Chapter 62: Why did you bring a girl back?!

(Deleted and rewrote, rewrote and deleted—my head feels like it’s about to explode! Lately, I’ve also been petted like a pet fox by my sister… If you have any good suggestions, please leave them; I’ll take them into account. Thank you for your continued support.)

Back at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Zero first returned Ubuyashiki Hikari and Ubuyashiki Kiriya to the Ubuyashiki residence.

Finally, he brought Kanao Tsuyuri back to Butterfly House and handed her over to Kanae Kocho.

Upon seeing Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho, he recounted how Kanao Tsuyuri had participated in the Fujiyama Trials.

“That’s the situation. Kanae, Shinobu—Kanao seems to have sneaked off to join the Fujiyama Trials without telling you two. Fortunately, she’s unharmed.”

Kanao sat kneeling beside Zero, like a child who had done something wrong, head bowed in silence.

Her hands rested on her knees, as if she were deeply nervous.

Shinobu said nothing, only sat beside Kanae, lost in thought.

Kanae smiled gently at Kanao—she had known all along that Kanao would join the trials.

While she wanted Kanao to become a Demon Slayer, Kanae hoped even more that Kanao would simply live a peaceful life.

Zero reached out and stroked Kanao’s head. “There’s no blame here, Kanao. Do you know what becoming a Demon Slayer means?”

“I’d rather you live an ordinary life, like any ordinary girl, and spend your remaining years in peace.”

Kanao looked up at Zero, astonished.

In his eyes, she saw the same tenderness as her two sisters’.

It was the gaze of a brother who cared deeply for his little sister.

She seemed about to say something, instinctively reaching for a coin—but hesitated at that moment.

She remembered Zero telling her: sometimes, you must decide according to what your heart truly feels.

“I… I…” Kanao summoned all her strength, yet could not form a complete sentence.

Tears welled in her eyes, as if she were about to cry.

Zero knew Kanao had tried her hardest—he couldn’t push her too hard, or it would backfire.

He caressed her cheek, wiping away the tears at her corner with his thumb, softly saying: “It’s fine. You’ve tried your best. Take your time.”

“Lend me the coin.”

Kanao pulled the coin from her chest and handed it to Zero.

“This time, it’s my selfish wish. I’ll flip the coin—you guess whether it’s heads or tails. If it’s heads, I’ll allow you to become a swordsman. If it’s tails, you’ll stay at Butterfly House as a nurse. Deal?”

This time, Kanao fell silent, wrestling inside—then finally nodded in agreement.

Zero tossed the coin upward, catching it mid-air the instant before it fell.

“If it’s heads, hold your palm up. If it’s tails, hold your palm down.”

Kanao extended her hand, palm facing upward—signaling heads.

She was nervous too; she hadn’t even seen which way the coin landed before Zero caught it, so she guessed based on what her heart wished.

Zero slowly opened his palm—it was heads. For the first time, Kanao smiled brightly.

“Alright, it’s heads. Looks like I have no choice but to let you become a swordsman.”

He returned the coin to Kanao.

“Go rest. You haven’t had proper rest since the trials.”

Kanao nodded, understanding.

After Kanao left, Shinobu followed suit—her meaning was clear: she didn’t want to be a third wheel.

Before leaving, she feigned anger and shot Zero a glare.

Zero ignored her completely, pretending not to notice.

That infuriated Shinobu. She huffed indignantly and turned on her heel, walking off.

Kanae walked over to Zero’s side, gently kissed his lips, and leaned against his chest, saying nothing.

All she felt now was pure happiness and boundless love for Zero.

Zero embraced Kanae and asked: “Where’s Mitsuri? Where’s Xiao Yue? Why aren’t they here?”

“Mitsuri went to patrol your jurisdiction right after you became a Fujiyama trial examiner. She told me not to let you bear all the burden alone. Xiao Yue was temporarily kept by Lady Tianyin.”

“Huh… by the way, why did Lady Tianyin keep Xiao Yue?” Zero asked.

He had a feeling Xiao Yue was going through something significant.

Kanae didn’t answer. She simply rested quietly against Zero’s chest.

Xiao Yue was with Ubuyashiki Tianyin?

Naturally—because Xiao Yue’s tiny appearance made Tianyin adore her endlessly, crafting countless delicate little outfits for her to try on.

Since her husband’s curse had been fully lifted, Tianyin often visited the rear grove to tend to the graves of fallen swordsmen, and in her spare time, chatted with the children or the swordsmen.

Plus, aside from the Pillar Meeting, the Demon Slayer Corps had been quiet lately—so Tianyin frequently took time to sew little clothes.

Poor Xiao Yue had become nothing but a living mannequin.

“(?﹏?) Waaah~ Master, when will you come to get me? I’m so tired!”

………

Asakusa.

After patrolling Zero’s jurisdiction, Mitsuri, guided by a Sound Hashira crow, found a restaurant in Asakusa and devoured a massive meal.

She wore a white sleeveless sweater, paired with tight white briefs that clung tightly to her hips.

On her feet were plain white cloth shoes.

She looked even purer, cuter, and full of vitality.

The outfit was designed by Zero himself and commissioned from the Demon Slayer Corps tailor, Maeda Masao.

It was Zero’s private wish—he disliked Mitsuri wearing revealing clothes, especially in front of men.

Even if she wore revealing clothes, only he should see them!

Others? No. Of course, except for women.

Originally, Maeda Masao had made the neckline slightly larger and the pants shorter, thinking it would better showcase Mitsuri’s figure.

Then he received Zero’s “friendly” conversation.

In the end, Maeda Masao walked away with two swollen bumps on his head, swearing repeatedly that he’d fix it properly.

As he watched Zero leave, he muttered under his breath: “Why isn’t Zero-dono a girl? He’s so beautiful…”

Result? Maeda Masao returned with three swollen bumps and a black eye, forced to re-sew the outfit again…

After finishing several large bowls of food, she left money on the table, picked up her Nichirin Blade wrapped in a long cloth strip, and left the restaurant amid stunned stares from the owner and other patrons.

They had never seen a customer eat so much!

The pile of empty bowls on the table totaled at least enough for twenty to thirty people!

“It’s been days since I last saw Zero—I need to get back quickly.”

Just thinking of returning to see Zero filled her with happiness, and she hurried her steps.

Besides, Mitsuri’s parents had met Zero—and approved of him as a son-in-law!

They even asked Mitsuri when they could expect grandchildren.

The big misunderstanding half a year ago still felt vivid to her—her cheeks flushed involuntarily.

Half a year ago…

“Zero… um… I…”

“What’s wrong, Mitsuri? Something on your mind?”

“I…”

Under Zero’s gaze, Mitsuri blushed and lowered her head, fidgeting with her hands. Finally, she lifted her head and said: “Zero, tomorrow I want to take you to meet my parents.”

“Huh?”

“It’s fine, Zero. You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know it’s sudden—just forget I said anything…”

“Is that all? Of course.”

“Huh?! Really? You really mean it?!” Mitsuri asked in delight.

“Of course. It’s not a bad thing at all.”

Mitsuri couldn’t believe Zero had agreed—she jumped up and wrapped herself around him, pressing his head against her chest!

Zero hadn’t expected Mitsuri to be this happy over something so simple.

Seeing her joy made him happy too.

But her Demon Slayer uniform was worn without anything underneath—her chest was nearly exposed.

The skirt was short; a gust of wind or a wide step could easily reveal her undergarments.

Startled, Zero quickly set her down and tried to button her top—but the buttons flew off, overwhelmed by her size.

“Mitsuri, don’t wear this outfit again—you’re almost flashing everyone!”

“But if I don’t wear this uniform, what should I wear?”

“I’ll figure something out. You might think I’m selfish, but I don’t want you exposed to other men.”

“No, no—I’ll listen to you.” She was delighted he cared so much for her.

Every time Mitsuri smiled, it touched Zero’s heart—different from Kanae’s smile.

Kanae’s smile had a healing warmth.

He thought: “What a cute, cheerful, naive girl.”

That night, Mitsuri told Kanae about it, and Kanae said it was fine.

Early the next morning.

Mitsuri woke early and came downstairs to find Zero waiting for her on the sofa.

Beside him lay a prepared outfit and a pair of black high heels.

“You’re awake~ Go freshen up, change into this outfit. Aunt Kui Zhi has already prepared breakfast. After eating, we’ll set off to meet your parents.”

“Mmm~”

A moment later, Miro washed up and changed into the outfit Zero had given her.

It was a black lace-trimmed dress, making Miro look like a noble young lady.

With the high heels on and her figure, her demeanor was perfectly accentuated.

She devoured Kui Zhi’s breakfast in a flash, then set off with Zero…

Zero rode the [Dark Alloy Motorcycle], carrying Miro, who sat behind him, legs together, hugging his waist.

They sped down the road like a storm.

Her head rested against Zero’s back, feeling the powerful aura emanating from him—deeply soothing.

After several hours, they finally arrived at the town where Miro’s parents lived.

After dismounting, Zero retracted the [Dark Alloy Motorcycle] into his [Nanotech Space], then took Miro’s small hand and headed toward her home.

Passersby and neighbors in the town turned their gazes toward them—some curious, some envious.

A few recognized Miro and exclaimed: “Isn’t that the daughter of the Kanroji family? Why does she seem different?”

“Yes! Who’s the man holding her hand? He also seems extraordinary! But why won’t he show his face?”

“His clothes are so strange—I’ve never seen anything like them!”

Zero wore a white hooded trench coat, short fitted briefs, and white metal boots.

He radiated mystery, yet irresistibly drew curiosity.

But Zero paid no mind to the surrounding stares and whispers; he asked Miro, “Miro, where’s your home?”

Miro replied, “Just ahead, straight down that road.”

As they walked, Zero suddenly sensed something was off with Miro.

“What’s wrong, Miro?”

“These shoes… I’m not used to them.”

“Sorry, I was careless.”

Then, before the astonished eyes of passersby, he scooped her up in a bridal carry.

“Ah~” Miro blushed, burying her face against Zero’s chest.

Soon, Zero carried Miro to her parents’ residence.

Indeed, the estate was large—by this era’s standards, it was a mansion.

Who would’ve thought Miro was also a wealthy young lady?

A true hidden heiress!

Thinking about it, Miro had such a huge appetite—only a family of means could afford to raise such a sweet, clueless girl.

“My parents should be over there.”

Miro pointed to the central house in the courtyard—likely the main hall.

Stepping through the gate, Zero carried Miro steadily toward the hall.

Inside, Miro’s parents were entertaining guests, looking visibly troubled.

“Mr. Masamura, my daughter wrote a letter a few days ago saying she’s found someone, and they’ve been together for a long time. She’ll be bringing him home soon. What do you think…?” Miro’s father said to the man seated beside him.

The man’s name was Masamura Jiro.

Beside him sat a young man with glasses—his son, Masamura Saburo.

But Miro’s father, with decades of business experience, could tell this youth was no easygoing man.

“Mr. Kanroji, given your daughter’s personality, do you really believe she could find a partner? Perhaps she’s just saying this to reassure you both?” Masamura Jiro spoke, his tone laced with mockery.

“My father’s right,” Masamura Saburo added. “I’ve come today to give Miss Kanroji a chance—I can marry her, but she must obey me completely.” His words dripped with condescension.

He acted as if he were doing her a favor by lowering himself to marry her.

As if he were the one being elevated by her acceptance.

“You—” Miro’s father started to rage, but his wife stopped him.

Miro’s mother felt equally pained—no matter what her daughter was like, no one had the right to speak of her this way.

Moreover, she had wondered herself: Could Miro have truly found someone?

Suddenly, she spotted two figures at the door—one being carried, and the figure looked painfully familiar… was that her daughter?

“Papa! Mama! I’m back~”

Zero carried Miro into the hall and set her down.

Miro rushed to her parents and hugged them tightly.

“Miro, you’re finally back!”

“Hahaha, sweet daughter—is this the person you mentioned?”

Miro’s father pointed to Zero standing before them.

“Yes! His name is Zero.”

Zero lifted his hood, revealing his refined face, and smiled slightly.

Miro’s mother stared and said to Miro, “Miro, why did you bring back a girl?! Even if you can’t find a partner, you shouldn’t be dating girls! Girls and girls can never have a future together!”

“Yes, sweet daughter, it’s fine if you can’t find anyone—we won’t blame you.”

Every person in the room heard this. Zero wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor.

Again mistaken for a girl…

“No, no, no! Papa, Mama, Zero is my boyfriend! He just looks like a girl, and he’s been so kind to me—on the way here, he carried me the whole time!”

“Really?”

“Really, really! Absolutely true!”

Miro’s parents looked at Zero, skeptical.

“Uncle… Auntie… hello. My name is Zero. I’m Miro’s boyfriend.” Zero felt helpless addressing children thousands of years younger than him.

But they were Miro’s parents, and Miro was his girlfriend—he couldn’t let her be embarrassed.

Hearing his voice and noticing his Adam’s apple, they finally relaxed.

Thank goodness he wasn’t a girl—otherwise, they’d suspect their daughter had changed gender!

Soon, Miro’s parents were overjoyed for their daughter.

“It’s our first meeting, and I brought no fine gifts—these are just tokens of goodwill.” Zero conjured a pile of exquisitely wrapped packages onto the table—clearly expensive.

Everyone except Miro stared in stunned silence.

Then, from his [Nanotech Space], he pulled out several bottles of white liquor and placed them on the table.

“Auntie, these are cosmetics and sweets for you. Uncle, these liquors are for you—I hope they suit your taste.”

“Th-this… thank you, you’ve gone too far! Our Miro has been under your care all this time—we thank you for accepting her.”

“Hahaha, excellent, excellent! Good son-in-law—I love these liquors!”

Miro’s father immediately changed his address to “son-in-law.”

Clearly, he loved Miro deeply.

The Masamura father and son were completely ignored—neither leaving nor staying.

Clearly, their plans had collapsed!

Masamura Saburo’s eyes burned with rage—he truly disliked Miro! She was beautiful, yes, but ate too much, had strange hair, and possessed unnatural strength—she was practically a monster.

He’d only considered marrying her to seize the Kanroji fortune, believing his willingness to wed her was a great favor.

Now someone had stolen her away before him!

Worse still, when Zero lifted his hood, he’d felt a flicker of attraction—only to learn he was male.

“Ahem!” Masamura Jiro rudely shattered the joyous atmosphere. “Mr. Kanroji, congratulations on your daughter finally finding someone—but is this truly suitable?”

Masamura Saburo chimed in: “Indeed. Miss Kanroji’s hair color is unusual, her appetite enormous—few can sustain such a woman. And we’ve heard she was born with immense strength—what if she accidentally…”

The speaker meant nothing. The listener heard everything.

It sounded like advice to the Kanrojis—but subtly warned Zero: This girl is what she is. Think carefully!

Miro had told Zero all this herself—but hearing it from others made her heart ache.

Masamura Saburo had been one of her former matchmakers—he’d once told her only pigs, cows, or bears could marry her.

She looked at Zero and saw him smiling at her—assuring her he’d handle it.

The Kanroji parents felt uneasy hearing these words.

But seeing their daughter’s complete trust in her boyfriend, they somehow chose to believe him too.

Huh~

Zero took a deep breath, calming himself.

He turned and locked his gaze on the Masamura father and son!

The Masamuras, seeing Zero’s crimson eyes, felt as if plunged into ice—trembling uncontrollably!

The unmasked killing intent was like witnessing endless monsters and mountains of blood and corpses!

“You two… to my beloved…”

“A-P-O-L-O-G-I-Z-E!!”

BOOM!

Masamura Saburo’s mind exploded—his trembling intensified.

Instantly, a flash of cold light sliced through, and Masamura Saburō’s glasses split cleanly in two!

…………