Kino no Tabi:Volume11 Chapter3

The Land of Ajin Daa and Iel Daa and Patsu-e Daa and Aghe Daa and Zex Daa and Zezeh Daa and Eque Daa and Cain Daa and Ceble Daa and Namee Daa and Nimiji Daa and Nonoe Daa and Hakim Daa and Hatto Daa and Hareha Daa and Himire Daa and Mijin Daa and Mimiru Daa and Yagie Daa and Joseph Daa and Lolon Daa and Roele Daa and Pretty Moo and Puree Moo and Pawhate Moo and Yem Moo and Sevoo Moo and Dadan Moo and Diane Moo and Namire Moo and Neway Moo and Nozam Moo and Heart Moo and Hammer Moo and Mion Moo and Movie Moo and Yafa Moo and José Moo and Laennu Moo and Lalan Moo and Lilin Moo and Lilly Moo and Rend Moo and Royui Moo and Warts Moo and Waji Moo and Tosenu Zei and Utoe Zei and Kemire Zei and Sapou Zei and Suren Zei and Sooreh Zei and Soleb Zei and Niyaei Zei and Niniji Zei and Noren Zei and Nogure Zei and Baare Zei and Hejimi Zei and Hotoe Zei and Homer Zei and Mienu Zei and Mia Zei amd Muffy Zei and Mojie Zei and Linda Zei and Riie Zei and Benole Doe and Cots Doe and Kachio Doe and Kumuni Doe and Sapoe Doe and Subure Doe and Takeu Doe and Taata Doe and Toyme Doe and Touma Doe and Nack Doe and Nefa Doe and Nozan Doe and Nomiru Doe and Hobzi Doe and Meena Doe and Mobley Doe and Yohweh Doe and Link Doe and List Doe and Lule Doe and Luai Doe and Lemea Doe and Rojie Doe and Wacko Doe and Wacky Doe and Mimini Roo and Totetsu Roo and Karei Roo and Umimu Roo and Ereni Roo and Sabere Roo and Suzey Roo and Soap Roo and Dante Roo and Toll Roo and Nawdge Roo and Nemumi Roo and Bazil Roo and Hijibi Roo and Bouno Roo and Mamie Roo and Mabio Roo and Magare Roo and Megano Roo and Moiz Roo and Yoad Roo and Lilis Roo and Wood Goo and Otto Goo and Sonure Goo and Soae Goo and Taaa Goo and Neaka Goo and Hibini Goo and Homue Goo and Mox Goo and Mart Goo and Meemi Goo and Muei Goo and Meime Goo and Rufy Goo and Lett Goo and Ka-chin Soo and Emidzu Soo and Omiz Soo and Komise Soo and Code Suu and Slet Soo and Taleb Soo and Chijie Soo and Nazae Soo and Neoi Soo and Fweoo Soo and Bohma Soo and Deron Soo and Mooch Soo and Memiru Soo and Model Soo and Yomei Soo and Raara Soo and Lelet Soo and Waoji Soo and Kimaa Soo and Emize Yoo and Orote Yoo and Ozere Yoo and Sametsu Yoo and Soob Yoo and Soie Yoo Chimui Yoo and Torenu Yoo and Nazem Yoo and Narere Yoo and Hajin Yoo and Fu-fu Yoo and Hoy Yoo and Majin Yoo and Muau Yoo and Sayan Yoo and Modd Yoo and Rean Yuu and Buyme Aa and Mirei Aa and Orega Aa and Kion Aa and Keeze Aa and Kitaze Aa and Kuree Aa and Sawyou Aa and Shiogu Aa and Sefumi Aa and Soshimu Aa and Takui Aa and Dummy Aa and Chitami Aa and Teraa Aa and Naare Aa and Nuae Aa and Noway Aa and Foome Aa and Hegyy Aa and Hett Aa and Hotai Aa and Mapuo Aa and Mukyu Aa and Mezuru Aa and Mazuru Aa and Mokio Aa and Moork Aa and Yuiki Aa and Yoju Aa and Raoi Aa and Rimie Aa and Ryoki Aa and Ruuze Aa and Rujie Aa and Reira Aa and Reran Aa and Watt Aa and Wakim Aa and Ageze Oah and Yoki Oah and Shiami Oah and Semure Oah and Tayune Oah and Seou Oah and Sobuo Oah and Sorere Oah and Chiei Oah and Doren Oah and Neere Oah and Nuoki Oah and Neboo Oah and Bajee Oah and Nesuto Oah and Hamel Oah and Fubire Oah and Heyaa Oah and Heren Oah and Minami Oah and Mujina Oah and Moue Oah and Yoja Oah and Ryuk Oah and Ruve Oah and Rote Oah and Rukusu Oah and Olga Oah and Waren Oah and Watasu Oah and Umizu Oah and Bufumi Oah and Saeo Tsoo and Ieji Tsoo and Uzue Tsoo and Soyui Tsoo and Tsuie Tsoo and Dodo Tsoo and Nikoji Tsoo and Heat Tsoo and Yaeji Tsoo and Mirai Tsoo and Rimaa Tsoo and Minai Tsoo and Waamu Tsoo and Dagatsu Behh and Grey Behh and Ku-nu Behh and Ijio Behh and Seruru Behh and Tabure Behh and Toots Behh and Newt Behh and Nuzei Behh and Haah Behh and Heae Behh and Mazeeh Behh and Matt Behh and Rayuo Behh and Rigan Behh and Rojia Behh and Warz Behh and Sageru Foo and Kobaze Foo and Samere Foo and Seau Foo and Tamiu Foo and Furen Foo and Mibure Foo and Raeo Fuu and Loju Foo and Lost Foo and Wadge Foo and Bimit Kei and Save Kei and Darea Kei and Tsubuni Kei and Nebure Kei and Bart Kei and Babae Kei and Hodge Kei and Hoboo Kei and Bojin Kei and Maero Kei and Makina Kei and Migia Kei and Wafa Kei and Maze Kei and Mett Kei and Meimi Kei and Yumere Kei and Todd Kei and Rajif Kei and Ranzo Kei and Luan Kei and Russo Kei and Waff Kei and Migue Kaa and Kezemi Kaa and Danre Kaa and Dzujimi Kaa and Nemibi Kaa and Netra Kaa and Bajimu Kaa and Fozo Kaa and Holm Kaa and Hobzi Kaa and Mugae Kaa and Yumea Kaa and Ruum Kaa and Leamu Kaa and Wamji Kaa and Wazowa Kaa and Hamire Kaa and Nouno Kaa and Shachi Kaa and Karenu Ehh and Collets Ehh and Seren Ehh and Soren Ehh and Dzuaa Ehh and Nanae Ehh and Nuzeto Ehh and Hojee Ehh and Hogoni Ehh and Chachi Ehh and Memee Ehh and Mogii Ehh and Yujin Ehh and Ladd Ehh and Liinu Ehh and Rolan Ehh and Amaru Taa and Cassius Taa and Kiano Taa and Kohle Taa and Kohlen Taa and Ijimu Taa and Sazete Taa and Tatami Taa and Chijiru Taa and Teite Taa and Nibure Taa and Negami Taa and Nate Taa and Haazo Taa and Bobby Taa and Maama Taa and Emmy Taa and Yize Taa and Lofa Taa and Wasel Taa and Ward Taa and Wakio Taa and Web Key and Iini Key and Kaats Key and Baneme Key and Batro Key and Ero Key and Konre Key and Kone Key and Sheet Key and Sozzo Key and Tarets Key and Chizuru Key and Van Key and Teton Key and Tomoo Key and Hamim Key and Marze Key and Marin Key and Mufs Key and Mijika Key and Pho Key and Fin Key and Hotou Key and Magae Key and Rajin Key and Ranji Key and Rageru Key and Reem Key and Rikue Key and Ruden Key and Roato Key and Waaku Key and Wareb Key and Roton Key and Migumi Jee and Memeto Jee and Meren Jee and Ipumu Jee and Otomu Jee and Karen Jee and Korin Jee and Sanre Jee and Sand Jee and Shiee Jee and Shiera Jee and Soora Jee and Sukou Jee and Sonye Jee and Temib Jee and Tomas Jee and Nukio Jee and Note Jee and Hajire Jee and Photeh Jee and Hobuyu Jee and Muju Jee and Mugaa Jee and Majina Jee and Mofa Jee and Moaf Jee and Yaana Jee and Yakoji Jee and Yuuno Jee and and Yueba Jee and Yuyue Jee and Yoenu Jee and Yohimu Jee and Ragumi Jee and and Rimidzu Jee and Rupal Jee and Wanre Jee and Anzo Yaa and Kamue Yaa and Coats Yaa and Spats Yaa and Zion Yaa and Derenu Yaa and Garen Yaa and Kugeze Yaa and Kody Yaa and Umea Yaa and Sagan Yaa and Shibua Yaa and Taata Yaa and Toile Yaa and Ninie Yaa and Nekou Yaa and Nomue Yaa and Hajito Yaa and Foji Yaa and Maei Yaa and Muiji Yaa and Mugan Yaa and Mujin Yaa and Mejina Yaa and Meil Yaa and Mode Yaa and Yojin Yaa and Yott Yaa and Raffy Yaa and Rurue Yaa and Rubal Yaa and Rowon Yaa and Wakofu Yaa — With You —

A car ran on as it brushed the blue-green sea.

Small, yellow, and rundown, ready to fall apart at any moment; the fact that it was still running was a miracle.

Luggage packed the back seat, and additional fuel cans on the roof and rear carrier, clunked together noisily.

The car hobbled on the border of the beach and the blue sea, tires treading the fairly damp sand.

Ahead, the right hand was earth and the left the sea.

The sea was calm and the white edges of waves piled upon one another, breaking and receding on the shore.

The long stretch of shoal led on to the desert. Though a desert, it was not sandy but rather a space of rocks and hard earth that stretched to the horizon. No mountains, no greens.

There was not a cloud in the sky, and the white sun at its zenith shone radiantly.

It shone radiantly, but this was the middle of winter, so it hardly contributed to the temperature very much. Only a comfortable wind blew from shore to sea.

In the driver seat, a woman with long black hair of unknown age gripped the handle. She wore a white shirt and a black jacket of high quality. On her thigh, there was a large caliber revolver in its holster.

On the left passenger seat stood a man. Hair of light brown, short-sleeved jacket, handsome and on the short side. On his left leg, a Persuader with a square barrel could be seen in its holster. (Note: A Persuader is a firearm; in this case, it is a pistol.)

Half of the man stuck out of the sunroof as he held binoculars to his eyes, inspecting the way ahead. Direction: South.

And then,

“I see it! We’re almost there! Ahh, wow, that took a while. How boring it was.”

So saying happily, the man thumped down in his seat.

Very soon, a diminutive island revealed itself through the windshield.

It was a green island.

This island was linked to the shore, located on the straight coast of some hundred meters, the round little island was linked by shore and sand.

“I see, an island connected to the mainland via tombolo. The surrounding sand formed a beach around the island.”

The woman in the driver’s seat said nonchalantly.

The main in the passenger’s seat looked at her from the side.

“Quite knowledgeable, aren’t you, Master? It’s the first I’ve ever heard you say anything of the kind.”

“It’s the sort of thing that wouldn’t bother anyone whether you remember it or not, that’s why.”

“Well, certainly… But, now I remember it. ‘Tombolo.’ I won’t forget. Though I can’t tell when I’d apply the knowledge next.”

“Then I’ll supplement that. The part that stretches out into the sea is called a spit, and the part that connects to the island and the opposite shore is a sandbar.”

“Wow. —Would that happen to be on the test?”

“Who knows. Do you still intend to go to school?”

“Not at all. Besides, when I was a kid, I was quite the stellar student. Full marks on all tests. Though I was a prodigy with a promising future.”

“……”

“Aren’t you going to ask ‘why’s that?’”

“Why’s that?”

“I forgot. I have a habit of forgetting things that don’t much matter.”

While this silly talk was carrying on, the car neared the island.

The island was incredibly round, packed with mountains, and entirely covered with water and plants.

From the sky, the island would look like a lone green dot.

And, it showed proof of human settlement.

The houses on the slopes were buried into the trees, and a number of wooden boats floated by the rocks onshore. There also appeared to be storage houses.

The walls were located by the sandbank where people placed rocks to block vehicle entry.

“Come now, no one’d ever think of attacking a place so remote.”

So said the man.

Now when the car approached the shore at the foot of the island, it started curving towards the bridge of clumped sand—that is, to the left.

As they advanced on the sandy bridge, the green mountain began to tug up more and more. As small as it looked far away, close up, it was actually quite huge. Diameter: about two kilometers.

Evergreens overgrew the island and birds flew high overhead.

Ahead of the sandbank, the ground flattened out near the rocks and several erected houses were visible. The residents appeared to total some teens of people.

They wore articles called short sleeves and shorts—that sort of simple clothing. They looked curiously at the oncoming car. Smiles adorned their suntanned faces.

As the car approached the stone wall, several middle-aged men, barehanded, approached the vehicle.

The lady and man descended the car and began exchanging greetings with the people. Then they sought permission for entry.

The residents happily welcomed the travelers, since a year had passed without any visitors.

It was not possible to enter the country—that is, the island—as they were, so the car was left at the walls. The man took the two bags and entered the walls.

Then,

“Hm…?”

He noticed some letters inscribed on a stone.

The faces were sanded smoothly. Each rock seemed of considerable weight, and across the surface spanned many letters and numbers, astonishingly neat. Rather than carved, the characters looked fresh out of a book.

The man stopped in his tracks and the woman likewise cast over her eyes.

“…well, not that I can read these, but what are these characters?”

When the male traveler asked a countryman, the latter replied with a smile.

“That here is the name of our country.”

“Name? —so then, this long string is all of it?”

“Yes. All of the characters written there make up our country’s name. It’s carved in properly using our ancient written language.”

The traveler was speechless for a while.

“That’s long.”

Once he said so,

“Yes, it’s long,”

The countryman smiled.

The female traveler glanced at the man who held the luggage. He continued,

“Why is it so long, if I may ask?”

The countryman responded, still smiling.

“We do not know, either. But, it’s the name.”

And he pointed to another rock. It was smaller, right next to the long, long country name, which also had an engraving. This one, however, was short.

“Aah, I can read that one.”

It had a number. Only reading “1,004.”

“That’s the population in our country now. When there is a change, a new number is inscribed on a new rock.”

So the countryman said.

And so, the pair who got on shore was guided to the largest wooden building in the vicinity labeled “Public Hall.”

There, they received a very grand welcome. It was a dinner with the guides (who were all adults).

Over half of the 1,004 people who were not present got into a great fuss, pushing each other aside to get a glimpse of the travelers. Once men and women of all ages gathered, they popped their faces by turn through the hall’s window.

The lady always kept her cool, and the man at times smiled and waved, winked at the younger ladies, and responded to the residents’ queries.

The elder came out to greet them, a dinner of fish and chicken.

It definitely was not a high-class sort of meal, but the pair knew well how this poor country was already scraping by on their limited resources, so they thanked them politely and dug in.

There, they were asked about the state of nearby nations and replied sincerely.

There was no empire planning to attack, nor some deadly epidemic that hadn’t struck them yet. The people were relieved.

After dinner, the guides attended to the guests. They will walk the island—essentially, the country. Shuffling behind, the leisurely residents began maintaining their distance.

The entire island was mountainous, so every path was sloped. Narrow roads wound about the island and all wooden houses were modified to them.

The forest was thick, abundant in greens. Birds called excitedly. The early afternoon was very tranquil.

Upon ascending the mountain, located on the summit—the highest place in the country—was a pool brimming with beautifully clear water. Like the crater of a volcano, there were depressions in the ground where the water could collect.

It was a pond meant to accumulate water during the rainy reason for half the year. Which meant someone cleared away part of the mountain and labored to dig a deep hole long, long ago.

Once they learned that this water jug was the sustenance of 1,004 people,

“That’s terrible. Whatever I do, I’d better not fall.”

The male traveler joked and made them laugh, then moved away from the water’s edge.

The tour of the island ended and the two returned to the public hall. They sat on the bench prepared for them and took some hot tea.

The sky gradually turned to madder red and reddened the desert earth.

The guide warned the clusters of surrounding people not to push, and so it ended up that they clustered about the travelers a distance away.

“Feels like being a star. Even though we’ll be leaving tomorrow. I wonder if they’ll remember us.”

So said the male traveler.

And then with a preface of Oh, come to think of it,

“Now that I recall, this country’s name is very long, isn’t it? Isn’t it troublesome to remember?”

“No. Everyone remembers it easily, sir. And we’ll never forget it,” one of the guides smiled. We’ll prove it to you, he said, and from the crowd,

“Miss White Fish Lover. If you please, come here.”

He called up a girl.

The male traveler tipped his head slightly at the name.

The girl named “Miss White Fish Lover,” about eight years old, leapt happily out from the line, and halted before the travelers and the guide seated on the bench.

“Good afternoon, Mister Traveler. Welcome to our country!”

The pair said thank you to the smiling girl.

The guide gently asked the girl,

“Miss White Fish Lover, can you recite the name?”

The girl briskly and happily replied.

“Of course! There’s no one here who can’t do it!”

“These two travelers aren’t native here, so they can’t read the letters on that stone. So, Miss White Fish Lover, could you recite it for them?”

“Yes! It’s a simple service to render!”

And then the girl sucked in a breath, as if before a recital.

“I am going to say the name. This is the country of Ajin Daa and Iel Daa and Patsu-e Daa and Aghe Daa and Zex Daa and Zezeh Daa and Eque Daa and Cain Daa and Ceble Daa and Namee Daa and Nimiji Daa and Nonoe Daa and Hakim Daa and Hatto Daa and Hareha Daa and Himire Daa and Mijin Daa and Mimiru Daa and Yagie Daa and Joseph Daa and Lolon Daa and Roele Daa and Pretty Moo and—”

As he watched this girl who ran it off so fluently, matched with an equally smooth enumeration,

“Wow.”

Some of the male traveler’s surprise escaped his lips.

The female traveler watched the girl’s face quietly.

As the girl took a short breather, she continued on with the name.

“—Puree Moo and Pawhate Moo and Yem Moo and Sevoo Moo and Dadan Moo and Diane Moo and Namire Moo and Neway Moo and Nozam Moo and Heart Moo and Hammer Moo and Mion Moo and Movie Moo and Yafa Moo and José Moo and Laennu Moo and Lalan Moo and Lilin Moo and Lilly Moo and Rend Moo and Royui Moo and Warts Moo and Waji Moo and Tosenu Zei and Utoe Zei and Kemire Zei and Sapou Zei and Suren Zei and Sooreh Zei and Soleb Zei and Niyaei Zei and Niniji Zei and Noren Zei and Nogure Zei and Baare Zei and Hejimi Zei and Hotoe Zei and Homer Zei and Mienu Zei and Mia Zei amd Muffy Zei and Mojie Zei and Linda Zei and Riie Zei and Benole Doe and Cots Doe and Kachio Doe and Kumuni Doe and Sapoe Doe and Subure Doe and Takeu Doe and Taata Doe and Toyme Doe and Touma Doe and Nack Doe and Nefa Doe and Nozan Doe and Nomiru Doe and Hobzi Doe and Meena Doe and Mobley Doe and Yohweh Doe and Link Doe and List Doe and Lule Doe and Luai Doe and Lemea Doe and Rojie Doe and Wacko Doe and—”

“Hm…”

Around there, the male traveler noticed something.

Behind the girl, the other citizens were moving their mouths, matched word-for-word to the girl’s incantation.

That meant they had said it all this time without missing a word.

Amazing, the traveler mouthed.

And the name still went on.

“—Wacky Doe and Mimini Roo and Totetsu Roo and Karei Roo and Umimu Roo and Ereni Roo and Sabere Roo and Suzey Roo and Soap Roo and Dante Roo and Toll Roo and Nawdge Roo and Nemumi Roo and Bazil Roo and Hijibi Roo and Bouno Roo and Mamie Roo and Mabio Roo and Magare Roo and Megano Roo and Moiz Roo and Yoad Roo and Lilis Roo and Wood Goo and Otto Goo and Sonure Goo and Soae Goo and Taaa Goo and Neaka Goo and Hibini Goo and Homue Goo and Mox Goo and Mart Goo and Meemi Goo and Muei Goo and Meime Goo and Rufy Goo and Lett Goo and Ka-chin Soo and Emidzu Soo and Omiz Soo and Komise Soo and Code Suu and Slet Soo and Taleb Soo and Chijie Soo and Nazae Soo and Neoi Soo and Fweoo Soo and Bohma Soo and Deron Soo and Mooch Soo and Memiru Soo and Model Soo and Yomei Soo and Raara Soo and Lelet Soo and Waoji Soo and Kimaa Soo and Emize Yoo and Orote Yoo and Ozere Yoo and Sametsu Yoo and Soob Yoo and Soie Yoo Chimui Yoo and Torenu Yoo and Nazem Yoo and Narere Yoo and Hajin Yoo and Fu-fu Yoo and Hoy Yoo and Majin Yoo and Muau Yoo and Sayan Yoo and Modd Yoo and Rean Yuu and Buyme Aa and Mirei Aa and Orega Aa and Kion Aa and Keeze Aa and Kitaze Aa and Kuree Aa and Sawyou Aa and Shiogu Aa and Sefumi Aa and Soshimu Aa and Takui Aa and Dummy Aa and Chitami Aa and Teraa Aa and Naare Aa and Nuae Aa and Noway Aa and Foome Aa and Hegyy Aa and Hett Aa and Hotai Aa and Mapuo Aa and Mukyu Aa and Mezuru Aa and Mazuru Aa and Mokio Aa and Moork Aa and Yuiki Aa and Yoju Aa and Raoi Aa and Rimie Aa and Ryoki Aa and Ruuze Aa and Rujie Aa and Reira Aa and Reran Aa and Watt Aa and Wakim Aa and Ageze Oah and Yoki Oah and Shiami Oah and Semure Oah and Tayune Oah and Seou Oah and Sobuo Oah and Sorere Oah and Chiei Oah and Doren Oah and Neere Oah and Nuoki Oah and Neboo Oah and Bajee Oah and Nesuto Oah and Hamel Oah and Fubire Oah and Heyaa Oah and Heren Oah and Minami Oah and Mujina Oah and Moue Oah and Yoja Oah and Ryuk Oah and—”

Around here, even the male traveler who was incredibly impressed at first became exceedingly bored.

As he expressed admiration for the girl and the people behind her silently moving their mouths,

“……”

The man quietly, with indescribable expression, glanced at his neighbor.

The female traveler had her eyes fastened on the girl.

So he also returned his sight to the girl.

Her voice—yes, it still continued.

“—Ruve Oah and Rote Oah and Rukusu Oah and Olga Oah and Waren Oah and Watasu Oah and Umizu Oah and Bufumi Oah and Saeo Tsoo and Ieji Tsoo and Uzue Tsoo and Soyui Tsoo and Tsuie Tsoo and Dodo Tsoo and Nikoji Tsoo and Heat Tsoo and Yaeji Tsoo and Mirai Tsoo and Rimaa Tsoo and Minai Tsoo and Waamu Tsoo and Dagatsu Behh and Grey Behh and Ku-nu Behh and Ijio Behh and Seruru Behh and Tabure Behh and Toots Behh and Newt Behh and Nuzei Behh and Haah Behh and Heae Behh and Mazeeh Behh and Matt Behh and Rayuo Behh and Rigan Behh and Rojia Behh and Warz Behh and Sageru Foo and Kobaze Foo and Samere Foo and Seau Foo and Tamiu Foo and Furen Foo and Mibure Foo and Raeo Fuu and—” When it got to this point, the male traveler began to think of something else. He thought, When was the last time I calibrated the alignment laser on this Persuader? After puzzling, he remembered somehow, and then, I guess it was a while back so should I do it now? “—Loju Foo and Lost Foo and Wadge Foo and Bimit Kei and Save Kei and Darea Kei and Tsubuni Kei and Nebure Kei and Bart Kei and Babae Kei and Hodge Kei and Hoboo Kei and Bojin Kei and Maero Kei and Makina Kei and Migia Kei and Wafa Kei and Maze Kei and Mett Kei and Meimi Kei and Yumere Kei and Todd Kei and Rajif Kei and Ranzo Kei and Luan Kei and Russo Kei and Waff Kei and Migue Kaa and Kezemi Kaa and Danre Kaa and Dzujimi Kaa and Nemibi Kaa and Netra Kaa and Bajimu Kaa and Fozo Kaa and Holm Kaa and Hobzi Kaa and Mugae Kaa and Yumea Kaa and Ruum Kaa and Leamu Kaa and Wamji Kaa and Wazowa Kaa and Hamire Kaa and Nouno Kaa and Shachi Kaa and Karenu Ehh and Collets Ehh and Seren Ehh and Soren Ehh and Dzuaa Ehh and Nanae Ehh and Nuzeto Ehh and Hojee Ehh and Hogoni Ehh and Chachi Ehh and Memee Ehh and Mogii Ehh and Yujin Ehh and Ladd Ehh and Liinu Ehh and—”

The country name went on.

At this time, the male traveler thought about the silencing bullets he acquired from the previous country.

The gunpowder for firing the shot was in a small iron bag, and supposedly, the explosion would expand inside and be enough to propel the bullet, thus no sound from the discharge. The idea, at least, was unique.

I bought it ‘cause it seemed interesting, but the firepower was weak when I tried it out, so when would I be able to use it? the man wondered.

“—Rolan Ehh and Amaru Taa and Cassius Taa and Kiano Taa and Kohle Taa and Kohlen Taa and Ijimu Taa and Sazete Taa and Tatami Taa and Chijiru Taa and Teite Taa and Nibure Taa and Negami Taa and Nate Taa and Haazo Taa and Bobby Taa and Maama Taa and Emmy Taa and Yize Taa and Lofa Taa and Wasel Taa and Ward Taa and Wakio Taa and Web Key and Iini Key and Kaats Key and Baneme Key and Batro Key and Ero Key and Konre Key and Kone Key and Sheet Key and Sozzo Key and Tarets Key and Chizuru Key and Van Key and Teton Key and Tomoo Key and Hamim Key and Marze Key and Marin Key and Mufs Key and Mijika Key and Pho Key and Fin Key and Hotou Key and Magae Key and Rajin Key and Ranji Key and Rageru Key and Reem Key and Rikue Key and Ruden Key and Roato Key and Waaku Key and Wareb Key and Roton Key and Migumi Jee and Memeto Jee and Meren Jee and Ipumu Jee and Otomu Jee and Karen Jee and Korin Jee and Sanre Jee and Sand Jee and Shiee Jee and Shiera Jee and Soora Jee and Sukou Jee and Sonye Jee and Temib Jee and Tomas Jee and Nukio Jee and Note Jee and Hajire Jee and—”

Now the male traveler didn’t think of anything.

He had achieved a state of selflessness.

“—Photeh Jee and Hobuyu Jee and Muju Jee and Mugaa Jee and Majina Jee and Mofa Jee and Moaf Jee and Yaana Jee and Yakoji Jee and Yuuno Jee and and Yueba Jee and Yuyue Jee and Yoenu Jee and Yohimu Jee and Ragumi Jee and and Rimidzu Jee and Rupal Jee and Wanre Jee and Anzo Yaa and Kamue Yaa and Coats Yaa and Spats Yaa and Zion Yaa and Derenu Yaa and Garen Yaa and Kugeze Yaa and Kody Yaa and Umea Yaa and Sagan Yaa and Shibua Yaa and Taata Yaa and Toile Yaa and Ninie Yaa and Nekou Yaa and Nomue Yaa and Hajito Yaa and Foji Yaa and Maei Yaa and Muiji Yaa and Mugan Yaa and Mujin Yaa and Mejina Yaa and Meil Yaa and Mode Yaa and Yojin Yaa and Yott Yaa and Raffy Yaa and Rurue Yaa and Rubal Yaa and Rowon Yaa and Wakofu Yaa!”

The girl said it all marvelously.

When she did, the male traveler stood up—

“That was brilliant!”

—and sincerely praised her.

As he hid his relief that it was finally over—

“You remembered all of it! I’m impressed!”

The girl turned a little bashful.

“Oh, ah…it’s normal. Everyone can do it.”

“But still, it’s amazing. The name is astounding enough, but that everyone knows it just blows me away.”

So the man said, and started to fumble in his pockets for something that could serve as a reward for the girl—an empty bullet shell, for instance—but then thought it unjust to treat one person specially above the rest, and set the thought down.

“Thank you. Thank you very much.”

So words would have to do.

The guide interjected.

“Good job, Miss White Fish Lover. Let’s go back, now.”

And so the girl bowed her head politely and trotted back to her place. The adults nearby patted her head.

“Quite amazing. I’m impressed.”

The female traveler turned to the guide as she said this.

The guide, a young person in the twenties—

“In our country, we teach them the name as soon as they can speak. If they don’t know it, it would be awkward not to be able to tell whoever asks for it.”

—said this with an air of pride.

In the eventide, the man inquired.

“And you don’t know the history behind the name?”

“Yes, we don’t. But, it’s comprised of our names. That will never change and we will be remembering it forever.”

This time, the woman opened her mouth.

“The girl earlier who was called Miss White Fish Lover —that is a nickname, isn’t it? It seems that you always hide your real name and go by aliases here.”

“Yes, we do. Well-deduced! I was wondering for a moment if I’d have to explain that.”

“There was another country I visited that had done the same thing.”

“Oh, so there are others! I’m relieved—I thought we were the only ones who did this. That’s wonderful to hear!”

So the guide said happily.

For a time afterwards, the people thought of nicknames for the two travelers for the duration of their stay.

Then when everyone argued back and forth over this and that—

In the end, the woman was “The Miss with Flowing Black Hair,” and the man, “Mister Luggage Carrier.”

“The Miss with Flowing Black Hair” and “Mister Luggage Carrier” stayed in the only guest house that night.

The next morning, they thanked their hosts for the fresh fish.

And some time past noon,

“Thank you very much. We’re grateful for the warm welcome and will be leaving now.”

“Thanks, everyone. This was a very wonderful country. —The name’s a tad difficult for me to remember, so what about ‘The Green Island’? —Well, then.”

The male and female travelers left the country with the long, long name.

And not soon after they departed.

Specifically, across the northern horizons, when the mountains fell away from view.

“Oh? —Someone’s there.”

The man in the driver’s seat lessened the accelerator.

The car that wasn’t going fast to begin with gradually dropped speed and stopped off to the side.

Other than a man in his mid-twenties, in a world only bound by the water line and earth line, there was nothing.

He wore a green jacket, and at his hip hung a 45-caliber automatic Persuader. He looked more like a traveler than a countryman of any kind.

Something that looked like his travel luggage, a dirty rucksack, lay by his feet.

That man was a little surprised, but he watched the car and a smile that showed no hostility spread across his face.

“Why would someone be out here?”

As the male traveler stated this, he laid his fingers on the Persuader on his left thigh.

The woman stated accurately,

“By boat, it seems. By the shore, are some burnt remains.”

He looked at that shore and certainly, there were the charred remnants of a small boat. It seemed that sand was thrown over the pile, but the wood cinders, a small abandoned engine, fuel tank, and more were fairly visible.

“That’s not possible…”

This, the male traveler whispered.

Basically, this man before them took his only means of transportation and abandoned it of his own will. Especially in this sort of place, such an action would weigh heavily on one’s life.

Still stunned at this strange action, the male traveler slowly alighted the car without surrendering caution, but did begin speaking in a cordial manner.

“Hello. Fancy meeting someone here.”

“Hello, traveler. I’m surprised, myself.”

The green-jacketed man thus returned, and—

“Don’t worry. I do have my reason for doing that. I won’t make any trouble for you. After all, I didn’t think I’d meet anyone here.”

—he cut to the chase as he eyed the boat cinders.

“This simplifies matters.”

The woman too alighted. The man in the green jacket said,

“May I ask a question?”

“Anything. I imagine it pertains to that country.”

At this sudden response,

“Simplifies matters, indeed.”

The man, deeply impressed, threw out his question.

“I believe you two just came from the country. So how did you find it? A peaceful coastline island, with about a thousand people, living a poor but nevertheless leisurely, peaceful, and happy life?”

The male traveler looked at the female,

“Yes, precisely. You know quite well.”

Upon which,

“Hahah!”

The green-jacketed man smirked, the sort that sounded like a scoff with a tinge of anger.

“I believe you’re heading over there—”

The man took up her words.

“I’m heading over, alright. Though on foot from here on. I’ll probably get there by nightfall. Right on schedule.”

Destroying his own vehicle, close to night. The man’s words were definitely strange.

“What do you intend to do there?”

This, the woman inquired.

The man in green said honestly—very bluntly.

“As for that… —I’m going to massacre them.”

The male traveler said,

“Wow. That’s quite a task.”

In an intentionally joking tone.

The other man loosened his expression and said casually,

“Not at all.” At length, “Did you know that on the summit, there’s a huge water reservoir that collects all the water from the rainy season? Around this time, that’s their only source of water. Just one bottle of the poison I got with me and everyone will die.”

So he said. Then he added,

“In practice, using a Persuader to kill a given number of people is more difficult, so I gave up on that.”

The woman agreed. Then,

“Now, ‘why?’”

Asked for the essential reason. The male traveler on the other side of the car, too.

“Yes, I’d very much like to hear.”

The man in the green jacket nodded as he spoke.

“Of course I’ll tell. —It’s for revenge.”

“Revenge against that country?”

“Yeah. I’m gonna get my revenge on them… I believe you don’t know anything I’m about to say. I doubt there’ll be any reason why they would.” At length, “Long, long ago, fifteen years ago. The country exceeded 1500. Do you know what that means?”

When the green-jacketed man pitched that out,

“Pardon?”

The male traveler cocked his head,

“It means they exceeded the carrying capacity.”

As his companion replied instantly.

“Yes. Quite correct.”

“What does he mean, Master?”

He could not follow the dialogue and asked her.

“It means they have too many people on the land. It can barely hold 1000. And for some reason or another, they now have 500 too many,” she replied.

“Oh, I see! My, but that’s trouble…”

The green jacket waited for this to sink in the male traveler, then continued.

“There was some abnormal weather forty years before. Rainfall and fishing were abundant. Every one of those guides were idiots at that time, so they got ahead of themselves and broke the taboo established since the dawn of time that said, ‘The population can’t exceed a thousand and ten.’ Seems they wanted to expand and enrich the country. They wanted to engrave their names in history, I heard… But, if the fishing catch goes down, it’s all over. It’s already over.”

“So then…what happened?”

“What would you think? When they realized they’d have a drought and famine on their hands, those guides f-ing committed suicide. Leaving behind some 1500 people who had no idea what to do.”

“Then what ‘miracle’ happened?”

So the lady asked sarcastically. A savage smile rose on the green jacket’s face.

“Travelers came by… They came.”

They were a group of ten.

Split up in several trucks, came like you did. From the north.

Simply put, they just stopped by as they were moving south. They could very well have just passed us.

Then, when they came, the people flocked around them. They asked, Save us. They complained about their distress.

People were soon going to drop dead in the impending dry season.

Of the 1500, if 1000 live normally, 500 must die. Or else be forced to live year after year with everyone suffering from thirst and hunger.

Anything will do, just give us a solution, they pleaded.

And the leader of the travelers said this.

“Very well. We’ll resolve everything.”

Now, here’s a question. What kind of miracle did they bring?

A wonderful, wonderful, overnight miracle.

Those ten were people of great skill.

Skilled in the art of murder.

Those ten waited for the sun to set. Then set out to kill the residents.

But this was not completely random.

On top of researching name, age, and gender, they completely understood “which 500 to kill while still maintaining the population balance,” and made sure to kill the entire family so that no orphans or bereaved would remain.

Who knows the actual number killed…but it must’ve been close to 500.

Gunshots of Persuaders rang out all over the country, amidst the crying of birds.

They would break into the home and fire mercilessly, ensuring they got the last breath out of them.

Whomever was not meant to be killed was not killed.

But, those who were meant to be killed wouldn’t know until they were.

Even as the people understood their actions, they continued to shiver in fear.

Then dawn broke and those still alive were informed,

“It’s solved. Now you’ll be able to live.”

And they also said this.

“First, clean up the bodies. Before infection spreads, bury them deep in the shore and as far away as possible. Then forget all about them. Live happy lives without overpopulating.”

With that, the ten left.

Thus the country protected that order and even now, they continue to live in peace.

The End.

To which the male traveler suddenly posed a question.

“Huh…? Then why are you here? You know the story, so you’re clearly one of the survivors, and I doubt that country yields travelers.”

Though before the inquired could answer, the lady traveler said,

“He must have become the eleventh.”

“Oh…? Oh, I see.”

The male traveler pondered for a moment then suddenly got it. Then,

“Why?”

He again asked the green jacket.

“Luck. Pure luck. —I remember that moment very well. That night, I was ten. They came, and straight away they killed my father, my mother, my big sister, my two little sisters. Then the leader pointed the Persuader at me and pulled the trigger. Ka-chink! Somehow, no bullet came out.”

“Oh, my… Misfire is rare.”

“Very. I knew how much of a miracle it’d be if I learned how to shoot a Persuader. —The leader asked me, ‘Do you want to live?’ Even though I was soaked in my family’s blood, I answered, ‘I do. Take me with you.’ The taste of metal in my mouth. The incessant ringing in my ears. That’s how I became one of them—how I left my hometown hidden in their truck.”

“I see, I see.”

“Consequently, the country was saved. If my family was one of the survivors, who knows how happy they would have been. They were just unlucky. And I was the luckiest. So I traveled with them and lived a new life. Preferable to death. They accepted me as one of them, after all. Above all, the leader was kind.”

The lady traveler said,

“I see now. Then why is it that you go back now for revenge? It’s not as if she ordered you to.”

“…I never told you that the leader was a woman. How did you know?”

“Woman’s intuition.”

The man lost words for a moment, but at length shook his head once.

“I guess there are two reasons. One is, I lost that shelter. Half a year ago, my friends…those ten, were wanted for rampaging countries they passed and a terribly skilled tracker found them. To think they were killed so easily… The pursuer ended his job and left. And again, I was the only one left alive. The cause: I was away fetching water. Can you believe it?”

“A tragedy. —But, that’s what luck is. Right?”

“True. But, I was pretty depressed. I thought I’d go off and die. —And the other reason came when I heard a rumor about the country. How peacefully they were living. How they completely forgot about the 500, how my fellow countrymen were living carefree, and then I decided, ‘Alright, I’ll kill them and then myself.’ And somehow, I got here. I just need to take one more step. I didn’t think I’d meet you two here and talk about this, though.”

After which the male traveler mumbled “hmm” to himself.

“Now here’s a dilemma… After all this talk, shouldn’t I kill you to save that country…?”

“Well, what will you do? We both have Persuaders. Will you draw?”

To the man oozing murderous intent, the other one who expressed none of that spoke.

“But then you see, I don’t know how powerful my opponent will be, and it’s meaningless to get hurt when I don’t need to. —In all honesty, I don’t really want to do that.”

“I figured you’d say that.”

Observing the green jacket who laughed frivolously without paying any mind to the other two, the lady traveler asked,

“You. Your name?”

Her male companion cocked his head, saying Why ask?

The green jacket, too, was a little surprised. But then,

“Aah… Please let me tell you—the name of the man who will destroy that country. Once I get there, I can’t tell them, after all. —Mirai Tsoo.”

The lady nodded steadily.

“Mirai Tsoo, then.”

“Yeah—. It sounds weird, doesn’t it? In that country, last names are just sounds like ‘Tsoo’ or ‘Aa’ stretched out, but then that only makes twenty, so to avoid sharing the same full name, they always try to make the first name sound different for no apparent reason. But, I like this name that my family racked their brains to come up with. I’m glad it was the last thing they said.”

“I see. I understand well. Very well.”

Then the lady spoke to her companion over the car.

“Let’s not have pointless quarrels.”

Ro-ger, he replied.

The green jacket grabbed the luggage by his feet and heaved it up. Then,

“The people I will see next will all die, so I hope you two, at least, remember me. My name…is proof that I was alive. Please don’t forget it.”

“We shall. —And one bit of advice. When you enter, there’s something I’d like you to pay attention to.”

So the lady said.

“What is it?”

“Its name is different from the past. It would pay off to read it once before you go in.”

“……? Alright. Well, I’m off. —Farewell, history’s witnesses.”

Then the green jacket shouldered his load, which probably held the poison.

He walked steadily. Straight ahead, north. The direction of the country.

Soon, he passed by the dilapidated yellow car and the two travelers.

“Goodbye, Mirai Tsoo.”

He gave a little wave at her words.

He never turned back. Footprints in the sand trailed after him.

Then when his figure shrank more and more, the lady whispered again.

“Goodbye. History’s witness.”

From the coastline island, the day after the dumpy yellow car left.

There, in that country.

The name changed a little.

There, in that country.

The population increased by one.

“Right about now, they must be scrambling to fix the tablet.”

“Did you say something, Master?”

“Nothing.”

The old yellow car ran on the shore.

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