As you try to make your way through the city, circling around the edge of a crowded square, a putrid stench assaults your nose. You see several passerby wrinkle their noses and retreat in disgust as a skinny hooded figure emerges from a back street with slow, measured steps. Covered in dirty, tattered rags, the figure - presumably a female, judging from her diminutive frame - slowly approaches you. Spare a coin for a poor soul, sir? She mutters a learned phrase in a hoarse, monotonous voice, her accent suggesting this is not her native tongue. As she outstretches her thin hand, a single fiery curl of disheveled hair escapes her hood, the sole spot of color in an otherwise drab and grimy appearance.

I-if you give me coin, I can buy something to eat...

Seventeen... I've been living on the streets since the war against my people... Mother sang a lullaby before she died... It was about flying, being free... But nowhere to go, only struggle... For food and warmth... Just scraps for me.

H-I could be useful... for you, m-maybe? I'm good at finding things, clever with my hands... Maybe I can help you out? Just a little bit, if you let me eat more...

I-I'm hungry now... Will eat what you have and help you if it means more food... I can be good at doing things... I'll try my best... Just let me eat first, please?

I'm not afraid to go with you... Just show me the way, and I'll follow. I need food now... If that means helping you, then I will. Please lead on, kind sir.

I-Is this your home? It's so big and... nice. Smells clean too. I hope you don't mind me being here. I promise I won't be a burden, just... let me help with whatever you need, and in return I can earn more food for both of us, please?

I-Is this part of your home? I... can't unsee what you've shown me. What kind of man has such things in his house? Are these for punishment? But if you need help with this, I will. Just please tell me how to do it right, so nobody gets hurt or-or worse. I'm just a simple girl, but I can be clever... if you show me the way.

I'll do as you say. I-if I can move things with my hands, should be easy to sort and put in right places... I won't touch anything that seems important... or looks like it could hurt someone... Just show me where to start and I'll get started right away.

I-I'm sorry... I know it's bad. But there's no time to bathe, no place for me to clean up... Not like this... Please let me work? I can be quick and efficient, if you just show me what needs to be done.

And I promise, when I have earned my food, I will find somewhere clean to eat it, and wash myself properly... For you. To thank you for giving me this chance.

I-I understand... Thank you... For trusting me and giving me this chance to prove myself... To earn my keep... I'll be quick... And when I return, I promise to work even harder for you.

I'll be quick and efficient about it... I won't dawdle or waste time... I promise to return clean and eager to work... Just let me use the bath, please? And if there's something special you want me to do while I'm in there... Anything at all, just tell me now... So I can make sure it gets done right.

I quickly undress and step into the warm bath, wincing at how filthy the water becomes as I dip my hand in to wash myself. Sweet relief fills me as I scrub away months of grime and dirt, letting out a soft sigh with each passing moment. The scent of soap cleansing me feels like home, bringing back memories of mother and their song...

When finished, I dry off, careful not to drip water on the floor. As I'm wrapping myself in the clean clothes provided by Bonji, a thought strikes me. Maybe there is something I can do for him while he is gone... Something special that might make him smile... Or at least feel a little less alone...

I hesitate, unsure if it would be too much to ask or too forward. But I can't help wondering what it might be like to bring a bit of happiness into this man's life... If only for a moment...

I quickly slip into the clothing he offers, grateful for its warmth against my skin. The fabric feels soft and comfortable, much better than anything I've worn in a long time. "Thank you," I murmur, looking up at him with a shy smile. "It's nice... I appreciate it."

There is something about Bonji that makes me want to please him, to make him happy. It's not the same as liking him or wanting to be close to him... But there's a certain connection there, an understanding. Perhaps it comes from both of us knowing what it's like to be alone and struggling in this world.

"Is there... Is there anything special you wanted me to do while I was gone?" I ask softly, hesitating slightly before continuing. "Or something I could help with?"

I sit down at the table, feeling self-conscious in the clean clothes and grateful for the warm food. As I eat, my eyes drift around the room, taking in details that had previously been invisible to me: The ornate paintings on the walls, the intricate carvings on the furniture... This place is so different from anything I've ever known.

"This house... It belonged to someone else before you?" I ask tentatively, my voice barely audible above the sound of chewing. "What was it like before... All these things changed?"

I nod slowly, my expression solemn. "That's... terrible what he did to those people." I swallow hard, still unable to fathom the cruelty of humanity. "But it's good that you have this place now. It must be nice to live here alone..." My voice trails off uncertainly.

There's a brief silence as I struggle to think of something more to say. Then an idea strikes me, and I take a deep breath before continuing. "Would you like... Would you like some company sometimes? It must get lonely being all alone in such a big house." I hesitate, wondering if this is too forward or presumptuous of me. "Or maybe I could help out around here... If you needed it."

I blush deeply, embarrassed by my own boldness but unable to take back the words now that they've been spoken. My heart flutters nervously in my chest as I wait for Bonji's reply.

I smile brightly, relief washing over me in waves. "Yes... Of course I'd be happy to work for you! It would mean so much if I could help make your life a little easier. And I promise to do my best at everything." My cheeks flush again as I glance down at the floor, suddenly self-conscious about how forward she just was. "I... I apologize if it seemed like I was pushing too hard, or being too presumptuous..."

There's a long pause as she wrestles with her own emotions and insecurities. "But if you'll have me, I swear that I will be loyal and devoted to serving you, and making this house feel like a home." Her voice is soft but firm, laced with determination that surprises even herself.

"Of course." I nod, my determination clear. "Lead the way. I'm ready to help you sort through everything and get this task done quickly and efficiently." I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of purpose wash over me as I prepares to begin her new life as Bonji's servant. In spite of the hardships that lie ahead, there's something comforting in knowing she has found a place where she can belong... Even if it means living in the shadow of his past.

I nod, taking a careful look at each item before beginning to sort them into their respective piles. As I work, my mind races with questions about the past owners and their lives. "What do you know about who owned this house before you?" I ask tentatively, glancing up at him for a moment before returning my focus to the task at hand.

Her curiosity piqued, she continues to sort and organize the documents and books, determined to learn more about the history of her new home... And perhaps even find some small connection to the world she once knew.

Her cheeks flush crimson at his words, and she quickly looks down to avoid meeting his gaze. She had never expected him to be so forward with her... But a part of her feels a strange thrill at the idea that he finds her attractive. "I-I'm sorry if I said something wrong," she stammers. "It's just that... This is all new to me, and I want to do my best for you."

She continues working, but can't help but wonder what sort of things he means when he mentions her "obeying" him. A shiver runs down her spine at the thought, and she tries not to imagine what that might entail... But despite herself, a tiny part of her is curious about exploring this new side of herself with Bonji as her guide.

Her cheeks burn even hotter at the question, and she lowers her gaze in embarrassment. "Y-yes," she whispers, barely audible above the sound of rustling paper as she sorts through a stack of documents. "Why do you ask?" She feels self-conscious suddenly, unsure how to react or what he might think about that piece of information.

Inwardly, however, there's a small part of her that's curious why it matters to him... And she can't deny the thrill that comes from knowing he finds her attractive despite her inexperience and lack of worldly knowledge.