Synopsis

The chapter begins with a group of villagers confessing to being bandits, explaining their actions were driven by the prolonged drought and famine, and pleading for leniency. Elric, a main character, argues for understanding and suggests the group be spared. Later, Elric's teacher, eager to impress, attempts to fight some supposed bandits, only to have Elric show that they were simply hungry villagers, thereby demonstrating a better handle on the situation and highlighting that their actions were driven by survival, rather than malice.