"It's all right," Xiu Yuan replied. Then, with a gentle smile, he crouched in front of the little girl and ruffled her hair.
"I only arrived today. My name is Sasayuri, but you can call me big brother."
The little girl glanced at her mother, hesitant to speak without permission.
"Go on, introduce yourself to Lord Sasayuri," her mother prompted, patting her lightly on the back.
"Big brother, my name is Reiko. It's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you, too. This is for you. Be a good girl, okay?" As he spoke, Xiu Yuan took out a pastry and gave it to Reiko.
Reiko's eyes widened the moment she received the pastry, and she stared at it in disbelief.
Watatsumi Island was a very remote place with scarce supplies, after all. Getting to eat sweets was no easy matter.
"What do you say when someone gives you a present?" her mother quickly reminded her.
"Thank you, big brother. You're so nice!" she thanked Xiu Yuan sweetly.
"You're welcome. Make sure you listen to your mother." Xiu Yuan ruffled her hair, then slowly stood up.
"My lord, I..."
"It's all right. Go about your business. I have something to do."
The mother wanted to say more, but Xiu Yuan cut her off, then turned and continued on his way.
He had not gone far when his keen ears picked up the voice of that same mother behind him.
Though her voice was very quiet, Xiu Yuan still caught it.
"Don't eat that! Spit it out!"
"Stay far away from him whenever you see him! Don't go near him, do you hear me?"
"But... big brother... he..."
"What big brother? He's a bad man! A demon! He'll eat you! Don't ever take anything from him again, or I'll beat