[... No, he does not appear meek to her at all, even with the mincing way he speaks. He is a giant by the standards of the Japan she knew, where most men did not come up to her sternum, let along her breasts... and this Douman, who is newly arrived, is nearly at her chin.]

I see.

[Difficulties. Helplessness.]

Then I will leave time to be the one to show you how foolish it is to tell me that we will keep our chins up. I was taken to a world called Horos for months, and it has been moons since I was ripped to this one.

[Her fingers are tight on her bow.]

We move forward. There is little point to wasting the effort to do so cheerfully.