Moonlight streamed down.
Slice!
On a desolate road,
Shinobu and Mitsuri cut off the head of the last Demon.
"It seems we really are being targeted."
Seeing this, Kanae frowned. "This is already the tenth or so wave of Demons attacking us on the road."
"It's nothing. It's probably just some cowardly Demon King testing something."
Ayato said disdainfully. "Only sending small fry like these to their deaths, he's destined to be insignificant."
"Master, how was my performance?"
Mitsuri ran back, returned the Nichirin Blade to Kanae, and looked at Ayato without blinking. "Have I improved a lot?"
"Yes, you've improved very quickly."
Ayato smiled and gave affirmation.
Shinobu came up. "What about me? I've gotten a lot stronger too."
"Mm, you're also very good."
Ayato gave her a head pat.
Both were future Hashira. Their talent was definitely without issue.
After becoming Devils, their strength was destined to grow explosively in a short time.
Shinobu's face flushed slightly.
'Master's hand... was very warm.'
"Master, we should conceal our tracks next."
Just then, Kanae said, "We're about to reach our Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters. We can't let the Demons find that place."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
Ayato nodded.
Although he didn't care,
He wouldn't reject a servant's reasonable suggestion.
A few hours later,
Butterfly Mansion!
This was the Demon Slayer Corps' medical facility.
It was also managed by Kanae.
"Kanae-sama is back!"
The moment Ayato and the others appeared, some young girls cheered and began to welcome them.
These were all the caregivers of the Butterfly Mansion.
They looked at Ayato with some curiosity but didn't ask many questions, instead immediately began preparing dinner for everyone.
Among them,
A delicate, doll-like girl with a lovely and dignified appearance was particularly noticeable.
"Master, this is Tsuyuri Kanao. She is our adopted younger sister."
Kanae introduced. "This child is very shy, so some of her actions may seem rude. I hope Master won't mind."
"No problem."
Ayato nodded, then smiled at Kanao. "Hello, I'm Ayato."
"Hel... hello."
Kanao gave a polite smile, then reverted to being wooden.
"..."
'Indeed, that smile was too fake.'
Shaking his head, Ayato flipped his hand, and some sweets and candies appeared in it.
"Here, this is a gift for you."
Kanao didn't respond, just unconsciously nibbled on a small bite.
"Take it."
Ayato smiled slightly and put the candy into her hand.
"That child gets like that when she encounters something she likes to eat. She probably doesn't even realize it herself."
Kanae sighed. "I don't know when she will truly open up."
"There will be a chance."
Ayato smiled. "There are also a few children among my servants. When the time comes, having them meet might have a good influence."
Stare… x3
Kanae and the other two looked at Ayato, their expressions becoming complicated.
'Master... didn't have any special hobbies, did he?'
Sensing their gazes, Ayato tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Don't look at me like that. I have my limits."
"Haha, I knew Master wasn't that kind of person."
"I'm sorry, Master, for misunderstanding you."
"Please, absolutely don't make a move on Kanao."
...
After dinner,
In a room on the second floor, Ayato flipped through a book.
This was the secret manual for Flower Breathing.
[Origin +11]
[Origin +15]
[Origin +17]
Looking at the text, Ayato frowned, then relaxed.
'Oh well,'
'Although the Origin Points gained were a bit small, it was better than nothing.'
"Master, please have some tea."
Just then, Kanae walked in.
She was wearing a kimono, with glistening water droplets in her hair.
It was obvious she had just finished bathing.
Ayato took a sip of tea and smiled. "Very fragrant. You have a good skill for brewing tea."
"It's nothing. When I'm bored, I spend a little time on the tea ceremony."
Kanae leaned closer. "Master, is there anything you don't understand about Flower Breathing?"
Her hands rested on Ayato's, her face flushed. "I can answer any questions you have."
"I do have some questions."
Ayato smiled, guiding Kanae's beautiful hands down.
"Mmm....."
Kanae's breathing grew heavier, her eyes slightly dazed.
"Can you... answer this for me?"
"Ye... yes."
Kanae's body trembled slightly, but she did not refuse.
As Master's servant, it was natural to fulfill her duties.
Next door!
Mitsuri, who had been drowsy, suddenly widened her eyes.
Before she knew it,
Her skin was covered in pink.
Her parents had already married her to Ayato, so they had taught her everything.
Now this... sound...
What was happening went without saying.
She sat up abruptly, feeling a tightness in her chest.
'So... so uncomfortable.'
'Was this... jealousy?'
"Dammit... even if it was Kanae-nee, I had become Master's wife first."
She muttered angrily.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. The angrier she got, the more she listened.
Gradually, her breathing became rapid.
A moment later,
Carrying her bedsheet, she hurriedly left the room.
…
Downstairs.
Shinobu looked at the blushing Mitsuri and asked, confused, "What's wrong? Is the bedsheet not clean?"
"A... a little."
Mitsuri said with some guilt. "I... I need to change it."
"Oh, leave it to me. Here's a new one."
Shinobu found a new bedsheet and was about to take Mitsuri's.
"No, no need. I'll wash it myself."
"Ah, no need to be so polite."
"It's... it's fine. I'm going."
Leaving these words, Mitsuri fled.
"How strange?"
Shinobu muttered to herself. "And come to think of it, why hasn't Nee-san come down yet?"