Kanao was ill. She had already fallen ill when she spent that whole day and night in the rain without eating a single grain of rice. Even then, her head had been muddled. On top of that, her emotions had swung from profound grief to great joy. Little Kanao had endured more than someone her age should have had to bear.
So, not long after Su Mu carried her out of the mountains on his back, Kanao began burning up, her whole being sinking into a daze.
Only then did Su Mu come back to his senses from the excitement of bathing in sunlight.
He immediately took Kanao to find the best physician nearby.
In a nice room.
The girl lay in a daze on soft bedding.
"How is she?"
Beside them, Su Mu gripped the hand of the elderly physician who had just finished examining Kanao, looking somewhat nervous.
"Fortunately, it's nothing serious. Once she's taken her medicine, make sure she rests and recuperates. She'll get better soon. Don't worry too much."
--
The elderly physician offered him reassurance, then added with a hint of reproach, "It's only thanks to this girl's strong constitution. If she were more delicate, she might have had a hard time getting through this. As the adult, how could you not take better care of her?"
"It was my fault."
Su Mu felt deeply guilty too.
The elderly physician had wanted to say a few more things, but seeing Su Mu's expression, he refrained from further reproach. Still, he reminded him, "You must take more care in everyday life. Children are actually very delicate. Even a minor illness can lead to serious problems."
"I'll be sure to take all of that seriously."
Su Mu nodded.
"Just have her take her medicine on time and