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After turning Koyuki into a demon, I told her I was like her mother.
This wasn't an exaggerated description.
Her life as a human was given by her parents. Her life as a demon was given by me.
And Koyuki differed from Ume. She was an ordinary girl, also possessed beautiful qualities like diligence, capability, and kindness.
But she couldn't survive by her own strength. Had to depend on an elder's guidance and protection.
Like Takehime who could shoulder an entire household alone even in chaotic times—Koyuki couldn't do that.
Since I'd given her new life, and Keizo had already passed away, I had a responsibility to protect her well.
An overly long lifespan brings loneliness ordinary people can't imagine. Must carefully hide one's special nature, change residences every dozen years or so, maintain constant vigilance, can't associate candidly with anyone.
I'd once worried Koyuki couldn't accept such a life herself... but for Akaza's sake, she endured all the inconveniences.
She told me: "I want to accompany Hakuji-niisan, wait until the end and leave together with him."
Akaza probably thought the same. Because Koyuki was waiting for him, he could persist.
I owed them greatly, even more than Ume and Gyutaro.
Therefore, I absolutely couldn't tolerate even the slightest prejudice falling on Koyuki.
Kagaya only smiled after hearing this, wasn't angry: "Yes, I understand your concerns. What you worry about isn't without reason. If we're asking Miss Koyuki to help, naturally we can't be discourteous to her."
From the current situation, the present Pillars basically accepted my existence well. One more Koyuki wouldn't matter.
But members outside the Pillars were hard to say. Most people's views on demons were similar to Shinobu's.
The Butterfly Mansion was a place where wounded and Corps members frequently came and went... If conflict occurred, Koyuki had no ability to resist.
"Rashly having Miss Koyuki interact with numerous demon hunters would surely make her uneasy. A lifestyle maintained for many years would change. She'd definitely depend on you even more. Living at your place is more suitable."
I thought he was very right. Decided to go back and ask Koyuki whether she'd be willing to move over.
If she wasn't willing, at most could only take some blood for Kanae to use, slowly conduct experiments.
Since Koyuki was mentioned, Kagaya inevitably brought up Tamayo again.
Regarding this demon existing in the Ubuyashikis' secret records, Kagaya had always been very interested.
Just that Tamayo differed from me. She was a demon who'd escaped Muzan's control, had also eaten humans before. From a standpoint perspective, harder for the Demon Slayer Corps to accept.
Moreover, Tamayo was extraordinarily wary of the Demon Slayer Corps. Aside from me, trusted no one. I also couldn't betray her trust.
But Tamayo had researched Muzan for many years. The accumulated experimental data and experience far exceeded what the Kocho sisters could compare to.
Since there was intent to conduct deeper research, Kagaya obviously hoped to do it best, let both sides display their strengths.
I discussed with him for a long time. Finally decided I'd serve as the intermediary.
Tamayo wouldn't be willing to appear in person. But if only corresponding, she should be able to agree.
Whichever side—their letters would be sent to me, then I'd relay to the other party through different contact methods.
I thought this result both Kanae and Tamayo should be able to accept.
Getting a good solution that considered everyone's position, I was also very satisfied.
But after finishing discussing these matters, Kagaya held my hand again and said: "Thank you for your hard work, Great-grandmother. Always caught in the middle—you're the one in the most difficult position."
He didn't often call me this. Suddenly hearing this form of address, I hadn't quite reacted yet.
After a moment I curled my fingers, then lightly flicked his forehead: "Don't talk about me. This kind of thing isn't a big deal for me. Since you're ill, don't think about so many matters. Too harmful to your health. You must recuperate properly."
That's right, I was a lovable old lady. Wherever I went, everyone had to give me face!
Tamayo agreed as expected. The only condition was the Demon Slayer Corps purchase some equipment difficult for ordinary people to obtain.
As for Koyuki's side, I specially went to see her, spoke with her face-to-face.
A few years ago she'd changed cities again. Ever since the profession of novelist appeared, Koyuki had fallen in love with writing.
Using this as an excuse, her nocturnal lifestyle no longer so easily aroused surrounding people's suspicion.
When I went to visit her, she was busy writing manuscripts.
Afraid of interrupting her train of thought, I sat quietly beside her without making a sound.
After she finished writing, tiredly about to look up at the wall clock, she got a fright.
"Oh my, when—when did you arrive?"
Koyuki stood up flustered, happily walked a few steps toward me, then hurriedly turned to pour water, also brought out a plate of pitch-black sweets.
"These are gifts sent by the editorial department. Heard they're high-class foreign sweets called chocolate. Please try some too."
I pinched a piece and stuffed it in my mouth. A strange bitter taste spread in my mouth. The texture was very peculiar.
But why wasn't it sweet? Could something not sweet count as a sweet!
After eating one piece, I picked up tea to rinse my mouth, then looked Koyuki over.
Probably recent trendy fashions had also blown into this city. Koyuki had let down her long hair, no longer wore traditional hair buns. Just tied a small bundle of hair behind her head, fastened with a bow. The ends were even permed into curls.
She wore the currently popular mixed style—added a Western dress over her kimono, wore small leather boots on her feet. In city people's words, very modern.
"This outfit looks really good."
I didn't stint on praise. Koyuki pursed her lips showing a small smile, then asked: "You don't usually come at this time. Did you specially come to tell me something?"
So smart. I praised her again, briefly introduced the Demon Slayer Corps' situation and what the Kocho sisters wanted to do. Asked whether she'd be willing to move to my place, convenient for cooperating with Kanae on experiments.
Hearing she'd have to deal with so many demon hunters, Koyuki was startled at first. Then hearing me say it was mainly associating with Kanae, didn't need to see too many people, she felt relieved.
"Doing these things—can it help Lady Chihaya and Hakuji-niisan?"
I nodded vigorously: "Of course. Koyuki can help us greatly."
Koyuki's eyes lit up. Almost urgently said: "I'm willing. Please let me help too!"
I understood this feeling of wanting to help do something. But still reminded her: "If there's anything that makes you uncomfortable, you can't endure it silently. Must tell me, otherwise I'll be angry."
Koyuki smiled again. A shy blush colored her face. She opened her arms and hugged me, leaned against me like a child.
"I understand. Won't make you and Hakuji-niisan worry. But being able to help you both, I'm so happy. From now on I can live together with you, also meet Miss Ume."
Uh, speaking of Ume made me want to scratch my head again.
She naturally knew of Koyuki's existence. I hadn't done anything guilty—why hide it from her?
But knowing was one thing. When I came to see Koyuki, she wouldn't follow along. So regarding Koyuki, only knew by hearsay.
Hearsay was fine. But after I returned home, she liked to say sarcastically: "Big Sister loves coaxing me most, saying we're closest. All lies. In the end, aren't you keeping another girl outside?"
What nonsense. In the end, I raised Koyuki first, then raised her.
Bah, no—she led me astray. Why does it sound so strange!
Made me sound like some kind of player! Where's the justice!
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