Ascend The Multiverse|多元宇宙を昇る [Kny x Black!Reader x Countryhumans] {ON HIATUS}

Thirty Two| 三十二

Where Muzan bonds with his family

A/N: Damn, where has this guy been while his Upper Rank One has been up and about with you and the Kamado siblings? Lucky for you, this chapter gives a look into the demon progenitor's point of view. Tsukihiko is his alias in his human disguise as Rei's husband. For now, the daughter will be unnamed.

Or

The author gives some screen time to the story's villain. With some...mild teasing I guess. (ー_ー)

Enjoy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The pluck of a biwa string could be heard throughout the wooden structure as the figure appeared in yet another section within the castle, a massive book in hand. Their footsteps were light on the floorboards which creaked in protest, but the emptiness of the hallway made it sound more ominous.

The yellow lights in the area cast shadows over hidden corners and closed rooms, where demons lurked with meals in shape of human carcasses. However, none of them dared to make their lowly presence known to the individual passing by, his scent overpowering them with mastered fear and reverence.

Eventually, the owner of the sandals clicking on the wood stopped in front of double shōji doors.

Another strum of the biwa chord could immediately be heard ripping through the air. The doors slid open, allowing the demon progenitor to step in and access his main private study. It was one of the countless that existed in the endless array of rooms and paths within the boundaries of the Infinity Castle.

Muzan placed the book on the nearby table, his sharp nails brushing over the hard cover as he pulled away. ''Another day, the same results," he murmured to himself, his voice low with mild disappointment. The black yukata that adorned his body flowed as he walked over to the shelf, scanning the numerous books that were all read repeatedly and annotated by him across the years.

Once again, he'd spent a full day researching and jotting down notes on botany. Specifically the origin of flowers and their different uses. And yet, once again, he was unsuccessful in finding out more about the evasive blue spider lily he desired.

Gritting his teeth, the raven haired man clenched his fists in anger. How long would this go on? How much time and resources would he have to spend in order to find the key to his immortality? How many more demons would he have to create in the hopes that somehow, one would have natural immunity to the sun?

Regardless, Muzan calmed himself down. It would only be a matter of time before he finally succeeded, but first he had to get his monthly report.

"A word with you, Nakime."

With yet another sharp pluck of a string, a female demon in a plain black kimono appeared in his private study, sitting in the seiza position on the floor. The biwa and bachi pick that controlled the castle was firmly held in her pale hands. Nakime herself did not dare look up at her master, her long bangs covering half of her face.

"Has there been any progress so far in locating the Blue Spider Lily flower?" Muzan asked, his back facing her.

Her voice was soft, contrasting with the aloofness of her demeanor as she responded, "Unfortunately my lord, no new progress has been made."

'Of course. Why even bother asking?' He thought bitterly.

"And the location of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters?"

"No luck on that either," she paused before continuing, "I apologise for being useless in my tasks, master."

Useless? Nakime? That was impossible. Out of all the demons he created, Muzan held her in a different light. Her Blood Demon Art was a gift and one of his best creations yet. As long as she remained loyal and did her job diligently without question, the female would always be useful to him. Not that he'd ever admit it out loud.