Not long after Horitake escorted Tamayo and Yushiro from the estate, a horde of demons stormed in, ransacking the place.
None were Upper or Lower Ranks—just ordinary demons.
Clearly, they were Muzan's lackeys, sent to investigate after the fact.
Their presence revealed Muzan's mindset.
He likely figured they'd already fled, and even a swift pursuit might yield nothing. Why bother sending the Twelve Kizuki? A pack of grunts would do.
As expected, the demons tore through the estate, searching frantically but finding no one. Enraged, they smashed and trashed everything.
Tamayo's cherished home was left in tatters.
After their rampage, the demons had no choice but to leave empty-handed.
Much later, Tamayo and Yushiro's Blood Demon Art barrier faded, and locals noticed something odd.
Wait, wasn't this just a row of ordinary houses? How's there a huge estate here?
Peering inside, they found it wrecked, as if deliberately vandalized.
Puzzled, people whispered. Rumors spread, fueled by the eerie phenomenon.
Tokyo's government officials had suspicions but, with no civilian harm or major losses, let it slide.
Years later, as Tokyo grew into a metropolis, the incident became one of its earliest urban legends: The Phantom Estate.
But that's a tale for another time, so let's move on.
Horitake, guarding Tamayo and Yushiro, left Asakusa under Tamayo's guidance, arriving in Tokyo's Akatsutsumi district.
Unlike central Asakusa, Akatsutsumi sat on Tokyo's outskirts.
Still part of the city, it was fairly bustling compared to smaller towns.
Yushiro, uneasy, spoke up. "Lady Tamayo, we're still in Tokyo, aren't we? Is this safe? Won't we be found?"
Horitake countered, tossing Tamayo a compliment. "What do you know? This is Miss Tamayo's brilliance—hiding in plain sight. Muzan would never guess we'd stay in Tokyo after leaving Asakusa.
"Even if he does, with his handful of lackeys, he can't—and wouldn't dare—search Tokyo openly."
Yushiro bristled at Horitake's tone, feeling humiliated in front of his goddess.
But he couldn't argue—Tamayo clearly agreed.
Following her lead, they wound through streets, arriving at a seemingly dilapidated house.
This had to be it.
Even without Spirit Vision, Horitake sensed it was more than it appeared.
Sure enough, Tamayo bowed slightly. "Horitake, we're here. Please."
She stepped forward—and walked straight through the wall.
A living person passing through solid stone!
Yushiro followed, unfazed.
Horitake, expecting this, stepped through third.
Inside, the illusion parted, revealing a grand estate and courtyard, much like the last.
Horitake couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
Tamayo's loaded!
He'd bet anything she had more than these two estates in Tokyo. A cunning rabbit always had three burrows—at least one more hideout.
Seriously, so rich!
Maybe not Ubuyashiki-level wealth, but Tamayo was definitely a wealthy lady!
If Horitake lacked ambition or strength, he'd be tempted to pull a Yushiro and cling to her coattails.
Think about it: a rich lady with at least three grand estates in Tokyo, stunningly beautiful, kind and gentle, never forcing others, always helping the weak.
A dream woman you couldn't find with a lantern!
Aside from her… slightly awkward age, she was perfect!
Any slacker would be scrambling to win her favor, falling at her feet.
Tamayo inspected the estate, confirming all was secure. The trio entered.
Beyond the elegant decor, the estate boasted a sprawling basement.
Descending with them, Horitake's jaw dropped, and he thought for the third time: So rich!
The basement was packed with cutting-edge research equipment—expensive gear.
Horitake suspected her other hideouts were similarly equipped.
How much did this cost?!
As he mentally tallied Tamayo's wealth, Yushiro beamed at her foresight. "Lady Tamayo, you're a genius! With this, our research can continue without delay!"
Tamayo smiled warmly, nodding.
Horitake, meanwhile, roughly estimated her fortune.
If this era had a Forbes list, Tamayo would likely rank among Japan's richest.
Considering women's status at the time, she might even be the only woman on it.
Another day dreaming of clinging to a rich lady's coattails…
[Author's Aside: If a wealthy lady like Tamayo really existed, would you cling to her? I'm spineless—I'd totally go for it.]
Horitake sighed, suddenly feeling weary.
Tamayo noticed his mood. "Horitake, is something wrong?"
He half-lied, "I haven't slept in two days and just fought Yushiguro. Mind if I crash on the second floor, Miss Tamayo? I need a rest."
"Of course not. Follow me, I'll prepare everything."
"Uh… prepare what?"
"I'll heat bathwater, make the bed—"
"No way!" Horitake blurted, slipping into his past life's hometown dialect.
He waved frantically. "No, no, Miss Tamayo, you can't! You'll make me fall for you!"
Tamayo blinked, unfazed. "You saved me and Yushiro. It's only right I take care of you."
Her genuine, heartfelt kindness was too much. Horitake was barely resisting her charm, waving again. "No, really! I've got someone I love, and her parents entrusted her to me. I can't betray her!
"If you want to thank me, let Yushiro handle it. Just have him find me a room!"
"Hm? Is that alright?" Tamayo hesitated, feeling it wasn't enough.
Yushiro, unable to stand his goddess doting on another man, stood up. "It's fine, Lady Tamayo! I'll take care of Horitake!"
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