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!”

aren’t worth it,”

them bully you! “The little girl, with determination in her eyes, stated, “You’re my friend, and if anyone dares

touch of indulgence. “Hazel, I’m lucky to have a

it to Hazel Black. ” This is my life’s work. I’m passing it on to you, hoping it will be of

scratched her head. “But

you learn to

she realized something, she exclaimed, ”

so strange?” Simple Ken

anymore,” Hazel said, tilting her

Ken. I have a name. Look,

I

looked left and

‘Seth,’ and this is ‘Hughes.’ Together, they’re Seth Hughes,” he explained with

Simple Ken sounds better,”