Just as Horitake and the Kanroji family were basking in the warmth of the moment, Mitsuri's mother suddenly raised a question that cut through the joy:
"By the way, Horitake-kun, when do you and Mitsuri plan to officially get married? When do you plan to settle down and start a family? And... when do you plan to have children?"
The barrage of questions caught Horitake completely off guard. He and Mitsuri exchanged a wide-eyed, startled glance.
It seemed that no matter the world or the era, one could never escape the relentless pressure of parents pushing for marriage.
Unfortunately, this was a question that couldn't be avoided, yet it was incredibly difficult for Horitake to answer.
After a moment of careful thought, Horitake replied, "Auntie, regarding marriage, settling down, and children... Mitsuri and I haven't quite decided on the specifics yet. At the very least, we don't plan on officially marrying or having children within the next year or two."
"As for the reasons... there are many," he continued. "The most important one is our work. Both Mitsuri and I are members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Beyond that, we are core members—high-level combatants. You could say we are the essential pillars of the organization."
He let out a small, weary sigh. "Currently, the workload within the Corps is becoming increasingly heavy, and the situation with the demons is growing more dire by the day. In our line of work, we live on the edge of a blade. While I wouldn't say we're constantly sleeping in the dirt, our lives are anything but stable. We are accompanied by danger at every waking moment."
"Given these circumstances, how could we justify getting married? How could we bring children into this? How could we maintain a peaceful home after marriage, or successfully raise a child? These are problems we simply cannot solve right now."
Horitake laid out the cold, hard reality of their lives to counter his future mother-in-law's pressure.
Listening to his explanation, Mitsuri's mother looked helpless. "I see... You're both Demon Slayers. Your work is so dangerous. It really wouldn't be appropriate to marry or have children until things are safe and stable."
At that moment, Mitsuri's father spoke up with a hint of hesitation. "Horitake, Mitsuri... have you two... considered quitting the Demon Slayer Corps?"
The room suddenly felt much heavier. Both Horitake and Mitsuri turned serious, shaking their heads simultaneously. Their expressions were resolute, showing an unshakeable determination.
"Papa, I have no intention of quitting the Corps," Mitsuri said, her voice firm. "I know you worry about me, and I know our work is incredibly dangerous. We never know when we might lose our lives. But there are too many demons in this world, and they are becoming more rampant and cruel. I can't even count how many innocent people have lost their lives, or how many families have been torn apart."
She looked her father in the eye. "I cannot simply stand by and watch tragedy after tragedy unfold. Since your daughter was born with this strength, I must do what I can. I must work hard to slay demons and protect as many people as possible."
When his daughter put it that way—invoking a sense of grand duty and moral conviction—what else could her father say? He could only offer a sheepish, proud smile.
"Fine, fine. It's okay if you don't quit. My daughter has talent and ambition. You can protect more people. As your father, I am truly proud of you."
Horitake nodded, deeply moved by Mitsuri's words. "Uncle, Auntie, Mitsuri is exactly right. Her stance is my stance. If we were empty-handed and weak, without the power to kill demons, that would be one thing. But since we possess this strength, we cannot simply be bystanders. we need to do everything within our power."
"Mitsuri and I plan to stay with the Corps until the end," Horitake promised. "Although the situation looks grim right now, I believe we'll see a final resolution within five years at most. Once all the tragedies are over, and once the world is truly safe and stable, I will naturally prioritize marriage and children. But right now... it's just not the right time. Uncle, Auntie, Mitsuri and I are very sorry."
As he finished, Horitake and Mitsuri bowed deeply in apology to her parents.
Flustered, the parents quickly reached out to help them up. Mitsuri's mother shot a sharp look at her husband before turning to comfort the young couple.
"There's no need to apologize! Truly, no need at all! You are both good children—capable, ambitious, and kind-hearted. Hearing your resolve and your willingness to protect others deeply moves us. While we can't help but worry for your safety, we will never stand in your way. We will support you with all our hearts."
In truth, finding such open-minded parents in this era was no easy feat.
Putting Horitake aside—since he wasn't their biological son—the fact that these parents were willing to let their daughter remain in the Demon Slayer Corps was remarkable. In traditional Taisho-era Japan, most families would have kept their daughters confined to the home, teaching them to be "gentle and virtuous" wives.
The Kanroji family was different. They had allowed Mitsuri to go out into the world and supported her choice to take up a dangerous, violent profession. Of course, the fact that Mitsuri had possessed superhuman strength since childhood was likely a major factor in their open-mindedness.
Horitake and Mitsuri were incredibly grateful for their understanding.
With the heavy topics concluded and the formal blessing given, all lingering doubts vanished. The conversation began to flow naturally and warmly. Horitake easily integrated himself into the family, laughing and chatting with the siblings.
The Kanroji household truly had a wonderful atmosphere—warm, harmonious, and full of life.
Before long, it was time for lunch.
The meal was, of course, a masterpiece prepared by Mitsuri's mother. She pulled out all the stops to host Horitake, celebrating the fact that her eldest daughter had finally found someone to marry.
The table was laden not only with delicacies but also with fine sake.
As the future son-in-law, Horitake was expected to drink with the father of the house. Fortunately, Horitake was no stranger to alcohol. He sat beside Mitsuri's father, and the two began a friendly drinking contest, enjoying themselves thoroughly.
By the end of the luncheon, both host and guest were in high spirits.
In the afternoon, Horitake and Mitsuri rested at the house. When dinner rolled around, another feast was served, and Horitake found himself locked in another round of drinking with his future father-in-law.
After two consecutive sessions, Mitsuri's father finally met his match. He was utterly defeated by Horitake's seemingly bottomless capacity and ended up slumped over the table.
In truth, Horitake hadn't even tried to "out-drink" him. It was simply that the father, seeing Horitake's incredible tolerance, had let his competitive spirit get the better of him. He had pushed himself too hard and eventually succumbed to the alcohol.
Mitsuri's mother, long accustomed to her husband's antics, didn't seem surprised at all. After dinner, she laughed and dragged the unconscious father up to the second floor, saying she would take care of him.
That left Horitake, who was barely buzzed, and Mitsuri, who hadn't touched a drop of sake.
The question then remained: where would the two of them sleep tonight?
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