Lost Ear

At that moment, a chorus of kowtowing thanks came from the distance.

Leif looked over and discovered that Kumor's mother had been kneeling beside that wizard all along, thanking him. Most of the villagers had gathered there as well.

Very few people remained by Duru's side. For some reason, the sight filled Leif with an inexplicable sorrow.

Through the sparse crowd, Leif looked at Duru, who sat kneeling among them. He said nothing, merely covering his left ear. The sight made Leif's heart ache. He wanted to step forward and comfort him, but he did not know what to say.

Moreover, Leif felt as though Duru carried an aura of silence and rejection around him. Even the villagers who had been close to Duru did not step forward because of it, merely watching him with pitying faces.

After a long, long while, a streak of bloody tears fell from Duru's vacant eyes.

A soundless sob.

Leif endured it for a long time before finally stepping forward. "Duru, your ear is still bleeding. It needs to be bandaged now, or it could easily leave lasting damage."

Duru looked at Leif and remained silent for a long while. Leif could not read his expression or know what he was thinking. He simply stepped forward, intending to help Duru back to the village to apply medicine.

Duru did not refuse. Leif helped him to his feet, and they headed toward the little fishing village. At that moment, the villagers who had been keeping their distance finally came forward, all saying that they had dried medicinal herbs at home and urging Leif to bring Duru over.

Just as they passed by the wizard.

Leif heard the wizard say to Kumor's mother, who was kneeling before him, "The person you should thank most is Duru.