The Hidden Demon Slayer (DEMON SLAYER X OC)

Chapter 16: Bitter Past

Six years ago, Kenzhou's POV

Peace.

It was all I ever wanted in my life.

Until she came and turned my whole miserable world upside down.

"Kenzhou-sama, supper is served. Your father requires your presence in the dining room," one of our house servants uttered. Immediately, I stood up and nodded.

As the servant accompanied me in the hallway, I asked myself how I could escape this horrid nightmare.

We both entered the dining room and my father already glared at me. I got used to it since he had a very haughty demeanor. As the head of our home, he ensured that everyone followed his strict principles.

"Take a seat now. We've been waiting for you," my mother pleaded. She was the very opposite of Father. I didn't even have the chance to ask why she married an asshole. It's really a pain in the neck.

Without hesitation, I sat between her and my youngest brother, Kouta. He was very favored among us three by our father, but I never hated him for that. He even told me that he wished Father liked me and Toshiro.

We started to eat without even sparing a word. Father didn't like it when we made the slightest noise in front of our meal.

It was the same every day. It looked like we weren't even an actual family. Just people who live with each other and pretend to be happy. If only there was a way to end that old man's superiority.

One night, Father left the house for business. Mother was extremely glad because we could finally be close again at the dinner table.

"Mother, when will Father come home?"

"He will arrive in two days, Kouta."

"Nii-san, can I have your plate?"

"No way! Just eat what you have there!"

"Toshiro's right. Don't be picky and just eat."

I missed these moments. We only talked like a normal family when Father's business flourished. After he went bankrupt, he thought he went too easy on his life that he had to take things seriously. The worst part was we were all involved.

"Kenzhou, are you okay? You've been staring at your food for a while."

"I'm fine, Mother," I responded as I brought back my attention to them. We were all rejoicing, but it ended right after Father got back.

The sun was setting, and I just got home from delivering a message to my grandfather when I heard a loud bang across the hallway. I immediately ran to my parents' room only to find out that my mother was getting beaten to death. I had to interrupt when I saw Toshiro beside Father.

"You're forgetting your place, Hatsumi."

"And you're forgetting your family!"

"I'm doing this for everyone's own good. Now be a good mother and learn from your mistakes." Mother couldn't stop her tears as she ran outside, heading towards our garden. I continued to listen in on their conversation, trying to hide myself.

"Thank you, Toshiro. You surely deserve to be the next headmaster of this house. You are the only one who instills my passion and principles."

"It was nothing, Father. I had to make sure everyone followed the rules even when you were not around."

"Now, where is Kenzhou and Kouta? I have to make sure they also learn their own lesson."

I never felt fear this intense in my whole life. I panicked and ran towards Kouta's room.