The Emperor's Maid

The hard ground bit at Aiko's hands as she ploughed, sweat stinging her eyes. Her simple kimono was soiled, her hands clammy around the shovel. She paused, glancing at the house where her sisters, Chiho, Siho, and Miho, lived in pampered ease, oblivious to her toil.

Today was her mother's death anniversary, yet life continued its brutal rhythm. Her uncle, Shin Sa, had long treated her as a servant, a stark contrast to the gentle upbringing her sisters received.

That evening, exhausted and aching, Aiko returned home only to be met with demands from her sisters to clean their rooms. The accumulated resentment and grief erupted. “Go clean your room by yourself!” she snarled, slamming the door to her small room. Cries and squeals followed as her sisters ran to their uncle.

Later, Uncle Shin Sa stood in her doorway, her sisters hiding behind him. He berated her, calling her horrible and disrespectful. Aiko, fueled by anger, retorted, “I would rather die than live here.” He roared, ordering her to leave, mocking her mastery of martial arts. Aiko, embracing the unexpected freedom, walked out into the setting sun, leaving her old life behind, not daring to look back.