The morning sunlight had just pierced the mist among the wooded mountains. Filtered through the dense forest, only a dim, warm glow reached the ground.
Kanao opened her lovely pinkish-purple eyes early.
The bonfire lit yesterday had gone out at some point, and the cold made Kanao curl up slightly.
The girl stared at the extinguished bonfire, a little dazed. Before, such a warm fire had never gone out. She tilted her head and looked toward one side of the cave.
"Roar!"
The demon stared at her with scarlet eyes and a savage expression. He seemed desperate to pounce, but the chains binding him left him struggling in vain where he stood.
The chains rattled as he struggled, striking the ground with a soft clinking.
Kanao pressed her lips together, lightly gripped her Nichirin Blade, and approached the demon.
"A little closer, a little closer. Let me-"
The demon lowered his head slightly, seemingly waiting for her to come close enough to bite her to death.
Kanao moved only a little closer before stopping. Her lovely pinkish-purple eyes gazed at the demon. "Uncle, I'm going to cook. Do you want some?"
"I want your flesh. Give me a little. I'm hungry, so hungry."
Kanao's lovely eyes dimmed a little, and she stood there dejectedly. But soon, she seemed to regain her spirits. She clenched her little fists, looking encouraged again.
She clumsily began lighting the bonfire, then clumsily tended it and cooked.
She clumsily began combing her hair.
She clumsily began-working clumsily through everything on her own. Even without her uncle there, Kanao already did very well.
Every time she finished something, Kanao would pause for a little while, tilt her head, and look at the demon whose expression was growing increasingly savage.
With her head slightly lowered, the girl