An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Simple Ken returned from a night of fishing with nothing but a pile of rocks and wood.

“Simple Ken, you’re too gullible! All your hard-earned catch got swindled by those little rascals the whole night,” a passing old man said, chuckling and shaking his head.

“Oh, by the way, there was a big wind last night. The roof tiles on my house got blown off. Get some in town and fix it for me, will you?”

With his trademark silly grin, Simple Ken remained silent.

“Ah, what a fool. Go back quickly. Your missus is waiting for you to have breakfast,” the old man waved him off.

wasn’t large, totaling just over a hundred residents, and Simple

knew where he came from. In everyone’s impression, Simple Ken was just a fool who never uttered a complete sentence. Whether he cheated or was bullied, he

with a fenced yard. Though it was small and somewhat shabby, it was neat. Inside the fenced yard, some chickens and ducks roamed, and an

approached, the dog stirred, wagging its tail

woman came out, frowning at the sight of him.

annoyed and helpless. She patted the mud on his shoulder and said, “Quick, take off your clothes. I’ll wash them for you. Look at how dirty you

“By the way, breakfast is ready. Eat while it’s hot. Remember to wash your hands

run around at home. When I come back, I’ll bring

grinning even more foolishly upon

rolled her eyes and carried a basin of dirty clothes

When she was out of sight, he went back inside to have his breakfast. The meal was sumptuous, including a bowl

Ken relished his meal with a hearty appetite, delighting in every bite. At that moment, the dog at the door