Chapter 45: Fallen princess

Yoshiwara

The vibrant glow of lanterns lit up the bustling streets of Yoshiwara, casting long shadows as people moved in and out of the brightly lit establishments. The air was thick with the mingling scents of powder and incense, enveloping Aoki as he paused briefly at the entrance before stepping inside.

"I remember Daki went by the alias Warabihime and stayed at Kyogoku," Aoki thought. "But that was years later in the timeline. She changes her identity every decade or so."

Given it was still several years before those events, Aoki knew Daki might not be at Kyogoku. Yet, her popularity in Yoshiwara and the signature "Ji" in her alias made her location relatively easy to pinpoint.

Aoki strolled casually through the lively streets, absorbing the atmosphere while keeping an ear out for gossip. It wasn't long before snippets of conversation confirmed what he sought. The name Warabihime was on many lips, her beauty and allure a frequent topic of admiration.

"So, she's indeed in Kyogoku," he mused. "Daki's blood demon art could also be described as having spatial attributes. Her ribbons can trap people, seemingly in a pocket dimension."

This thought intrigued him as he approached the tall, opulent building of Kyogoku, which was adorned with lanterns bearing its name. He set aside his reflections and walked in, ready to confront the demon.

Immediately, a middle-aged woman approached with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to Kyogoku, esteemed guest. How may I assist you?"

Aoki cut her off with a direct question. "Is Warabihime Oiran available?"

The woman's smile faltered slightly. "I'm afraid Warabihime Oiran is not feeling well today and isn't seeing guests."

Aoki didn't waste time arguing. He produced a thick wad of money, which he handed to her with a steady gaze. "I came specifically to see her today. I'm sure you can make an exception."

The woman's eyes widened momentarily before she quickly collected the money. "Of course, sir. Please, follow me to the teahouse. I'll see what I can do."

A young girl appeared and bowed, leading Aoki to the teahouse. The room was tastefully decorated, a serene retreat from the more extravagant main hall. It exuded a refined elegance, perfectly suited for receiving distinguished guests.

As the girl left, Aoki took the opportunity to survey the teahouse, noting its subtle beauty and tranquil ambiance. He appreciated the setting, which was ideal for an encounter with the elusive Warabihime.

Meanwhile, upstairs in Kyogoku, the proprietress Mitsu hesitated before a closed door. Gathering her resolve, she knocked softly.

After a moment, the door opened, revealing an ethereally beautiful woman who regarded Mitsu with a cold, almost predatory gaze. "What do you want?" Daki, in her Warabihime guise, asked icily.

Mitsu, despite her years in the business, felt her heart race. The intensity of Warabihime's eyes always unnerved her, as if she were a mere insect before a beast. Swallowing her nerves, she managed to speak. "There's a guest who wishes to see you. He's quite... distinguished."

Warabihime started to close the door. "I'm not interested."

"Wait!" Mitsu blurted out, desperation in her voice. "He's very handsome. I think you'll find him appealing."

Daki paused, intrigued despite herself. "Handsome, you say?" She glanced back at Mitsu, evaluating her sincerity. Mitsu's years of judging character rarely failed her. Warabihime had a known preference for good-looking patrons.

"Fine," Daki relented. "I'll see him. But only after I'm ready."

Mitsu exhaled a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Thank you, Warabihime. I'll wait here."

As the door closed, Mitsu reflected on Warabihime's critical importance to Kyogoku. Before Warabihime's arrival, the establishment was just another brothel. Now, thanks to her, it was one of Yoshiwara's most renowned houses.

Over half an hour later, Warabihime finally emerged from her room. Her already striking beauty had been further refined to an almost divine level. Her presence commanded attention, and as she moved, everyone in her path—whether staff or patrons—stared in awe. Men clumsily bumped into walls, entranced by her allure, while women couldn't help but admire her grace.

A man who had just entered the establishment gawked openly. "Who was that? Can we choose her?" he asked his friend eagerly, still rubbing his head after walking into a pillar.

"That's Warabihime Oiran," his companion replied, equally mesmerized. "Choosing her? Dream on. We couldn't afford her together, and even if we could, she only accepts those she personally deems worthy."

Aoki, the "lucky and rich" man they envied, waited in the teahouse, growing impatient. An hour had passed. His concern wasn't the wait itself but the possibility that Daki might have sensed his presence. Muzan's potential awareness loomed over him. If Daki alerted Muzan, not only would tonight's plan fail, but Daki and her brother Gyutaro might go into hiding, making them much harder to locate in the future.

Just as he was contemplating his next move, the sound of approaching footsteps drew his attention.

"Madam, stay here," Daki commanded, stepping towards the teahouse. She opened the door, her eyes locking with Aoki's.

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