Vicious. Too vicious.
As I rushed over, from the corner of my eye I glimpsed the girl's entire face drained of color. Her pale appearance looked utterly devastated.
If not for fearing I couldn't control my strength, I really wanted to punch him. Make him trace a beautiful arc through the sky and roll into the nearby pond.
The man pushed up his glasses. Looked at me fearlessly: "Miss, eavesdropping and intruding on others' conversations is extremely ill-mannered behavior."
Heh. Manners.
What—you want to compare who's studied etiquette more thoroughly? Or who's read more books?
The loser sticks their face out for me to hit?
"You're the ill-mannered one! You look like an educated person, yet you speak such vile words to a girl. Worse than a barbarian!"
Based on my many years of quarreling experience—in arguments, the most important thing is not falling into the other party's rhythm.
Best to suppress them in one breath so they can't speak.
My mind spun rapidly. The next words came out one after another. Gave him no chance to refute.
"You're just jealous of this girl, aren't you? After all, you don't have such great strength or such a good appetite. Plain-looking, mean-spirited and base—only viewing others from the darkest perspective."
"Because she's stronger than you, you fear you can't suppress her. That's why you're afraid to marry such a wife. Not only that, you want to destroy her confidence."
"Hard to imagine there's such a shameless man in this world. I truly pity your future wife. Your inferior genes are what shouldn't be passed down."
"For the good of this world, stop harming good people's daughters. Otherwise, can't even imagine how unfortunate your children would be!"
Not bad, not bad. Haven't quarreled in a while, but my performance is still this good.
My speech was too fast. Gave him no chance to speak the whole time. Bombarded him dizzy with a string of counterattacks.
The man trembled with anger. Shakily raised his finger pointing at me: "You... you woman... Kanroji, did you prepare this in advance? Have her humiliate me?"
I also turned back to look. Met a pair of wide, round eyes with the girl.
The sadness and pain on her face had disappeared. Only confusion and surprise remained.
Hearing this, she instinctively waved her hands: "No, no, I don't know this lady, but..."
"That's right. I just can't stand you bullying girls." I said again. "If she arranged me, I should beat you up instead."
"Mm-hmm, that makes sense." Kyojuro chimed in from the side. A bit eager to try: "But it's not too late now. Lady Chihaya, I'll control my strength properly!"
Seeing the sword at Kyojuro's waist, the man's expression changed again. As if afraid he'd rush over and hit him, kept backing away.
"Un-unreasonable! Kanroji, today's matchmaking ends here. Don't come looking for me again!"
He didn't even dare leave harsh words. Turned and hurriedly left.
I originally wanted to drag him back to make him apologize. But thought he'd definitely demand I apologize instead. And I couldn't really beat him up.
Might as well scold him thoroughly.
"Um, thank you for helping me." The girl smiled at me. "Especially you, miss. Thank you very much for what you said for me."
I looked into her unconfident eyes and said: "It's nothing. I just spoke the truth. I sincerely think you're amazing."
"Is... is that so? Actually, I also think maybe I eat too much..."
She still seemed very unconfident. After all, she'd just been rejected by her matchmaking partner.
But I felt that waste's words didn't need to be taken to heart at all.
Kyojuro also consoled from the side: "That's not true at all. Being able to eat is something very impressive. Lady Chihaya surely envies Miss Kanroji's wonderful appetite."
He really understood me. That's right, I really was envious.
Seeing me nod seriously, she finally showed a relieved smile: "Thank you. Oh right, I haven't asked your names yet. Also, please come visit my home."
The girl's name was Kanroji Mitsuri—a very cute and pleasant-sounding name.
Her family had five siblings. Parents ran a shop. Life could be considered quite prosperous.
From birth, Mitsuri's strength was extraordinarily great... And her appetite grew larger and larger with age.
Though outsiders would whisper, her family never looked at her strangely. Always made sure she ate her fill.
So this matchmaking failure counted as the biggest setback in her life experience.
Even so, before going home, Mitsuri still asked us not to tell her family those words. To spare everyone from feeling sad for her.
The affection between their family members was truly very good.
Learning we'd helped Mitsuri, her parents were also very warm. Brought out fine tea and sweets to treat us. Strongly urged us to stay for dinner.
The parents went to busy themselves in the kitchen. Mitsuri hugged her younger siblings and chatted with us.
Since the sword prohibition order was issued, people carrying swords on the street gradually became rare.
I saw the children's gazes constantly glancing at the scabbards. Simply unstrapped my sword to show them. Kyojuro also generously handed over his sword.
Mitsuri still had considerable authority before her young siblings. She didn't let the children draw the blades. Let them touch the scabbards, satisfy their curiosity, then drew them out to look.
The blade had a beautiful, slender curve. Reflecting light flashing through the window, brilliant and radiant.
The children exclaimed: "So beautiful!"
Even Mitsuri opened her mouth in surprise. Admiringly praised: "This is the first time I've seen such beautiful colors."
"Rengoku-san's is red like flames. Miss Chihaya's is golden like the sun. So amazing." She asked enthusiastically: "Are there swords of more colors?"
Telling her about the Demon Slayer Corps and demons was fine.
Though Mitsuri's strength far exceeded ordinary people, I hadn't thought of recruiting her to join.
Her family was happy and harmonious. Few troubles. No reason to risk her life fighting.
So we just chatted simply about the Demon Slayer Corps. Talked about demons' existence. Reminded her to always keep wisteria at home to ward off demons.
Mitsuri listened with continuous exclamations. Seemed to have forgotten the matchmaking unpleasantness. Couldn't help looking at Kyojuro again.
"So Rengoku-san is a very impressive person?"
"You flatter me. I'm just a demon hunter." Kyojuro laughed heartily. "Speaking of impressive, I think Lady Chihaya is the most remarkable."
Why the sudden praise? I didn't buy him candy.
Dinner was prepared very lavishly. Because Mitsuri's appetite was astonishing, her parents prepared a very large amount of food.
Also fortunately so. Discovering Kyojuro ate no less than Mitsuri, her parents accepted it quickly. Immediately wanted to go prepare more.
I hurriedly stopped them. Couldn't trouble the hosts further. Said we had matters later. Couldn't delay.
Mitsuri ate somewhat absentmindedly the whole time.
When we finished eating and prepared to take our leave, she walked to the door to see us off.
Seemed to have struggled for a long time. Still determined to ask: "Do you two think I can join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
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