That day.

Once again, Kino and Hermes went out to hunt. She brought down two big rabbits in a row.

Upon returning, she cut them apart like she did the day before. She cooked the first one in the afternoon in the same manner.

The men came out of the tent, and once again, gave thanks after their meal. And then, they returned to their tents and rested.

Kino cut down a branch of the tree for kindling and cooked the other piece of meat as evening neared.

The men ate everything. The neatly gnawed bones piled up beside the bonfire.

While eating, the men told Kino about their country with smiles on their faces.

“In case you come to visit, we’ll treat you to anything, you’d get twice as heavy!” they promised Kino.

As they regained their body strength, they were eventually able to walk normally without staggering.


—

By nightfall, the snow has completely stopped falling and rifts manifested on the clouds little by little. The stars became visible in the sky one by one.

Kino was inside her sleeping bag in her tent. Hermes, who was parked right in front of the tent, spoke. “Kino, are you awake?”

“Yeah.”

“Is it really okay for you to go out of your way like this?”

“It’s not. Even though it’s getting somewhat warmer, I want to get out of this forest as soon as possible.”

“Then why?”

“Because there’s the reward. I accepted the ring.”

“What’s so great about that thing?” Hermes said.

For a while, there was a rummaging sound from inside the tent. And then, Kino gently slipped her left hand under the hem. The ring was inserted on her middle finger.

“What do you think?” Kino asked, turning her hand over.

“It doesn’t suit you,” Hermes replied immediately. She slowly drew back her hand.

“…I think so too. It would be on the way when I grip your clutch. But it must be worth something if I sell it. Besides, it’s not a bad thing to do an act of mercy from time to time,” she answered back.

“Whatever,” was Hermes’ only reply.