A little while later, Handel woke up. He opened his eyes and looked at Moor, asleep in the bed opposite him. The graying, bearded man's expression shifted between anxiety and ease, and sometimes he even clenched his fists.
Ever since Mulan had begun taking an interest in Moor, Handel had inevitably begun observing him closely as well. As far as Handel could tell, Mr. Moor had no designs on personal gain. Everything he thought about seemed to be for the sake of others.
The Handel of the past could not even have imagined such a person existing. Even among famous historical figures, there were discernible interests underlying their so-called lofty ideals. A noble knight like Professor Jonester should already have represented the very pinnacle of character.
Yet now, someone truly was fighting for the fate of others, for an elusive ideal-one destined to meet countless hardships, or, more bluntly, one doomed to end like a moth flying into a flame.
Was someone like that foolish?
Handel asked himself.
Mr. Moor was steady and resolute, possessed noble character and considerable medical skill, and had literary accomplishments and a logical mind that even Professor Jonester praised. There was nothing to fault in his manners, and he very likely had noble blood. Such a man could not possibly be called foolish.
Then why did someone like him do "foolish" things? Didn't he know that, if Professor Jonester hadn't appreciated him, he would have died in Digo long ago?
After much thought, Handel concluded that Mr. Moor understood perfectly well. He had experienced danger, could anticipate it, and had even witnessed supernatural power firsthand, yet he continued down the same path.
Handel was loyal to Mulan and trusted him unconditionally. He would devote all his efforts to carrying out Mulan's orders. Likewise, he admired