?: Onii-chan….
Kaoi: huh…. Rozu… What's going on…
In a room that is dimly lit by the moon. We see a younger Kaoi on the floor as he is just awoken from his slumber by a child dressed in green clothes.
Rozu: I can't sleep well… Can I please sleep in your bed…
Kaoi: fine…..
Kaoi moves to the side of his futon as Rozu goes under the covers. For a while the two lay in silence. Kaoi then notices a small but firm grip on his hand.
Rozu: Onii-chan….
Kaoi: Yes Rozu….
Rozu: I miss mom….
Kaoi: I know… I miss her too….
As he closes his hand around Rozu's. The two siblings drift into slumber.
?: K…
?: Ka…
?: Kao…
?: Kaoi…
?: KAOI!
Back in Reality
Kaoi: HUH?
No longer reminiscing about the past, we find our demon slayer in his butler attire out in the streets of the capital. Emilia in a hood is looking at him while she grips on his hand.
Emilia: What is with you today, Kaoi. I had been calling you but you haven't been responsive for some reason.
Kaoi: Oh sorry, It's just that Rozu used to hold my hand whenever she wanted to feel safe or that she had a safe place at my side. Although she didn't have your strength prowess.
As he said this, Kaoi holds up his hand that Emilia is holding with incredible strength. Yeah turns out that demons and oni are not the only races that are just physically stronger than humans. Emilia then gives a pout.
Emilia: Well, I did not want you to wander off and get into trouble.
Kaoi: Who's looking after who, here? Besides, if we did separate, Teruo can just lead us to each other.
Kaoi then points at the sky where the Kasugai crow resides. Fluttering his wings against the wind.
Emilia: Even so, I want you to be in my sights in the case that you go avaunting.
Kaoi: First dunderhead and now avaunting? I swear you're making these words up. [giggles]
Emilia: I am not making them up! They are perfectly natural words that people use everyday!
Kaoi: I'll believe it when I hear it. So, where are we heading to anyway?
Emilia: The guard station in front of the noblemen's district.
Kaoi: I see so then about the royal selection-
Emilia: I thought we went over this, Kaoi. You are only here to look over me while I'm the capital outside of important meetings and to get your inspection.
Kaoi:Hmmmm….
The two came to a full stop in front of a large building.
Emilia: Okay now Kaoi, I want you to stay around here while I discuss matters here.
Kaoi: You don't want me to come with you?
Emilia then becomes meek for a moment and said
Emilia: It's just… No commoner is allowed inside past this point. Only knights and above.
Kaoi: You could just tell them that I'm your bodyguard and deal with it. You are the candidate for the throne after all. Heck! Rengoku-sama did it when he personally invited me to hashira meetings.
Emilia: Kaoi…
Kaoi: Okay, not in those exact words but you still get the idea.
?: Hmph.. That kind of behavior won't do at all.
Kaoi: Huh?
Looking past Emilia, Kaoi sees a man with purple hair walking towards them.
?: It's good to see you again, Miss Emilia. I hope you have been well since we last met?
Emilia: Yes, everything is the same and you seem well, Julius.
Julius: The mere fact that you remember me is an honor, itself.
The purple knight now known as Julius then kneels in front of Emilia.
Julius: and I must say, you've only grown more beautiful, Miss Emilia.
He then takes her hand and kisses it.
Kaoi paid no mind to all of this as he was busy stretching his hand, now freed from the prison that was Emilia's hand.
Kaoi: Geez…
Emilia: Thank you. Forgive me for asking so abruptly, but I have business here, and I'd like you to act as my agent in the castle.
Julius: Is that so, does this business concern this young man here?
Kaoi notices that the attention is on him. Causally address the knight.
Kaoi: Oh! My name's Kaoi and I'm Emilia's bodyguard.
Julius: His uncouth behavior matches his attire. That is no way to conduct yourself.
Kaoi for a moment just stood in silence before saying.
Kaoi: Sure, just be sure to bring her back unharmed. Emi, I'll be around here waiting for you.
Emilia: Okay Kaoi, now Julius if you wouldn't mind.
Julius: I promise as a knight that I will see to that. Now allow me to show you to the conference mirrors.
Just as Julius walks off, Kaoi turns to Emilia.
Kaoi: Conference Mirrors?
Emilia: There's a type of metia that allows you to have a discussion with someone using two mirrors.
Kaoi: Right! This world has those magical devices. Maybe I should think about getting one…
Emilia: I'll try to come back before things run too long.
Kaoi: Sure thing.
With that Kaoi is left alone in front of the guard station. Kaoi then proceeds to look at his hand.
Kaoi: Rozu… Huh!
Just then, Kaoi notices a woman in a red dress being dragged into an alleyway. Immediately Kaoi sprang into action as he made a dash towards the ally. Once he arrives he sees the three thugs that tried to rob him on his first day.
Kaoi: These guys again…
Not listening to what they are saying, Kaoi nonchalantly hand chops the necks of Lizard Face and Mushroom Head.
Big Guy: What the… AH! It's you.
The largest thug points at the Demon Slayer has him reply to him without looking back.
Kaoi: I trust that you're smart enough to figure out why I haven't knocked you out, yet.
Shaking in disbelief, the large thug picks up his friends and runs away.
Big Guy: Whaaaaaaaaa!
Kaoi: Well you don't have to make such a loud exit. Oh! Are you okay, miss…
?: Hmph! How presumptuous of you, commoner! Do you expect me to give out some kind of reward for "rescuing" me!
Kaoi just looks at the woman with a look of disbelief that she is berating him for rescuing her.
Kaoi: You know what, I just can't take this. Just don't get grabbed like that again, Bye!
?:What! The nerve!
Returning to where he was, he spots Emilia along with a one-armed guy with a helmet looking around.
Emilia: Kaoi!
Kaoi: I was just gone for a moment. No need to get all anxy and who is this?
?: The name's Aldebaran, but you can call me Al. I was just helping the lady here find you while she was helping me find somebody that I lost. You wouldn't happen to see a woman in a red dress around, would you?
Kaoi: Does she have a serious attitude and temper problem then she is that ally over there.
Al: Oh man, what did you do to make her so mad, Pal? I'm really gonna get it. Oh well, thanks for your help.
Kaoi: No problem. Al.
Just like that the helmeted man ran off to the tiger in human skin. On the way to the place of stay, Kaoi could tell there was something wrong with Emilia.
Kaoi: Is something wrong, Emi?
Emilia: Kaoi, how did you meet that woman in the red dress?
Kaoi: What brought this on?
Emilia: Kaoi, please answer the question.
Kaoi, seeing the serious expression on her face, became compelled to answer.
Kaoi: She was just someone that I saved from three unsavory thugs. That's all, I didn't even get her name.
Emilia: Is that really all?
Kaoi: Yes, why is it so important for you to know?
Emilia: Nothing… it's fine, forget it.
Just as she was to continue walking.
Kaoi: Emilia…
The demon slayer puts on a serious tone of his own.
Emilia: Kaoi, please… just forget about it.
Kaoi: ….Fine.
The Next Day
Kaoi was deep in thought as he looked out the window to see Emilia and Roswaal riding off in a carriage. Going back into his Demon Slayer uniform helped a bit but his mind was still riddled with thoughts.
Kaoi: I know that due to her resemblance to the witch. That many will see her as an enemy. She should be safe in a building full of knights. So why do I feel like I need to go there? Why am I so invested in all of this? I thought I was supposed to be finding a way home? Why did I put myself as Emilia's bodyguard?
Ram: You're worried about Lady Emilia. Aren't you?
Kaoi: Oh Ram!... Yeah, I just felt like for some reason there's going to be trouble at the meeting of her's. I know I agreed to stay here but…
Ram could only look at Kaoi as he pondered.
Kaoi: By the way, Ram. Are you okay?
Ram: Yes, why would you ask such a thing, Kaoi.
Kaoi: It's just that last night you acted a bit weird. Was there something in Rem's note that bothered you?
Flashback
It was time to prepare for supper and luckily for the traveling group. Rem had packed a few meals for them. After setting up Roswaal and Emilia's meals. Ram had went to get her and Kaoi's which unlike her Lord and Lady, were tied together in a basket.
Ram opened the container to see a note on top of her meal that says.
Dear Sister,
I know you said that you and Kaoi only have a professional relationship out of respect, but I believe that you are simply being too shy with your feelings. Hopefully a meal for two will help you be more open.
Love,
Your Sister Rem.
On the edge, Ram sees a little doodle of Rem giving the thumbs up.
Ram: Rem….
Kaoi: Did Rem leave a note? Can I read? I want to see how far along I got reading glyphs.
Just as Kaoi was about to grab the note, Ram quickly puts it in her pocket and begins to take out the food.
Ram: It's just a private note for Ram. Now make yourself more useful and help me cook our dinner.
Kaoi: Yes Ram.
Flashback Ends
Ram: There is nothing in that note that concerns the likes of you, Bakaoi. Just like the Royal Selection.
Kaoi: Okay I'll drop it.
Ram: Now if you'll excuse me I'll be in the other room, grading your work from last night's session. A task that will require my full attention, so if somebody were to leave I likely wouldn't notice.
Kaoi:Huh?
Kaoi looks up at the pink maid in surprise as he sees her give a wink.
Ram: Hah!
Kaoi could only smile at the display.
Kaoi: Thank you, Ram.
Scene Change
Now donning his haori, Kaoi ran through the streets of the capital as he followed Teruo to the castle where the Royal Selection is being held.
Kaoi: While going to the castle won't be a problem, getting inside will be another matter. I'm not shinobi like Tengen-san, but sneaking in would be my best chance to get inside.
As Kaoi thought this, he did not notice the charging carriage that was being pulled by a red earth dragon that was charging towards him as he ran across the street.
Kaoi: OH SHOOT!
Fortunately, Kaoi was able to jump over the giant lizard and land on top of the carriage as it came to a screeching halt.
The boy that was the carriage coach looked in awe at the display of agility the demon slayer has.
?: wow…
Kaoi: Uh… sorry about that. [Awkward Laughs]
Just then a familiar voice breaks the silence.
?: Shult! You better have a good reason to stop without mine's permission!
Kaoi's face pales.
Kaoi: Oh god no…..
Scene Change
Al: You sure are lucky bro.
?: Be grateful for this coincidence. That we are on our way to the castle and that I decided to take you along with us. Despite the foul actions you commited of yesterday.
Kaoi: Yeah thanks for that. So I'm going on a limb here and guessing that you're also a throne candidate.
Al: Yep, the young lady you see before you is indeed one of the candidates to succeed the throne, Priscilla Barielle herself.
Kaoi: So why did you pick me up, then?
Priscillia: For no other reason than it seems amusing. A mere lark, nothing more. I simply have a feeling that taking you there will make things more interesting.
Kaoi, not wanting to talk to her anymore, simply replies
Kaoi: I see….
Kaoi: My god, her arrogance is so unbearable. It's making me nauseous. However if she is one of the other candidates. Did Emilia think I was a spy for her rival or maybe considering abandoning her camp?
Scene Change
Priscilla: The swordsman is just for extra security.
The green-haired knight at the door inspects Kaoi as he stood still.
?: Everyone is waiting inside. Make haste please.
Priscilla: It is my privilege as their superior to keep the masses waiting.
Kaoi: Ugh! I can't wait for the moment when I don't have to be near her.
The doors open to reveal a great hall filled with knights and nobles. Walking along a red carpet is Roswaal and Emilia.
Practically everyone in the one stared at the trio including Emilia who gasps at the sight of her friend.
Emilia: Kaoi?
Kaoi: Hey, Emi. I can explain-HUH!
Noticing that Priscilla was getting a little too close. Kaoi moved out of the way and placed himself at Emilia's side.
Priscillia: What!
Kaoi: Look, I appreciate you taking me here, but I'm going to say no to that.
The rejected princess face contorts into one of anger before opening her fan.
Priscilla: Why you insolent…Hmlh!
Roswaal: How do you do Miss Priscilla? Please forgive my servant for troubling you.
Priscilla simply walks past them with her smirk returning. Emilia then turns to Kaoi.
Emilia: I thought we agreed that you are to stay and wait for me.
Kaoi: Emi-
?: Attention! The Council of Wisemen will now enter!
Suddenly all of the nobles and knights line up in formation. As the council enters the room.
Kaoi: So this is the council that is running the country right now…
Al: Hey. That's where we're supposed to stand.
Kaoi: I see.
Roswaal: I find the situation amusing so I'll allow you to accompany him.
Emilia: Wait, Roswaal! If Kaoi is allowed to be here-
Roswaal: Miss Emilia, the conference is beginning now, we can't make them wait.
Indeed everyone is about to be done taking their places except for those that came from the Roswaal Mansion.
Emilia: You're going to explain this to me later.
Nodding in agreement, Kaoi makes his way to where the knights formed. He got a good look at the other two candidates. A green-haired woman in a military outfit and a violet-haired one dressed in white.
Kaoi: So these are the other candidates…
?: So you decided to come after all, Kaoi.
Catching his attention, the knight in front of him turns to face the demon slayer.
?: When I heard through the grapevine that Miss Emilia would be here. I had a suspicion that you would also be here as well.
Kaoi: I'm sorry but have we met?
The red-haired man looked startled for a moment before recomposing himself.
?: I suppose we didn't have time to properly introduce ourselves. My name is Reinhard Van Astrea and I was the knight that took over for you battling Elsa the Bowel Hunter.
Kaoi: Is that right?
?: Oh, how's it going?
Hopping towards the two is the catgirl that came to the mansion days prior.
Kaoi: So you're a knight, too?
That catgirl simply made a pose and laughed Kaoi off.
Reinhard: Oh, Kaoi. You know him I take it?
Kaoi snaps his back towards Reinhard as he just processed what he had just said.
Kaoi: Him!
Reinhard: That's right, Felix Argyle, despite how he dresses is male.
Kaoi: Ok, I'm gonna have a crisis about that later.
Felix: It's not myah fault that you made the wrong assumption.
Just as Felix gets into formation, a family purple knight passes Reinhard and Kaoi. The Slayer and Knight made eye contact for a bit before taking their place.
Reinhard: Is something the matter, Kaoi?
Kaoi: It's nothing.
Markus: Now, if I may be so forward, Markus, Leader of the Imperial Knights, will act as director for all of today's proceedings,It all happened half a year ago, when members of the royal family, starting with the king-
Purple Hair Girl: Listen, I get that you want to talk this up and put on a good show here,but I'm kinda busy, you know. You may not have heard it, but we have a saying in Kararagi. Time is money.
Green Hair Girl: I couldn't agree more.
Markus: Miss Crusch, should the head of the Karsten family say such a thing?
Crusch: I acknowledge it's important to observe formality, but it is also a fact that our time is rather limited, so it would be wise to inform us immediately why we're here. Naturally, however, I do have a general idea.
Old man: Am I to understand you already know why we called this meeting?
Crusch: Yes, I do lord Miklotov. For a drinking party. One day soon, we'll face each other as rivals, but by sharing drinks and conversing at the same table, we'll have a chance to learn more about each other.
If everyone's feeling of befuddlement can be funneled into one expression. The face Kaoi is making would be a perfect example of that.
Miklotov: No, mam, that is not correct
Needless to say after that the green haired girl, now named Crusch, lost all composure.
Crusch: Felix, this is not what you told me earlier.
Felix: What? That's not true, All I said was maybe it would be a drinking party. I never said I knew it for a fact or anything.
Crusch: I see. Then I jumped to conclusions. Forgive me. Please allow me to retract everything I just said.
Purple Hair Girl: Now just a second. Even if she backs down, my opinion on this doesn't really change. There's no need to explain the royal selection process now. We already know how it works. Am I right?
Emilia: Well, even so, I think maybe-
Purple Hair Girl: Sorry, but I don't remember asking for your opinion on any of this business.
Kaoi: Tsk…
Al: Hey I don't know what's up with the royal selection process, so I kinda want to hear the rest.
Miklotov: Excuse me, but I was informed this young man was your knight, Miss Priscilla. Haven't you explained the selection to him?
Priscilla: Whether I have or not holds no merit. You men will still ramble on about it, won't you? Please continue, Markus
Markus: As you wish. We are all gathered here because a new prophecy has been engraved into the dragon stone. This insight says that from the five capable to become the kingdom's new leader, one priestess will be chosen to enter a new covenant with the Dragon.
Kaoi: Five?
Reinhard: Correct, currently, there are only four candidates. The royal selection hadn't even begun yet. But today, history is set in motion.
Markus: Reinhard Van Astrea, come forward
Reinhard: Honored members of the council of wise men, imperial knight Reinhard Van Astrea. I would like to announce the completion of my mission. The fifth contender, the final one mentioned in the prophecy has been located!
The doors open to reveal Felt the thief girl, only she is in a yellow dress.
Kaoi: Wasn't expecting that.
Reinhard: The one I myself revere as queen, Miss Felt!
Felt continued to walk in as twin maids held the hem of her dress.
Reinhard: Thank you for gracing us with your presence, miss Felt, it's wonderful to see you.
Felt: Ah, Reinhard.
Kaoi immediately can tell that this sweet show of her's was all an act. As seconds later she tried to kick the red knight in the face only to be blocked.
Reinhard: Is something not to your liking, miss Felt? Is the dress not your style? Are the shoes not the right size?
Felt: What do you mean is something wrong!? You're the one who took me against my will and has been dragging me all through this castle!
Kaoi: Wow, from what Emi told me I thought you had simply arrested her, but if that's the case. You basically kidnapped her.
Felt: Hey! It's you! The guy who fought Elsa!
Immediately murmurs spread throughout the room. The knights, surprised to hear that this unassuming man fought against the infamous bowel hunter and apparently lived. Even Julius had to raise an eyebrow at this.
Markus: Miss Felt, if you're finished rekindling old friendships, I ask that you please step over here,
Felt while not looking happy about it, complied with the green haired captain.
Felt: Alright, so what is it you want me to do?
Reinhard: If you were asking me, I'd say to act more like a lady, but this comes first.
Reinhard then places an insignia on her hand and the red stone then starts to shine.
Reinhard: As you can see, the dragon gem has recognized Miss Felt as a Priestess. Now that her participation has been approved by the powers that be, I believe it's time to begin the royal selection process in earnest.
Every knight in the room then placed their hands upon their hearts at this display. The men in noble uniforms however remained unimpressed.
Oldman: Even if the dragon stone has recognized her, don't you think her selection is a bit problematic?
Kaoi: Oh boy…
Markus: Are you saying that we, the imperial knights, have made a mistake?
Suddenly every knight began to stare at the other group. Which is then followed by murmurs.
Kaoi: It's something like this that makes me glad the corps isn't involved with the government.
Head Councilman: Silence, Knight Reinhard would you begin by explaining to us just what steps you took that led to her discovery?
Reinhard: Of course. I took custody of Miss Felt months ago while I was in the slums.
Noble: You mean she's a gutter rat from the slums!
Felt: Well, sorry for being a gutter rat! You were the one who dragged me out here against my will!
Priscilla: All of this long-winded and pointless blabber could not be more tedious, but then again, it could be you're only looking that way because you could only manage tedious conversation.
Felt: What? If you want a fight, you got one,
Priscilla: What insolence. Who do you think I am, you little urchin?
The atmosphere became tense as absent wind began to move the bottom of her dress.
Al: Princess, that's not a-
Whatever Al was going to say, he didn't finish as Priscilla raised her fan with embers spreading around.
Only for Reinhard to appear before she could strike.
Reinhard: A thousand apologies, Miss Priscilla
Emilia then makes her way in front of Felt.
Emilia: What are you thinking!? In a hallowed place like this?
Priscilla: Oh, calm down, would you? I was only going to show that undisciplined little bitch her place,
Emilia: You're not apologizing for that?
Priscilla: You're kidding right?, but out of curiosity, would you also apologize for being born, you silver-haired half-elf?
Kaoi began to growl at this. Out of all the emotions he can feel, it is arrogance that irks him the most. A ugly emotion that makes his stomach churn and boy, is Priscilla making his stomach churn.
Emilia: I have nothing to apologize for. I'm not connected to the Witch at all,
Al: Princess, could you drop it now? I'll be the one suffering if you make too many enemies, seriously.
Miklotov: Well then, are you all quite finished,
Markus: Would the royal selection candidates please come forward at this time.
The candidates then stood in place as they waited to be called upon.
Markus: Miss Priscilla Barielle, and her attendant Al
Priscilla: his selection process is pointless. All you people need to do is grovel before my feet and serve me
Markus: The head of the Karsten family, miss Crusch Karsten and her attendant, the knight Ferris Argyle.
Crusch: should I become the new ruler, I vow the dragon will forget its demanded covenant. The Dragon Empire of Lugunica belongs not to that beast, but to its people.
Markus: Anastasia Hoshin, of the Hoshin company, and her attendant, the knight Julius Juukulius.
Anastasia: I'm a greedy little gal, so I want everything. No amount of commercial success can satisfy me. I want to have my very own nation.
Kaoi: I didn't detect a hint of shame. She's bold. I'll give her that.
Markus: Miss Emilia, and the man who's endorsing her, Roswaal L. Mathers.
Emilia: "I have only one wish. Equality for everyone. I desire to create a nation where all citizens are equal.
Kaoi, as much as he does support Emilia, became disappointed when she made her claim to the throne. He can feel that what she had said was a lie. Not a total one but he can tell it is not her motivation.
Kaoi: What is your actual reason you want to become king, Emilia?
Markus: Finally, Miss Felt and her knight attendant, Reinhard Van Astrea.
Felt: Hey, don't get the wrong idea! I never said I wanted to be the next ruler of this stupid country. I don't want to be in the royal selection!
Marcos: Miss Felt, do you actually want to withdraw from the Royal Selection?
Felt: You're damn right I do!
Noble: What a joke! I've overlooked this because this situation was urgent, but to drag it out this long is senseless!
Bald Noble: He has a point. The Astrea brings a gutter rat to rule us and Roswaal brings us a half-devil? Utter foolishness!
After that it was just insult after insult thrown at Emilia. While she stayed silent.
Kaoi: Come on, Emilia! If you're going to show them that you're strong. Now is your chance.
But she just stood there in silence while her confidence kept taking hit after hit with each insult thrown at her.
Kaoi: I know I shouldn't get involved but damn it I got to do something. What would Rengoku-sama do?
Flashback
Kaoi: Wow! So you just proclaimed that you were going to be the next Flame Hashira! How did the other hashira take it?
Rengoku: [Laughs] Sanemi-san tried to goad me into a fist fight with him.
Kaoi: Really?
Rengoku: Yes indeed, although I refused profoundly.
Kaoi: Why?
Rengoku: Because I would never hit another human being and I respected Sanemi-san too much to get into a petty fist fight. Besides, I had already made my point clear.
Kaoi: huh?
Rengoku: Remember Kaoi, to always find strength in your words for they prove more mighty than your sword.
Flashback Ends
Kaoi: Find strength in my words…
(Play Tengen Theme)
Kaoi: THAT IS ENOUGH!
Kaoi's booming voice momentarily silences. Suddenly some of the knights near Kaoi could feel the temperature rise up. Soon a few people glare at Kaoi as he walks on the carpet. The hem of his haori jack begins to rise.
Kaoi: My apologies but I cannot stand by and watch you all berate Emilia, anymore!
Emilia: Kaoi! Stand dow-
Kaoi: Sorry Emilia, but I'm afraid your silence forces my hand to act on your behalf.
Councilman: Who are you to make such a bold claim? Roswaal, who is this youngster?
Roswaal: Apologies, this is Kaoi, a man who was previously employed as my butler but was then promoted to be Miss Emilia's bodyguard.
Kaoi: Knights, Nobles, Candidates and the Council of Wiseman. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kaoi, tsuguko of Kyojuro Rengoku the Flame Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps!
That's how we're going to end it. What do you guys think of this chapter? What do you think of me turning Rem into a shipper? Feel to voice your thoughts in the comments.