Yuichiro was truly sick of this strange swordsman.
Whether Yuichiro splashed him with water, waved an axe at him, or even destroyed the gifts he brought right in front of his face, the man always wore the same tolerant, indulgent expression.
As Hiru and Muichiro grew closer with each passing day, the sense of unease in Yuichiro's chest only intensified.
[Can I really protect my little brother? How am I supposed to protect him? What if Muichiro listens to him and becomes a swordsman? If demons exist that require a monster like that to deal with them, how could we possibly survive?]
Caught in this anxiety, Yuichiro eventually realized that Hiru had stopped coming.
Not like before—when he would notify them and then disappear—but this time, he vanished without a word.
Muichiro asked him more than once whether something had happened to Hiru.
"He shouldn't have come to us in the first place. Him disappearing is exactly what we want!"
"For months, Brother Hiru has been taking care of us. Even when you went too far, he never got angry. Now that he suddenly vanished, and you're acting like this… you're being way too cold!"
"Even someone as monstrously strong as him could run into trouble. What do you think we could possibly do about it?! Stop worrying about useless things and do what you're supposed to do!"
That's right. Don't think about it. Don't get involved.
As long as the two brothers could live their lives peacefully, that was enough.
[Yes… that's all that matters… as long as Muichiro can live safely…]
Yuichiro tightened his grip on the firewood knife in his hand.
[Someone like that—someone like a monster—wouldn't just die… he wouldn't… right?]
Just as suddenly as he had vanished, Hiru reappeared one week later, late at night.
Yuichiro and Muichiro saw him standing there, his body carrying the scent of dust and travel. The only thing unchanged was the gentle way he looked at them.
"Ah, sorry for disappearing so suddenly," Hiru said apologetically. "A demon appeared that the lower-ranked members couldn't handle, so I had to leave immediately without saying goodbye. I didn't scare you, did I?"
"That must've been really hard on you," Muichiro ignored Yuichiro's glare and trotted over, worry written all over his face. "Are you okay, Brother Hiru?"
"Haha, I'm not as harmless as I look," Hiru said, ruffling Muichiro's hair. "Still, making a round trip in such a short time really did wear me out…"
"If you're tired, then why are you still loitering here?" Yuichiro said, gripping a broom. "It's already dark. Hurry up and leave."
"Oh, you're right… it is dark," Hiru said, putting on a troubled expression. "Then how about you two let me stay the night?"
"No!"
"Okay!"
"Oh my, one vote each—looks like I'm not completely unwelcome," Hiru laughed, clasping his hands together toward Yuichiro. "Don't be so heartless, Yuichiro. Have pity on this poor fellow. In my current condition, I might roll straight down the mountain."
"Yeah, big brother, it's dangerous to go down the mountain at night," Muichiro said, tugging on the sleeve of Hiru's haori as he looked up at Yuichiro with pleading eyes. "Please let Brother Hiru stay just for tonight…"
[His aura hasn't weakened at all. What a liar.]
Yuichiro ground his teeth silently as he glared at Hiru, then snorted.
"Honestly! You two better get inside before I change my mind!"
"That's great! Brother Hiru can stay!"
"Yes," Hiru said as he scooped Muichiro up effortlessly. "All thanks to our Muichiro—so capable!"
"Brother Hiru, tell me about your demon-hunting this time," Muichiro said, eyes sparkling. "I really want to hear it."
"Sure. Let's treat it as a bedtime story. The Blood Demon Art we encountered this time was especially interesting."
"Blood Demon Art?"
"Yes, Blood Demon Art—it's something only powerful demons possess…"
Without realizing it, Yuichiro also found himself listening.
Whether it was the scenery and customs along the demon-slaying routes, or the sinister cunning of the demons themselves, everything Hiru described felt vivid, as if unfolding right before their eyes.
Yuichiro had to admit it.
What Hiru said was deeply captivating.
[Don't waver. Demons are not something we can deal with. No matter what, don't let yourself be drawn in.]
Expressionless, Yuichiro rummaged through his late father's old clothes and roughly tossed them at Hiru.
"Go wash yourself. Do you really plan on sleeping while looking that filthy?"
"Yuichiro, you're surprisingly thoughtful. Thanks—"
"If you're really grateful, then stop coming here."
"Alright. Then I'll have my brother take over this area," Hiru said with a smile as he removed his dirty haori. "He's not as talkative as I am, but I'm sure he'll take good care of you."
"I said stop bothering us!"
Compared to Yuichiro's irritability, Muichiro was more interested in the brother Hiru mentioned.
"Your brother?" Muichiro asked. "What kind of person is he?"
"My brother…" Hiru rubbed his chin. "How should I describe him? He's like a plant—without desire or attachment."
"Like a plant?"
"Mm. Alright, you two go to sleep. I'll wash up and be right back."
Muichiro watched Hiru leave, curiosity still lingering.
"Hey, big brother… what do you think someone who's 'like a plant' would be like?"
"How would I know?" Yuichiro said, pulling out another set of bedding. "Stop spacing out and come sleep. We've got a lot to do tomorrow."
Muichiro nodded and went over to help spread the bedding.
Just then, footsteps sounded behind them.
Muichiro turned around, smiling brightly.
"Brother Hiru, the bedding—eh?"
"Why are you just standing there like—who are you?!" Yuichiro shouted, yanking Muichiro behind him. "Get out!"
"What luck," the man said with a wide grin, sharp teeth flashing coldly. "I never thought there'd be two little brats living up in these mountains. I heard there were only lumberjacks and hunters, so I was disappointed—but kids? How lucky."
[Lucky? What is he talking about?]
Yuichiro kept Muichiro firmly behind him, his eyes locked on the stranger.
[A passing bandit?]
"Ah, that newly arrived mad swordsman kept me starving for ages," the man continued cheerfully. "I finally waited until he wasn't around. Eating people in town would get me discovered too quickly, so I came up the mountain instead. Getting to eat children is the best outcome of all. Now then… where should I start?"
"You're a man-eating demon?!" Yuichiro demanded.
"Heh, you know quite a bit," the demon said, stepping closer, savoring the terror on their faces. "So, where would you like me to begin eating you?"
Just as he was about to reach them, a hand landed on his shoulder.
A gentle voice sounded from behind him.
"Hey… what do you think you're doing to my kids?"