Chapter 62: How Could You Bring a Girl Back?!

(Deleted and rewrote, rewrote and deleted, my brain's about to explode! Lately I've also been getting petted like a pet fox by my sister… If you have any good suggestions, feel free to leave them, I'll take them into consideration when the time comes. Thank you all for your continued support.)

Returning to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Zero first sent Ubuyashiki Nika and Ubuyashiki Kagaya back to the Ubuyashiki residence.

Finally, holding Kanō's hand, he returned to the Butterfly Estate and handed her over to Xiang Nai Hui.

Seeing Xiang Nai Hui and Hu Die Ren, he recounted the matter of Kanō participating in the Mount Fujikasane selection exam.

"That's how it is. Xiang Nai Hui, Xiao Ren, it seems this child Kanō went to take the Mount Fujikasane selection exam behind your backs. Fortunately, nothing happened to her."

Kanō knelt beside Zero, like a child who had done something wrong, head lowered in silence.

Her hands rested on her knees, looking very nervous.

Hu Die Ren said nothing, simply sitting beside Xiang Nai Hui in thought.

Xiang Nai Hui smiled gently at Kanō. In truth, she had long known Kanō would go take the exam.

Letting her become a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman — what Xiang Nai Hui wanted even more was simply for Kanō to stay alive and well.

Zero reached out and patted Kanō's head, saying: "Alright, little Kanō, I don't blame you. Do you know what becoming a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman means?!

Rather than having you become a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman, I'd much rather you live like an ordinary little girl, spending your days in peace for the rest of your life."

Kanō raised her head, looking at Zero with some disbelief.

She saw that Zero's eyes, just like her two elder sisters', were full of tenderness.

Just like an elder brother caring for his younger sister, considering her in every way.

She seemed to want to say something, instinctively reaching for her coin, but hesitated at that moment.

She remembered Zero telling her that sometimes one must make decisions according to what one's heart truly wants.

"I… I…" Kanō seemed to summon all her strength, but couldn't get out a complete sentence for a long while.

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

Zero knew Kanō had already tried very hard, but he couldn't push her too fast, or it would backfire.

He stroked Kanō's cheek, using his thumb to wipe the tears from the corner of her eye, and said gently: "It's alright, you've already tried very hard. Take your time."

"Lend me your coin for a moment."

Kanō took the coin from her bosom and handed it to Zero.

"This time it's my own selfishness. I'll toss the coin, and you guess whether it's heads or tails. If it's heads, then I agree to let you be a swordsman. If it's tails, you stay at the Butterfly Estate as a caretaker. How about it?"

This time, Kanō fell silent, her heart in turmoil, but in the end she nodded in agreement.

Then Zero tossed the coin upward, catching it in his palm at the very instant it was about to fall.

"If it's heads, palm up. If it's tails, palm down."

Kanō extended her hand, palm up, indicating heads.

In truth, she was also very nervous. She hadn't been able to see clearly which way the coin fell before Zero caught it, so she could only guess according to what her heart wanted.

Zero slowly opened his palm — it was heads. This time, Kanō finally broke into a happy smile.

"Alright, it's heads. Looks like I have no choice but to agree to let you be a swordsman."

He returned the coin to Kanō.

"Go rest. You haven't really rested properly since taking the exam."

Kanō nodded to show she understood.

After Kanō left, Hu Die Ren also left, her meaning clear — she didn't want to be a third wheel.

Before leaving, she glared at Zero, pretending to be very angry.

Zero simply ignored her, pretending not to see.

This made Hu Die Ren so annoyed that she let out a tsundere "Hmph!", turned around, and left at once.

Xiang Nai Hui came to Zero's side, gave him a light kiss on his lips, and leaned into his arms without a word.

Now, all that filled her heart was happiness and love for Zero.

Zero took the opportunity to hold Xiang Nai Hui and asked: "Where is Xiao Xiao Mili? Why isn't she around? And Xiao Bai Yue, why isn't she around either?"

"While you were serving as examiner at Mount Fujikasane, Xiao Xiao Mili went to patrol your district. She told me she couldn't always let you do all the hard work alone. Xiao Bai Yue-chan was temporarily kept by Lady Ubuyashiki Ubuyashiki Tianyin at her side."

"Uh… speaking of which, why does Lady Ubuyashiki Ubuyashiki Tianyin want to keep Xiao Bai Yue by her side?" Zero asked.

He had a nagging feeling that Xiao Bai Yue seemed to be going through some extraordinary experience?

Xiang Nai Hui didn't answer, simply leaning quietly in Zero's arms.

Xiao Bai Yue is at Ubuyashiki Ubuyashiki Tianyin's place?

Naturally, it's because Xiao Bai Yue's petite appearance made Ubuyashiki Tianyin unable to put her down, and she kept making all sorts of clever little outfits for Xiao Bai Yue to try on.

Because the curse on her husband had been completely lifted, she often went to the rear grove to sweep the graves of the fallen swordsmen, and in her spare time accompanied the children or chatted with the swordsmen.

Moreover, apart from the Hashira meetings, the Demon Slayer Corps hadn't had any major matters recently, so Ubuyashiki Ubuyashiki Tianyin often took time to make little outfits.

Poor Xiao Bai Yue ended up becoming a little clothes hanger just like that.

"(? ﹏?) Waaah～ Master, when are you coming to pick up Xiao Bai Yue? Xiao Bai Yue is so tired!"

…………

Asakusa.

After finishing her patrol of Zero's district, Xiao Xiao Mili, led by her Kasugai Crow, arrived at Asakusa and found a restaurant to have a big meal.

At this moment, she was wearing a white sleeveless sweater on top, and on the bottom a pair of tight four-panel shorts that clung snugly to her hips.

On her feet she wore a pair of flat Bai Bu shoes.

It made Xiao Xiao Mili look even more pure and cute, brimming with energy.

This outfit was designed by Zero himself, and he commissioned the Demon Slayer Corps tailor Maeda Masao to make it.

This could also be considered Zero's selfishness — he didn't like Xiao Xiao Mili dressing revealingly, especially in front of the opposite sex.

Even if she dressed revealingly, that could only be for his eyes alone!

Other people? No way! Of course, except for women.

Originally, Maeda Masao had made the collar a bit wider and the pants a bit shorter, thinking this would better show off Xiao Xiao Mili's figure.

Then he received a "friendly" exchange from Zero.

In the end, Maeda Masao, with two stir-fried chestnuts on his head, promised repeatedly that he would absolutely do a proper job.

As he watched Zero leave, he quietly muttered: "Why is Pillar my lord Zero so beautiful but not a girl?"

The result was that Maeda Masao, with three stir-fried chestnuts plus a panda eye, had to redo the tailoring all over again...

After finishing several big bowls of delicious food, he left the money on the table, picked up the Nichirin Sword wrapped in a long cloth strip that had been set aside, and left the restaurant under the stunned gazes of the boss and the other customers.

They had never seen a customer eat so much!

That huge table of rice bowls added up to enough food for at least twenty or thirty people!

"I haven't seen Zero in several days, I need to hurry back."

Just thinking that going back meant seeing Zero filled her heart with a sense of happiness, and she couldn't help quickening her steps.

Moreover, Xiao Xiao Mili's parents had already met Zero and expressed that they were very satisfied with this son-in-law!

They even asked Xiao Xiao Mili when she could let the two of them hold a grandchild?

The big blunder from half a year ago still felt vivid to Xiao Xiao Mili as if it were yesterday, and a faint blush involuntarily rose on her cheeks.

Half a year ago...

"Zero, um... I..."

"What's wrong, Xiao Xiao Mili? Is there something on your mind?"

"I..."

Being stared at like that by Zero made Xiao Xiao Mili shyly lower her head, her hands rubbing together. As if she had made some resolve inside, she raised her head and said: "Zero, tomorrow I want to take you home to meet my mom and dad."

"Eh?"

"It's okay, Zero, it's fine if you don't go. I know this is a bit sudden, just pretend I never said anything..."

"Just this? No problem~"

"Eh?! Really? Is it really okay?!" Xiao Xiao Mili asked in pleasant surprise.

"Of course~ This isn't a bad thing."

"That's wonderful!" Xiao Xiao Mili hadn't expected Zero to really agree, and she happily jumped up and hung herself on Zero, pressing Zero's head against her chest!

Zero also hadn't expected Xiao Xiao Mili to be this happy over the matter.

Seeing her happy made his own heart happy along with hers.

However, Xiao Xiao Mili's uniform was in a vacuum state against her body, and her chest was almost spilling out.

The skirt was also short, so a gust of wind or a stride taken too wide would easily cause a wardrobe malfunction, letting people see the spring scenery beneath the skirt!

Startled, Zero hurriedly set Xiao Xiao Mili down and fastened her buttons for her, but Xiao Xiao Mili's were simply too big, and the buttons flew right off.

"Xiao Xiao Mili, don't wear this outfit anymore from now on, you're almost flashing everyone!"

"But if I don't wear this uniform, then what should I wear?"

"Leave this matter to me to figure out. You might think I'm being selfish, but I don't want you flashing and being seen by other men."

"No, no, I'll listen to you." Zero considering her like this naturally made her feel very happy.

Every time Xiao Xiao Mili's smile could always touch Zero's heart, different from Xiang Nai Hui's smile.

Xiang Nai Hui's smile could give people a healing, heart-touching feeling.

He thought to himself: "What a cute and optimistic silly sweet girl."

That evening, Xiao Xiao Mili told Xiang Nai Hui about the matter, and Xiang Nai Hui also said it was fine.

Early the next morning.

Xiao Xiao Mili got up early, and when she came downstairs she saw Zero sitting on the sofa waiting for her.

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

"You're awake~ Go wash up and change into this outfit. Aunt Kui Zhi has already prepared breakfast. After we eat, we'll set off to meet your parents."

"Mm-hmm~"

A moment later, Xiao Xiao Mili finished washing up and changed into the outfit Zero had given her.

It was a black lace-trimmed dress, which made Xiao Xiao Mili look like a noble, refined Young Lady.

Putting on the high heels, combined with Xiao Xiao Mili's figure, perfectly accentuated her temperament even more.

She devoured Aunt Kui Zhi's prepared breakfast like a whirlwind sweeping away the clouds, and set off together with Zero...

Zero rode the 【Dark Alloy Motorcycle】, carrying Xiao Xiao Mili. Xiao Xiao Mili sat behind him, her legs pressed together as she hugged Zero's waist.

They sped along the whole way like the wind.

Her head rested against Zero's back, feeling the strong aura from Zero's back, which made her very comfortable.

After several hours, they finally arrived at the town where Xiao Xiao Mili's parents lived.

After getting off, he stored the 【Dark Alloy Motorcycle】 back into the 【Nano Space】, took Xiao Xiao Mili's little hand, and headed toward her home.

The gazes of the town's neighbors and pedestrians on the street all turned this way—some curious, some envious, and so on.

A few recognized Xiao Xiao Mili and exclaimed: "Isn't that the daughter of the Kanroji family? Why does she seem different somehow?"

"Right! Who's the person holding her hand? He seems quite extraordinary too!? But why isn't he showing his face?"

"His clothes look so strange too? I've never seen anything like this before!"

Zero was wearing a white hooded windbreaker, brief fitted short trunks, and a pair of white metal boots.

It made people feel mysterious yet unable to resist wanting to investigate further.

But Zero paid no attention to the surrounding gazes and discussions, and asked the Xiao Xiao Mili beside him: "Xiao Xiao Mili, where is your house?"

Xiao Xiao Mili answered: "Just up ahead not far, keep walking straight and we'll be there."

As they walked, Zero suddenly sensed something off about Xiao Xiao Mili.

"What's wrong, Xiao Xiao Mili?"

"These shoes aren't really comfortable on me…"

"Sorry, that was my oversight."

Then, under the astonished gazes of passersby, he scooped her up into his arms in a princess carry.

"Eep~" Xiao Xiao Mili let out a shy sound and buried her face into Zero's chest.

Before long, Zero carrying Xiao Xiao Mili had already arrived at her parents' residence.

Honestly, this mansion looked really big — by the standards of this era, it was already a luxury estate.

Who would have thought Xiao Xiao Mili was also a young lady from a wealthy family.

A bona fide stealth little rich girl!

Thinking about it, it made sense — with Xiao Xiao Mili's appetite that huge, anyone who could afford to raise a sweet, silly girl like her definitely wasn't an ordinary household.

"My mom and dad should be over there."

Xiao Xiao Mili pointed at the house in the center of the courtyard not far away; from the look of it, that should be the main hall.

Stepping through the great door, he carried Xiao Xiao Mili and walked step by step toward the main hall.

Inside the main hall, Xiao Xiao Mili's parents were entertaining guests, and from the look of it they seemed a bit troubled.

"Mr. Masamura, my daughter wrote to us a few days ago saying she'd already found a partner, that they'd been together for a while, and that she'd be bringing her partner home soon — what do you think…?" Xiao Xiao Mili's father said, looking at the man seated to one side.

This man's name was Masamura Jiro.

And beside this man was a young fellow wearing glasses — his son, Masamura Saburo.

But from his many years of business experience, Xiao Xiao Mili's father could tell that this young man was certainly no easygoing sort either.

"Mr. Kanroji, given your daughter's personality, do you really think she could have found a partner? I'm afraid she only said that on purpose to put you two at ease, no?" Masamura Jiro spoke up, a hint of mockery in his words.

"My father isn't wrong either. We've come this time to give Miss Kanroji a chance — I can marry her, but she must do everything I say." Masamura Saburo chimed in, mockery likewise seeping through his words.

High and mighty, feeling he'd already given plenty of face.

As if stooping to marry Xiao Xiao Mili was a climb above their station.

"You—" Xiao Xiao Mili's father had just been about to flare up when Xiao Xiao Mili's mother stopped him.

Xiao Xiao Mili's mother also felt very bitter inside — no matter what, her precious daughter would never allow anyone to speak of her that way.

Besides, Xiao Xiao Mili's mother had also wondered whether Xiao Xiao Mili had really found a partner.

Suddenly, Xiao Xiao Mili's mother saw two people coming in through the door — the one being carried just looked so familiar, like it was her own daughter.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home~"

Zero carried Xiao Xiao Mili into the main hall and set her down.

Xiao Xiao Mili couldn't wait to rush toward her parents and give them a hug.

"Xiao Xiao Mili, you're finally back!"

"Hahaha, good girl — is this the partner you mentioned?"

Xiao Xiao Mili's father pointed at Zero standing before them.

"Mm! His name is Zero."

Seeing this, Zero took off the name on his hooded coat, revealing that exquisite face, and gave a slight smile.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiao Mili's mother said to her: "Xiao Xiao Mili, why did you bring a girl home?! Even if you can't find a partner, that's fine — you shouldn't be dating a girl! You have to understand, two girls together can never work out!"

"That's right, sweetie — even if you can't find one, it's fine, we won't blame you."

Everyone present heard these words, and Zero wished he could find a crack in the floor to crawl into.

Misunderstood as a girl again…

"Eh? No no no, Mom, Dad — Zero is my partner. He just looks a bit like a girl, and he's been really good to me~ He carried me all the way home!"

"Really?"

"Really really! One hundred percent true!"

Xiao Xiao Mili's parents looked at Zero, a little doubtful.

"U-uncle… Auntie… hello, I'm Zero, Xiao Xiao Mili's boyfriend." Calling these kids who were several thousand times younger than him "uncle" and "auntie" left Zero a bit helpless.

But after all, they were Xiao Xiao Mili's parents, and Xiao Xiao Mili was his girlfriend — he couldn't let her be embarrassed.

Hearing that voice, and noticing Zero's Adam's apple, they finally set their minds at ease.

As long as it's not a girl — otherwise they'd have suspected their own daughter had changed her preferences!

Soon, Xiao Xiao Mili's parents were happy for their daughter again.

"First meeting, I didn't bring anything good — please take these gifts as a meeting present." Zero conjured many beautifully wrapped packages out of thin air and placed them on the table; one look told you they weren't cheap.

Apart from Xiao Xiao Mili, this feat stunned everyone present.

Then, he took out a few bottles of baijiu from his 【Nano Space】 and set them on the table.

"Auntie, those are cosmetics and some sweets, for you. Uncle, this baijiu is my gift to you — I hope it suits your taste."

"Th-thank you so much, you've spent too much. Our Xiao Xiao Mili has been in your care all this time — thank you too for being willing to accept her."

"Hahaha, not bad, not bad — good son-in-law, I really like these wines."

Xiao Xiao Mili's father immediately switched to calling him son-in-law.

You could tell he really loved Xiao Xiao Mili.

The Masamura father and son were completely left out in the cold — leaving would be wrong, staying would be wrong.

Looks like their scheming had fallen through!

Masamura Saburo's eyes blazed with fury — he truly didn't like Xiao Xiao Mili! She was pretty, sure, but with that huge appetite, that strange hair color, and that monstrous strength, she was basically no different from a monster.

It was only because he had his eyes on the Kanroji family fortune that he felt stooping to marry this girl was already giving plenty of face.

Never expected someone to beat us to it and stick their nose in!

Not only that, the instant Zero pulled off his hood just now, he had felt a slight flutter of attraction for a moment—only to find out it was a man.

"Ahem!" Masamura Fushiguro Jirou broke the cheerful atmosphere at an inopportune moment, saying: "Mr. Kanmuriji, congratulations on your daughter finally finding a partner, but is this really appropriate?"

Masamura Fushiguro Jirou also chimed in: "That's right, after all, Young Lady Xiao Mili's hair color is a bit strange, and on top of that her appetite is so huge—not just anyone can handle it! And I heard Young Lady Xiao Mili was born with great strength, what if she accidentally…"

The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart.

It seemed as though he was speaking for the Kanmuriji couple to hear, but in reality he was indirectly telling Zero what kind of girl this was—better think it through carefully!

Xiao Xiao Mili had told Zero all these things herself, but hearing them from someone else's mouth now made her heart ache terribly.

This Masamura Saburou was one of her former matchmaking prospects—the very person who told her that only a pig, or a cow, or a bear would be able to marry her.

She looked at Zero and found him smiling at her, signaling her not to worry, that he would handle it.

The Kanmuriji couple didn't feel great hearing these words either.

But seeing their daughter trust her fiancé so completely, they didn't know why, but they too chose to trust him.

Hoo—

He drew in a deep breath, steadying his emotions.

He turned around and fixed his stare on the Masamura father and son!

The Masamura father and son, seeing Zero's crimson eyes, felt as if they had fallen into an icy abyss! Their bodies trembled uncontrollably!

That undisguised killing intent was as if they had beheld countless monsters and mountains of corpses in seas of blood!

"You two, to my beloved…"

"A-PO-LOGIZE!!"

Boom!

Masamura Saburou's mind exploded as if blown apart, his body trembling even more violently!

Then, a flash of cold light streaked past, and Masamura Saburou's glasses were split cleanly in two!

………