After listening to Mitsuri's account, both her parents wore troubled expressions.
"So, you're saying that demons really exist? You two actually encountered one and even managed to kill it?"
Her mother looked extremely worried. Even though their daughter had returned safely, the mere thought of what had transpired in the mountains made her heart clench with fear.
"It's fine, Mom, Dad! Look at me—I'm perfectly fine!" Mitsuri reassured them, twirling around to emphasize her point. "Oh! Also, Yohan said he's planning to visit you soon! You can ask him all about it then!"
With that, she cheerfully skipped into the house.
Watching their daughter's carefree attitude, her parents sighed and shook their heads.
"Well, we'll see when this Yohan fellow comes over," her father said, stroking his chin.
Throughout the conversation, Mitsuri had mentioned Yohan's name countless times. It was obvious that their daughter, who had failed numerous arranged meetings in the past, had finally met someone she truly liked. And judging by her excitement, the feeling was mutual.
But whether or not this Yohan was truly a good match for their daughter, they would have to judge for themselves when they met him.
…
The next day, Yohan arrived at the Kanroji household.
"Good morning, Uncle, Auntie. I'm Yohan. Thank you for having me today."
"So, you're Yohan," Mitsuri's mother greeted warmly. "We really appreciate you looking after our daughter yesterday."
Her first impression of Yohan was quite favorable. He was tall, lean, and had an air of quiet confidence. Most importantly, his smile gave off an honest and reassuring feeling.
Yes. He seemed like a good man.
"Yohan, Mitsuri is still tending to her younger siblings. Why don't you have a seat and wait a while?" her mother said.
Seeing her husband's subtle nod, she quietly excused herself to the back of the house.
Yohan knew exactly what was happening. Mitsuri's parents wanted to question him about what had happened the night before—which was only natural. Any parent would be deeply concerned if their child had experienced something so dangerous.
"Uncle, I'd like to show you something," Yohan said.
He took out a small knife he carried and, without hesitation, stabbed it into his own arm.
"Hey, kid, what are you doing?!" Mitsuri's father exclaimed, alarmed by the sudden act of self-harm. He reached out instinctively, but the blade had already touched Yohan's skin.
A sharp metallic clang echoed in the room.
The knife had shattered.
"What... what in the world...?"
Mitsuri's father gawked at the scene before him, his eyes wide with shock.
Now that he had demonstrated his ability, explaining things became much easier.
By the time Mitsuri and her mother returned, Yohan and her father were deep in conversation, chatting like old friends.
"Mitsuri, my dear," her father called out as soon as she arrived. "Yohan is a good man. You better hold on to him."
Mitsuri turned beet red, heat rushing to her face as she stammered, "W-We're not... I mean... F-Father!"
She was completely flustered.
Her mother blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected her husband to warm up to Yohan so quickly. But seeing how relaxed he was, she decided there was no need to question his judgment.
"Hahaha! Don't worry, young man!" Mitsuri's father clapped Yohan on the back. "A real bond between men is as good as truth itself!"
Lunch was served at the Kanroji home. Although they were not wealthy, Mitsuri's mother was an excellent cook. Even Yohan, who usually ate modest portions, found himself indulging more than usual.
Perhaps Mitsuri's habit of eating a lot wasn't just because of her strength—maybe the food here was just that good.
Sitting in the backyard, Mitsuri excitedly shared stories from her childhood.
"That hole over there? That's where I tripped and fell! And that tree? I used to climb it all the time! Over there's where I chopped firewood, and this spot is the best place to sit in the sun!"
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with nostalgia and joy. Watching her like this, Yohan felt a fleeting sense of peace, as if time itself had slowed down.
But reality was never so kind.
The threat of Muzan Kibutsuji still loomed. More powerful demons lurked in the shadows. He could not allow himself to grow complacent.
Breaking the tranquil moment, Yohan spoke. "Mitsuri, I'll be resuming my journey soon. I plan to head toward Tokyo."
A brief silence fell between them.
"I see."
"Yeah. I still have a long way to go."
"When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow."
"Alright. I'll go pack my things."
"Mm... huh?"
Yohan blinked, staring at Mitsuri as she hurriedly ran into the house.
Wait. Did she mean—was she coming with him?
To be honest, he had secretly hoped she would. Traveling alone was lonely, and having Mitsuri by his side would be reassuring.
At first, his feelings toward her had been influenced by his prior knowledge of her character. But now, after spending time with the real Mitsuri, he knew that what he felt was no longer admiration for a fictional person.
It was real. It was her.
Still, he hadn't expected her to be so decisive. He hadn't even needed to ask.
Imagining the journey ahead, now with Mitsuri by his side, he couldn't help but feel a sense of deep joy.
…
That evening, Yohan returned to his lodging, while the Kanroji house remained brightly lit late into the night.
"Mitsuri, are you sure about this?" her mother asked one last time.
She had always wished for her daughter to find happiness, but when the moment of parting arrived, the ache in her heart was undeniable.
"Mom, don't worry! It's just a journey, not a farewell forever. I'll come back to visit! And besides, I have Yohan with me!"
Mitsuri's eyes shone with determination.
"Well, if our daughter has made up her mind, it's our job to support her," her father said. He spoke with conviction, but as he turned away, his figure carried a trace of loneliness.
…
Dawn broke over the horizon.
Mitsuri, carrying her travel pack, stood beside Yohan as they waited for the carriage.
Turning back, she waved to her family.
"Mom, Dad, take care! We'll come back to see you soon!"
Her voice was bright and confident, but the glistening tears in her eyes betrayed her emotions.
Yohan bowed deeply to her parents before turning to Mitsuri. "Mitsuri, this is my final time asking. Are you absolutely sure?"
"Of course! I want to go with you."
She smiled brightly.
Her voice held unwavering resolve.
Yohan nodded.
"Alright, Mitsuri. Let's go."
"Yes!"