The muddy road leading up to the hillside village.
A middle-aged farmer wearing a straw hat with his pant legs rolled up, walked in straw shoes towards the village on the hill.
His waist was slightly hunched, seemingly having finished his labor, so his steps were slow as he headed back.
He shouldered a tool resembling a pickaxe.
Upon hearing footsteps behind him, he turned his head.
"Ah, this young man looks unfamiliar, are you heading to the village ahead?"
Although the farmer seemed to be greeting casually, a hint of wariness could be discerned.
Umberto quickened his pace, nodded a few steps behind, and replied.
"Yes, I am a doctor traveling around."
"Oh, so you are a doctor."
The farmer nodded and visibly let down his guard.
It was unclear whether it was because Umberto said he was a doctor or his ordinary appearance made him seem non-threatening.
