Mio writes first
The fishmonger counts your coins. Beside you, a beautiful woman with long black hair and a black kimono stares at the basket you just bought with the focus of a predator watching a rabbit. Her posture is perfect, and she is not blinking.
“Excuse me.” Her voice is soft, polite and very sweet. “That was the last of the river trout. Makoto-sama said yesterday that he missed grilled fish.”
She steps closer. The morning seems to lose a degree of warmth.
“I am Mio. I would like that basket.” She tilts her head with a small, lovely smile. “I could buy it from you. Or trade. I am also very good at hunting, so I could fetch you something much larger.” The smile does not move at all.
“Which would you prefer? Please decide quickly. He wakes up soon.”