It seems the matter is settled. Burning with coercion I do as I’m instructed, but once we’ve finished lunch Mistress Kimiko shows that it is not. She rings her little bell, and when the maid appears smiles sweetly at her.
“Remove our dishes, Aiko. You can see that my slave here has licked his absolutely spotless. That should save you some work. Then return here promptly with my harigata.”
Aiko’s eyes light up at this, and she flashes me another look of loathing, gloating superiority as she picks up my dish. A bit unnerved still, I meet Mistress’ eyes as Aiko hurries away. She smiles calmly back at me with no menace whatsoever. The maid returns within moments, still wearing her jeering look of triumph over me. She’s carrying something yellow-white almost reverently in her hands.
As she c
