Ume's first reaction was to ask me, "What's the use of this?"
After adapting to her body's changes, she also learned to control her body's size. Fixed her appearance at the most beautiful eighteen years old.
And for more convenient weapon use, Gyutaro maintained a twenty-year-old appearance.
The siblings went in and out together. Combat coordination seamless. Plus demon characteristics—the siblings' combined combat strength could even overpower the Nine Pillars.
No wonder the Ubuyashiki was tempted. Came to seek my opinion.
"Becoming an unofficial member of the Demon Slayer Corps means lots of money."
I considered Ume's temperament. Slowly said, "Wherever you go, you'll receive others' respect. Can also buy things ordinary people can't."
Like high-end custom jewelry and clothes. Also rare novelties brought by Western merchants.
Ume's eyes brightened. Reserved yet proud, said, "Fine. Then I'll reluctantly help them. But I won't listen to others randomly ordering me around."
Sister agreed. Gyutaro was noncommittal. He still didn't like the Demon Slayer Corps. Or rather, disliked most people in the world.
But he understood using others to make life better for himself and his sister. So wouldn't refuse conditions beneficial to him.
The Ubuyashiki promised to let them enjoy Pillar privileges. Usually didn't need to rush around executing missions. Only when Twelve Kizuki clues were discovered would they need to mobilize.
However, Ume loved playing. Usually always wandered around. She also hated ugly things. And most demons looked bizarre. If she encountered them, definitely would behead them. Also indirectly contributed to the Demon Slayer Corps.
After they adapted to new life, I also wrote to Tamayo mentioning these two children.
Thought she'd scold me. Unexpectedly, after some time, she wrote back inviting me to visit.
This was quite rare. Unlike me who could directly settle in cities, Tamayo needed to constantly hide from Muzan's gaze. Also didn't trust the Demon Slayer Corps much. Residence changed very frequently.
Her new address was very far from me. Seeing nothing pressing, I made a long trip to see her.
Just didn't expect she had a new companion.
A snow-white, slender youth. First meeting, glared at me with hateful eyes.
What? Showing off your big eyes?
I was preparing to glare back when Tamayo already pulled me to sit. Turned back with slight reproach to look at him. "Yushiro, be polite to Miss Chihaya."
He was clearly unwilling. But before Tamayo, obediently lowered his head. Properly agreed.
I smelled a scent similar to Tamayo's on him. Also faintly carried a trace of my blood. Tilted my head, sizing him up.
"New demon?"
Tamayo lifted the teapot. Poured me a cup of clear tea. Also pushed a plate of freshly made confections before me. Only then answered:
"Yes. Never told you—very sorry. I also only recently succeeded in turning Yushiro into a demon. Used some of your blood."
I didn't care about this. Picked up the teacup and drank. Also reached for confections.
During this process, suddenly felt knife-like gazes viciously scraping my face. Following the line of sight—Yushiro stared fixedly at my hand taking confections.
I looked down at that plate of exquisite confections Tamayo personally made. Quickly stuffed the confection in my hand into my mouth. Also picked up the entire plate. Indicated this whole plate was mine.
The knife-like gaze became more intense. Like wanting to stab several bloody holes in me.
I calmly spoke with Tamayo. "Previous experiments made progress? What plans next?"
Tamayo said using her blood, plus my blood—Yushiro, slowly transformed into a demon, was more rational than other demons. Only needed a little blood to survive.
This matched her previous experimental results. So she planned to continue working hard. Keep researching methods to turn demons back into humans.
I didn't ask why she turned Yushiro into a demon. Just nodded, agreeing to take another blood sample for her.
Additionally, her research needed new materials. All things ordinary people had difficulty obtaining. I promised to get them for her.
Chatted more about these years' events. Also Ume and Gyutaro I'd adopted. Seeing daybreak approaching, I also prepared to leave.
Before leaving, I deliberately asked for two large boxes of confections. All personally made by Tamayo. Nearly drained all her stock.
Under Yushiro's fire-breathing gaze, I smiled brilliantly. "Tamayo, you're so kind. Confections are also delicious. Next time, send me some more."
Hehe, brat. Think I can't handle you?
Don't even ask who I am.
In the Demon Slayer Corps, even a dog wouldn't dare offend me.
Hmph...
After bullying the kid, I left feeling refreshed.
On the way back, specially made a detour. Visited Koyuki. Shared some confections with her.
Ate the rest during the return trip. Couldn't save a portion for Ume and Gyutaro... After all, food doesn't keep well. Carrying it was also inconvenient.
But receiving Ume's letter urging me home, I still felt somewhat guilty. Before going home, specially ran to a confection shop to buy new ones.
Carrying things back to the residence—I clearly sensed Ume and Gyutaro were both there. But the whole house was very quiet.
Night had already deepened. But the house had no light at all.
Could it be this trip out was too long? Ume got angry and wouldn't acknowledge me anymore?
While thinking, I opened my room door.
Suddenly, the room brightened. Ume held a large bouquet of flowers, standing behind the door. Smiled brilliantly.
"Big Sister, happy birthday!"
I was somewhat confused. Looked at that large bouquet of wildflowers in her hands. Overwhelming floral fragrance surged into my nostrils. Suddenly awakened my awareness of spring.
Now was already spring. The early spring of melting ice and snow. The blossoming March third of spring flowers.
My long-forgotten birthday.
I didn't intentionally forget this day. Just that birthdays, for someone who'd lived too long, had already lost meaning.
If not for Ume previously throwing tantrums, insisting on knowing about me—I might not necessarily remember which day my birthday was.
Ume wore new clothes. Besides that bouquet, the table was also full of dishes... Though judging by appearance, half were made by her, half by her brother.
Gyutaro held a gift box, explained to me, "Ume also never celebrated birthdays. So really wanted to try. Made it slightly exaggerated."
Hearing this, Ume turned to fiercely glare at her brother. Then pulled out a box from behind. "Big Sister, I bought you a gift! Matching bracelets with mine!"
She happily shook the jade bracelet on her wrist. I opened the box—indeed, another identical bracelet.
I wore it on my hand. Specially placed it together with hers to admire. "Beautiful."
Gyutaro also bought a gift. If no surprise, also chosen by Ume. A pair of earrings.
Seeing me put them on, he lowered his head, stepped back. "Very suitable for you."
His reaction was strange. I looked twice. Before asking what was wrong, Ume already pulled me toward the table.
"Big Sister, quickly taste the dishes I personally made!"
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