The sound came from outside the door, and Fang Li recognized it almost immediately.
"Ayame-San?"
The voice's master was none other than Yomokawa Ayame.
Not only Fang Li, but Ikoma also recognized her.
"Ayame-Sama?" Ikoma exclaimed in surprise. "Why are you here?"
"I just wanted to ask you something," Yomokawa Ayame's hesitant voice could be clearly heard even through the door. She continued, "Do the three of you have food with you? Should I prepare something for you?"
Yomokawa Ayame's words made Fang Li and Ikoma exchange glances.
Both of them were well aware of the situation inside Hayajiro Train.
In this shortage of food and water, coupled with the stance of Fang Li's entire group, if Yomokawa Ayame really provided food and water for Fang Li's group, it would definitely invite a lot of criticism upon her.
However, Yomokawa Ayame still came here specifically and asked such a question even after knowing that, proving that she genuinely cared about everyone.
Only Mumei, an innocent girl with little guile, failed to grasp Yomokawa Ayame's good intentions and said in a bored tone, "We don't need human food, just blood… wū wū wū…"
Mumei's voice suddenly turned into a whimper because Fang Li covered Mumei's mouth.
Ignoring Mumei's struggles, Fang Li said to Yomokawa Ayame outside the door, "Please rest assured, Ayame-San. We have brought some food and water with us, so we shouldn't worry about this issue in the short term."
"Yes… yes, Ayame-Sama." Ikoma also didn't want to reveal his need for blood so he hastily picked up Fang Li's words and spoke. "Please don't worry about us, we're fine."
"That's good," Yomokawa Ayame seemed to let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that. Shortly afterward, she said, "Actually, the Hayajiro Train will temporarily stop moving in a while, and I came to inform the three of you about it."
"Stop moving?" Ikoma couldn't help but ask, "Why did we suddenly decide to stop?"
"…Actually, the water tank for storage was just discovered to be cracked, and there's not enough water inside. If we continue like this, the boiler will stop functioning, and Hayajiro Train won't be able to start," Yomokawa Ayame explained with a helpless expression on her face. "So, we must stop and get water."
"I see…" Ikoma hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked, "Do you need me to help with the repairs?"
After all, Ikoma was a blacksmith and skilled at such tasks.
However, given Ikoma's current status, even if he was willing to help, others wouldn't necessarily appreciate it.
Therefore, Yomokawa Ayame replied, "Please don't worry about it. Your former colleagues are also on Hayajiro Train, and with them there, the water tank should be repaired quickly."
Ikoma's expression became somewhat complicated upon hearing that.
Perhaps because of Yomokawa Ayame's words, Ikoma was reminded of the comrades he used to work with.
"In a little while, Hayajiro Train will stop," Yomokawa Ayame said. "At that time, I hope you all can try not to cause panic among the people."
"Understood," Ikoma nodded.
As for Mumei, she had long since freed herself from Fang Li's restraint. She turned her head with an expression of suppressed anger and didn't say a word.
Only Fang Li, looking at the gradually dimming sky outside the window, whispered softly.
"That matter also had to be taken care of…"
…
As night fell, Hayajiro Train came to a halt, just as Yomokawa Ayame had mentioned. One by one, the doors of the train were opened.
Samurai and civilians disembarked from Hayajiro Train, gathering in a secluded open space. Following Yomokawa Ayame's instructions, some went to fetch water, while others began repairing the water tank. The remaining people gathered in the open space, busy with various tasks.
What were they busy with?
The Samurai formed a circle around, keeping watch and maintaining vigilance.
The civilians, on the other hand, set up a bonfire in the middle. They knelt before the fire and began reciting prayers.
Fang Li, Mumei, and Ikoma also disembarked from the train, witnessing the scene before them.
Seeing the civilians gathering around the bonfire in prayer, Mumei blinked and asked, "What are they doing?"
Ikoma remained silent while Fang Li glanced in the direction of the bonfire and whispered, "They are holding a funeral for the deceased."
Mumei fell silent as well.
As they gazed at the flickering bonfire and the people praying one by one, both Mumei and Ikoma were consumed by silence.
"Wū… wū… wū…"
After a while, the sound of weeping started to resonate among the crowd around the bonfire. The Aragane Station civilians could no longer contain their sorrow and began crying one after another.
Sadness permeated the air, stemming from their longing for the departed.
Even the Samurais wore expressions as if the tragedy had struck them personally. None of them could find words to speak.
Even Ikoma's mood grew somber.
Mumei quietly observed all of this, showing no visible signs of emotion on her face, but her heart was filled with complexity.
In the face of such a scene, it was impossible for anyone to remain indifferent, right?
As this thought crossed her mind, Mumei suddenly noticed something.
Standing next to her, Fang Li's gaze was fixed on the scene of sorrow and mourning, his eyes different from anyone else's.
What kind of gaze was it?
It was calm.
It was unusually calm.
It was so calm that it even evoked a sense of fear in her heart.
That demeanor seemed as if he had become numb to death and it was as if he had completely become heartless.
This made Mumei, who had just thought that no one could remain unaffected by the scene before them, slightly taken aback.
Then, Mumei couldn't help but ask Fang Li, "Don't you feel sad?"
Hearing this, Fang Li turned his head and looked at Mumei. His dark-colored eyes carried a suppressed calmness as he spoke.
"If I were to feel sadness, I would have become a normal person long ago."
Leaving these words behind, Fang Li left Mumei in a daze and walked toward the crowd ahead.
Fang Li's appearance naturally caused a commotion among the surrounding people.
However, Fang Li paid them no attention and walked directly toward a pregnant woman who was quietly praying before the bonfire. Her expression was more devout than anyone else's and as he passed by her, his lips moved slightly, as if he said something.
The pregnant woman immediately opened her eyes upon hearing that.
Unfortunately, at that moment, Fang Li had already passed through the crowd and walked toward the depths of the forest ahead.