After deciding that he would leave and continue toward Lemme, Boris begins traveling alone again.
He is still a fugitive, has little money, and cannot openly rely on his old noble identity. Winterer is also a major problem: it is a famous and extremely valuable family weapon, so carrying it openly is dangerous.
At one point, Boris tries something rather bizarre but practical.
He attempts to exchange Winterer's distinctive sheath for an ordinary, old sheath belonging to another sword. The shopkeeper realizes that Boris is not making an ordinary trade. The sheath is valuable and distinctive enough that the shopkeeper actually gives Boris some money along with the ordinary replacement sheath.
Boris continues traveling while trying to keep a low profile.
The Strange Noble Incident
Somewhere along this part of the journey, Boris encounters a strange incident involving a nobleman searching for his missing son.
The noble arrives at a village and immediately establishes a completely different atmosphere.
The village chief behaves extremely meekly toward him, almost like a subordinate afraid to anger his superior.
Boris eventually discovers that the missing son is actually hiding in the village, disguised as an ordinary villager.
Boris causes the disguised young man to reveal himself, preventing the situation from escalating further.
What makes the incident particularly strange is the son's attitude.
He behaves as though the entire situation is some amusing game or performance, while the consequences for the villagers are actually extremely serious. Boris realizes that the nobleman's anger could potentially put the entire village in danger.
The exact details of the punishment and the son's final reaction are still somewhat unclear in my memory, so this incident should be treated as a memory checkpoint rather than a completely confirmed detail.
The important impression is that Boris encounters another example of how frightening the power difference between nobles and ordinary villagers can be.
The Gate to Lemme
Boris eventually reaches the gate/checkpoint leading toward Lemme.
He discovers that crossing the border requires identification and a small amount of money for the passage.
Boris has neither.
He cannot simply announce who he really is because he is currently hiding, and his remaining money is limited.
Fortunately, a familiar-looking traveler appears.
The man's face is concealed beneath his cloak, but Boris recognizes him.
It is Walnut.
Walnut offers Boris a way through the checkpoint.
The condition is simple:
Boris must pretend to be Walnut's apprentice.
Boris agrees.
Walnut presents himself as a kind of pilgrim, while Boris is introduced as his apprentice. The two successfully pass through the checkpoint.
Afterward, Walnut offers Boris something more.
Because Boris is a runaway with nowhere safe to go, Walnut suggests that Boris remain with him. Walnut can offer him protection, provided Boris continues pretending to be his apprentice.
Boris refuses.
The two therefore separate again.
At this point, Boris already understands that Walnut is not merely the strange swordsman he met previously.
He knows there is much more to Walnut's identity.
And, importantly, Walnut's real identity is Isilder.
Boris and Winterer
After separating from Walnut, Boris encounters highway bandits in a forest.
A fight breaks out.
Boris draws Winterer.
During the fight, Boris notices something strange about himself and the sword.
As he uses Winterer, the sword seems to become easier and easier to wield.
Rather than becoming exhausted, Boris feels increasingly energized.
The sensation is deeply unsettling.
Boris continues fighting and kills his opponents.
This is significant because this is Boris's first murder.
The act changes something in him.
He has crossed a line from a boy who has survived violence into someone who has personally killed another human being.
Winterer also seems to respond strangely to the violence.
Then Walnut suddenly appears.
Walnut reprimands Boris and tells him to stop using Winterer.
This encounter changes the direction of Boris's journey.
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