CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39: FRAILTY

The wind had grown chilly as they stepped out of Butterfly mansion and strolled along the path, their steps aimless and unhurried.

The cold air invigorated Kanae’s weary spirit. She exhaled softly. "It wasn’t a Twelve Kizuki."

Sosuke nodded. They had initially pursued the lead because of rumors of a Twelve Kizuki’s presence.

"Though he wasn’t one of the Twelve Kizuki, his Blood Demon Art was quite troublesome. He was skilled at hiding, which wasted a lot of time."

Kanae’s voice drifted into his ears again: "I learned about Shinobu’s situation a few days ago. But... at the time, there was simply no way for me to rush back."

"I understand," Sosuke said, his voice filled with empathy.

It wasn’t that she didn’t care; it was that she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

If she allowed a dangerous demon to roam free, how many more lives would be lost?

So, she had to suppress her anxiety and fear, force herself to stay focused, and eliminate the demon.

Seeing her current exhaustion, he could imagine how desperately she must have rushed back the moment the mission was over.

"Actually..." Kanae turned to face Sosuke, her eyes filled with a weariness that tugged at his heart. "I was terrified."

She took a soft breath, as if summoning immense courage to utter those words.

She was a Pillar!

A Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, one of the strongest combatants among all Demon Slayer Corps members.

Fear was an emotion that shouldn’t exist within her.

"Just thinking about Shinobu being injured... I couldn’t help but worry uncontrollably."

She turned and continued walking forward. "We used to have an ordinary family—ordinary, but so warm. Our parents loved each other deeply and cared for us with unwavering devotion. During our childhood, we lived in a peaceful and tranquil environment... But... everything changed on that one day!"

She paused, gazing up at the sky. "Demons stole my warmth and happiness. If Shinobu hadn’t been by my side, I doubt I would have made it this far."

Sosuke remained silent, feeling that the only thing he could do was listen.

"I can’t even imagine what I would become if she were to leave me one day."

Kanae’s words flowed into his ears, dripping into his heart.

This made Sosuke feel like he needed to do something, but... what?

Looking at Kanae standing there, the vulnerability in her eyes was heartbreaking.

Beneath her formidable exterior, the vulnerability she had concealed was now laid bare before Sosuke.

He felt an overwhelming urge to protect her.

Instinctively, he took Kanae’s hand. It was cold yet soft, small but slender.

Her gaze met his, and Sosuke gently shook his head. "No, you won’t lose anything precious again. Not your cherished ones."

"Really?" Kanae asked, her eyes filled with hope.

Was she seeking truth? Or merely an answer? A comforting lie?

Sosuke didn’t know, but his voice rang with conviction. "Really!"

He had come to this world, though he didn’t know why.

Was it merely to save the girl before him at this critical moment?

He couldn’t say... and the answer seemed to matter less now.

Yet in this moment, he knew what he wanted, what he needed to do.

He wanted to safeguard the fragile hope in her eyes, to make his words more than just comfort or an answer. He wanted to make them reality.

This was exactly what he wanted!

"Thank you..." Kanae said, looking at Tetsu no Sosuke, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

It was the same sense of relief she had felt when she first returned and saw Sosuke.

She was back, and he was helping her care for Shinobu.

The massive boulder she had carried in her heart finally crashed to the ground, and she heard her own voice, filled with peace.

At that moment, the man before her stood with solemn resolve, the light in his eyes reflecting the conviction he wanted to uphold.

Though she knew he was still weak... for some reason, a genuine courage bloomed in her heart, and she truly believed he could do it!

He seemed to possess this miraculous power—the ability to make her trust him unconditionally, to make her believe in him against all odds.

’When had this started?’

She didn’t know.

But... it must have been very, very long ago.

With the shackles in her heart finally broken, all her fatigue surged to the surface. She gently rested her forehead against Sosuke’s shoulder and drifted off to sleep.

Sosuke stood there, momentarily stunned, until the girl in his arms seemed about to collapse to the ground. He quickly steadied her by the waist.

For a moment, he couldn’t decide whether to be touched by her complete trust in him, falling asleep so unguarded against his shoulder... or to feel helpless in this situation.

He considered waking her, but then noticed the relieved smile on her face.

She was sleeping soundly... so sweetly.

How could he possibly disturb such a beautiful dream?

Sosuke carefully lifted her into his arms. She was so light that his strength barely registered her weight.

With ease, he tucked her dangling arm closer and carried her step by step back to the Butterfly Mansion.

The weather was turning chilly; sleeping outside would make her sick.

As they returned to the Butterfly mansion, heads turned to stare from the moment they entered the gate.

Sosuke reassured himself inwardly: They’re all Kakushi members. They wouldn’t gossip... right? As a secret organization, they should have basic confidentiality!

Even so, as he walked, he could feel his face burning.

He suddenly regretted not waking Kanae earlier. If he had, he probably wouldn’t be in this awkward situation now.

But looking at Kanae’s sleeping face... who could bear to disturb her?

He wanted to move as gently as possible, allowing her to rest as deeply as possible.

Only after entering Kanae’s room did those piercing gazes finally disappear.

Sosuke let out a soft sigh, carefully unfolded the bedding, laid Kanae down, and tucked her in.

The girl’s breathing remained perfectly even. But as he set her down, she seemed slightly uncomfortable, her brow furrowing as she mumbled something unintelligible.

Sosuke couldn’t help but chuckle softly, gently tapping her forehead with his finger.

He tiptoed off the tatami mat, ready to leave.

But just then, his sleeve tightened... It turned out she had been holding onto him the whole time.