If it was just an ordinary demon, would it have taken this long?
Shinobu Kocho did not dare dwell on it, but she did not immediately send the message Tetsu no Sosuke had requested. Nothing was clear yet. She could not send a message like that on his word alone.
I'll investigate and confirm it myself. If something really has happened, I'll call for reinforcements immediately!
She rushed after him, resentment toward Tetsu no Sosuke rising in her chest. He's just a swordsmith. If he sensed a demon here, why did he charge in like that?
Tetsu no Sosuke could not hear Shinobu Kocho's complaints. He had already reached the village.
The village was silent. Everyone seemed to have vanished.
The only light came from the largest building in the village, though he had no idea what it was used for.
The closer he got, the colder he felt.
But Tetsu no Sosuke felt no fear at all. Instead, he was genuinely glad.
The greater the danger, the closer he might be to Kochou Kanae.
In moments, he reached the building's entrance. Without hesitation, he pushed the doors open.
A fire burned inside a spacious hall. A man sat on the floor, his face buried in a young woman's neck.
The sound of the doors seemed to startle him. He raised his head slightly, his face wreathed in smiles and his mouth smeared with blood. In the firelight, the sight was especially horrifying.
"Oh, another one alive? Sorry, sorry. I must have missed you."
The man spoke apologetically. "And so many guests tonight?"
Tetsu no Sosuke stared in disbelief. Kochou Kanae... was not there!
Well... this is awkward!
The next instant, Tetsu no Sosuke turned and ran—not back the way he had come, but in another direction.
If Shinobu Kocho runs into this guy, she won't stand a chance. I have to lure him away!
Once Shinobu Kocho sees what happened here, she'll understand and can call for reinforcements immediately.
As for me... I can't worry about that right now!
But after a few steps, things got even more awkward.
Doma did not follow!
Is he still enjoying his meal?
Does a man not interest him at all?
He could faintly hear footsteps. Is that Shinobu Kocho?
Damn it!
If she runs into him, won't he kill her in an instant?
"No!"
He turned back at once and reappeared in the building's doorway.
Before you continue