The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 20 - 1st Season

For moments that seemed like hours, Tanjiro embraced Tamayo until she calmed down and eventually fell asleep in his arms. It was the first time Tanjiro had seen a demon — other than his sister Nezuko — sleep so peacefully and calmly.

Carefully, the young hunter stood up with the woman still in his arms. Holding her in a bridal style, he carried her back into the Butterfly Mansion. Not entirely sure where his room was, he decided to follow the trail of her perfume until he found it.

The room had been modified to suit Miss Tamayo's needs. Next to the bed, a desk filled with books and research scrolls gave the room an air of a medical office. The various chemical elements in jars on a nearby shelf further emphasized this. Tanjiro approached the bed and gently laid Tamayo's body on it, covering her with a blanket.

— She heard the entire conversation, didn't she? - Kanae's soft voice echoed in the room. The Flower Pillar approached and stood beside Tanjiro, studying the wrinkles on Tamayo's face from crying herself to sleep. — It must have been a shock for her... It seems she and Tanaka were quite close.

Tanjiro smiled and lightly caressed Tamayo's pale and sentimental face with the back of his hand.

— They were, but they hardly ever saw each other. - Tanjiro sighed, remembering the past and how challenging it was to continue his demon slayer duties while being hunted by every upper and lower moon Muzan created to track him and Yoriichi.

Of course, none of them managed to kill them.

— Are you happy now that she knows? I mean, now you both have a chance to, you know, be together. - Despite feeling a slight pang of jealousy, Kanae took the opportunity to tease her disciple and lover.

Tanjiro blushed at Kanae's words and turned to the Flower Pillar, pouting playfully.

— Humph, I'm not Tengen. You and Kanao... You're more than enough for me. I couldn't ask for or seek more with both of you by my side. - This time, it was Tanjiro's words that made Kanae blush, creating an utterly adorable scene.

— You're an idiot... - Kanae crossed her arms beneath her chest and turned away to hide the flush on her face. But she quickly continued speaking. — But I'm glad you think that way. Tanjiro, I have no problem sharing you if it's with someone I trust, and someone you trust too. Miss Tamayo is a good person, I mean, a benevolent demon, and besides, she's very mature and intelligent. I couldn't recommend anyone better to be your fourth wife.

— That's a bit... Wait! - Tanjiro, catching something unexpected in Kanae's words, quickly turned to look her in the eyes. — Did you say... "Fourth" wife? You, Kanao... Who would be the third?!

— Oh my, Shinobu! Who else? - Kanae burst into laughter as Tanjiro's face turned as red as a chili pepper. This was mainly because he remembered the day he talked to Shinobu on the rooftop and the previous night when he saved her, and she clung to him while calming down.

— B-But she, she... - Tanjiro would have liked to say that Shinobu would be a better match for someone like his former master, Giyuu, but memories of the Infinite Castle quickly flooded his mind, completely replacing his embarrassed expression with a sad one. — She... Doesn't have anyone to like anymore?

— Hmmm, are you sure about that? - Kanae noticed the change in Tanjiro's gaze and flicked his forehead to wake him up. — You'll find out later. For now, let's let Miss Tamayo rest. The party has only just begun!

Suddenly, flashes of memories from his first party come to his mind. Tanjiro remembers how he and his master got drunk—and ended up crossing a delicate line in their relationship, transforming from master and student to lovers. He decides to be more cautious this time.