The day after Hand Princess Three joined them, the shelter was truly lively-not with people, but with three "fragments" crowding the doorway.
Hand Princess Big and Hand Princess Small crouched on either side, the pale purple eyes in their palms staring outside. Hand Princess Three crouched in the middle with its sole facing up, the eye there peering out too. Together, the three looked just like puppies waiting to be fed, utterly dopey.
Shuo lay on the straw mat, glanced at them, and called irritably, "Sai."
"Hmm?" Sai was leaning against the wall, wiping his blade, and did not even look up.
"How much candy is left?"
Sai stopped what he was doing, rummaged in his pocket, and pulled out three candies, offering them to him. "This is all that's left. Not enough to fill the gaps between their teeth."
Shuo sighed, sat up, and stared at the three little things watching so eagerly. "Wait here. I'll check the general store. Miyoko might still have some stock."
The moment he stood up, all three moved with him-Hand Princess Big and Hand Princess Small immediately scrambled up, and Hand Princess Three hopped, all falling into line behind him like little tails.
Shuo looked back and raised an eyebrow. "What are you following me for? To cause trouble?"
"To protect you."
Hand Princess Big spoke first, sounding quite firm, its fingers stiffening.
Shuo laughed, barely able to contain himself. "Protect me? You three? A hand, another hand, and a foot? You'll be lucky not to get stepped on."
Hand Princess Big did not argue, only kept nodding. Hand Princess Small nodded along, while Hand Princess Three gently tapped its toes against the ground as if in agreement. They looked quite serious.
Shuo watched them for three seconds, then waved helplessly. "Fine, come