Once More, With Feeling

Chapter Three

By the end of Douma's third week in Yoshiwara, he had a promising amount of future traveling companions who would be joining him in his cult. Usually, he would travel back with them to his temple, but since his timing was off, he would be staying behind with a few followers until he turned Gyutaro and Ume into demons and left the territory to them.

He didn't mind staying. There was plenty to eat and plenty to entertain him since the nights in the district were active. The more followers he gathered the more he would have to eat at home when he returned as well. Things were a little different this time around, but overall, he thought things were going good!

As long as the siblings turned into demons and became Upper Rank Six, he saw no reason why he might not meet Shinobu in this timeline. She hadn't even been born yet!

Which is why when the siblings crashed the dinner he was hosting, he just smiled and waved at them as the other humans panicked and questioned them.

"We were invited," Ume lied.

"My lord?" his attendant said. They knew the children were lying, but they also knew Douma. They still wanted to check with him just in case. Such good followers they were.

Douma waved a hand cheerily. "Of course!" he said. "They're welcome to help themselves!"

Douma kept his attention solely on the siblings. He saw how big their eyes grew as dishes of rich food were piled in front of them. How they swallowed back their own saliva. Their hands moving quick to serve themselves heaping amounts of food as though someone would take it away if they took too long. Gyutaro couldn't keep his normal bad mood with a stuffed face, even when Douma personally started pointing out dishes for them to try.

The other humans in the room seemed to finally accept that they were simply there to eat as well and dug in. The poorer humans with just as much gusto, while the more well-off took their time, whispering about Douma's generosity and their wishes that the less fortunate would get the help they need without offering it themselves.

Afterwards, his quarters were open for prayers and counseling for any of the visitors. He usually didn't get many, but the offer was always open. He was pleasantly surprised when the siblings were ushered in by one of his followers.

"Did you poison her?" Gyutaro snapped, pointing at Ume. She was clutching her stomach with a look of utter bliss on her face.

Douma laughed. "She's just full!" he said. "Don't worry, it happens!"

"Ugh, Gyutaro, I want to be full all the time," Ume moaned.

Gyutaro winced. Douma didn't miss his eyes darting towards him for a second. It was a shame that Ume wouldn't be full when she turned into a demon. The hunger was always there, just easier to ignore as you got stronger and quieter as you fed.

"What is all this?" Gyutaro asked, eyeing the decorations with undisguised disgust.

"Most of them are offerings and prayers," Douma said. "I am the founder of the Eternal Paradise Cult. It's my job to make sure everyone who worships me is happy! With my insight into the ways of gods I'm able to guide them into peace and Paradise."

"A cult," Gyutaro said dryly. He was quiet for a minute, then snapped his fingers. "Oh, so your brain is broken."

Ume coughed to cover up a laugh and smacked him.

Douma laughed openly. "You don't have to believe it, Gyutaro! I didn't think you two would. It's why I never invited you to my village." He smiled. "Not that I wouldn't want you there. Even nonbelievers are welcome... I just know it's hard being an outsider. My other offer is much better, I assure you."