When Gelman woke, a dim gray light had already seeped into the cave. The long night had given way to morning.
His Dark Crown and Contempt Armor had long since disappeared, and the pain in his body and gloom in his heart had transformed into genuine relief.
Once his mind had cleared a little, he turned his head and saw that he was still resting on Shizuku's thigh.
Shizuku had taken off her glasses and was leaning against the stone wall, her head tilted and mouth slightly open as she slept soundly.
Could she really sleep like that? Wouldn't her thigh go numb?
After getting up, Gelman gently lifted the blanket covering him and draped it over Shizuku without waking her.
The others were sprawled all over the ground, but they had all crawled into their sleeping bags. Only Shizuku had sat there and fallen asleep for his sake.
She could've just woken me up... Gelman chuckled and shook his head.
Menchi had untied her headband, letting her blue-green hair fall loose. Shubika had removed her medical cap and mask. Both slept soundly with their eyes closed.
Morel looked unfamiliar without his sunglasses. His tall, sturdy frame still seemed bulky and comical inside the sleeping bag specially made for him.
He looked like a python swallowing Morel whole.
Not long after dawn, Biscuit had taken over from Morel, who had kept watch all night. Now she sat cross-legged by the entrance, yawning.
When she saw Gelman was awake, she gave a small wave, beckoning him over.
Gelman walked over and sat across from her.
"Keep your voice down," Biscuit whispered. She looked like a well-behaved doll sitting on the ground, as long as she kept her mouth shut. "Morel only just fell asleep."
"Okay." Gelman lowered his voice too, then