An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Simple Ken meticulously wiped down the Dragon Sparrow sword before sheathing it. After coming back inside, he cleaned up the plates and cutlery, meticulously tidying the entire house. He then proceeded to chop wood, fetch water, and attend to the chickens and ducks.

Once all chores were completed, Simple Ken changed into a fresh set of clothes. He stood at the doorway for a moment and eventually stepped out with the sword strapped to his back.

The moment he emerged, a little girl with braided hair hurriedly approached. Aged around five or six, she bore a slightly grimy face with delicate features that hinted at potential beauty.

Her cheeks showed signs of recent bruising, and a trace of blood near her nostrils suggested she had just been in a scuffle.

“Simple Ken!” The little girl, balancing a cluster of fish and a few crabs, reached him and proudly declared, ” Look, Simple Ken, I got your stuff back. Aren’t I amazing?”

“Another fight?” Simple Ken crouched before her.

“They were bullying you, trying to trick you out of your things. I made them give it all back, and when they refused, I gave them a good beating!”

The little girl, with an air of defiance, asserted, “Don’t think I’m weak just because I’m skinny. I’m really strong. I made them cry!”

things aren’t worth it,” he said,

care! I won’t let them bully you! “The little girl, with determination in her eyes, stated, “You’re my friend, and if anyone dares to bully you, I’ll fight them for

smiled, his eyes carrying a touch of indulgence. “Hazel, I’m lucky to have a friend

” This is my life’s

She scratched her head. “But I can’t

it when you learn to

nodded. Then, as if she realized something, she exclaimed, ”

Simple Ken asked with

seem … not silly anymore,” Hazel

called Simple Ken. I have a name. Look, this is how you write them.”

I read

and

‘Seth,’ and this is ‘Hughes.’ Together, they’re

Hughes? That’s too weird. I think Simple