32 A Company Isn't a Space for Self-Realization

“…….”

A menacing wind, as if foretelling what was to come. Aul and I stared at each other in silence.

“Ha.”

A short laugh tugged at the corners of Aul’s mouth. He didn’t seem embarrassed or uncomfortable. If anything, shame fit him better.

“I-I mean-! It’s not something you can just say and be done with-!”

Aul’s voice was the same as ever.

It was undeniable that he had been injured, and it was also true that he had crossed a point of no return as a singer.

“A-aah-! Is this your true nature?! I’m so moved-! I-!”

“I’m glad you’re moved. But we still have to sort out the facts.”

The cigarette smoke and the mist of the Twilight River mingled and scattered. The boatman in a sedge hat wordlessly urged us to board, as if he had no interest at all...