Chapter 41

From the sound coming from outside the door, Fang Li almost immediately recognized it.

"Miss Ayaboku?"

The owner of the voice was none other than Ayaboku Shikata.

Not only Fang Li, but also Seikoma recognized it.

"Lord Ayaboku?" Seikoma exclaimed in surprise. "Why are you here?"

"I just wanted to ask." Ayaboku Shikata's voice, which could be clearly heard even through the door, was filled with hesitation and uncertainty. "Do the three of you have any food with you? Do you need me to prepare some for you?"

Ayaboku Shikata's words made Fang Li and Seikoma exchange glances.

Both of them were very clear about the situation inside the Koutetsusei.

In this situation of food and water shortage, and given Fang Li's group's position, if Ayaboku Shikata really provided food and water to Fang Li's group, it would surely invite a lot of criticism.

However, Ayaboku Shikata still came here specifically to ask this question, proving that she truly cared about everyone.

Only Unmei, a girl without much guile, did not understand Ayaboku Shikata's well-intentioned efforts and said listlessly, "We don't need human food, we just need blood... ugh ugh ugh!"

Unmei's voice suddenly turned into a muffled sound.

Because Fang Li had covered Unmei's mouth.

Ignoring Unmei's struggles, Fang Li said to Ayaboku Shikata outside the door, "Please rest assured, Miss Ayaboku. We have brought some food and water with us, so we shouldn't have to worry about this in the short term."

"Yes... yes, Lord Ayaboku." Seikoma, who also did not want to reveal his need to drink blood, quickly followed up. "Please don't worry about us, we are fine."

"That's good." Ayaboku Shikata seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and then said, "Actually, in a little while, the Koutetsusei will temporarily stop. I came to inform the three of you about this."

"Stop?" Seikoma couldn't help but ask, "Why stop suddenly?"

"Actually, the water tank was just found to be cracked, and the water inside is not enough. If this continues, the boiler will stop working, and the Koutetsusei will not be able to start." Ayaboku Shikata said helplessly. "So, we must stop to get water."

"I see." Seikoma hesitated for a moment and said cautiously, "Do you need me to help with the repairs?"

After all, Seikoma was also a blacksmith and was most skilled at such tasks.

However, given Seikoma's current status, even if he was willing to help, others might not appreciate it.

Therefore, Ayaboku Shikata said, "Please don't worry. Your former colleagues are also on the Koutetsusei. With them, the water tank should be fixed quickly."

Seikoma's expression became somewhat complicated.

It seemed that because of Ayaboku Shikata's words, Seikoma was reminded of his former colleagues who had worked with him.

"In a little while, the Koutetsusei will stop." Ayaboku Shikata said. "At that time, I hope you try not to cause panic among the people."

"Understood." Seikoma nodded.

As for Unmei, she had already broken free from Fang Li's restraint and turned her head, not saying a word, as if sulking.

Only Fang Li, looking out the window at the sky gradually darkening, murmured softly.

"Just in time to take care of the matter..."

...

When night fell, the Koutetsusei stopped as Ayaboku Shikata had said.

The doors opened one after another.

Samurai and civilians alike descended from the Koutetsusei and gathered in a rather secluded open area.

Then, under Ayaboku Shikata's instructions, some people went to fetch water, some began to repair the water tank, and the rest gathered in the open area and got to work.

What were they busy with?

The samurai formed a circle around the perimeter, busy with security.

The civilians, on the other hand, set up a bonfire in the center, knelt before it, and began to recite prayers.

Fang Li, Unmei, and Seikoma also got off the vehicle and saw this scene.

Seeing the civilians gathered around the bonfire praying, Unmei blinked and asked, "What are they doing?"

Seikoma remained silent.

Fang Li glanced in the direction of the bonfire and said softly, "They are holding a funeral for the dead."

Unmei fell silent immediately.

Looking at the bonfire slowly burning and the people kneeling before it in prayer, Unmei and Seikoma both fell into silence.

"Ugh... ugh ugh ugh..."

Before long, cries began to rise and fall among the people gathered around the bonfire.

One by one, the civilians of Senkin Eki could no longer bear the sadness in their hearts and began to cry.

Sadness spread through the air.

It was a sadness born from the memory of the deceased.

Faced with such a scene, even the samurai all showed expressions of empathy, and none could speak.

Even Seikoma's mood became somewhat low.

Unmei watched quietly, showing no outward reaction, but her heart was actually quite complex.

Faced with such a scene, it was hard to imagine anyone remaining unmoved.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Unmei suddenly noticed.

Standing beside her, Fang Li was staring at the scene filled with sorrow and pain, his eyes different from anyone else's.

What kind of eyes were they?

——Calm.

An unusual calm.

So calm that it was almost frightening.

It was as if he had become numb to death, completely indifferent.

This made Unmei, who had just thought that no one would remain unmoved by the scene, blink in surprise.

Then, Unmei couldn't help but ask Fang Li, "Don't you feel sad?"

Hearing this, Fang Li turned his head and looked at Unmei, his dark eyes carrying a calm that was oppressive.

A second later, Fang Li spoke.

"If I felt sad, I would have become a normal person long ago."

Leaving these words, Fang Li left the stunned Unmei and walked toward the crowd.

Fang Li's appearance naturally caused a stir among the surrounding people.

However, Fang Li ignored it and walked directly to a pregnant woman who was kneeling and praying quietly, her expression more devout than anyone else's, and passed by her.

As Fang Li passed the pregnant woman, his lips moved slightly, as if he said something.

The pregnant woman immediately opened her eyes.

Unfortunately, at this point, Fang Li had already crossed the crowd and walked into the depths of the forest ahead.

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