Hidemasa's Offer

"What's the meaning of this?"

Thought Shigeo to himself as his eyes wandered across the lines as his mind slowly ventured into the hazy past's shadow.

x-x-x

The fading light of dusk filtered through the cherry blossom trees, casting a pink glow over the Kanroji family garden in the sixth spring of the Taisho era. Despite the long hours spent operating heavy machinery at the factory, while also modifying some products by hand Kojiro Kanroji found renewal in tending to his small but fertile plot of land. His calloused hands, toughened over decades, gently worked the soil with tools used by his father and grandfather before him.

Kojiro's wife, Chiyo, moved with graceful efficiency, her cyan kimono sleeves tied up to keep them from dragging in the dirt. Her youthful face, though weathered from years of hardship, still radiated kindness. Six children, ranging from 9 to a young woman of seventeen, worked alongside their parents. Their excited laughter and chatter drifted up to join the melodic trilling of hidden uguisu nightingales in the trees.

The family toiled in harmonious unison to prepare the garden for the planting season soon to arrive. Furrows were dug, and the soil was turned and chopped to an almost mustard-seed size that was the job of the men and strangely of the eldest daughter at the house. The rocks were removed with the careful meticulousness that only came from years of practice, that was the younger ones' task while also making the rows for the seed beds. And the most important job, the planting was done by their lovely mother. Though their muscles ached from the long day, the Kanrojis found solace in their garden. The vegetables they would plant from saved seeds—mizuna greens, daikon radishes, snap peas—would supplement their meager income and provide basic sustenance for the coming months. Each seed and sprout was a blessing, coaxed from the earth through the tireless work of calloused yet loving hands.

As Kojiro continued leveraging his long-enduring and heavily used shovel - the wooden handle worn smooth and pale with age from his calloused palms bracing against it over thousands of labors, the pitted and dented steel blade stained dark with the loam of countless clods of stubborn earth cleaved open - to divide the yet unyielding soil, his eldest daughter Mitsuri lightened her family's work.

With a smile radiating kindness and affection, her jade-colored eyes gleaming with tenacious drive, Mitsuri set to task. Nearby in a parallel row, Shigeo was moving soil almost singlehandedly despite his weariness from the day's schooling, his muscles strained and perspiration beading on his brow from the effort though he persisted. In comparison, Mitsuri operated with effortless capability and power that belied her otherways slight but curvaceous frame.

Gripping the long shaft of her tool in one hand, the flower patterns on her green kimono sleeve brushing against the handle, Mitsuri plunged the pitted and chipped steel blade deep into the upturned earth and leveraged her weight to pry up huge clods of dark crumbly soil. With painstaking care, she then placed each clod upon the garden bed and methodically parted it further using the shovel's blade, splitting the dirt into uniform granules the size of peanuts.

Though this task was new to her, having never before taken on the work of her father and elder brother, Mitsuri maintained her steady, unrelenting rhythm with each purposeful strike of the shovel against the clod. Particulate soil flew into the air and fine dust floated upwards, temporarily obscuring her view.

Yet she persisted even as her mother called out, urging her to assist with planting the seeds as before. Mitsuri declined, noticing how her father and brother, bodies racked with fatigue, were nearing exhaustion.

Shigeo felt a twinge of shame, for though he had done an adequate job thus far, observing his sister performing the very same task yet more rapidly and efficiently ignited within him a sense of inferiority and weakness. Though his sister was no ordinary girl, he felt he ought to be able to match her efforts.

These thoughts gnawed at him as he shoveled, his exertions becoming ever more labored with each successive mound of overturned soil.

Shigeo's arms trembled as he lifted another heavy clod of earth, his shovel scraping and screeching against a half-buried rock. With a grunt, he heaved the clod upward but his fatigued muscles finally gave way. The clod tumbled back into the furrow, crumbling into loose dirt that poured over Shigeo's geta.

He slumped over the handle of his shovel, cheeks burning in embarrassment and frustration.

Kojiro glanced over in concern, about to reprimand his son for stopping when there was still daylight left to work. But upon seeing Shigeo's crestfallen expression, Kojiro's features softened. He walked over and placed a calloused hand on Shigeo's shoulder.

"You've done enough for today, my son. Get some rest - your body still has some growing left to do." Kojiro smiled gently.

Shigeo wanted to protest but his aching muscles and wounded pride knew his father spoke the truth. He nodded silently, handing his shovel to Kojiro before trudging into the house.

As Shigeo retreated into the house, Mitsuri's heart swelled with concern for her younger brother. Though she did not know the reason for his distress, she longed to ease his burden and provide comfort in any way she could. To her, Shigeo was simply the little brother she adored, and his sadness tugged at her fiercely protective instincts.

However, before Mitsuri could go after Shigeo, her father interrupted with a request. "Mitsuri, sorry for asking this but could you continue shoveling up the dirt? Father will solve this," Kojiro said, his tone respectful and apologetic.

Though Mitsuri felt a twinge of disappointment that she could not immediately comfort her brother, she understood the importance of their work.

"Mm!" she hummed thoughtfully, considering her father's request. She recognized that her father had a wealth of experience and knowledge and that he would know how to best handle whatever was troubling Shigeo. With a nod of agreement, she replied to her father, "Alright, Father," her voice was calm, respectful, and gentle.

As her father slowly made his way into the house, taking off his dirty geta next to Shigeo's. Mitsuri and the other siblings felt a sense of comfort and reassurance as well as their mother. Her father's smile was gentle and understanding as he entered the house, a perfect sign of his love for his children. His presence was a source of comfort and security, a reminder that they were not alone in their struggles. As Kojiro approached Shigeo, who was standing in the corridor with a troubled expression on his face, his heart swelled with concern for his son. He recognized the signs of envy and feelings of uselessness that were tormenting him, having experienced similar emotions himself around his son's age.

Envy and Feeling Useless.

"Are you alright, son?" he asked gently, his voice as soothing as the rustle of a Mongolian Populus caressed by the wind as he slowly placed his hand on his shoulder.

Shigeo hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice low and uncertain. "I... I don't know," he said, his words trailing off as he struggled to gather his thoughts. "I don't know... Why..."

Kojiro looked at his troubled son with a sense of empathy and understanding. He knew all too well the weight of those feelings, having experienced them himself at around Shigeo's age. He also knew that it could be difficult to put those feelings into words, to make sense of them.

"Why do you feel envious and useless seeing Mitsuri working so hard?" he asked, wanting to help his son put his feelings into words.

Shigeo looked up at his father, his eyes full of confusion and uncertainty. "How?" he asked, not quite sure where to begin as he figured his feelings out, making him even more ashamed, considering she was her sister who caused such feelings. He looked at the floor with helplessness and guilt.

Kojiro smiled softly, his eyes full of compassion. "It's okay, son," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "It's not always easy to understand and handle our feelings, especially at your age. I had the same problem... Let me share a story that my father once told me. It might help you understand your feelings better."

Shigeo looked up at his father, his eyes full of curiosity and intrigue. He was eager to hear the tale and see if it could shed some light on his own emotions.

"Once upon a time, during the Muromachi Period, there lived a family of carpenters who had been practicing their trade for generations, our ancestors. They were a middle-class family, not unlike many others in their community, and they took great pride in their craft. The elder brother, Taro, was an accomplished carpenter with many years of experience under his belt. He was well-respected in the community and had been carrying on the family tradition with skill and dedication.

However, his younger brother, Jiro, was a prodigy in the world of carpentry. Although he had only recently begun to learn the trade, his inherent talent and natural ability far surpassed that of Taro. As Jiro's reputation grew and his skills became more and more refined, Taro found himself grappling with feelings of envy and helplessness that he had never before experienced.

For years, Taro had been the respected elder brother, the one who had worked diligently and honed his skills through countless hours of labor. Yet now, as Jiro's talent blossomed, Taro felt as though he was slowly being eclipsed by his younger sibling. Despite his best efforts to suppress the feelings of envy and self-doubt, the emotions continued to fester and grow stronger with each passing day. Taro could not bear the thought of being surpassed by his brother, and his anxiety over feeling inadequate began to consume his every waking moment. His thoughts were preoccupied with Jiro's success, and he couldn't help but feel as though he was losing his place within the family and the community.

Conversely, Jiro was experiencing his own internal struggle, plagued by feelings of envy and inadequacy. Despite his exceptional talent, Jiro felt that the carpenter's life was not truly meant for him, and this only served to hinder his progress. In truth, he had turned to carpentry out of necessity, rather than passion. Observing the dedication and discipline with which Taro approached his craft, Jiro couldn't help but feel a sense of envy for his brother's unwavering work ethic—a quality that seemed to elude him. This envy only fueled Jiro's feelings of inadequacy, leaving him with the impression that his work was not as exceptional as others believed it to be.

As the days wore on, the envy between the brothers intensified. Although they attempted to conceal their feelings from one another, the tension between them was tangible, and it wasn't long before they began considering ways to undermine each other's efforts.

One day, the Kanroji family was paid a visit by an unexpected guest: Hidemasa Hatakeyama, a demon who had been acquainted with the family for many years. Hidemasa had not seen the family in some time and, on a whim, decided to drop by and catch up on their lives, regaling them with tales of his own adventures as he listened to theirs.

As they conversed, Hidemasa couldn't help but notice the palpable tension between Taro and Jiro. Sensing the hostility and animosity between the two brothers, Hidemasa knew that something was amiss. He inquired about the source of their unease, and Taro, unable to contain his feelings any longer, confessed his envy and helplessness to the demon. Jiro followed suit, admitting that he, too, was struggling with feelings of envy and inadequacy.

The brothers were astonished to hear the true nature of their respective grievances, as they had previously been unaware of the true motives behind their mutual animosity.

Recognizing that the envy and jealousy between the brothers were tearing them apart, Hidemasa devised a plan to help them overcome their rivalry. He proposed a challenge, telling the brothers, "I will give you a chance to prove your worth. I will give you a task to complete, and whoever completes it successfully will be deemed the better carpenter."

Eager to prove themselves, Taro and Jiro accepted Hidemasa's challenge without hesitation. They knew that this was their opportunity to put their skills to the test and resolve their bitter rivalry once and for all. Hidemasa led them outside, beneath the starry sky and the light of a full moon. Drawing a circle on the ground, he told the brothers, "You must carve a wooden statue that can fit perfectly inside this circle. The statue must be intricate and beautiful, and it must be completed within three days."

With determination and resolve, Taro and Jiro set to work on their respective statutes. Taro was steadfast in his belief that his years of experience would ultimately carry him to victory, while Jiro sought to prove that his innate talent could be matched by an equally strong work ethic.

As the brothers labored over their statues, they began to notice something peculiar about the circle Hidemasa had drawn on the ground. Its size and shape seemed to change at random, morphing into various forms that defied all logic and reason. At times, it appeared as a small square; at others, it transformed into a large triangle, and even occasionally took on the shape of a goat that seemed to be alive and moving on its own.

Bewildered by this strange phenomenon, Taro and Jiro exchanged glances of disbelief, unsure whether they were perceiving things correctly. Even the villagers who had gathered to observe the brothers' progress were confounded, unable to make sense of the bizarre spectacle unfolding before them.

As they continued to work on their statues, Taro and Jiro found themselves increasingly frustrated and disheartened. Doubt began to creep into their minds, and they questioned whether the challenge was even possible to complete, given the erratic and unpredictable nature of the circle that Hidemasa had drawn.

After much contemplation, the brothers decided to confront Hidemasa and seek his guidance. They explained the perplexing phenomenon they were witnessing, and he listened intently, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Having heard their concerns, Hidemasa let out a hearty chuckle before responding with a statement of profound wisdom that deeply resonated with the brothers. He revealed that the task he had set for them was, in fact, impossible from the very beginning, just as it was impossible to accurately compare oneself to another. He emphasized that each individual possessed unique talents that distinguished them from others and that these talents ought to be celebrated rather than compared and envied.

Hidemasa's words proved to be a revelation for Taro and Jiro. They came to the realization that their rivalry and competition were unnecessary and ultimately counterproductive. Instead of focusing on their strengths and collaborating to achieve their goals, they allowed envy and jealousy to drive a wedge between them. Hidemasa also demonstrated that the ever-shifting circle was not only a physical challenge but also a metaphor for the unpredictable and sometimes incomprehensible nature of life itself.

With this newfound understanding, Taro and Jiro vowed to put aside their differences and work together, embracing their unique talents and fostering a sense of unity that would strengthen not only their familial bond but also their craftsmanship. And so, the brothers' journey of self-discovery and reconciliation drew to a close, leaving them forever changed by the wisdom of Hidemasa Hatakeyama. The end!"

Shigeo was deeply engrossed in his father's story, and he listened intently as Kojiro finished recounting the tale of their forefathers, Taro and Jiro Kanroji. As he stood in silence, Shigeo's mind raced with thoughts and questions, and he finally mustered up the courage to ask his father for further guidance.

"Father, how do we know what our unique talents are, and how can we work collaboratively with others if we don't know what our strengths are?" he asked, hoping that his father could provide some insight.

Kojiro smiled warmly at his son, clearly pleased with the depth of his question. "That's an excellent question, Shigeo," he began. "Discovering your unique talents can take time and effort, but it starts with self-reflection and awareness. Ask yourself, what are you passionate about? What do you excel at? What brings you joy and fulfillment? These are all clues that can help you discover your strengths and talents."

Shigeo's face lit up as he considered his father's words. "Well, I love learning, and I have a particular fascination with chemistry and understanding how different matters react to each other and their consequences. It's a beautiful subject that I adore learning about," he explained.

Kojiro nodded thoughtfully, clearly impressed by his son's self-awareness and passion. "See, discovering your talents isn't so difficult," he said as he patted his head. "The spirits have gifted you with great intellect and a love of learning, while Mitsuri was gifted with immense strength and boundless caring for others. It's important to remember that there is no shame in being weaker than someone else in one area, and likewise, no one should feel inferior or stupid because someone else excels in a particular field. Instead, we should help each other and complement each other's weaknesses. That's why you are brother and sister, and you shouldn't forget that."

Kojiro's tone was gentle but firm, and his words carried a powerful message. Shigeo felt a newfound sense of appreciation for his sister's strengths and abilities, and he realized that by working collaboratively with her, they could achieve great things together.

Kojiro's gentle yet firm tone had left a deep impression on Shigeo, and he felt a newfound sense of appreciation for his sister's strengths and abilities. However, his mind was still reeling from the story of Taro and Jiro Kanroji and the demon Hidemasa, who had tricked the brothers into believing that their circle was shifting.

"Father," he said, his voice tinged with concern, "Was this story based on true events? You told it with such detail, and it's hard to believe that it's just a family tale. And if it's true, then the demons from Mother's tales are... real?"

Kojiro's expression softened as he looked at his son. "Oh, Shigeo. You remind me of myself when I was your age. I asked the same question to my father, and he told me that it was just a tale passed down through generations in our family. There are many such tales in our family, and they are meant to teach us important lessons about life and our place in the world."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "As for demons, they are not real, my son. They are simply creatures of myth and legend. And even if they were real, I would hope that they are more like Hidemasa, who showed compassion and understanding towards our ancestors, rather than the malevolent beings that are often portrayed in stories."

Kojiro's words were soothing and reassuring, and Shigeo felt a sense of relief wash over him.

Kojiro smiled warmly at his son, clearly proud of the young man he was becoming. "I do not doubt that you will continue to grow and flourish, Shigeo," he said, his tone full of confidence and encouragement.

x-x-x

As Shigeo slowly came back to reality, his thoughts began to race with a myriad of emotions and possibilities. He couldn't shake off the feeling that what he had just read in the letter might be true. This couldn't be a joke, as only his father seemed to know about it. Unless, of course, his father felt like it was a good day to play a bizarre joke on him. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that this was highly unlikely.

The terrifying possibility that loomed over him was that the letter and his father's tales about a demon that had helped his family through the centuries might be true. Shigeo's mind was racing with questions and fears, and he felt a knot forming in his stomach. Could there be demons in this world? And if there were, what did that mean for him and his family?

Shigeo couldn't believe that he was even entertaining the possibility of demons being real. It went against everything he had ever learned and believed. But the weight of his father's stories and the strange events that had been happening around him made it difficult to simply dismiss the idea. He felt a deep sense of unease as if the world he had known and trusted was suddenly shifting beneath his feet.

Then suddenly realized as he thought about his mother's tale about demons, as they cannot withstand sunlight.

The couple in front of them... they were carrying a giant black umbrella that didn't let any sunlight through the fabric. Shigeo felt a sudden jolt of realization, and his mind raced to connect the dots. Could it be possible that the couple was not human? Could they be the demons that his mother had spoken of? The thought was terrifying, but it seemed to make sense. After all, why else would they be so afraid of the gentle lukewarm morning sunlight that is almost a sin to avoid?

He muttered, "Wait..." under his breath, almost not making any sound. However, to his surprise, the couple seemed to hear him clearly as they turned to face him, further adding to his growing suspicion. "Are you..." he gulped, afraid to even ask the question that was on his mind. He didn't know the consequences of what he was about to say, but he knew that he couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer. His mother and his sibling looked at Shigeo with concern and confusion.

"Perhaps... Demons?" Shigeo finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

The man in front of him made a smile upon hearing this insinuation. Shigeo felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that he might have just stepped into something truly dark and dangerous. His mother, sensing the danger of the situation, quickly shot her hand over Shigeo's mouth before he could say any more idiocy that could anger the people in front of them. They looked quite powerful in ranks and well-connected and didn't want to provoke them into any further action.

"Shigeo! What are you talking about!?" his mother questioned him furiously, her eyes full of fear and concern. She knew that her son's words could have dire consequences, and she needed to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.

Then she quickly switched her gaze to the people outside.

"I'm deeply sorry for my son saying such ludicrous things," she said, her tone apologetic and conciliatory. "He might be scared, that's why he said this. You must understand, dear people, my son has never seen such a giant and elegant man and a European beauty before."

Her words were carefully chosen to avoid offending the couple and to deflect attention away from Shigeo's insinuation about demons. She seemed to be trying to placate the couple and reassure them that there was no ill intent behind her son's words.

The man in front of her seemed to be amused by the situation and chuckled in a reassuring tone. "Oh, do not worry, madam," he said. "We would never be offended by such a silly statement."

Shigeo's mother felt a sense of relief wash over her as the man released her son's mouth. She hoped that her words had worked to defuse the situation and prevent any further conflict.

But her relief was short-lived as the man's tone suddenly shifted. "If this statement is true," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Shigeo's mother felt a profound sense of disquietude and trepidation permeate her entire being as she came to the stark realization that the gentleman before them was not nearly as affable and comforting as he had initially appeared. She pondered with a mix of confusion and apprehension about the true meaning behind his cryptic utterance and whether he was surreptitiously implying that her son's ominous words held more truth than she cared to admit.

As she pivoted to survey the children gathered behind her, she observed that they too were filled with a visceral terror and discomposure. They seemed far too petrified to even make the faintest of sounds, let alone unleash a desperate scream for help.

The man's smug smile quickly evanesced, and his expression transmuted into one of gravitas and intensity. His eyes appeared to delve into an unfathomable abyss of nothingness. The woman beside her gazed at him with a look of cognizance, as if she comprehended exactly why the once intimidating man's smile had so abruptly vanished.

Within the giant man, a voice echoed in his mind...calling his name. A chilling voice, full of ancient malice that now threatened to emerge into the waking world.

"Jiacheng..."

The icy voice uttered. A shiver ran down Jiacheng's spine as a feeling of dread crept over him. He sensed a dark presence stirring within, waiting to emerge from the shadows, that dwelled inside his soul. The ominous voice beckoned once more, tempting him to give in to the hostile force that yearned for release.

"Do you know... What did you just do?" the icy voice continued, further creating unease inside Jiacheng's huge body.

"Hide-Hidemasa Zhǎngménrén! To what do I owe the pleasure of hearing his voice?" Jiacheng replied, struggling to keep the trepidation from his voice.

The icy voice adopted a decisive edge. "I have no desire for your unctuous blandishments... I am solely interested in the motive that compelled you to terrify the progeny of my cherished friend's descendants, whom I vowed to protect. What sinister purpose does this farce serve?"

Jiacheng fell silent. He knew Hidemasa's fury would be agonizing if provoked. Yet his inveterate tendencies could not be so readily suppressed.

"I'm... I am... sorry for my misdeeds," humbly, Jiacheng replied inside his thoughts.

"You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself, Jiacheng. I tasked you because out of all the demons, you were the sole one I deemed sufficiently compassionate and benevolent towards humans to bring this message to them and then guide them out of Japan. If Muzan realizes that I'm still alive, he would probably go after them, rather than fight fair. And what scene do I discover upon wishing to glimpse the delighted visages of my dearest companions' progeny, faces aglow with joy and rapture? Only the most harrowing terror was etched into the innermost depths of their souls," Jiacheng hung his head in shame as his master's words cut through him like a sword. He had been entrusted with a vital mission, one that required the utmost care and compassion, and yet he had failed miserably. His heart sank as he listened to his master's rebuke, feeling the weight of his own inadequacy bearing down upon him.

"Do you grasp the gravity of your odious actions?" his master continued. "These beloved descendants are more precious to me than all the jewels and riches of this realm combined. I have watched over them for generations, guarding them even as I now guard the cherished memories of my long-lost friends who dwell only in the past. They are as dear to me as if they were my own kin, no, they are as dear as myself." Jiacheng felt a lump form in his throat as he listened to his master's words.

And you, Jiacheng, have wounded me deeper than any blade could pierce. You have not merely terrified those under my protection - you have rent asunder my heart. There are no words to convey the anguish you have wrought this day. You must make amends for the damage you have wrought, Jiacheng. You must erase the fear and distress in those young hearts and replace them with comfort and joy. Now beg their pardon for your odious blunder, Jiacheng, because these people who were sitting in front of you were surely frightened by your behavior, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect as I do. Pray I am and they are feeling merciful enough to grant you forgiveness!"

"Yes, my Zhǎngménrén," he thought to himself, his gaze finally trying to focus on the family in front of him. He took a deep breath and prepared to face them, ready to make amends for his odious blunder.

"I... I am deeply sorry for my behavior earlier," he said, his voice filled with contrition. "I... I had no right to frighten you like that, and I can only imagine how scared you must have felt. Please forgive me," the air filled with emptiness as nobody answered him, Eudokia only looked at him with disappointment. She had a hunch that this would happen one day.

Jiacheng's massive frame visibly sagged beneath an unseen weight as realization dawned upon him of the full gravity of his error. The usual pride and self-assurance drained from his once-towering figure, leaving behind a deflated, shrunken silhouette. His once-booming voice weakened to a barely perceptible rasp, more akin to a hoarse exhalation. Every syllable was saturated with contrition and defeat as he uttered his apology, "Yes... we are indeed demons created by Hidemasa Zhǎngménrén -I mean, Master."

He extended his hand, offering up the ebony umbrella to Eudokia who regarded him with astonishment, along with the rest of the family gathered there. With quivering lips, he pleads, "I prostrate myself before you, noble Masters, and beg for your forgiveness and mercy. My transgression was utterly without justification."

His massive frame folded in on itself, head drooping low in disgrace as he fixed his eyes upon the floor, waiting in dread the judgment of the honorable family and his master whom he had so grievously offended. An excruciating stillness filled the air as all eyes fell upon him, weighing the depths of his remorse.

"Huh?" the whole family looked at him cluelessly as they could not process the whole chain of happenings in these mere five minutes. Then the family exchanged puzzled glances, still unsure what to make of Jiacheng's strange behavior. His original apology had been so over the top and nonsensical that they struggled to see it as sincere. Now his more measured words seemed almost comical in contrast. This was way too unrealistic to happen.

At least he did erase fear and distress from their hearts though... Hidemasa must feel pleased.

Eudokia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, firmly holding onto the umbrella with her graceful yet strong hands. She wanted to avoid causing further awkwardness before setting things right. In a calm but authoritative voice.

"My companion means you no harm. He tends to get overly dramatic at times, and making everyone uncomfortable with his antics," she stated in a cold and authoritative voice.

She shot Jiacheng a stern yet understanding look, urging him to tone down the theatrics and make a sincere apology.

Turning back to the family, she continued. "Please accept our apologies for alarming you. That was never our intent... to be more accurate, his. But as he said, we are indeed demons," her tone was factual but not entirely unkind.

Ever so slightly, Eudokia released her veil of illusion to reveal her demonic nature. Veins protruded from her forehead, and her lapis lazuli eyes slowly transformed while illuminated with power, showing her rank in the hierarchy as Russian Cyrillic slowly scrawled themselves across her irises. Eudokia parted her lips to expose sharp canine teeth but kept her form otherwise non-threatening.

What induces the deepest dread is not merely Eudokia's otherworldly visage but the horrifying proficiency with which she and her ilk can mask their true nature. The alarming aptitude to disguise one's fundamental form so perfectly, moving through the world undetected despite the sharp watch of even the most experienced Devil's Crusader.

Of course, the family did not know this exact detail.

Shigeo looked at the woman standing in front of her, showing off her... Khm, assets, he mustered up his remaining courage and took a deep breath to steady his nerves. Though still deeply unsettled, he knew he could not back down now.

"If you truly mean us no harm," he began, enunciating each word with cautious precision, "then I must ask why you initially revealed your identity to us. There was no need for that disclosure if your sole purpose was to deliver this letter on behalf of this... Hidemasa. What purpose did that serve, if not to cause further alarm and erode any trust we may have had?" The young man steadied his trembling frame and looked directly into the striking yet ominous lapis lazuli eyes of the demoness.

Eudokia regarded the young man thoughtfully. She saw the turmoil in his eyes, the unease that still lingered though his courage had prompted him to press on.

"A fair question," she replied. "We do not want to hide anything from Lord Hidemasa's important and perhaps most precious friends, though he did not see fit to make himself known to you in person. Honesty and transparency, not secrecy or obfuscation, are the foundation of trust. Moreover, what point concealment now you have figured out our identities, little Lomonosov?" She glanced at Jiacheng, who seemed to shrink further under the weight of her stare. Turning back to Shigeo, she continued.

"My companion's actions were in poor judgment. His aim was amusement, not harm. But he did not consider the effects of his actions until too late. Our ways are not yours. We experience time and things differently and some of us struggle to grasp the fragility of the human psyche and lives. But that is no excuse."

She took a knee, lowering herself to their level, and closing her eyes. "If you'll give us a chance, we'd like to start anew, with honesty and good faith on both sides."

The family exchanged glances. Though still uncertain, they appreciated Eudokia's humble, non-threatening demeanor. However, her mind went havoc as she was totally furious about how she had to fix her idiotic superior's blunder.

"You owe me big for this, Jiacheng. I should not take responsibility for covering your incompetence next time..."

She gritted her teeth and hissed imaginarily. Jiacheng perfectly felt her anger, especially right next to her, still bowing in front of the family.

Finally, Shigeo's mother spoke. "If you truly wish to build trust, actions speak louder than words. Prove that you mean what you say through your behavior going forward."

Eudokia nodded. "Wise words. We shall endeavor to do just that, and hope in time you'll see our intentions are pure, or at least, not hostile."

Shigeo considered briefly, then said, "Very well, we shall begin again... as... distant acquaintances, for now."

Eudokia smiled. "Thank you. That is more than we could hope for." She rose and extended a hand. "My name is Eudokia, Eudokia Dubenskoy."

After a moment's hesitation, Shigeo took her hand. "Shigeo Kanroji."

x-x-x

Shigeo had spent what felt like an eternity trying to explain to his mother and siblings about Hidemasa and how he supposedly knew their family, despite the fact that Shigeo had never actually met the man himself. The tale had come only from stories passed down through the generations.

The preparation of the living room to receive these mysterious guests was an arduous process. Shigeo instructed his family in painstaking detail on how every corner of the room must be completely darkened, blotting out all-natural light seeping through the windows. Heavy curtains and blankets were meticulously draped over each pane until not a sliver of daylight remained, only a petroleum lamp that on its last legs, produced a dim light enough for the family to see through the darkness.

The guests stood patiently at the genkan, or entrance hall, of the traditional Japanese home. They remained still under their large black umbrella, shielding themselves from the rays of the morning and deadly sun.

After what seemed like an eternity of preparation by the family inside, a muffled voice finally called out as the youngest child, a little girl with similar black hair to Shigeo's appeared in front of them, "You may enter." she said sheepishly.

Jiacheng took off his shoes followed by Eudokia who was not entirely sure about such traditions. They slid their shoes off and placed them neatly in the genkan. Stepping onto the tatami mat flooring for the first time, they sensed this space held a sacred significance for their Master, Hidemasa. They walked through the room following the young child.

The family sat waiting silently, their features indistinct in the low light. The demons sat down on the indicated cushions after the youngest child took her seat next to her mother, crossing their legs in the traditional seiza position. As they settled into place, a profound stillness fell over the room, that the mother broke.

"I... I cannot quite believe it," the woman said, almost to herself. "All those tales from my mother, tales I have passed down to my children, using them to shape their behavior and ensure their obedience... tales of demons lurking in the shadows, preying upon humans... tales I have always dismissed as superstition and fantasy... they were... true all along."

She thought of all the nights she had recounted grim warnings of demons lurking in the dark to frighten her and her siblings into submission coming from her mother. Tales she had heard light of as mere superstition and fantasy meant to scare small children. Little did she know how close to the truth those tales had rung... and maybe it was way worse.

Eudokia nodded solemnly. "It is understandable this news would come as a shock. Our existence goes against logic and nature."

Worry crept into the woman's tone. "And are you really eating... people?"

"Yes, we devoured one yesterday, as well," Eudokia confirmed matter-of-factly, showing not the slightest hint of guilt or remorse "But that is the rule we demons must live by in order to survive."

A wave of horror washed over the woman at Eudokia's calm admission that demons did indeed prey upon humans. Images flashed through her mind of how such beings might capture, kill and feast upon the flesh of another living creature - an utterly grotesque and disturbing thought. Eudokia's matter-of-fact explanation of demons' need to consume humans in order to survive gave the woman pause. Despite the revulsion she felt, she understood that all living things must eat in order to continue existing. Yet preying upon one's fellow creatures went against all moral intuition.

"Is there no other way for demons to survive except by feeding on humans?" She posed the question gently.

Then Jiacheng gently sat up straighter, signaling his intention to continue the delicate discussion.

"Our master Hidemasa once theorized that there might exist alternative sources of blood or energy that could sustain demonkind, that is easier to obtain than hunting down humans, as... some difficulties rose. But at that time, his research into such possible substitutes was cut short prematurely. Since then, Master Hidemasa has remained focused on more pressing matters and has not yet made any renewed attempt to explore whether non-human sustenance for demons might prove feasible."

The woman's hands gripped the fabric of her kimono tightly as anxious worry crept into her tone. "But why reveal yourselves now? Why not before? Also, if Hidemasa really said he wanted to protect this family, why did he leave?" she pressed, a shade of apprehension tinging her words. Jiacheng then looked into the eyes of the woman, without any hostile intent.

"Our Master, Hidemasa, was not ready to contact your ancestors until now. Around five hundred years ago, he was forced to leave your family and go into hiding," he paused, looking at the table for moments before continuing.

"Master served Muzan, The Demon King, loyally for many years, viewing him as a mentor and father figure of sorts. Muzan saw great potential in Master's abilities and intelligence, favoring him above all his other underlings. Hidemasa drew immense power from absorbing Muzan's blood, which bound him by an obligation to obey his master.

However, over time Master Hidemasa began to notice Muzan's cruel and callous treatment of other demons. He saw how easily Muzan would dispose of those who outlived their usefulness or dared defy him. Hidemasa realized that Muzan only valued him for his talents, not for who he truly was as a person. This growing disillusionment eventually gave rise to doubts and even resentment.

Hidemasa first tried to reason with Muzan, expressing his concerns about Muzan's methods and motives. But Muzan would not listen, regarding Hidemasa's qualms as insignificant. Their relationship became strained.

One day, Hidemasa directly confronted Muzan, questioning his actions and attempting to change his mind. But Muzan was enraged by what he saw as Master Hidemasa's insolence and ingratitude. A fierce battle erupted between the two former allies, the likes of which had never been seen. He know he couldn't defeat him, but he wished he could change his mind by force. After a fierce battle, that raged through the night, Hidemasa was at his limits, collapsing, utterly spent after the harrowing ordeals as dawn approached. Muzan escaped, but little did he know Hidemasa managed to escape the approaching sunlight. Grasped this glimmer of hope, using Muzan's assumption that he had perished, Hidemasa fled Japan and went into hiding for the next centuries, regaining all his strength as well as preparing for the final showdown."

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[Sorry, Author bothers you, now in the middle of the chapter. I know I wrote this significant moment between Muzan and Hidemasa a little lackluster and dumb, considering Muzan's abilities and the soon-revealed Hidemasa's. I first began writing down every detail I possibly could come up with and as I read it back, I realized it might be too much info dumped into this chapter. As a result, I have decided that it would be better to present this backstory as a flashback in a future chapter, where it can receive the attention and detail it deserves. Umm... That's it... You can now continue!]

x-x-x

Jiacheng paused, looking at the woman. "That is the brief account of why our master was unable to contact your ancestors and now you until now. Does this explanation make more sense?"

"Uhm..." The woman blinked slowly, trying to process Jiacheng's lengthy explanation. But in truth, most of what he said made little sense to her. Demons, mystical battles that took place centuries ago - it all seemed like the stuff of fanciful stories, not reality... yet these two already defied reality so, this made it not so hard to believe.

Her youngest son, Kiyoshi, squirmed uncomfortably on the tatami mat. "Mom, can I turn on the lights now? It's too dark in here and I'm getting scared!"

The woman sighed, shaking her head. Her son had always been frightened of the dark, even as a small child. "Not yet, dear. Our guests prefer dim lighting. You'll have to be patient."

"Oh, it is not a problem, you can turn on the lights... if there are any electrical lights, to begin with," Jiacheng stated with a carefree tone.

The woman felt a rush of gratitude towards Jiacheng for his gracious accommodation of her son's anxieties. The boy visibly relaxed at his words, releasing a held breath.

His older sister leaped up from her cushion and began feeling her way across the dimly lit room, counting steps to avoid bumping into furniture. She put up quite a show until she reached the switch.

The room instantly flooded with warm yellow light, chasing away shadows and bringing clarity. The mood lightened perceptibly as familiarity and normalcy returned as Fumiko returned with a rosy red cheek.

Fumiko returned to her cushion with a rosy red cheek, slightly embarrassed by her clumsy journey across the room.

Eudokia spoke quietly, her tone even and emotionless. "So everyone in the family is agreeable to this plan? Escorting you all safely out of Japan?"

As she spoke, Eudokia's mind raced, her thoughts tumbling over one another in a jumbled mess. "Isn't Jiacheng said we only need to deliver this stupid letter to them?..." The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and she felt a surge of anger rising up from deep within her. "Oh, Jiacheng, you drawn-lying-eyed bastard," she thought to herself.

"Didn't he say this to make me come with him," her eyes twitched. "and even Лорд Hidemasa, too? Augh!" Despite her mounting frustration, Eudokia knew that she couldn't go against her Lord's words. She looked somewhat defeated, her eyes downcast as she struggled to come to terms with the deception that had been perpetrated upon her. She knew that she had no choice but to continue with the plan, even though it was based on falsehoods and deceit.

The woman considered Eudokia's question carefully as she recalled the letter from Hidemasa. He had promised the well-being of her family down to the details of a manor house awaiting them in Vladivostok. Though the political winds of socialism and communism would likely have nationalized such properties, the very notion that Hidemasa could arrange such indicated either his immense influence and connections...or his skill at deception.

While the offers seemed lavish, the thought of leaving her homeland - the land where her ancestors had lived through centuries of hardship and joy, honor and sorrow - was an insult to their memory. No material wealth could compensate for abandoning the soil blessed by those who had come before.

The rest of the family did not even ask the head of the family for any approval, to begin with. Also, embarking on such an arduous journey under the guidance of these strange and admittedly flesh-consuming creatures still seemed unthinkable...

But one thing... Deep within her heart, there was a singular, all-consuming reason that prevented her from accepting this deal. It was her unwavering hope, a fragile and delicate ember that flickered within her soul, that her daughter would one day return home safely...

She clung to this hope with all her might, for it was the only thing that kept her going. She did not admit it loudly, as she wanted to show her children to not let the sorrow overtake their hearts, but every night she thought and prayed for her safety, her tears would endlessly flow down her face that the gears of time moved through mercilessly. She dreamed of the day when her daughter would walk through the front door, her sweet smile lighting up the room, her arms outstretched in a loving embrace.

The mere thought of such a reunion brought tears to her eyes and a lump to her throat. She yearned for the sound of her daughter's voice, the feel of her soft skin, the warmth of her embrace.

For her, there was nothing more important than the safe return of her beloved child.

The woman found her voice again. "While we feel grateful for your warnings and offers... we are not yet convinced leaving everything we know. There must be another way that does not require us to place so much trust in literal strangers."

Jiacheng's response was measured and calm, but the tension in the room was palpable. "This was expected," he said simply. "This means, we will be your personal guardians for the family until you change your minds... or Master Hidemasa decides otherwise."

Everyone, including Eudokia's jaw, dropped and eyes widened upon hearing this. The very idea of having a group of strangers with addiction to human blood acts as their personal protectors were almost too much to comprehend.

HUUUUUUH?!

The whole house and neighborhood trembled as the questioning voices escaped the whole family and the romanticist demon's lips.