Chapter 19

“Thank you, Courtesan,” Kioshi said when I'd answered every question of his. Before I could respond, he got to his feet.

“I must go now, but I hope someday we can repeat this.”

“I'd love that,” I said, both disappointed he was leaving and pleased he wanted to speak to me again.

I voiced neither as he walked away, merely sighing and letting my eyes wander back to the scenery around me. For almost an hour I'd forgotten where I was, focused solely on him.

Not long after he left I got up and wandered out into the garden further. It was beautiful, and the wind blowing gently in the trees was calming. Once again I marvelled at how little I was feeling the cold. The paint must somehow act like a layer of clothing.

“Well, I knew you'd charm Tomichii,” Yaru said, appearing at my side. “But even I didn't expect you to get Kioshi talking.”

“He wanted me to help him perfect his technology.”

“Oh, I think he was considering more than that,” Yaru replied, his eyes lighting up.

“You saw everything the