Higashikuze Akiho's very existence was thought to be taboo among demons and humans alike: she was a half-demon, the first of her kind. But being taken in and rasied by a former pillar with a strong sense of justice and a hatred for Kibutsuji Muzan...
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第四十四话
A few days later, Akiho and a few others were sitting out in the back garden of the Butterfly Estate with small baskets and fresh blooms surrounding them.
"Am I doing this right?" Genya stuck a bit of his tongue out in concentration as he tried to mimic Nezuko's gentle motions as she showed them how to clean the stems. Even though he was still a bit tired from being up and about after such a long sleep, he was trying his best to be helpful around the estate. Nezuko giggled and gave him a thumbs-up.
"That's great! You are surprisingly nimble with your hands, Genya-san!"
"I used to help sew my siblings' clothing since Okaa-san worked so hard," Genya said with a small smile, the memories of his family surfacing to his mind momentarily. "So I have steady hands... But since the last battle my right arm hurts now if I repeat the same task for a while..."
Akiho glanced at the small bouquet he'd been making. It was carefully arranged and tied with a simple but special ribbon. She had a feeling she knew exactly who it was for.
When Genya had learned that the Stone Pillar had passed during the final battle, he became somber with grief because he hadn't even been awake to say goodbye. Himejima Gyoumei had taken him in despite his history of distrust towards children. He had felt how angry and lost Genya had been and chose to train and shape him into someone worthy.
"We'll go visit the graves soon," Tanjirou piped up with a smile of his own. Like Genya, he had many people to thank and give his respects to. The aftermath of the battle rendered his right eye blind and his left arm was wrinkled like an old man's, but he was alive due to everyone's efforts. "I heard from Goto-san that the graves are finally all finished thanks to Shinazugawa-san. I wish I could've helped, but I was asleep for a month..."
"It's okay," Genya said quietly. "I think 'Nemi would've refused help anyway and told us all to rest."
Although, I wish he would take his own advice sometimes.
"Oh!" Tanjirou's eyes lit up suddenly as if he remembered something. "Does he know you're awake, Genya?!"
"Um... I've been under strict monitoring the last few days and everyone's so busy that I hadn't thought to ask for him yet..."
"Well, I'm sure the news will travel fast and he's on his way!"
Akiho made a small noise in the back of her throat at the mention of news traveling fast. She had, in fact, secretly asked Yatsu to deliver a letter to Sanemi days ago, but she didn't tell anyone yet to not ruin the surprise. She hoped that her crow already reached the man and that he had read it by now.
Just as she finished her thought, the sharp echo of rapid footsteps thundered down the corridor. The sliding doors leading into the garden slammed open.
