Kagaya said, "This is all my fault. If I could be more reliable, Mr. Urokodaki surely wouldn't worry."
I said, "Not a big problem. Just call him over for a good chat."
In my view, these were small matters. Though the new Master was very young, the Demon Slayer Corps wasn't short-staffed to that extent.
Rather than continuing missions risking mistakes, he should honestly retire. Go back and cultivate more Water Breathing successors!
Even if we really lacked people—I felt picking up my blade to work again would be far more reliable than him!
After my friendly and harmonious communication, Urokodaki indeed expressed understanding. Decided to retire according to original procedures.
But Kagaya didn't smile because of this.
Four-year-olds were quite good at hiding emotions. Every time visiting Ema, he acted well. But I was a shrewd thousand-year-old granny!
When he sat there holding a book, dazed—I bent down, lowered my head to observe him. When he finally noticed a face very close before him, he froze.
However, his courage was always great. I wasn't afraid of scaring him into problems.
"Why aren't you happy?"
Realizing he couldn't hide from this old lady's eyes, Kagaya spoke frankly. "I'm just worried. Even Mr. Urokodaki, because of me, intends to postpone retirement. Is it because I'm too young—taking over Father's position instead brings everyone more unease?"
Looking at him, seemed he'd worried for a long time. Not just because of Urokodaki's matter. Perhaps since Father's death, he'd been thinking about this question.
I'd heard people say extreme wisdom brings harm. Just that each generation of Ubuyashiki had short lifespans. Also caused them to shoulder heavy responsibilities from childhood. Thus exhausting their spirit early.
Unless one day Muzan was truly eliminated—otherwise, no solution existed.
But saying that—people must understand letting their hearts relax.
I didn't give him an answer. Just asked him, "Want to go out and play?"
"Go out?" Kagaya repeated.
Because of poor health, each generation of Ubuyashiki went out very few times. Probably besides this great mansion and the Demon Slayer Corps cemetery, they rarely went elsewhere.
One—to guard against Muzan's attacks. Two—to avoid adding too much trouble for those caring for them.
Not to mention at his age—before turning ten, couldn't step outside the residence at all...
But with me, any problem wasn't a problem.
I tightly wrapped him in clothes. Also brought some easily digestible dry rations and clean water for children. Finally, used soft cloth strips to securely tie him to my body.
I didn't want to run and run, momentarily not hold steady, throw this child out.
Kagaya quietly watched me sneakily prepare to slip him out. Didn't tattle to Ema. Also didn't refuse. Curious gaze kept circling on me.
Until I was ready. Both hands holding him, asked, "Ready?"
He was tightly wrapped in clothes. Voice came out muffled. "Yes."
"Must clench your teeth tight. Don't open your mouth to speak. Otherwise, you'll bite your tongue."
"Understood."
He was very obedient. I carefully avoided servants in the residence. Successfully climbed over the wall. Easily slipped out of headquarters.
Crows belonging to the Ubuyashiki timidly followed behind. Because I threatened them—whoever dared tattle, I'd pluck all crows' feathers.
Right. I was someone who loved collective punishment. Too lazy to interrogate which crow secretly tattled on me. Would just deal with all crows together.
They dared to be angry but not speak. Also worried about Kagaya's health. Could only secretly follow. I didn't care.
The Ubuyashiki residence was built in mountains. But not far from towns. I ran wildly through mountains. Cool wind scraped across cheeks. Summer night cicadas still chirped noisily. Occasionally, a fallen leaf lightly brushed down. Then blown toward the distance by the sharp wind I stirred up.
At my full speed, only took an hour to reach the nearby city.
In deep black night, this city shining with brilliant lights—like stars in the night sky reflected on earth.
I stopped. Removed the windbreaking scarf covering Kagaya's head. Let him open his eyes to see this beautiful city.
Kagaya turned his head. Bright light fell into his eyes. He slightly opened his mouth. Yet still quietly watched everything before him.
"This bright light—is it 'electricity'?"
"Yes."
Also a recent novelty spreading around. Using it cost quite a bit. But illumination far stronger than oil lamps.
The Ubuyashiki family wasn't short of money. But people who understood installing electric lights were few. Technology mastered by new-style technicians... meant not knowing roots and origins thoroughly enough. Also meant more uncertain risks.
So the Ubuyashiki main residence would rather continue using old oil lamp lighting.
Kagaya knew quite a lot. Even knew these new-style things. But he'd only seen them in books.
Until I brought him into the city—only then did he personally witness electric lighting's power.
Clearly already late night. But the city was bright as day. Everywhere on streets were pedestrians. Fashionably dressed ladies held gentlemen's arms. Gracefully walked past. Only left perfume's lingering scent in the air.
Kagaya sneezed. I quickly took him away from the crowd. Walked toward street-side food stalls.
Normally, he couldn't eat outside food. Also feared eating unsanitary food.
However, when I came to the Ubuyashiki residence, also often stayed in this city. Which shops made clean food—I knew clearly.
I picked several shops, bought some snacks. Took him to sit on long benches shop owners set out.
Of course, couldn't let him eat too much. Feared indigestion. Letting him taste flavors was no problem.
Kagaya also wasn't greedy. I said each item could only eat a tiny bit. He really only used clean bamboo chopsticks to pick a tiny bit. Held it in his mouth, chewed for a long time before slowly swallowing.
The rest was all eaten by me.
While eating, my peripheral vision noticed he still looked toward that very crowded street. Legs under the bench couldn't help gently swinging. Looked very happy.
However, after I carried him away, he still quietly asked me, "Everyone coming out at night to be active—will they more easily encounter danger?"
Truly worthy of being Demon Slayer Corps Master. Even slipping out to play, didn't forget his main job.
"Whether or not there are electric lights, demons will kill people. This is demons' fault. Not humans' mistake. But also can't, because of fear, give the night to demons."
I held him to look at that moon in the sky. Appearance just like a thousand years ago. Completely unchanged.
Kagaya showed a smile. Forcefully nodded. "Yes, Lord Chihaya. I already understand."
He sometimes looked up at the moon. Sometimes lowered his head to gaze at the night scene. On the way back, said to me, "Lord Chihaya, turns out night is also so beautiful."
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