The next day, no one went out. Instead, they stayed at the Training Base to familiarize themselves with their War Equipment.
Kallen spent the entire day in his room, leaning back on the sofa with his eyes closed and his hands in his pockets. He recalled the contents of Mr. Hoffen's notes while the [Key of the Magic Cube] quietly worked through its deductions.
He basically sat there for the entire morning, then, after lunch, sat there for the entire afternoon.
When Ventura opened the door and returned that evening, this led him to mistakenly believe that his captain's "condition" had yet to improve. He still insisted on sleeping on the floor outside his captain's bedroom that night.
After nightfall, Kallen generally stopped studying and read some fiction to take his mind off his studies.
Once he had read enough, Kallen went to sleep.
On the third day, he followed the same routine, studying alone in the morning.
In the afternoon, however, the doorbell rang. Kallen opened the door and found Muli standing outside.
"We're leaving tomorrow, so my grandfather asked me to come home for a meal. I'd like to invite you to come with me."
Muli explained why he had come.
"I don't want to go," Kallen declined.
Being a guest in someone else's home was an oppressive experience in itself, especially since he already knew Muli's standing in his family.
He could imagine it with his eyes closed: after arriving at Muli's home, the two of them would sit on the sofa under the scrutinizing gazes of his elders. It certainly wouldn't be a warm, friendly visit.
"All right." Muli gave a wry smile. "I didn't expect you to turn me down so firmly."
"Enjoy your family dinner."
"Mm. See you tomorrow."
"All right. See you tomorrow."