Sunlight slanted through the branches and leaves of the orange trees, scattering countless tiny flecks of gold across the soft soil.
Every leaf was steeped in autumn warmth, gleaming a glossy dark green. Heavy fruit bent the branches, and the oranges were almost translucent in the sunlight, their plump segments faintly visible within.
Nojiko stood beneath an old orange tree, both arms extended before her.
Fine chains extended from her wrists, climbing the trunk like living things and weaving nimbly among the branches. Their tips turned into delicate pincers, gently gripping an orange by its stem, twisting-plucking-then passing it steadily back into the bamboo basket beside her.
After a morning's work, the basket was more than half full.
Tiny beads of sweat dotted her temples, and a few damp strands of blue hair clung to her cheeks. But she did not stop, only occasionally raising an arm to wipe herself lightly with her sleeve before continuing to guide the chains through the canopy.
"Miss Nojiko."
A voice sounded behind her, so close it was almost against her ear.
The oranges on the chains went flying in her fright-the chains snapped back into her body like a nest of startled snakes, and several freshly picked oranges fell from midair, landing on the soil with dull thuds.
"Ah-!"
Nojiko leaped a large step forward, clutching her chest with both hands, her heart pounding. She turned to see the Silver-Haired Man standing where she had just been, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.
"Y-you scared me to death-!"
Her voice still trembled with fright, her chest rising and falling slightly with her rapid breathing.
Beneath her cotton shirt, washed pale with wear, her newly developing curves were like buds beginning to bloom, trembling gently with her breaths.
"Please don't appear