The Eternal Paradise Arc (Demon Slayer)

8 - Tanjiro Kamado vs. Paradise Pt. 2

Where are you, Tanjiro?

"Yumiko," Douma's voice cut through Yumiko's thoughts from behind. "What's the matter?" His hands settled on her shoulders.

He was always so cold. How had she not noticed before?

"I thought you'd be excited, but you've been anxious all day! Is it because Takeo finally ran off without you?"

Did Tanjiro run off?

No, he wouldn't.

She shook her head, looking over her shoulder at Douma. "I'm quite alright," she reassured him. "What you might have sensed was... uh..." She hesitated, gently reaching for one of his hands and removing it from her shoulder. "My eagerness!"

The demon blinked at her. "Antsy, are we?"

"Of course! I've been looking forward to this day for years!" Yumiko then moved further into the room, aiming to distance herself from Douma.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

She turned to face him and sat back on her heels, her hands resting gracefully on her thighs as she struggled to keep her composure. Uneasy with her back to the throne—where Tanjiro had planned to hide—she was even more uncomfortable with her back turned to Lord Douma. After a moment, she offered him a respectful bow.

"Well," she began, her voice steady despite her brewing anxiety, "what comes next?" She lifted her head, meeting his gaze with feigned cheerfulness. "How should I prepare for this ritual? And aren't you going to take your place on the throne, or do you plan to keep lurking in the back of the room?" A sharp pain radiated from the spot where her ear had been severed, interrupting her words as she instinctively pressed her hand against the tender area. Even after a month, the injury still flared up unexpectedly.

Usually whenever Douma was around...

Noticing her wince and raise a hand to her bandages, Douma's eyes sparkled. "My, my! So many questions! Just sit there and leave the heavy lifting to me." As he spoke, Douma stepped forward, knelt in front of her, and leaned closer, his presence looming ominously. Yumiko's heart raced as she inched back, trying to maintain some distance. His face was inches from hers as he closed his eyes and smiled, tilting his head. "And soon, that little injury of yours will be as good as new," he said soothingly, "and you won't feel any more pain at all!"

"That does sound nice," she stammered a bit. "But surely there must be some preparations—some rites I must perform?"

Douma's smile wavered ever so slightly, revealing a flicker of annoyance—he was unaccustomed to her asking so many questions. "There's no need for such things. Your faith is all that's required." Yumiko's mind raced as she searched for a way to keep stalling him. "Are you ready now, Yumiko?"

She watched with wide eyes as he leaned closer and closer, and in a moment of panic, she blurted out, "Tea!"

Her sudden outburst made even Douma flinch. "Tea?" he repeated, his voice flat.

"Yes, tea!" Yumiko repeated, forcing a bright tone. "Could we perhaps have some before I ascend? Doesn't that sound delightful?" Douma's eyebrows remained motionless, like two jagged caterpillars baked in the sun, while his rainbow eyes concentrated on her. "Unless there's tea in Eternal Paradise, of course. But even if there is, I doubt you'd be able to join me, right?"

After a moment's pause, he gave a bubbly reply, "Sure thing! Just stay put, please." Then he stood up and walked down one of the side hallways, closing the door behind him.

This was new.

Yumiko had never been left alone in the throne room before.

She wondered if now would be a good time to confirm some suspicions and, more importantly, to check if Tanjiro was in the rafters as he'd said he would be.