p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3dd43053abbbee01066f6c03b5763e7e"On the very edge of a small village in rural France stood a house. In this house lived a man and his sister. They weren't actually related, but were both outcasted by the town, so the boy took her in and fed into her love of learning. He taught her as much as he knew, which was way more than anyone else in town, especially since he came from a literate family in Paris. Sadly, they all had passed due to illness and he was taken to this small village. All the orphanages in the city were full. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1ea4774b6bf783490fec4fc3e516ac32"Kiyoko was considered the beauty of the village, for no one else could compare. She wore a simple blue dress with an apron over top. She never cooked for her brother of course, but he wanted to keep her dress as clean as possible. She has a habit of being too absorbed into a book that she forgets where she is and will waking into mud, other people, buildings, and other things she shouldn't be. They didn't have much money and wanted to preserve their clothes as long as possible to allow money for other necessities. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4b7f734f9fff5922b54f708e2e475460"Daichi was a writer, well self proclaimed, and was currently editing his first novel. It was a romance, Kiyoko's favorite, in which a prince stumbled upon a stranger in the woods. Often he would take up odd jobs across town for rent and food money, keeping Kiyoko alone at home with her few books they could afford. Her 17th birthday was fast approaching and he wanted to have enough to buy his sister a few more romance novels. He didn't want her working in town because of the rude folks that he was afraid would take advantage of her caring nature. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b5d456583e0a459d919d12a9af503f3b"Unknown to Daichi, Kiyoko was traveling into town toward the library to buy a new mystery book for Daichi as a thank you for all he does for her. She had been collecting change from the leftover money he had been giving her for groceries for the past few months. The bookkeeper was always so nice to her and would frequently give her discounts on things, the Sawamuras being Mr. Ukai's most loyal customers in town. The literacy rate in this town was not the best in France and women who could read were looked down upon in many places. However, it was important to Daichi that Kiyoko was literate. With her usual discount, she was able to get two books for him with some change left over. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dc57596f9384214379876acb05041a76""Is Daichi still working on that book of his?" Mr. Ukai asked. He was always interested in the affairs of these two. He practically raised them as his own and kept after them as the years went on. He was the only person in town who understood them and treated them as something other than a freak show spectacle. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4b4649e41a71ba3927da331f42154c82""Yes, he is almost finished actually. He's had me beta read many times to make sure its any good," she responded./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6100cfbb877f69be0fb84a5594f7398a""Well in that case, a few towns over there's a publisher if he wants to sell his works. I know how much that would mean to you guys," Ukai offered. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8de98f5e9cbe7923480c9ab3e16cf78f""Thank you, I'll be sure to tell him about it at home. See you later, Mr. Ukai."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f185e504b0592a801e9ff48a298acaf4"On her way back to their house, she was stopped by the town huntsman, local hero, and resident asshole Terushima. He was beloved all throughout the town, except for Daichi and Kiyoko. He though Daichi crazy for teaching her to read and write, not seeing the point of it and frequently made his opinions on female literacy clear. Although it wasn't clear to the two Sawamuras if he could read or not himself. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c06e980e1af687eb0b01cc9178fd5285""Hey, a pretty little thing like yourself shouldn't be walking around here by yourself. Let me take you home," he offered, taking her arm before she could respond. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ed1db7a0e6839b246b571190ba62dcac""What do you have here? Looks like a book..." he continued before shoe could answer and took her book. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="418d253740ecd4f2abca40eadc12595c""Where are the pictures? How can you understand any of this?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a098528581554174d0e5ad6223fec255""Well, Terushima, some of us enjoy reading. Pictures only take up space," Kiyoko responded quietly, taking her book back and walking more briskly home. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4a8125f8dc60fb2a307d422637a29dec"She hoped Daichi wasn't around to see this. He was known to pick fights with Terushima or anyone else who insulted his sister. He was always well mannered, but very overprotective over her. Supportive as well, knowing she was not interested in men. It wasn't like he wanted her, far from it. He saw her as a younger sister and was clearly interested in men in a way she never would be. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fd70e45d96097c355e4e5f31668fa068"Luckily, he was still inside finishing up his novel. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a6495b921b2e92b209bf128d8dd115a5""Anything happen, Kiyo? you seem frazzled," Daichi greeted her, not looking up from his work. He was able to sense when there was something wrong, knowing Kiyoko wasn't too fond of retelling encounters with Terushima. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b32d3667e6d0fe9696dc341dbb8e4ab7""Nothing out of the ordinary, really, but I got you a present to show how grateful for all you do for me," Kiyoko answered. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7a362304c7435e90fb09cfebab4ac818"She was excited to she his reaction to her gift. She pulled put the two books for him and set them down on the desk next to him. As soon as they entered his peripheral vision, Daichi looked up at his sister, grateful for all she does for him. He stood up and pulled her into a long hug./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b9237e58a6412ad019ed90ccaac0a0b1""Kiyo, you definitely didn't have to do any of this for me. You being my younger sister is enough of a gift for me," Daichi said into her hair./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="66b99033980968f4f71716f8e1941155""I know, but sometimes you deserve a gift. You work yourself tired everyday doing all different jobs for me, it was the least I could do. Also, Mr. Ukai told me of this publisher a few towns over that is looking for new writers. This could be your chance, Dai," Kiyoko responded looking up at her brother. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b6a9389e3b5e2881d4fc12e99bb5a0d5""I'll head out now then, don't want to keep our future waiting on me," he left the hug and pulled on a jacket and shoved is book into his bag. Before he could leave the door, Kiyoko pulled him back and gestured to his forgotten shoes across the room. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="089cc80d5e6b65ee76b818e58509d6fa""Right, well I'll be off. See you in a few days" he said, pulling on his shoes and leaving. He hopped onto their one horse and strode off toward the next village in search of this publisher. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1ea4774b6bf783490fec4fc3e516ac32"Kiyoko was considered the beauty of the village, for no one else could compare. She wore a simple blue dress with an apron over top. She never cooked for her brother of course, but he wanted to keep her dress as clean as possible. She has a habit of being too absorbed into a book that she forgets where she is and will waking into mud, other people, buildings, and other things she shouldn't be. They didn't have much money and wanted to preserve their clothes as long as possible to allow money for other necessities. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4b7f734f9fff5922b54f708e2e475460"Daichi was a writer, well self proclaimed, and was currently editing his first novel. It was a romance, Kiyoko's favorite, in which a prince stumbled upon a stranger in the woods. Often he would take up odd jobs across town for rent and food money, keeping Kiyoko alone at home with her few books they could afford. Her 17th birthday was fast approaching and he wanted to have enough to buy his sister a few more romance novels. He didn't want her working in town because of the rude folks that he was afraid would take advantage of her caring nature. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b5d456583e0a459d919d12a9af503f3b"Unknown to Daichi, Kiyoko was traveling into town toward the library to buy a new mystery book for Daichi as a thank you for all he does for her. She had been collecting change from the leftover money he had been giving her for groceries for the past few months. The bookkeeper was always so nice to her and would frequently give her discounts on things, the Sawamuras being Mr. Ukai's most loyal customers in town. The literacy rate in this town was not the best in France and women who could read were looked down upon in many places. However, it was important to Daichi that Kiyoko was literate. With her usual discount, she was able to get two books for him with some change left over. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dc57596f9384214379876acb05041a76""Is Daichi still working on that book of his?" Mr. Ukai asked. He was always interested in the affairs of these two. He practically raised them as his own and kept after them as the years went on. He was the only person in town who understood them and treated them as something other than a freak show spectacle. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4b4649e41a71ba3927da331f42154c82""Yes, he is almost finished actually. He's had me beta read many times to make sure its any good," she responded./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6100cfbb877f69be0fb84a5594f7398a""Well in that case, a few towns over there's a publisher if he wants to sell his works. I know how much that would mean to you guys," Ukai offered. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8de98f5e9cbe7923480c9ab3e16cf78f""Thank you, I'll be sure to tell him about it at home. See you later, Mr. Ukai."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f185e504b0592a801e9ff48a298acaf4"On her way back to their house, she was stopped by the town huntsman, local hero, and resident asshole Terushima. He was beloved all throughout the town, except for Daichi and Kiyoko. He though Daichi crazy for teaching her to read and write, not seeing the point of it and frequently made his opinions on female literacy clear. Although it wasn't clear to the two Sawamuras if he could read or not himself. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c06e980e1af687eb0b01cc9178fd5285""Hey, a pretty little thing like yourself shouldn't be walking around here by yourself. Let me take you home," he offered, taking her arm before she could respond. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ed1db7a0e6839b246b571190ba62dcac""What do you have here? Looks like a book..." he continued before shoe could answer and took her book. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="418d253740ecd4f2abca40eadc12595c""Where are the pictures? How can you understand any of this?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a098528581554174d0e5ad6223fec255""Well, Terushima, some of us enjoy reading. Pictures only take up space," Kiyoko responded quietly, taking her book back and walking more briskly home. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4a8125f8dc60fb2a307d422637a29dec"She hoped Daichi wasn't around to see this. He was known to pick fights with Terushima or anyone else who insulted his sister. He was always well mannered, but very overprotective over her. Supportive as well, knowing she was not interested in men. It wasn't like he wanted her, far from it. He saw her as a younger sister and was clearly interested in men in a way she never would be. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fd70e45d96097c355e4e5f31668fa068"Luckily, he was still inside finishing up his novel. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a6495b921b2e92b209bf128d8dd115a5""Anything happen, Kiyo? you seem frazzled," Daichi greeted her, not looking up from his work. He was able to sense when there was something wrong, knowing Kiyoko wasn't too fond of retelling encounters with Terushima. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b32d3667e6d0fe9696dc341dbb8e4ab7""Nothing out of the ordinary, really, but I got you a present to show how grateful for all you do for me," Kiyoko answered. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7a362304c7435e90fb09cfebab4ac818"She was excited to she his reaction to her gift. She pulled put the two books for him and set them down on the desk next to him. As soon as they entered his peripheral vision, Daichi looked up at his sister, grateful for all she does for him. He stood up and pulled her into a long hug./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b9237e58a6412ad019ed90ccaac0a0b1""Kiyo, you definitely didn't have to do any of this for me. You being my younger sister is enough of a gift for me," Daichi said into her hair./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="66b99033980968f4f71716f8e1941155""I know, but sometimes you deserve a gift. You work yourself tired everyday doing all different jobs for me, it was the least I could do. Also, Mr. Ukai told me of this publisher a few towns over that is looking for new writers. This could be your chance, Dai," Kiyoko responded looking up at her brother. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b6a9389e3b5e2881d4fc12e99bb5a0d5""I'll head out now then, don't want to keep our future waiting on me," he left the hug and pulled on a jacket and shoved is book into his bag. Before he could leave the door, Kiyoko pulled him back and gestured to his forgotten shoes across the room. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222;" data-p-id="089cc80d5e6b65ee76b818e58509d6fa""Right, well I'll be off. See you in a few days" he said, pulling on his shoes and leaving. He hopped onto their one horse and strode off toward the next village in search of this publisher. /p