On the way back, Kanni kept silent, having noticed the turmoil in his companion's emotions.
He did not understand what was going on with him, or why he would not even accept his own name. But on second thought, perhaps this was fine too. Everything remained as it had been, without even a change in what they knew.
His interaction with Mitchelson had reminded him of his own self many years ago. So many years had passed, and he did not know how she was doing now. He longed to confide in someone, to pour out everything buried in his heart. Those feelings, suppressed for years, still troubled him, but when the words reached his lips, he could not say them. Perhaps next time. Knowing that Nameless was suffering too, he could hardly speak up and drag them both into despair.
When they returned to the house, Ma Linya and his grandfather were already fast asleep. The two men went back to their room and fell asleep as soon as their heads touched their pillows.
At daybreak, Kanni set off on a fine horse beneath the light of dawn.
Having company on a journey was certainly a good thing, but under some circumstances, traveling alone was far faster. It was the very embodiment of freedom and independence.
The weather was clear, the air fresh and still-a rare, beautiful day. It made traveling all the easier, and at Kanni's pace, he would reach Morgaya City by noon at the latest.
Ponta Delgada Village produced an abundance of a fruit called "Hualuo Fruit," which resembled a cactus fruit. Kanni had never eaten breakfast made from it before. As he was leaving, he had met Pabojin at the village entrance, up early to till the fields, holding just such a meal. Surprised to