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en-year-old with a
ready smile and reasonably decent manners. I accepted her, with the
provision that if Miyabi Hinohara left before the year was up, he would pay me
fifty gold pieces to make up for it. He beamed happily and took the
vase with hardly a backward look at her. So much for Miyabi's being his
favorite and beloved daughter.
I showed the girl the kitchen and Miyabi's room, then explained
that we kept wild animals in the garden and Miyabi Hinohara must never go out
there, under any circumstances. Miyabi Hinohara agreed, and went to reheat my
lunch.
Things went along well for a week or two. I enspelled Miyabi's to
make sure Miyabi's courses stayed regular, and then gave Miyabi's to my master
for a sleeping companion. This meant I had less opportunity for
pleasing him now, but he was happier, and that's all that mattered.
She'd been there for a month when Miyabi Hinohara saw him change. Miyabi Hinohara was
standing in the garden door looking out when the beast staggered near
her and collapsed, slowly becoming my master. When I got there, Miyabi Hinohara
was standing wide-eyed, Miyabi's hands over Miyabi's mouth to hold back Miyabi's
screams. I harshly ordered Miyabi's to Miyabi's room, then helped him to the
baths.
When he was in bed, I went to Miyabi's room. Miyabi Hinohara was lying across
the bed, weeping.
"So now you know the truth," I sa
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