Bab 4: The Master of the House
### Chapter Four: The Master of the House
The night was serene, a tapestry of stars glittering in the dark sky, with the moon casting a gentle glow over the village. The sounds of the day had faded into a peaceful silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The cool night air was refreshing, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of cicadas.
Kintaro Ozan, a thirteen-year-old boy with unruly black hair and eyes filled with curiosity and melancholy, moved quietly through the corridors of the grand house. His slender frame, clad in a simple yukata, moved with a quiet grace as he collected the dishes from the evening meal. The wooden floors creaked softly under his bare feet, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of the night.
Kintaro's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn't help but reflect on his life, the loss of his parents, and his place in this household. Losing his parents at the age of ten had left him an orphan, vulnerable and alone. Rumors whispered that demons had devoured them, a thought that sent shivers down his spine. Ayaka, the lady of the house, had taken him in, providing him with shelter and teaching him the skills needed to serve. Ayaka was a woman of grace and strength, her long, flowing hair and serene expression a source of comfort for Kintaro.
As he gathered the last of the dishes, Kintaro encountered Ayaka in the dimly lit hallway. She wore a simple yet elegant kimono, the fabric adorned with delicate floral patterns that seemed to come alive in the moonlight.
"Kintaro," Ayaka greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting both kindness and determination.
"Lady Ayaka," Kintaro bowed respectfully, grateful for her kindness. Her smile had always been a source of comfort for him, a reminder that he was not entirely alone.
They walked together towards the kitchen, the sound of wooden swords clashing echoing faintly from the training hall. The rhythmic thuds and occasional grunts of exertion filled the air, a testament to the rigorous training taking place within. Ayaka glanced in that direction, a proud smile tugging at her lips. "I'm proud of this club. I created it because my sister was killed by a demon. I couldn't protect her, and I don't want anyone else to feel that helplessness."
Kintaro looked up at her, his curiosity piqued. "How do demons look?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder might summon the very creatures he feared.
"They are vicious and predatory," Ayaka replied, her expression darkening with the weight of her memories. Her eyes, usually so gentle, now held a flicker of pain. "There's a corps called the Demon Slayers. They use special breathing techniques to fight demons. Our instructor used to be one of them. He can use Earth Breathing."
Kintaro remembered the instructor's demonstration of Earth Breathing techniques and the recent fight where he had seen a similar move. The memory was still fresh, the awe and fear it inspired lingering in his mind. "How do Demon Slayers look?" he asked, his interest growing.
Ayaka shook her head, her expression softening. "I don't know much about them. It's best if you ask the instructor."
Kintaro hesitated, recalling the stern words of the instructor and his banishment from the training hall. The memory of his expulsion was still a sore spot, a reminder of his outsider status. Sensing his reluctance, Ayaka added, "You're thirteen now, a suitable age to wield a sword and train for self-defense."
Kintaro nodded, though he knew she was unaware of his expulsion. The thought of holding a sword, of being able to defend himself, filled him with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I'll try," he said, the words feeling both hopeful and hollow.
He then asked about the master of the house. But before Ayaka could answer, a chill ran down Kintaro's spine as a familiar voice spoke from behind him. "Missed me that much, Kintaro?"
Kintaro turned and found himself face-to-face with the master of the house, an elegant man with a black hat and medium-length hair, his red eyes glowing with an unsettling intensity. This was Kibitsuji Muzan, known to the villagers as the master of the house and one of the wealthiest figures in the area. Muzan's presence was both commanding and unnerving, his every movement exuding an air of authority.
Ayaka stepped forward, adjusting his hat with a gentle smile. Her fingers deftly straightened the brim, a gesture of familiarity and affection. "You always wear it crooked," she teased, her voice light and playful.
Muzan smiled back, a sight both charming and chilling. His smile never quite reached his eyes, which remained cold and calculating. "How are the children?" he asked her before turning his gaze to Kintaro.
Kintaro understood it was time for him to leave. He quickly excused himself and walked away.
In a household where everyone trained to protect themselves from demons, there was a demon among them. The irony was almost unbearable. How could they ever discover the truth without someone like Tanjiro to smell the demons? And even if they did find out, what could they possibly do? The only fate that awaited them was death.
For over three years, this house had been home to a naturally gifted child and the King of Demons. The situation seemed precarious, and the future uncertain.
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