We rented a room in town and settled in.
Every few days Amane would go up the mountain to visit those two children. Yuichiro showed her no courtesy each time... But Muichiro cared about her greatly. Also tried his best to stop Yuichiro from scolding her.
Could see Muichiro yearned for the outside world. Also didn't reject becoming a swordsman... Therefore Amane didn't give up. Still visited the mountains from time to time. Stayed for several months.
We delayed returning. Kagaya inevitably had messenger crows come inquire about the situation.
Don't know how Amane replied to him. Kagaya separately wrote me a letter saying if those two children were unwilling, no need to force them.
Also asked me to protect Amane well. When necessary, persuade her to return.
But Amane was so persistent in wanting to realize his wish. I thought carefully. Still couldn't bear to speak up.
This wait lasted until midsummer. Because summer sunlight was too scorching, even with a black umbrella blocking light, it was very uncomfortable for me. I didn't accompany Amane out.
Didn't expect that day she returned soaking wet. Appearance quite disheveled. Needless to say, this was definitely Yuichiro's doing.
I thought Kagaya also wouldn't want her to suffer such humiliation. So suggested we turn back.
Amane's expression already showed wavering. After thinking for a moment, agreed to my suggestion... But she said those two brothers' living conditions weren't good. Planned to have someone purchase necessary living supplies from the city. Give them before leaving.
I thought of my connection with Takehime. Also felt the two children's lives weren't easy. Necessary to leave some money for their protection. Therefore also sent word for subordinates to bring some money over.
Good thing we stayed some extra days. Every night after Amane fell asleep, I would go out for a stroll. Not to buy things, but to survey the surrounding environment.
As everyone knows, demons are creatures that love drilling into mountains. I planned to plant some wisteria trees at the mountain base and near town. To protect people here from demon threats.
That night I walked along the road to the mountain base. It was already close to dawn. Originally preparing to return to sleep. But unusual wind sounds came from the mountains.
Though I couldn't hear such distant sounds, my heart felt somewhat uneasy. Felt faint traces of blood scent lingering at my nose.
This mountain was very large. If demons climbed over mountains and ridges, not passing through the town at the mountain base, I also wouldn't notice whether demons had infiltrated.
Regardless of whether something really happened, only those two children lived in these mountains. Better to go look.
I went back to wake Amane. She cautiously brought a medical kit. Went with me toward the mountains.
To save time, I carried her on my back. Amane held the umbrella over my head. To prevent sunrise light from burning me.
When the sun awakened this mountain, Amane and I had already reached near that cabin.
Saw not far away on the ground a bloody, tragic scene.
Stones, wooden stakes, sickles, axes—nailed out a grotesque human shape on the ground.
Blood traces meandered all the way. Continued to that cabin's doorway.
A demon had come!
Carrying Amane, I hurriedly rushed toward that house. At the doorway set Amane down. First stepped into the house.
Before my eyes were two bloodied bodies. These two brothers—one head facing out, one head facing in. Arms stretched with effort. Trying in the final moment to grasp each other's hands.
I heard my own heart beating urgently. Brain felt dizzy as if congested with blood. Violent rage washed through my mind. Nearly made my head split with pain.
Amane checked both their breathing and pulses. Looked at me with difficulty: "Muichiro still has breath. But Yuichiro has already..."
No. He could still be saved.
I took a deep breath. Walked to Yuichiro's side and sat down. Said to Amane: "First give Muichiro emergency treatment."
Amane's hands didn't stop moving. But her gaze kept watching me. Couldn't help asking: "Lady Chihaya, what do you plan to do?"
I originally didn't plan to do anything. I also didn't want to casually change others' lives.
But—but that was Takehime's child!
The bloodline she struggled to support in chaotic times. Finally managed to protect with such difficulty!
She didn't even get to see Hirono marry and have children. On the battlefield, shot through the chest by an arrow. Even at death still worried about her child!
The child protected with such hardship—could only one remain now?
"This is my own decision." I said in a low voice. "If Kagaya is angry, let him come condemn me."
...
Yuichiro's breathing and heartbeat had already stopped. But his body hadn't yet stiffened.
I heard Tamayo say after a human heart stops beating, doesn't mean already beyond saving. As long as rescue happens before so-called brain death, there's still a chance.
I didn't have much experience transforming people into demons. Especially someone who already had no heartbeat or breath. Made me even more unable to determine what changes he'd undergo.
Fortunately, after I gave him much blood, Yuichiro's severed left hand grew back. His complexion also changed from deathly pale to ruddy. Gradually had breathing.
After Amane gave Muichiro emergency treatment, she silently watched from the side. Even handed over a handkerchief to help wipe blood traces from Yuichiro's face.
"Does this count as success?"
I also couldn't be certain. Hesitated for a moment before nodding: "Should be."
After Yuichiro escaped danger, the dangerous one was actually Muichiro.
He had multiple fractures and wounds. Also massive blood loss. Condition very dangerous.
No time to send him to the Butterfly Estate. Amane could only first send him to the nearest hospital.
I waited until after dark before bringing Yuichiro away. Returned to my own estate.
No one expected me to bring back a newborn demon. Ume came over to look a few times. Rarely didn't get angry. Only asked me: "Big Sister, who is this? Why hasn't he woken up yet?"
I also felt somewhat uncertain. By reason he should have woken by now. Could something have gone wrong?
But Yuichiro's condition was very stable. Even Kanae, who took time to come examine him, couldn't see any problems.
"Perhaps he consumed too much energy?" After thinking, she suggested: "I'll give him some nutritional injections. Perhaps it will help."
The task of caring for Yuichiro was handed to Koyuki. She looked very happy. Probably because she rarely played this role of caring for someone.
I roughly told her about Yuichiro's situation. She stroked this child's forehead. Sighed lightly. Perhaps thought of her former self.
With Koyuki taking over, I could go to the Ubuyashiki estate with peace of mind.
After Muichiro's injuries stabilized, he was transferred here... Heard Kagaya came to see him daily. Encouraged and accompanied him in fighting his condition.
I waited in a tea room. He also came quickly. Before long walked in and sat down. The gaze looking over as always gentle.
"Lady Chihaya, no need to feel guilty." His voice said gently. "You did nothing wrong. I won't blame you."
That he could understand this—I was very glad. But what needed to be said still needed saying.
I promised him I'd take responsibility. Properly supervise Yuichiro. Wouldn't let him do wrong.
Kagaya nodded. Then changed the topic: "Muichiro has already woken. Unfortunately, injuries too severe. His head was also injured. Right now can't remember past events."
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