Beautiful music drifted from the phonograph. The lights overhead were dazzlingly bright. Stabbed until I couldn't help closing my eyes for a moment.
After opening my eyes and seeing clearly the situation inside, I was quite surprised.
These people held wine glasses, chatting in low voices with beaming smiles. Occasionally clinking glasses with each other. The atmosphere very warm and friendly.
As for those bloody things I'd imagined—seemed not to exist at all.
Looked exactly like I'd stumbled into a normal banquet.
I walked in slowly. The people present acted as if they didn't see me. Continued doing their own things as usual.
After thinking, I casually gave a man a slap.
Didn't hold back. He was slapped until his head turned to the side. Face rapidly swelled. Blood traced from the corner of his mouth.
But still turned his head back. With that swollen face continued talking to others.
There was even such a good thing? I cheered up. Gave everyone along the way a slap.
After all, once they were arrested, couldn't use corporal punishment anymore. Current laws were very civilized.
If I didn't take advantage now to hit them more, when would I wait?
I just went along slapping left and right. Walked all the way to the second floor stairs.
That Upper Rank demon was actually still steady as an old dog. Not worried about anything at all.
I went upstairs. Following the scent walked to the middle room. Kicked the door open.
The room's furnishings were elegant and simple. A woman wearing a kimono sat on tatami, arranging a flower vase.
She had a mature woman's temperament. Yet her face was smooth and delicate like a young girl's. Exactly the same as the photo Rama produced. Precisely Hanasaki.
I couldn't quite figure out her logic. Thought for a moment before asking: "You're that confident you can defeat me?"
No exaggeration—unless Muzan came personally, otherwise other Upper Rank demons' first reaction upon seeing me was to grab a hostage for threats, find a chance to escape.
Hanasaki looked up and smiled at me. The numbers of Upper Rank Six clearly emerged in her eyes.
"An honored guest graces us. I'm overjoyed." Her tone was so respectful it didn't seem fake. Politely pointed at another cushion: "I've always wanted to meet you. Won't run away either. Please sit."
What scheme she was plotting I didn't know. Anyway, my dictionary didn't have the words "listen to demon talk."
Just as I prepared to act, Hanasaki said lightly: "If I'm injured, the dozens of children in the basement will immediately commit suicide."
Very good. Daring to threaten me—crime increased by one degree.
I walked over and sat down. Smiled without warmth and asked: "You still plan to chat with me? Stalling for time waiting for Muzan to come?"
Hanasaki shook her head coldly: "You misunderstand. I haven't reported anything to that person. Also sincerely looked forward to meeting you."
I was completely confused: "Meet me?"
"Yes. I've heard of your deeds. Also greatly admire you." Her eyes brimmed with shimmering light. "If when I became a demon, I'd met you—how wonderful that would have been."
I thought of Ume and Gyutaro. Didn't speak.
"However, it's not too late now." She smiled once more. "I'm willing to serve you."
I looked her over several times. Asked again: "You know I'm with the Demon Slayer Corps, right? How are you so sure I can give you blood? If Muzan discovers this thought of yours, you'll die immediately."
"I understand. But if I must choose whom to follow, I'd rather choose you." Hanasaki said with firm tone. "You know my Blood Demon Art seems inconspicuous but is actually very useful. For demons as well. Otherwise, I couldn't have concealed things from that person for so long."
"I'm willing to atone through meritorious service. Use my power to help you kill that person. To prove my determination." She prostrated on the tatami. Performed a deep bow to me.
"I humbly beg you to give me a chance."
I stroked my chin and considered for a moment: "Then if I have you kill off the remaining Upper Rank demons, can you do it?"
"Of course." Hanasaki said without hesitation. "I will certainly do my utmost."
She really was working hard. I extended a finger and waved it before her: "Then if I give you my blood, will you take it?"
Hanasaki's eyes lit up. Looked at me very eagerly: "If I could obtain your precious blood, this subordinate would be deeply honored."
I cut my finger. Dripped several drops of blood. Hanasaki cupped her hands to receive it. Cherished licking the blood clean.
Then she behaved even more obediently. I could also feel a connection established between us. Also smiled at her. Began interrogating: "Muzan's influence in human society—is it all managed by you?"
Hanasaki said very respectfully: "Yes. This subordinate's ability is very suitable for these occasions. So that person has always had me lurking in human society. Borrowing human power to search for the Blue Spider Lily."
I even suspected that thing was made up by the doctor. Muzan was actually still persisting in searching for it. This perseverance was truly terrifying enough.
What he had Upper Rank Six responsible for wasn't just Seiura alone. Here was merely one of her false identities.
According to Hanasaki, those big shots were extremely interested in immortality. To obtain Muzan's blood, were very happy to open convenient doors.
Though not yet transformed into demons, they also learned demons' ways to take pleasure.
The girls offered every month—after they played with them—would be made into food and eaten.
Hanasaki narrated unhurriedly. As if she didn't see me frown. Talking and talking, suddenly changed the subject.
"Those people want to beg benefits from demons' hands. And demon hunters toward you—isn't it the same?"
My mind was still imagining those girls' miserable appearances. So only reflexively replied: "What?"
Hanasaki gently pursed her lips. Softened her voice: "I just feel it's unfair to you. You are such a perfect and powerful existence, yet suffered so many grievances. These thousand years—how has the Demon Slayer Corps treated you? They won't even publicly acknowledge your existence. Let everyone know your greatness."
I listened quietly. Didn't express any opinion.
She seemed encouraged. Continued: "You and Muzan are completely different. Have no hostility toward humans... No, should say—you are humanity's savior. They should have treated you more respectfully. Not used you like commanding a tool."
Hanasaki raised her head. Looked at me with a sincere face. Voice soft and pleasant: "If those people downstairs knew of your existence, they would definitely frantically offer you any precious things. Even if transforming Seiura into your paradise, wouldn't hesitate. Not to mention one city—even this country, the entire world, should all belong to you."
I gently lowered my head. Thought along with her words. Seemed to truly see that future—everyone respectfully kneeling at my feet. Lifting me to a divine throne.
Whatever I wanted, they could obtain for me at the first moment. I would conquer every land where people existed.
Such a beautiful future—as long as I wanted it, within easy reach.
Hanasaki gently leaned close. Said to me full of temptation: "As long as you nod, all this will become reality."
Yes, as long as I nodded...
I raised my eyelids. Stared at that face close at hand. Suddenly smiled slightly. Jumped up and kicked her flying.
"I don't speak, and you still go on and on, huh!"
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