There have never been secrets between Iano and his twin brother, Miano. But that changes when his brother marries an heir of the most powerful fief of the village. With such power comes the right to see the face of the Goddess. Only, Iano's twin mus...
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Miano grabbed Iano's arm and dragged him outside. They were the same age, with a very similar build but right now Iano felt ten years younger than his twin. He didn't fight back because he was fully aware that he deserved it. Eventually, Miano let go of him and started walking to the edge of the fief, stopping where he found the fences that limited the houses and the cultivated lands.
At this point, the night had fallen, and one couldn't make out the products of the land among the darkness. "What do you have to say in your defense?"
"Nothing." Iano shrugged. "I'm sorry." His response didn't seem to make Miano feel any better, as if deep down his brother had some hope for him and expected that Iano had a good reason to steal their father's cigars and allow Dadakai to drink.
"I probably should go. I will be tracking tomorrow."
"You're crazy if you think you'll leave," said Miano. "You're returning to Dadakai's house to make sure he's well for the night. I'll tell nothing to Father or Mother but only if Dadakai is well tomorrow morning. I'll pass by early."
Iano simply nodded. He knew he didn't have a choice. Miano was already being too kind to him.
As Miano walked away something started gaining shape in the darkness. As soon as he was visible, he leaped in the air, greenish paws landing on Iano's shoulders. The capuchin monkey traversed Iano's shoulders from one elbow to another and slapped his head.
"I didn't mean to abandon you like that," Iano justified himself. "It's just that grandfather doesn't like you and you don't like him either. You didn't miss much, Mito. And I'm sorry to tell you this but we're spending the night with grandfather. But don't worry, he's so drunk, he won't even notice you."
Despite Iano reassuring him so well, as soon as he crossed the threshold of the door to Dadakai's house, Mito jumped away from his shoulders and into the darkness of the night, completely out of sight.
Maybe the Goddess of Earth heard Iano's words to Mito because the night watching over Dadakai passed by calmer than he expected. The old man talked in his sleep, but that was usual. The chaos the alcohol could have created seemed to be neutralized by the calming cigars, and when the night was solid and black like underground oil, regular snoring enveloped the whole house.
