FULL STORY SUMMARY
Rated M for mature/Rated E for explicit. Reader discretion advised.
To free the Earth from Kibutsuji Muzan and Mujōna's tyranny and demon reign, a new organization prepares and trains for battle.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
First things first: I've thought of the perfect name for my readers…
💗SOFTIES💗
That's cute, right?
I've decided to revamp a lot of Part Three! I'll soon rewrite the fight between Zenitsu and Tanjirou. I'm going to take out Kaigaku's involvement and have the fight be without kekkijutsu and swords; just fists.
At first, I only wanted Kaigaku to be an obstacle for Zenitsu, but I've fell in love with him. So I plan to do some character development for him, because he deserves it. Maybe he'll find a certain someone, or just changes for the better on his own. Who knows? (No, seriously. I actually don't know. You think I actually plan this shit? Give me suggestions.)
I'd like to thank A_smooth_criminal; a good friend who's been supporting me for a while now! They created Ravager and it'd be amazing if you guys could spread some love and check them out!
For the Gyomei and Kaigaku situation: In the manga, Gyomei somehow knows that Kaigaku was behind what happened, but in this story, he doesn't! He's under the impression that Kaigaku died along with the other children. (This is from cartoonicaddic's suggestion! Spread some love!)
And oh my God, you guys, PLEASE BE NICE IN THE COMMENTS. It's so annoying to have constant notifications over the pettiest shit ever. I'll never close off or moderate comments, but oh my God.
Also… I HAVE CORONAVIRUS, LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOILITERALLYFOLLOWEDALLTHEGUIDELINESANDISTILLGOTIT,SOFUCKMEAMIRIGHT? But I'm okay! I'm asymptomatic and in quarantine.
🏮読んでくれてありがとう🏮
CHAPTER VOCABULARY
* hyottoko: comical Japanese character whose mouth is puckered and skewed to one side.
* yatai: a small, mobile food stall in Japan.
* gyoza: Japanese dumpling.
* beru oni/bell demon: the only servant of The Eien no Kyūden. Unknown demon who's arms extends from above and rings a bell, which reminds the twins of their schedule.
MEDIA DICTIONARY
* Thoughts
* "Dialogue."
* 'Telepathic dialogue.'
* "'Hearing someone's thoughts.'"
* "Past conversation."
* {Sound}
* [Movement]
TIMESKIP: SIX MONTHS
MUJIHI
The Kibutsuji Family walked hand in hand through an area of Tokyo that was heavily guarded by unsuspecting Demon Slayers.
Nightfall was approaching and the vivid, elaborate colors of the sunset were replaced by deep blues, violets, and twinkling stars. A nearby festival was being held and countless people scurried about.
Soon, they reached an area that wasn't swarming with people and walked along the sidewalk.
Because they were too young and not powerful enough to suppress their demon characteristics, the twins wore masks and hooded cloaks; Mugoi wore a hyottoko mask and Mujihi wore a goblin mask.
The family continued their stroll until Mujihi came to an abrupt halt and frantically sniffed the air.
"What is it, Muji-kun?" Mujōna cooed.
Mujihi looked in the other direction and pointed at a yatai that was a vast distance away. The food stand had a large variety of delicious meals and smelled scrumptious.
Except to demons, of course.
Well, most of them.
"Sweetheart, you can feed once we're home."
Mujihi tugged at his mother's dress and rocked back and forth on the heel of his shoes. "Please, Mommy," he said softly.
Mujōna glanced at her husband, who had a heartwarming smile upon his handsome face. "Well, it wouldn't hurt, darling."
"Oh, alright. Fine," she laughed.
The family approached the yatai and was greeted by a green-to-black haired woman. "Oh, hello! Welcome to Mutoshuga's! What could I do for you?"
Muzan crouched to Mujihi's level and asked, "Nandeshou?"
✧TRANSLATION: Muzan crouched to Mujihi's level and asked, "What would you like?"
"Niku," the orange-eyed boy said.
✧TRANSLATION: "Meat," the orange-eyed boy said.
The Demon Lord stood up and said, "We'd like a dozen of your finest gyozas."
"Coming right up!" Then the seller prepared a box of deliciously plump, steaming gyozas.
As Muzan paid for the meal and left a generous tip, the seller adoringly stared at the two little masked boys.
"Oh, they're so cute. I could just eat them up!" she gushed. "Such a beautiful family!"
Mujōna covered half of her face with her fan and said, "Why, thank you."
"I'm an oni," Mujihi abruptly said.
Mujōna narrowed her eyes and pulled her son closer to her, telepathically scolding him.
'Don't say everything that comes to mind, Mujihi.'
The seller grinned and said, "Yes, I can see that! I like your little mask and I like your brother's as well!" Then she saw the generous amount of yen Muzan left for her and said, "…Woah. Thanks for your kindness, sir!"
The Demon Lord tipped his fedora and said, "No, thank you for your services. Farewell." Then he went to take Mujihi's hand, but the little boy only wanted to hold the box of gyozas.
"Please, Otōsan," he said softly. Mujihi took the gyoza box and savored the delectable aroma. Then his hood fell as he took off his goblin mask to eat one.
The seller's joyous expression immediately turned into a horrified one at the sight.
The adorable little boy had bright orange eyes with slit pupils and sharp ears. As he opened his mouth to eat a dumpling, he revealed two sharp fangs.
"…A d-demon. He's a demon!" the seller gasped, trembling.
Just as she opened her mouth to let out a deafening, bloodcurdling cry, Muzan swiftly slit her throat to silence her.
Blood gushed out of the gash and covered the entire yatai as she crumbled to the floor.
Mujihi nonchalantly gobbled and stuffed three dumplings in his mouth. "Oishii."
✧TRANSLATION: Mujihi nonchalantly gobbled and stuffed three dumplings in his mouth. "Yummy."
The Demon Lord took Mujihi into his arms and covered his head with the hood. "Dōshite son'nani shōdō-teki ni naranakya ikenai nda, Mujihi?" he chastised.
✧TRANSLATION: The Demon Lord took Mujihi into his arms and covered his head with the hood. "Why must you be so impulsive, Mujihi?" he chastised.
"Otōsan, the niku was oishikatta."
✧TRANSLATION: "Daddy, the meat was yummy."
"Oishikatta kamo shiremasenga, shōka dekimasen."
✧TRANSLATION: "It may taste good, but you will soon learn that you cannot digest human food yet."
The Kibutsuji Family continued their evening stroll until, just as expected, Mujihi began to cough and whimper.
Muzan took him behind a tree and watched as the orange-eyed boy vomited.
Once Mujihi finished, Muzan crouched to his level and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "Kore o ressun to shite uketomete kudasai, Mujihi."
✧TRANSLATION: Once Mujihi finished, Muzan crouched to his level and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "Take this as a lesson, Mujihi."
Mujihi questionably tilted his head, then broke into a wide grin. "Otōsan, motto tabetai!" he exclaimed.
✧TRANSLATION: Mujihi questionably tilted his head, then broke into a wide grin. "Daddy, I want to eat more!" he exclaimed.
As he took his child into his arms, Muzan said, "Maybe next time."
"It's getting late, Muji-kun. It's time to go home." Mujōna opened a portal to The Eien no Kyūden, then she and Mugoi walked through it.
The orange-eyed boy whined and sniffled as they walked farther away from the box of gyozas. "No," he whispered, his eyes welling with tears. "I want them..."
As they left the human realm, Mujihi felt a deep yearning for not only gyozas, but for a certain white snake.
Kabuma…
MUZAN
Mugoi and Mujihi laid upon a luxurious futon as their parents sat beside them to wish them goodnight. The twins had finally gotten out of the habit of sleeping with their parents, and had developed a sense of independence.
Mujōna kissed both of their cheeks and sang, "Oyasumi, Suītsu."
✧TRANSLATION: Mujōna kissed both of their cheeks and sang, "Goodnight, you two."
"Nemuku arimasen," Mugoi whined, pouting. Then he playfully buried himself underneath the blankets.
✧TRANSLATION: "I'm not sleepy," Mugoi whined, pouting. Then he playfully buried himself underneath the blankets.
"I want Kabuma," Mujihi said.
Upon hearing that, Muzan's pupils contracted into deep, angry slits. "What did I tell you about saying that? I told you to drop it, didn't I?"
"And I want Koko," Mugoi said from under the blanket. "I want him now!"
I thought I ended this weeks ago. Goddamn it all!
"You don't know what you want, Mugoi," The Demon Lord boomed, slightly raising his voice. "Now, go to bed because you have training tomorrow."
Mujihi burst into tears and clutched his teddy bear, his burgundy claws piercing its fabric. "No, no, no. Nemuku arima—"
The orange-eyed boy paused when the arm of the beru oni extended from above and rang its bell, signaling that it was their bedtime. Its ringing immediately captivated and calmed the two toddlers down.
Mugoi uncovered his head and giggled, "Beru oni. Beru oni ga suki."
✧TRANSLATION: Mugoi uncovered his head and giggled, "Bell demon. I like the bell demon."
"Yèyīn," Mujihi laughed as he reached for the bell.
The beru oni playfully shook its bell once again, then disappeared.
"Ni-ri-tomo neru junbi wa ī?" Muzan asked.
✧TRANSLATION: "Are you both ready to sleep?" Muzan asked.
The twins nodded, then Muzan tucked them in.
"I and your father love you so very much, now sleep well," Mujōna cooed, smiling ever so tenderly.
Muzan and Mujōna cuddled together upon the branch of a giant sakura. As he leaned against the tree and held her close, she rested against him.
"Those two are something else," he sighed as he ran his fingers through her hair. "No matter how much I try, they're still attached to Kokushibou and that damn snake."
"Perhaps you're too invested in this," she said. "You're making this into a bigger issue than it is, and I think jealously is a factor."
The Demon Lord stopped caressing her hair and made her look at him directly. "Jealous? Of what?" he said ominously.
Mujōna rolled her eyes and said, "Of both of the twins' first word not being centered around you."
"…Mujōna, I question your judgement at times."
"As I question yours."
"My conscious is sound and clear, and so is my judgement. You're the one who relies on feeble emotions for guidance." Then he buried his face in her vanilla scented hair, relishing her warmth and natural fragrance.
"Your comtempt for emotions stems from your incapacity to understand them," she sighed. "But in time, I'll teach you how to understand everything."
"Woman, what could you possibly teach me? You forget that I've lived lifetimes longer than you."
Smirking, she lovingly cupped his face in her hands and said, "Muzan, do you know what love smells like?"
He gave her a blank stare, perplexed.
"Well, I do. Not only can I see emotions, but I can smell them as well. Each of us are beings composed of flesh and bound to our respective realms, but our souls are our true selves. The soul emits various energies derived from emotions. Anger, happiness, joy, sorrow, despair; these are only a few of the infinite emotions we're capable of, and I can perceive all of them."
The Demon Lord stared at her for an eternity, then said, "…Mujōna, you are the strangest demon I've ever created."
"Then that means that I'm doing something right, yes?"
"Indeed."
The Queen laughed as she playfully tackled and smothered his neck in kisses. Then she rested against his chest and said, "So, what are you going to do about the boys?"
"I've been thinking about this for a while; why don't we give them pets?"
"Do you believe that they're actually ready for pets, Muzan? You know how they are, especially Mujihi."
"Which is why they both need a pet," he laughed. "It'll be good for them and give them a sense of responsibility."
"Well, I guess you're right. What do you have in mind?"
The Demon Lord sent her a telepathic message, which made her let out a melodious laugh and kiss him deeply. "That's a wonderful idea, My Love, but I have an even better one…"
TIMESKIP: TWO WEEKS
After practicing the basics of martial arts with their father for a while, Mugoi and Mujihi were brought to an unfamiliar chamber. The twins were confused, excited, and eager all at once.
Their mother beckoned them to approach and kissed their foreheads and cheeks. "How was training with your father?" she asked.
"It was fun!" Mujihi exclaimed as he playfully spun around, then lost his footing.
"Yeah, it was fun," Mugoi said softly with a wide grin.
Then Muzan appeared and crouched to both of their levels, smiling faintly. "Because of your continued improvements, I and your mother decided to properly reward you."
Mugoi and Mujihi gasped with joy and leaned in even closer, both of their noses wiggling frantically.
The Demon Lord waved his hand, which made a present appear before Mujihi. "Mujihi, you're first."
The orange-eyed boy grinned as he opened the present, then gasped at the sight. A white snake with red eyes sat coiled perfectly inside, and playfully flicked its tongue at him.
Mujihi burst into tears of joy as the snake lovingly coiled up his arms. "Kabuma! Its Kabuma!"
Muzan and Mujōna smiled as they watched their son bawl and hug the snake with such love.
Suddenly, Mujihi paused and his joyful expression was replaced with a blank, unreadable one. The white snake seemed perplexed by his actions, but continued lovingly rubbing against him anyway.
The Queen glanced at her husband, who seemed bewildered as well. "Muji-kun, what's wr—"
Before she could finish, Mujihi squeezed the snake and made its organs and intestines burst out of it.
"That's not Kabuma," Mujihi said in a voice that wasn't his, his eyes wide.
The aura he emitted was drastically different from the usual joyful, carefree one he had. This one was dark and threatening, and was a warning that he was about to have one of the most dangerous things a toddler could have—
A temper tantrum.
Damn it all!
Scowling, The Demon Lord rubbed his temples and sighed, "…Correct."
"You lied. You lied to me," Mujihi said, his eye and nose twitching frantically.
Mujōna emitted a calming miasma and embraced him, which made him relax and put him at ease.
As Mujihi burst into tears and bawled against her kimono, she cooed, "Koibito, we didn't lie to you. We only wanted for you to be happy."
"No, no, no! I wanted Kabuma, and that was not Kabuma! Sore wa usodeshita!"
✧TRANSLATION: "No, no, no! I wanted Kabuma, and that was not Kabuma! That was a lie!"
"Oh, we're so sorry, Koibito, but no more tears, okay?"
"Mugoi, you've been patient and on your best behavior, so here's your gift." Muzan waved his hand, and a present appeared before Mugoi.
The golden-eyed boy opened the present with haste, and had only one thing on his mind—
Koko.
Mugoi questionably titled his head upon seeing a small lump of black fur inside. Then he gasped when the lump turned around, revealing an adorable three-headed puppy.
The Cerberus puppy leapt out of the present and began to run around the entire chamber.
Mujihi's incessant sobbing ceased when he saw the small creature. "Huh?" he whispered, his lips quivering.
The Cerberus puppy ran circles around him and barked with great joy, which made the twins laugh. They petted the puppy's multiple heads and giggled at the sight.
"Since your brother killed his pet, this canine belongs to both of you. You two must treat him well, because you aren't getting another one!" Muzan hissed.
"So, what will you two name him?" Mujōna asked.
The twins stared at the Cerberus puppy for a while, then Mujihi said, "Kabuma!"
"You will name him no such thing!" Muzan snarled.
"His name should be… Koko," Mugoi suggested.
Mujihi playfully covered his face and giggled, "Koko-Kabuma."
"Yeah, Koko-Kabuma. Watashitachi wa ano namae ga sukidesu."
✧TRANSLATION: "Yeah, Koko-Kabuma. We like that name."
They're still obsessed with that fucking snake and Kokushibou! What the hell is wrong with these children of mine?
Seething, The Demon Lord growled, "Since you two can't take anything serious, I shall name him!"
Then he looked at the Cerberus puppy, who sat before him like an obedient pet should. "…Ravager. His name is Ravager, and that's final."
Ravager playfully wagged his tailed and went to rub against Muzan, but he said, "I forbid you to touch me and my wife. Go away and play with those two instead."
Ravager obeyed and playfully chased Mugoi and Mujihi out of the chamber.
Now alone, Mujōna seductively ran her sharp, white claws through his wavy, medium length hair. Then she went to his ear and whispered, "You did very well, Muzan. I'm so proud of you."
"I can't believe I let you convince me into getting them a demon mutt," he sighed.
"Well, you of all people know how persuasive I can be."
The Demon Lord pulled his wife closer to him and said, "Indeed."
KAIGAKU
After wandering the Earth and taking countless lives for a while, Kaigaku decided to return to the demon realm. Once his surroundings shifted into that of his liking, he laid down and stared at the ceiling.
As he recuperated, Kaigaku thought back on everything that had transpired after he became Upper Moon Three.
…This whole thing has been a wild ride.
I'm happy to have been chosen by Master, someone who actually values me, but I didn't think that it'd be like this.
The last person I thought I'd see here would be… Zenitsu.
Visions and images of the yellow-haired demon flooded his mind, which made him smolder with fury.
God, I hate that halfwit! No, I despise him. He doesn't deserve to be here, let alone be alive.
I thought that he'd get killed sooner or later, but he became a fellow high-ranking demon instead.
Just my fucking luck.
Then Kaigaku recalled how he and Zenitsu could've fought to the death, but Mujōna's assistants stopped them. An inexplicable rage boiled within him at the recollection.
There is no way I can get rid of him! He's like an annoying pest that just won't die.
And to think that Sensei chose both of us to be his successor when I'm more skilled than him.
It should've just been me and me alone!
And I can't believe that he thinks he did nothing wrong! He has always taken things from me; the attention, praise, respect, and honor, and more!
…I want him gone, but it'd be an idiot move to try anything.
After simmering and festering in his own fury for a while, Kaigaku decided train in one of the manty simulations. As he approached a portal, he suddenly sensed a faint, familiar presence.
Huh?
Kaigaku's eyes narrowed and his ears perked up as he neared, his heartrate steadily increasing.
…No.
His heart threatened to burst out of his chest as its frantic melody pounded in his ears.
It can't be.
Startled, Kaigaku stopped dead in his tracks upon seeing the large, brawny figure of a man. The man's back faced him as he stared out of a window.
Kaigaku stared at the man from afar, his throat closing as chills ran down his spine. The undeniable, indisputable identity of that man was so very clear.
And that terrified him.
…Gyomei.
Gyomei seemed to stare at Kaigaku out of the corner of his eye, yet when he turned to him, his eyes were closed.
The two demons 'stared' at each other and didn't move a muscle, until Kaigaku took a few hesitant steps towards him. "G-Gyomei?" he faltered.
Gyomei approached and stood before him. He towered over Kaigaku, who only reached the middle of his chest. After an eternity, he said, "…Kaigaku?"
The sound of Gyomei saying Kaigaku's name echoed and resounded through the endless corridors of the fortress. It sounded so alien-like as if it didn't truly belong to him, but with a tinge of comfort.
"…Yeah, its m—"
Before he could finish, Gyomei opened his eyes and wrapped him in a deep, loving embrace. "…It's you. It's really you," he choked out, his lips quivering.
Grimacing, Kaigaku recoiled from his touch and yelled, "Hey, don't touch me! Don't fucking touch me!"
Gyomei took a few steps back and turned away. "I am… sorry, Kaigaku."
"You… You don't have the right to lay a finger on me!" he shouted; his voice slightly cracking. Kaigaku saw that his hand was trembling, and felt a raging sea of emotions inside of him.
The anger and frustration that built inside of him for years was the most prominent one, but other emotions he didn't want to feel were present as well.
Relief.
Regret.
And a twinge of sorrow.
Sadness? Why the hell would I be sad over this guy? I have no remorse for what I did!
This man… he and the other orphans ran me out of the temple over some measly change! They had what was coming to them!
"…The last person I thought I'd see here would be you, Kaigaku. I thought you— I thought you met your demise."
"Oh, yeah? Then maybe you should open your eyes!" he spat. "And of course, you'd assume such a thing. You always thought less of me!"
"That… That's not true, Kai—"
"You don't get to say my fucking name!" he roared. Kaigaku was taken aback by his own behavior and tried to settle down, but to no avail. Veins protruded and throbbed all over his entire body, and the desire to rip Gyomei's head off was overwhelming.
Gyomei closed his eyes and took a deep, unsteady breath. "I was just surprised to know that you were alive and here as well. And I keep my eyes closed because… sight isn't what I thought it would be."
An awkward, tense, sullen silence loomed over them until Gyomei strained to say, "I-I thought that demon killed you along with the other children at the temple. It's been so long…"
Upon hearing that, a sudden wave of calm washed over Kaigaku, and the overbearing rage he felt was pacified. The man was still furious, but didn't feel the desire to slay Gyomei right then and there.
Hm… he actually believes that I had nothing to do with what happened. Maybe I'm not as hapless after all.
A faint, mischievous smirk appeared upon Kaigaku's face, then was replaced with a disingenuous smile. "I'm sorry… for how I responded, Gyomei. This is just a lot to take in."
Gyomei approached him and opened his eyes, which were silver with teardrop-shaped pupils. "…I understand," he said, smiling ever so tenderly. "To see your face brings me… great joy."
Then he hesitantly pulled Kaigaku into a warm, loving embrace.
And Kaigaku let him.
As they hugged, Kaigaku stared at the ceiling above. The many swirling emotions he felt were conflicting and indistinct, but the feeling of comfort was the most perceivable.
That feeling made him reminisce of all the good times they shared at the temple.
I don't really care for this guy, but to have someone care for me like this is kind of… nice.
I think it's better for both of us if he doesn't know the truth.
Gyomei attempted to stifle his soft sobs, but to no avail. Soon, he began to quietly bawl freely, tears streaking his face. "I-I'm just so happy that you're alive!"
Yeah, I'll keep this big guy close by. They say to keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer, right?
DŪLEN
After six months of nonstop grueling and rigorous training, it was now the end of Omoikitta's Second Stage training. In order to move on to her Third Stage training, Omoikitta had to effectively display all that she learned.
Omoikitta and Dūlen stood on the outskirts of The Bushi Temple, a dawning violet sky above. The swordswoman stood in a battle stance and braced herself for the battle that would soon come.
"Are you ready, Omoikitta?"
"Osu," she said, gripping her blade even tighter.
"Release the demons!" Dūlen bellowed.
Over twenty grotesque lower demons were released from a large cage. They snarled and growled as they foamed at the mouth like raging beasts. Then they surrounded Omoikitta and charged at her at full speed.
Dūlen watched Omoikitta from afar and grinned at how she brutally slayed each demon and evaded their attacks.
The rage she has within isn't consuming her, but is building her. If only Ryū was like this.
I'd like to ask Omoikitta what fuels her so intensely, but that is only for her to reveal if willing. Something is gnawing at this woman' very core, but is destining her for greatness.
"Omoikitta, relax your muscles before you strike. That'll make for greater impact!"
Black blood splattered everywhere as the swordswoman tore them limb by limb.
Such sloppy work, but nothing that can't be perfected.
A few minutes later, Omoikitta had successfully slayed all of the lower demons. She watched as their remains burst into flames and disintegrated.
Then she kneeled before Dūlen and said, "Master Dūlen-sama, I have something to ask of you."
"What is it, child?" he asked, scowling.
The swordswoman held his stare with her jade green eyes, which had a newfound gleam of maturity, dedication, and vengeance within them. "I want you to be my sensei for the rest of my training."
Dūlen was genuinely astonished and taken aback by her request, but pleased. "Are you certain that this is what you want, Omoikitta? Just because you seek my instruction doesn't mean I won't be lenient."
"I am, Master Dūlen-sama. I am truthfully committed to this and you're the only one who can train me. I want this more than anything."
After a few moments of contemplation, he said, "…Very well, Omoikitta. I shall take you under my wing and prepare you for battle. Now, take care of this other horde and do it correctly this time! Those previous kills of yours were messy and foul!"
Another cage opened and released close to forty lower demons. Omoikitta grinned as charged at the demons before they could even charge at her.
As she slayed the many lower demons and practiced her clean kills, Dūlen thought to himself.
Yoriichi was right; Omoikitta truly does have what it takes. The power she has within is very similar to my former student, Takeo.
Omoikitta will soon wield the Seinaru Blade and fight alongside Yoriichi and the other Pairons.
I'm sure of it.
TIMESKIP: FOUR YEARS AGO
HAKUJAKU
Hakujaku sat in a sitting area of an opulent mansion, clutching two suitcases. After a while of waiting, a maid approached him and said, "His Lordship will see you now."
The maid guided him to a large grand door and opened it, revealing a luxurious chamber. There, he saw a man.
The man was quite round with large cheeks and a moustache, and was clearly a wealthy aristocrat.
Lord Beaumont; Head of all of France's financial matters.
✧On Earth, all countries are ruled by a monarchy, and their sovereigns would appoint people to handle certain matters. This is a universe where the past and present meet and entwine. Technology is present, but many use carriages and wear traditional clothing. There are only two races; demons and humans. Humans share and respect each other's cultures, and the Earth is practically a utopia, but a dystopia as well because of demons. (Honestly, the only discrimination in this universe is classism and sexism.)
Beaumont extended his hand and said, "Welcome to my humble abode, Mr. Maeda." Beaumont shook Hakujaku's hand harder than one would with maracas.
"I've very grateful to be here, Lord Beaumont."
The two men sat across from each other, then a few maids entered with tea and desserts for them.
"A macaron, Mr. Maeda?"
"No, thank you. I already had lunch."
"Well, if you change your mind, Celia would be pleased to serve you. Isn't that right, Celia?"
A maid with auburn-to-black hair bowed and monotonously said, "Yes, My Lord."
That woman is like a robot!
Beaumont clapped his hands and said, "Now, let's get started, shall we?"
"…Of course!" Hakujaku opened his suitcase and laid out each document upon the table, grinning. "I've already done the analytics, and this has gone through legal over ten times, so we're in the clear. All you have to do is sign, and we're set."
Then his smiled faded when Beaumont raised a questionable, concerned eyebrow at him. "Is something the matter, Lord Beaumont?"
"Oh, it's just that— Eh…" Beaumont cleared his throat as he fiddled with his cufflinks.
"Lord Beaumont, are you thinking about not taking the deal?"
Beaumont briefly turned away and heaved a deep sigh. Th atmosphere of the room darkened and became uneasy as the ticking of the grand clock ticked relentlessly.
Perplexed, Hakujaku said, "What? How come? I've cleared the way for everything, and this deal helps us all in the long run, especially you. This deal has to go through, Lord Beaumont!"
"…Hakujaku, I'll sign on one condition."
"Alright. Tell me," Hakujaku said with eagerness glimmering in his brown eyes. "I'll give you anything and I'll do anything for this deal."
Beaumont leaned in and donned a serious expression as he said, "I want your daughter."
Upon hearing that, Hakujaku's heartbeat ceased and his breath caught in his throat. "What?" he roared, seething.
"Oh, no, I didn't mean that I want your daughter. I'm afraid I'm far too old for her, but my son isn't. Leon, come in!"
A dapper young man entered the chamber and gave a short bow. He had a light complexion with blonde hair and green eyes. "Greetings, Mr. Maeda. It's a pleasure."
Hakujaku was too furious to respond, and could only ball his fists and stare at them.
"Hakujaku, I'd like to propose a guaranteed arranged marriage," he said. "I'm sure you know that my son is only two years older than your daughter. In two years, they can be properly wedded. What do you say?"
"…Why— Why do you want my daughter?" he strained to say, a sheer rage swelling within him. "Why do you want Himari?"
Just as Beaumont opened his mouth to respond, Leon said, "Because I find your daughter to be beautiful, Mr. Maeda. A beauty like no other."
"…I'm afraid that is true, Hakujaku. That daughter of yours is something special. There have been murmurers about the King's first son, Prince Chandler, wanting to take her for himself. I thought that since we've came to an agreement, it'll only be right for my son to take her hand."
The urge to scream and lash out at the two noblemen drowned out Hakujaku's senses. In his mind, he saw Beaumont and his son being slashed to bits by a group of demons.
And that was enough to put him at ease.
"I need you to promise me that you'll protect her… forever . I mean it, Hakujaku. Please protect her with your life and always put her first."
I'll protect her, Luna. I promise.
Hakujaku took a deep breath as he organized and put the documents in his suitcase. Then as he left the room, he said, "Goodbye, gentlemen. It was pleasant doing business with you, but I'd like to cut all ties."
With haste, Hakujaku called for a carriage and returned to his penthouse. There, he found his daughter, Himari.
Himari was studying at the dining table and muttering to herself. Through all of her quiet nonsensical gibberish, she said, "Hi, dad."
Hakujaku slowly approached her and said, "Himari, pack your things."
Upon hearing that, Himari shot up and slammed a book shut. "You're joking, right?"
"No, I'm not. We have to leave France immediately."
"But why?"
Agitated, he yelled, "Because I said so, Himari! Pack your things and let's go!" Hakujaku immediately covered his mouth from shock as he watched her reaction.
Himari's eyes darkened with sorrow and frustration, then her face contorted with a pained expression. "Why do you keep doing this to me?" she whispered, her voice cracking around the edges.
The sight made Hakujaku want to console and hold her ever so tenderly, but he found that he couldn't move. "...Because I have to."
She may hate me, but this is for her own protection.
"Where are we going now?"
"…Japan."
Upon hearing that, Himari ran towards him and burst into tears. "B-but you said— You said that we wouldn't go back there!"
"I know, Mari. I'm so sorr—"
"You looked me in the eyes and promised me that we'd never go back there. That's where mom died!" she cried. "They couldn't even find her body, and you want to go back there!"
"Himari, I—"
"Just let me go back to boarding school in Sydney!"
"You know what happened in Sydney, Himari!" he spat. "I can't let you go back there!"
"But you want to go back to Japan instead!"
"Because that's where I came from and I have connections over there!"
Anger swirled in her brown eyes as she yelled, "You love your career more than you ever loved me!"
Hakujaku winced and clutched his chest as he felt a sharp pang in his heart at his daughter's words. The sensations he felt were akin to a heart attack, but wasn't.
The pain Hakujaku was feeling wasn't of a myocardial infarction, but of a broken heart.
He watched as his daughter ran up the stairs, her long, black hair flowing behind her.
Oh, Himari. I'm so sorry.