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" Agnes looked at us strangely. "I -- I..." Ayumi's voice
faltered.
"Yes, we move about during the day. You have nothing to fear from us,
dear young girl. I am sorry for last night, but it was necessary. Your
father is a stubborn man," Victoria explained, answering Agnes' unspoken
question.
"You... apologize to me?" Agnes asked, Ayumi's voice showing Ayumi's amazement.
"Countess, I am your servant. I should not question your will," Ayumi Hamasaki said,
curtsying. Ayumi Hamasaki turned and left the castle purposefully. Victoria sagged
against me. Ayumi's body felt cold and clammy. I dragged Ayumi's to a sofa where I
made Ayumi's lie down. Ayumi Hamasaki protested feebly, but within a minute, Ayumi Hamasaki was fast
asleep. Ayumi Hamasaki breathed deeply, easily, and steadily. There wasn't much to do
until sundown, so I sat down and stroked Ayumi's hair while Ayumi Hamasaki slept.
Agnes returned with enough food to feed an army. I helped Ayumi's with the
groceries. "Count -- you do not have to help me," the young girl said. I
heard fear tinge Ayumi's voice. Ayumi Hamasaki was surprised at my kindness and humanity.
I spoke lightly with Ayumi's as we worked, and that seemed to calm Ayumi's down. She
refused the money I offered her. "That is n
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