When I stood at the entrance and looked out at the heavy rain, I also saw the body lying not far away, curled up beneath a huge tent.
It was scorched black all over, and some medical staff were tending to its injuries nearby.
Gin-san hadn't shown his face either. His head was tucked back inside his coils, and he didn't look up. I couldn't tell whether he was afraid or embarrassed.
Emmm.
"Do you have an umbrella?"
I glanced back at the soldier following me. He nodded at once, then took an umbrella from a nearby rack and held it over my head.
"Thanks."
"No need to thank me. It's my duty!"
The soldier answered crisply. Then I walked over to Gin-san. The ground wasn't too muddy; the paths in this area were all paved with concrete, so they were fairly clean.
As I walked over, people moved aside of their own accord. It was a strange feeling. Maybe it was because the soldier behind me inspired their respect.
Or maybe there was some other reason?
It didn't matter, though.
It took me about three minutes to reach Gin-san. I couldn't help it—I was hungry and in pain, so I could only walk slowly.
I looked Gin-san over. Hmm, his injuries weren't too serious. His outer skin was just badly burned.
"Pat, pat."
I patted Gin-san twice. His huge body shifted, and his head pulled free of his coils. Everyone around us fell silent in an instant.
Maybe they were all wary of Gin-san.
And Gin-san didn't like them either, which was why he'd tucked his head inside his coils.
Gin-san looked a little embarrassed and angry as he lifted his head, wanting to see who had patted him. But when he saw me, his anger vanished at once.