This chapter opens with a soliloquy by the protagonist of the novel, . . , in which he laments the loss of his martial arts and the fact that he has only one life left. He is also upset that he lost control of himself when he saw that his friend was injured. He also expresses his gratitude to the author for his contribution to the novel. The protagonist tells that he will be extending the maidservant's term by another five years, and that he and will be on their way. , the protagonist tells his father. He has placed a medicine in his pocket to help him become stronger in case he needs to do so in the future. He asks if is thinking of sending him to his death, and his father replies that he is now disabled and will not be able to perform any of his duties. He then tells his son that the two of them are still flirting at this time, but that they will soon be on the way. He says that he placed the medicine in 's pocket so that if he needed to become stronger , he could take it with him. He adds that he cannot