Tamayo said nothing more. Just as Yushiro understood that she would never give up her resolve to face death, she knew she could not change his mind.
"Lady Tamayo..."
"Yes?"
"If I really do live to see that day, would you give me a chance to protect you for the rest of your life?"
Yushiro gazed at Tamayo. This was his one selfish wish. He knew he had no chance in her current life.
He knew Tamayo could never forget her husband and son. He could only wait for her next life.
Perhaps his feelings for Tamayo were more than simple romantic love, but he wanted to spend a lifetime protecting her at her side, and being her lover offered the best chance of doing that.
"This life will end completely when I die. If I truly have another life, it will be a new beginning..."
Tamayo spoke softly. Though she had not explicitly agreed, her meaning was clear: her feelings for her husband and son belonged to this life alone.
Having spent so many years with Tamayo, Yushiro understood what she meant as soon as he heard her words. The sorrow that had lingered in his heart eased at her answer.
"Thank you..."
Yushiro gave her the gentle smile he showed only to Tamayo...
After leaving Tamayo's place, Chiba Yo returned to headquarters. On the way, he happened to run into Tanjiro, who was carrying his box on his back.
"Yo! You're back?"
Tanjiro looked pleasantly surprised to see Chiba Yo.
Looks like he settled things with Haganezuka...
Chiba Yo thought as he glanced at the Nichirin Blade at Tanjiro's waist.
In fact, Haganezuka had chased Tanjiro well into the night that day, showing no sign of tiring. In the end, Tanjiro had only escaped his pursuit thanks