FULL STORY SUMMARY

Rated M for mature. Reader discretion advised.

Following her mother's passing, the young Himari Maeda and her father become involved with the ruthless Kato family. Himari endures ongoing mistreatment from the family, but everything takes a turn when she unknowingly falls for Muzan Kibutsuji, The Progenitor of Demons.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

? THANKS FOR READING ?

MEDIA DICTIONARY

* Thoughts

* "Dialogue."

* 'Telepathic dialogue.'

* 'Spirit dialogue.'

* "Past conversation."

* {Sound}

* [Movement]

HIMARI

The chauffeur arrived at the Kato estate and stepped out of the luxurious car to courteously open Himari's door.

"I appreciate you for everything," Himari said to him, expressing her gratitude.

The chauffeur nodded and attentively watched as she made her way towards the manor's doorstep.

As Himari stood at the door, hesitating to knock, her mind was consumed with thoughts of her family's response to her absence. It was her first time leaving without permission for such a prolonged period, and she was unsure of what to anticipate.

Well, here goes nothing…

Taking a deep breath, Himari timidly knocked.

Silence.

Himari glanced behind her to find the chauffeur still present, ensuring her safe entry into her residence. Embarrassed, she knocked once more, this time with increased assurance. "Hello, is there anyone home?" she called out.

Suddenly, Yui, with swollen eyes, opened the door, tears flowing down her flushed face.

Oh, great, it's her. Wait, why is she crying?

"Yui, is my father here?" Himari asked.

"It's all your fault!" Yui shrieked.

Perplexed, Himari asked, "What are you talking about? Did something happen?"

Sighing angrily, Yui yelled, "My mother's in the hospital because of you!" She stormed away dramatically, leaving the front door wide open.

… Soaku is in the hospital?

Yui sobbed loudly, burying her face in her hands, oblivious to Himari's concerned gaze.

Despite their strained relationship, Himari, being the compassionate person she was, approached Yui and enveloped her in a hesitant embrace. Yui, reluctantly at first, succumbed to her embrace and began to weep.

"Yui, please tell me what happened."

"A b-bookcase fell on her," Yui stammered. "I— I didn't see anything happen but— Dear God, she might die!"

Himari was shocked and saddened upon receiving the distressing news. Even though she disliked Soaku, she would never harbor ill intent towards the noblewoman. Himari's pure heart and compassionate nature prevented her from being so callous and indifferent. "Your mother will mot die, Yui, she simply can't. She's a formidable heiress who is so accustomed to getting her way, death is no match for her! You, more than anyone, understand the strength and resilience of your mother. A mere accident won't be the end of her. I—" Himari paused and turned away, "I promise you that she'll be okay."

Upon hearing Himari's reassuring words, Yui's sobbing ceased and regained her composure. Just as she intended to express gratitude for the comforting words, she stopped embracing Himari and distanced herself when Sara descended the stairs.

Sara announced, "I've just been informed by the doctor that Mother's condition has improved, and she is now stable. The bookcase caused a sprain in the lower part of her back, so she will need to rest in bed for a few weeks, but she's going to be fine."

"Wow, that's great news!" Himari gasped, visibly relieved. "Yay!"

Stalking menacingly closer to Himari, Sara hissed, "You're aware that the whole argument that caused all of this was about you, right?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You didn't come home last night. Where were you? And how did you get that expensive kimono? Let me guess; you did steal Mother's money, didn't you?"

Himari froze, overwhelmed by the onslaught of questions and accusations directed at her.

What can I say? Am I supposed to say that I was in the house of a beautiful stranger whom I met a few days ago, but we didn't have sex? That he simply took me to a fancy café, and I slept in his guest bedroom? That sounds incredibly foolish and hard to believe, even though it is the truth!

"I… I—"

"You know what? I don't care. None of your explanations would be of value anyway!" Sara scoffed as she returned to her bedroom upstairs.

HAKUJAKU

The nauseating, overpowering smell of antiseptic and death overwhelmed Hakujaku's senses. Seated in the hospital waiting room, the distraught man appeared out of sorts in his charming suit. Opposite him, a young boy noisily savored a lollipop next to his mother, whose complexion resembled that of a corpse.

On TV, there was another news segment covering the gruesome killing of twenty individuals. Many were referring to it as another demonic attack, claiming that demons were striking once more.

"Mr. Maeda, the doctor is ready for you," a nurse said to him. "Room 105, right down the hall."

Hakujaku rushed down the halls, his tie fluttering in the air.

99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104… 105!

On the oversized hospital bed lay a round figure, unmistakably Soaku Kato. The woman was sitting up, wearing a back brace, holding a remote control, and casually flipping through the channels while sipping on soda.

A doctor with silver hair was seated in one of the chairs next to Soaku, jotting down notes in a pad. "Ah, Mr. Maeda, I appreciate your arrival. Please take a seat."

Upon hearing her fiancée's name, Soaku attempted to turn to face Hakujaku. The movement caused her back brace to creak.

"Please rest, Ms. Kato. Relax."

Rolling her eyes, Soaku gave up and returned her attention to the television.

"Mr. Maeda, Soaku will be okay," the doctor said. "I've already completed the discharge paperwork and provided her with a prescription for pain relief. I advise that she rests in bed for at least a week. She'll be prepared to—"

"Goodness, Soaku! I'm terribly sorry, my dear!" Hakujaku exclaimed as he hurried towards her side, grasping one of her plump hands. "Please accept my apology!"

The large noblewoman snarled and shoved him aside. "Don't touch me!"

"Mr. Maeda, please calm yourself—"

"Hush, I'm speaking to my wife!" Hakujaku retorted as he attempted to hold Soaku's hands once more. "My love, I apologize deeply! You were correct; I have been a dreadful husband— Um, I mean, fiancé to you, but we can mend this!"

After a brief pause, Soaku gestured for the doctor to depart. The doctor complied, leaving like a dog with his tail between his legs.

"Hakujaku, there is something I must tell you."

"Yes, my love? What is—"

"I'm calling off the wedding."

AKAZA

Akaza lurked in the shadows, observing Rei Watanabe and her daughter as they left a carriage and made their way into their mansion. The woman and her daughter shared a joyful laugh and embraced before stepping inside, a sight that briefly warmed Akaza's heart and brought a faint smile to his face, until he remembered his mission.

Akaza's clenched fist trembled as his claws pierced the skin of his palm. He understood the consequences of defying and infuriating Muzan, leaving him with no option but to carry out the assigned task.

I… do not… want to do this. Yet I have no choice but to…

Suddenly, Akaza heard a faint voice.

'Hakuji, don't do it…'

What? Who is that? Who does that voice belong to, and why does it sound so familiar?

'Hakuji, I'll always love you. Please, fight this…'

… Koyuki? Is that you? Koyuki?

Surely, that was Koyuki speaking to me! What was going through my mind earlier? What does it matter if I'm punished for disobeying? There's nothing in this world that would compel me to harm a woman.

Koyuki, I'll do this in memory of you!