Chapter 16
Mitsuri and the others gathered as the mouthwatering scent of food spread through the Butterfly Mansion. The aroma was rich and inviting, filling every corner and making everyone instinctively drawn toward the dining area.
Kanae and Shinobu approached Mitsuri with gentle smiles, observing the new girl curiously. Kanae stepped forward first. "You must be Ren's student. I'm Kanae Kocho, the Flower Hashira."
Shinobu followed with a polite nod. "I'm Shinobu Kocho, the main doctor here and Tsuguko of the Flower Hashira."
Aoi placed her hands on her hips. "I'm Aoi. I handle most of the work in the Butterfly Mansion, along with those three as my assistants."
Kanao gave a small nod. "Kanao."
Mitsuri blinked, slightly surprised by the brief introduction. Shinobu smiled softly. "She doesn't talk much."
"Ohhh, I'm Mitsuri Kanroji!" Mitsuri said cheerfully. "I love eating sakura mochi, and I'm really strong!"
She almost added her real reason for joining the Demon Slayer Corps—to find a husband—but Ren's face suddenly flashed in her mind. Her cheeks turned red instantly as her thoughts spiraled.
No, no… why am I thinking about him like that? He treats me so well… and he even likes my hair… ahhh, what am I thinking!?
Just then, Ren walked in carrying multiple plates and began placing them on the table one after another. Dish after dish appeared, covering the table in a colorful and overwhelming spread of food.
Kanae blinked in surprise. "Isn't this… a little too much?"
Shinobu nodded slowly, her eyes shifting toward Mitsuri with a hint of jealousy. He prepared this much… just because she arrived?
Ren grinned confidently. "What are you talking about? There's more."
He glanced at Mitsuri, who was clearly struggling not to jump straight at the food. "Mitsuri, let's see who eats more."
Mitsuri blinked innocently. "What will I get if I win?"
Ren looked surprised for a moment, then laughed. "Then I'll cook for you for a whole month."
Mitsuri's eyes sparkled brightly. Just from the smell alone, she could tell the food was incredible. "Deal!"
Ren's grin widened. "But what if I win?"
Mitsuri puffed her chest slightly. "Then I'll do whatever you want."
"Deal," Ren replied instantly.
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed what they had just heard. Kanae and Shinobu's expressions twitched, while Aoi and the others stared in disbelief.
He's willing to cook for a whole month… just for her?
"And she just agreed to anything he wants!?"
Ren raised his hand casually. "Three… two… one… start."
Both of them immediately began eating at an astonishing pace. Mitsuri's speed was impressive as always, but Ren kept up effortlessly, matching her bite for bite.
Mitsuri's eyes widened slightly in surprise before a competitive spark ignited within her. He's keeping up with me? No… I won't lose!
The food was unlike anything she had ever tasted—rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Every bite made her happier, her pace only increasing as she enjoyed it more.
The others quickly realized that if they didn't join in, nothing would be left for them. They hurriedly grabbed their portions, watching the absurd eating contest unfold.
"Damn… Mitsuri can really eat a lot," Aoi muttered.
"But Ren isn't going to lose easily," Shinobu added, narrowing her eyes slightly as she observed the two.