Yushiro hesitated for a long moment. Though utterly unwilling, he finally muttered,
"She's not ugly. But… Lady Tamayo is very beautiful."
This time he was smarter. He didn't say the most beautiful.
Otherwise, the man in front of him might really draw his blade.
Aoyama chuckled softly.
See? People just need a little education.
"Since Nezuko isn't ugly, then is she beautiful? Cute? Pretty?"
Tanjiro pulled his sister forward so Yushiro could get a proper look.
Yushiro glanced at the adorably blank-faced Nezuko and muttered,
"Beautiful. Cute. Pretty… Lady Tamayo is also like that…"
The last part was added under his breath.
"Phew~" Aoyama exhaled, his expression returning to his usual easygoing look. He glanced at Tanjiro. "See? Problem solved."
"Heh… yeah… solved…" Tanjiro echoed awkwardly.
Solved with fists.
That was Senior Brother's demonic efficiency—his mood flipped fast.
Tanjiro bent down to help Yushiro up. He felt a little sorry for him. If Yushiro had accepted his earlier attempt at mediation, he wouldn't be covered in trash now.
Still—
Calling Nezuko ugly?
As her brother, absolutely unacceptable!
Tanjiro straightened seriously.
"Yushiro! Nezuko really is a beauty. The bamboo muzzle just hides it."
Yushiro's gaze drifted toward Aoyama, who was holding Nezuko's hand. He swallowed and gave a reluctant nod.
Soon, they arrived at a narrow alley that ended in a solid wall.
Yushiro glanced around cautiously before stepping forward—
And vanished straight into the wall.
Aoyama led Nezuko forward without hesitation. Their bodies passed through the wall and disappeared inside.
Tanjiro hesitated outside, reaching out to touch it—
A hand shot out and yanked him in.
"Whoa—! There's a mansion on the other side of a dead end?!"
Tanjiro couldn't help exclaiming.
Walking ahead, Yushiro spoke stiffly, "Hurry up. And listen carefully. You are absolutely not to disrespect that lady!"
In a flash, he appeared in front of Tanjiro.
"I don't care what happens to you. I only brought you because that lady requested it!"
"Ah— y-yes…"
Tanjiro leaned backward slightly, trying to create distance.
Aoyama cleared his throat lightly.
Yushiro's eyes flicked toward him immediately. He quickly stepped away from Tanjiro.
Best not provoke that one.
"Lady Tamayo is inside. Behave properly."
Much better.
Aoyama led Nezuko into the house first.
Behind them, Tanjiro patted his chest.
Yushiro really admired Lady Tamayo…
Inside, Lady Tamayo stood in a white physician's robe. Seeing them enter, she rose gracefully.
"Good evening."
Aoyama observed her carefully. Earlier on the street, he had known she was present—but his attention had been fully on Muzan.
Tanjiro stepped forward respectfully.
"Good evening, Lady Tamayo. I'm sorry we left everything to you earlier."
He turned to introduce them.
"This is my senior brother, Aoyama Ren. And this is my sister. She was turned into a demon by Kibutsuji Muzan…"
"But Nezuko has never eaten a human!" Tanjiro declared firmly.
Nezuko nodded vigorously.
"Mm! Mm!" (Never!)
They knew Tamayo was researching a way to turn demons back into humans.
Aoyama stepped forward politely.
"Lady Tamayo, I'm Aoyama Ren. Tanjiro told me you helped him. Thank you very much."
Yushiro immediately moved between them, blocking Aoyama instinctively.
"Yushiro! That's rude," Tamayo said gently.
"Lady Tamayo…" Yushiro protested weakly.
"Yushiro."
Seeing the faint displeasure on her face, he reluctantly stepped aside.
"Aoyama-kun, there's no need for thanks. After all… I also wish to eliminate Kibutsuji Muzan."
Tamayo was the first to escape Muzan's control successfully.
Once terminally ill, she had longed only to see her children grow up. Deceived and manipulated by Muzan, she was turned into a demon.
Overcome by bloodlust, she had killed her own family.
Later, consumed by guilt, she escaped and devoted herself to atonement—becoming a doctor and using her blood to save those beyond cure.
"I understand you," Aoyama said quietly.
Tanjiro's eyes fell on the injured woman lying on the bed.
Thinking about Tamayo's identity, he asked cautiously,
"Doesn't treating humans… make you uncomfortable?"
Before Tamayo could answer—
Thud.
Yushiro punched Tanjiro in the chest.
He couldn't hit Aoyama.
But Tanjiro?
That was doable.
"As demons, we endure the scent of blood and flesh while treating humans!" Yushiro snapped.
Tanjiro realized his mistake and bowed his head.
"I'm sorry."
"Stop it! Why use violence?" Tamayo reprimanded gently.
Aoyama stepped in to smooth things over.
"It's fine, it's fine! My junior is durable. He can take a punch! Hahaha."
Nezuko blinked her large pale-pink eyes and nodded emphatically.
"Mm-mm!" (Brother is very durable. Aoyama-oniichan hits him all the time and he's always fine!)
Tanjiro: "..."
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