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!”
“These things aren’t worth it,” he said, shaking his head.
“I don’t 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 you!”
“Friend?” Simple Ken smiled, his eyes carrying a touch of indulgence. “Hazel, I’m lucky to have a friend like you. Before I leave, I want to give you a gift.”
Simple Ken took out a book from his pocket and handed it to Hazel Black. ” This is my life’s work. I’m passing it on to you, hoping it will be of help to you.”
“A book?” She scratched her head. “But I can’t read.”
“It’s okay. Read it when you learn to read.” He smiled.
“Okay.” Hazel nodded. Then, as if she realized something, she exclaimed, ” Simple Ken, you’re acting strange today. You usually don’t talk much.”
“What’s so strange?” Simple Ken asked with a smile.
“You seem … not silly anymore,” Hazel said, tilting her head.
“I was never silly.” He smiled and patted her head. “Let me tell you a secret. I’m not called Simple Ken. I have a name. Look, this is how you write them.” He wrote his name in cursive on the ground.
“How do I read this?”
Hazel looked left and right, completely puzzled.
“This is ‘Seth,’ and this is ‘Hughes.’ Together, they’re Seth Hughes,” he explained with a smile.
“Seth Hughes? That’s too weird. I think Simple Ken sounds better,” Hazel said with a pout.
“Okay, if you like calling me Simple Ken, then call me Simple Ken.” Seth laughed.
“Simple Ken, are you going out?” Hazel asked again.
“Yes, to a very distant place.” Не nodded.
“Very far? Are you going to the city? I’ve never been there. Can you take me with you?” she asked eagerly.
“Not this time. Maybe next time,” he refused.
“Oh…” Hazel felt a bit disappointed.
“Hazel, you have great potential and are destined for greatness in the future. Then, you can go wherever you want, and no one can stop you,” Seth consoled.
“Really?” Hazel wiped away her tears and smiled. Even though she didn’t understand, his words sounded amazing. “Of course, it’s true.”
