Yoriichi was warmly welcomed by the man named Sumiyoshi—so warmly, in fact, that he felt a little uncomfortable, though he didn't dislike it.
"What's daily life like for swordsmen?" Sumiyoshi asked curiously, his reddish eyes fixed on Yoriichi. "Do you all travel around with swords and luggage like you do?"
"...No, I think that's just me."
"Then—"
"Sumiyoshi! Can't you see Mr. Yoriichi feels awkward?"
A petite woman with long black hair approached, cradling a baby in her arms. She wore a light-colored kimono and a work headscarf, the kind villagers tied on while doing chores. Though married, she still carried a youthful energy. After gently scolding her husband, she turned toward Yoriichi with an apologetic smile.
"Sorry about that. My dear husband has always admired the samurai."
"It's quite alright, Miss Suyako. In fact, your natural attitude actually puts me at ease." Yoriichi's expression softened as he glanced through the window. "It's getting late. I should be heading out soon."
"We're the only family living up here," Sumiyoshi said, taking the baby from Suyako's arms. "If there really are demons around, wouldn't it be safer for you to stay here and wait, Mr. Yoriichi?"
"Hungry demons are more sensitive to human presence. If I stay here, they won't come. It's better if I go find them first."
"I see…" Sumiyoshi sighed. "Swordsmen really have it rough."
"With great power comes great responsibility. It's only natural." Yoriichi picked up his wooden box. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Um, Mr. Yoriichi," Sumiyoshi quickly stood up, "if you don't mind, you could leave your box here. It's far too dangerous to be out searching for demons in this freezing wind while carrying something so heavy. Don't worry—we won't touch it, and we'll leave a light on for you."
Yoriichi could feel the sincerity in Sumiyoshi's concern. After a brief pause, he turned toward the door with the box in hand. "Forgive me—please wait a moment."
Sumiyoshi blinked in confusion as Yoriichi crouched down, whispered something softly to the box, then brought it back inside and placed it beneath the window.
"This spot should be fine. Thank you for the trouble."
"No, not at all." Sumiyoshi waved his free hand, slightly embarrassed. "I just hope you don't mind my rudeness. Ah—would you like us to leave the door unlocked for you?"
"No need. Please make sure to lock it tightly. If possible, I'll rest in the wood shed when I return."
"Eh—how could we let you do that!"
"It's already far better than when I used to travel the mountains alone." Yoriichi smiled faintly. "Then, I'll be off."
"Swordsmen really lead a harsh life…" Sumiyoshi murmured as he watched Yoriichi leave, then turned to his wife. "Let's make some hot soup for Mr. Yoriichi tomorrow."
"Alright." Suyako smiled, then sighed softly. "Mr. Yoriichi truly is a good man. To trust us enough to leave his box here, even though we only just met today…"
"That's why we can't betray his trust." Sumiyoshi gently rocked the baby in his arms. "I'll fetch a futon for the wood shed. You tidy up a bit, and when I return, we'll lock the door and rest."
"Okay." Suyako nodded, though her brow furrowed slightly. "Still… why did Mr. Yoriichi talk to his box?"
"Hmm—maybe it's just a habit from traveling alone for so long."
...
Inside the box, Hiru listened to the couple's voices and couldn't help smiling faintly. What a beautiful relationship, he thought. But then his brother's words echoed in his mind.
[Hiru, can I ask you to protect these two?]
[Huh? You're leaving it to me?]
[Yes.]
[But I…]
[You've already suppressed your hunger and killing instinct. Try trusting others—and yourself.]
[Alright. I'll do it.]
Hiru sighed softly. Though his control and connection to his Blood Demon Art had dulled his appetite for humans—except for rare blood—this was the first time since becoming a demon that he'd been left alone with humans while separated from his brother.
[This is... a little nerve-wracking.]
Pressing his lips together, he sighed again. "I barely trust myself, and yet my brother still trusts me so much…"
"Sumiyoshi—"
"What is it, Suyako?"
"Just now... I think Mr. Yoriichi's box made a sound!"
"Eh? Really?"
"It's true!"
Hiru's eyes widened as he clamped a hand over his mouth. [They can hear me even when I'm this quiet?!]
"Could Mr. Yoriichi be keeping something inside? Locking it in a box like that can't be good."
"Should we open it?"
"Better not touch Mr. Yoriichi's belongings… But let's leave some food and water nearby. If there's something alive inside, it'll have something to eat when it gets hungry."
"Alright, let's do that."
Hiru finally let out a relieved breath. What a kind family... though the food of demons—well, sigh.
[I just hope tonight stays peaceful. No trouble, please.]
He sighed again and flipped open the new medical text he'd bought a few days ago. Picking up a charred twig and scraps of paper, he continued his research in the dark on a potion that could turn demons back into humans—though so far, "demon-slaying elixir" was a more accurate name.
[Would wisteria flowers have any effect?]
[But wisteria doesn't seem to work on me…]
[Should I try drinking it? It can't possibly feel worse than trying Breathing Techniques, right?]
[I'll talk to my brother about it later.]
[Where can I find a large patch of wisteria in bloom again...?]
Time passed quietly as he focused on his work.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps drew closer, pulling Hiru from his thoughts.
"Is that... a demon?"
He slowly opened the box lid, careful not to wake the sleeping couple. Avoiding the boiled sweet potatoes and water they had left beside the box, he used its height to climb up to the window. Sure enough, a hideous demon was trying to force open the door.
"Even while consumed by desire, you still cling to human habits?" Hiru stood on the window frame, one hand bracing against it, the other extended toward the demon clawing at the door. His gaze held only pity. "What a pitiful creature… Blood Demon Art: Banshoku Seki."
The grotesque demon didn't even have time to scream before being swallowed by a mass of black shadow. Hiru stared at the empty space by the doorway for a moment, then decided he'd ask Yoriichi to help him find the stone formed from it tomorrow.
But just as he turned to close the window and retreat to the box, he met Sumiyoshi's wide, astonished eyes.
Hiru: …(⊙x⊙;)
He froze, locked in a silent stare with Sumiyoshi. But soon, Sumiyoshi slumped back into bed, clutching his blanket and mumbling groggily, "It really must've been a dream. No way I'd hear knocking and see a doll climbing through the window and talking... how strange..."
Seizing the chance, Hiru quickly restored the window to its original state, crawled back into the box, and locked it from the inside.
After a long moment, he exhaled deeply. [I can't believe I woke Mr. Sumiyoshi... I thought I was being careful! Maybe the cold wind woke him? Either way, it's a relief he thought it was a dream. If he'd realized the truth, I have no idea how I'd explain it…]
Soon after, he heard footsteps again—this time, light ones. The person paused briefly at the door, then walked toward the wood shed behind the house. The outside grew quiet once more.
[That must be Brother. He probably noticed the demon too... but with his strength... could there be more than one nearby?]
Hiru picked up his small charcoal stick again. After all, now that his brother was back, even if there were more demons, there'd be no need for him to act. Best to stay put and continue his work.