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My name is Tachibana Chihaya. I'm a demon who's lived for a thousand years.
This is what the youth who came to fetch me told me. He said his name was Kagaya, and he was my family.
Due to certain circumstances, I'd lost contact with him two years ago. My memories were fuzzy and unclear, which was why I'd been wandering outside.
Though I didn't know why I'd become family with humans I viewed as food... he didn't look like he was lying. Besides, wasn't Kagaya the name I'd been muttering all along?
I remembered that every so often I had to make a new bracelet for him, hoping he'd stay healthy. But he still seemed to be sick.
Perhaps I stared at the illness marks on his forehead too long, my gaze too obvious. He smiled, sat before me, held my hand and said: "Thank you for always thinking of me. Please don't blame yourself. This has nothing to do with you."
Maybe my lost memories would know what this was about... but right now, unable to remember anything, I could only follow Kagaya's arrangements.
He seemed prepared to take me home.
That man called Gyomei seemed like he wanted to say something, but after a long silence only said to Kagaya:
"If that's the case, please return quickly. I'll escort you both. For you to come alone to the Rengoku house is too dangerous. If the other Hashira knew, they'd also feel uneasy."
"Thank you, Gyomei." Kagaya turned to me and said, "Then, let's go home first. Amane also misses you very much."
So we bid farewell to Kyojuro and his brother, and returned to the home Kagaya spoke of.
That estate hidden in the mountains gave me a very familiar feeling, as if it truly was a place I often stayed.
Waiting in the estate, besides Amane whom Kagaya mentioned, was also a young couple.
They also gave me an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Especially when that beautiful girl rushed over, hugged me and burst into tears—I instinctively embraced her, gently stroking her head and back.
"Lady Sister! Waaah! I thought I'd never see you again! I was so worried! Next time, don't do such dangerous things. Wherever you go, take me with you!"
Even the thin young man behind her lost emotional control, gripping my hand and saying: "My lady, Ume and I only have new lives thanks to your kindness. We'll do whatever you ask! Even if you use us as tools, please don't leave alone again in the future!"
I became confused. A deep sense of guilt rose from the bottom of my heart.
While I'd been wandering around in a daze, it seemed I'd made quite a few people worry about me.
Instinctively, I reached out to pat both their heads, mumbled unclearly: "Sorry..."
After returning here, what greeted me were peaceful, tranquil days.
Though Kagaya seemed young, he'd already become a father.
His wife Amane was several years older. When she saw me, she was gentle and courteous, then led me to see their children.
Even now, in my senses, they still gave off sweet, tempting scents. Not to mention newborn infants—they smelled even more delicious.
But Amane pulled me into the warm room without any hesitation, completely unworried that I'd harm the children.
I walked to the cradle in awe. Saw five sleeping there neatly arranged. Couldn't help looking around in surprise.
Amane laughed, pointing at the only child with black hair in the middle: "This is the eldest son. On the left are his two older sisters. On the right are his younger sisters."
Five children.
I carefully gripped the edge of the cradle, tilting my head to examine them.
"Would you like to hold one?"
She asked this while reaching out to pick up a daughter, gesturing for me to extend my hands.
Let me hold one? Really okay?
I stared at the sharp nails that had grown on my hands, momentarily at a loss. But Amane calmly handed the child to me, teaching me to adjust my posture.
This child was so small. Such a soft, tiny bundle of flesh in my hands felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
She carried a sweet milky scent, very pleasant. I carefully held her, couldn't help drawing close to her tender skin, sneakily leaned in and kissed her face once.
Mm, I only kissed her. Didn't lick. That voice won't scold me, right?
I quietly waited a few seconds. Sure enough, didn't hear that voice. Quickly put the child back.
Looking up at the mother who'd given birth to these five children, somehow my mouth suddenly gained a mind of its own.
"It must've been... been hard. Five children must be very difficult. I originally... originally was going to..."
Eh, originally going to do what?
This beautiful woman like ice and snow suddenly curved her eyes, showing a very happy smile.
"Pregnancy was indeed somewhat difficult. Fortunately, Lord Kagaya stayed with me the whole time, never let me overwork. He told me that barring accidents, you would definitely return to carefully look after me. Even if not by my side, you'd still think of us."
Amane stepped forward, gently embraced me, said in a tender voice: "I'm very happy to see you again."
Me too. Though I didn't remember anything, from the moment I saw them, I'd felt a lightness. My heart felt as comfortable as if soaking in warm water.
Kagaya said I'd lost my memories most likely because I'd used all my mental energy to resist the desire to eat people.
And from what he'd heard from swordsmen who encountered me, my condition improved each time. This showed my body was gradually gaining the upper hand. Before long, I should be able to recover my memories.
Staying in this secluded estate, I didn't need to do anything. Kagaya and Amane wouldn't let me help with chores, and Gyutaro handled three meals a day.
Though peaceful days were good, after a while, I grew restless again.
Ume suggested taking me out for walks. Every night she'd take me to bustling towns to buy beautiful clothes and jewelry.
Occasionally during the day, I'd also go out alone.
As long as I wore sun-protective clothing, wrapped up tightly, and held that large black umbrella, I could move freely during the day too.
Maybe I was naturally restless. Even without recovering my memories, Kagaya agreed to let me leave the estate and wander around on my own.
Because I had an owl to guide me, I had no problems alone.
Until one day on the street, a young girl wearing butterfly ornaments stopped me, examining me with bright eyes.
"Pardon me for disturbing you. Somehow you give me a very special feeling. Not like an ordinary person, but... also not like the demons I've encountered."
Her voice was light and soft. Her gaze clear and resolute.
I saw her outfit and sword, then saw the friendly curiosity on her face. Couldn't help becoming interested.
Rare for a demon slayer to not know my origins, yet be so kind to me at first meeting.
Just right. These thousand years of memories surged like tides, churning restlessly, urgently seeking an outlet.
So I said to her: "Would you like to hear a long story about me?"
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