"I can't hold on..."
he whispered.
As soon as he spoke, his legs went weak, and he fell backward.
A warm body caught him.
It was Kikyo.
The priestess in white robes and red hakama had arrived by his side at some point, reaching out to support him.
"You've worked hard."
Her voice was very soft, so soft it was as if she were afraid of disturbing something.
Kanbe Hikaru leaned into her embrace, able to feel the girl's body heat coming through her clothes.
It was very warm.
And also very... soft.
"Your wounds—"
Kikyo looked down at the wound on his chest, her brows slightly furrowed.
It was left by Kidomaru's blade; although not deep, the dense Demonic Qi prevented the wound from healing for a long time.
"I'm fine."
Kanbe Hikaru's voice was a bit weak: "Just need a little rest."
Kikyo did not speak.
She simply held him more steadily, letting his head rest on her shoulder.
The night wind brushed past, lifting her black hair and letting it gently sweep across Kanbe Hikaru's cheek.
That hair was very soft, carrying a certain faint fragrance.
Like wild flowers in the mountains.
And like morning dew.
"You..."
Kikyo's voice suddenly rang out.
"Hmm?"
"Why did you do this?"
Kanbe Hikaru turned his head slightly, looking at her profile.
Under the moonlight, that cold face bore a rare expression.
It wasn't her usual indifference.
Nor was it the resolve she showed during battle.
Rather—it was something softer.
"You clearly could have chosen not to come back,"
Kikyo said.
"Kidomaru's target was the Shikon Jewel, not you."
"As long as you left this area, he wouldn't have pursued you."
"But you still came back."
"And used such an exhausting method..."
Her voice paused.
"Why?"
Kanbe Hikaru was silent for a moment.
Then he smiled.
That smile seemed a bit forced on his pale face, yet it also carried an indescribable meaning.
"I told you,"
he said.
"I won't leave you alone."
Kikyo's body stiffened slightly.
She remembered these words, of course.
Back at the Demon Slayer Village, on that interrupted night, he had said those very words.
And now, he had truly done it.
In front of that old oni, he had fought with all his might.
Not for the Shikon Jewel.
Not for some greater righteousness.
Simply—
so she wouldn't have to face it alone.
Kikyo lowered her head.
Her black hair fell, obscuring her expression.
But Kanbe Hikaru could feel her arm holding him tighten slightly.
"Fool,"
she whispered.
Her voice was very soft, yet it carried a slight tremor.
"You... fool."
Kanbe Hikaru did not answer.
He just closed his eyes, feeling that warmth.
[shikon no tama: naohi: Affection +2]
[Current Affection: 60 (Trust)]
[She is worried about you—but it's more than just worry.]
The notification on the panel flashed by.
Kanbe Hikaru saw it but didn't pay much attention.
Because right now—
he just wanted to rest for a while.
Leaning on her shoulder like this.
Feeling that reassuring warmth.
...
The Barrier of Kaede Village was still intact.
The villagers were safe and sound in their dreams.
Little Kaede lay on the threshold of the shrine, waiting for her sister to return.
She didn't know what had just happened.
She had only vaguely heard thunder and seen light in the distance.
Then—
two figures approached from afar.
One in white robes and red hakama, supporting another in grey robes with pale hair.
"Sister!"
Kaede jumped up.
"And the handsome Big Brother!"
She rushed over and buried herself in Kikyo's arms.
"Are you guys okay? What happened to Big Brother? Is he hurt?"
"It's nothing."
Kikyo's voice returned to its usual coldness.
"He's just too tired and needs rest."
"!?"
Kaede looked at Kanbe Hikaru, who was being supported by Kikyo, her eyes full of worry.
That pale Big Brother had his eyes closed now, his face bearing a look of exhaustion.
But the corners of his mouth—
seemed to be curling up slightly?
"Sister."
Kaede suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?"
"Your face is red."
Kikyo's footsteps paused for a moment.
"...Nonsense."
She quickened her pace, supporting Kanbe Hikaru as they entered the shrine.
Behind them, Kaede tilted her head.
"It clearly turned red though...?"
She wouldn't have seen it wrong.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Rexlent
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"