lead them toward a... different tomorrow."
Angel chuckled softly. "Do you want to know my name?"
The Decayer gazed quietly at Angel, then finally shook its head. "There's no need."
It was not foolish.
If Angel truly wished to tell it his name, he would surely say it of his own accord.
He had not volunteered it, but instead asked whether it wanted to know his name.
There must have been some reason that made him hesitate. Behind that hesitation might lie restrictions, or perhaps some kind of risk.
The Decayer had already received too many kindnesses from Angel. It did not wish to put him in a difficult position over a name.
Moreover, the Decayer had witnessed too much loss and too many farewells. More than anyone, it understood the importance of "restraint."
If it did not know his name, it would have no need to worry, nor would that name one day bring any potential danger to him or the surviving people of Prussia.
This refusal was the only token of gratitude it could offer him now, however insignificant.
Besides, it believed that when the day came when they could truly speak openly, Angel would naturally tell it his name. Before then, not knowing his name might be the best protection for them both.
Angel naturally saw the understanding in the Decayer's eyes.
He fell silent for a moment before saying softly, "The next time we meet, perhaps we can properly introduce ourselves to each other."
The Decayer paused for two