In the village, Izayoi was taking care of the eleven children.
The children had gradually woken up, but they were all weak, pale-faced, and hollow-eyed, as though they had yet to escape that nightmare.
The oldest boy was named Xiao Shu. He was seven this year.
After waking up, he did not say a word. He only hugged his knees, buried his face between his legs, and trembled all over.
Izayoi crouched in front of him without rushing to speak.
She simply sat quietly beside him and kept him company.
After a long time, Xiao Shu finally raised his head and glanced at her.
"Big sister, who... who are you?"
"My name is Izayoi."
Her voice was soft and gentle.
"I came to help you."
Xiao Shu looked at her, and his eyes gradually reddened.
"My younger brother... my younger brother..."
He choked up, his voice broken and intermittent.
"That snake... took my younger brother away... I... I couldn't protect him..."
Izayoi reached out and gently stroked Xiao Shu's head.
"Your younger brother is still alive."
Xiao Shu abruptly raised his head.
"Really?"
"Really."
Izayoi nodded and pointed outside the tent.
"Look."
Xiao Shu followed the direction she pointed.
A swaddled baby lay in Suiko's arms, sleeping soundly.
Tears immediately welled up in Xiao Shu's eyes.
He staggered over, knelt before Suiko, and reached out to touch his younger brother's face.
His younger brother mumbled in his sleep, his tiny hand curling around Xiao Shu's finger.
Xiao Shu could no longer hold it in and burst into loud sobs.
Suiko said nothing. She simply patted his back gently.
Izayoi stood to one side, watching the scene as she let out a sigh.
Ayame walked over and gently took her hand.
"Lady Izayoi, you did very well."
Izayoi shook her head.