Chương 125: The Rules Are Set

"Lord Cael bought Haruhime tonight, so Haruhime should serve Lord Cael. There is no need to apologize."

"That has nothing to do with being bought." Cael shook his head.

"If you dislike something, you have the right to refuse. I only want to touch your ears. I will not do anything else." Haruhime only looked at him with a red face and did not resist. Cael hesitated, then gently touched her soft ears. The feeling was difficult to describe. It was a little like stroking a cat's head.

"Nn..." Perhaps it felt pleasant, or perhaps it tickled. Haruhime made a soft sound, and Cael's heartbeat quickened.

"Was that uncomfortable? Sorry." Seeing her flushed and shy, Cael quickly withdrew his hand.

"Lord Cael does not need to apologize to Haruhime. Haruhime is only a courtesan." There was no sadness in her eyes. No happiness either. There was almost no emotion at all. That was what a heart that had given up looked like. Cael stared at Haruhime's eyes for a moment, then showed her a bright smile.

"Then let us continue the part of King Arthur's story I did not finish yesterday." The story continued for a long time. When it reached the moment where Arthur finally brought peace and became king of all Britain, loved by his people, Cael saw the smile he had wanted to see on Haruhime's face. That was why he had come here. At some point, Cael fell asleep at the small table. Though he was a powerful adventurer, he was still an ordinary mortal. Haruhime gently placed a blanket over him.

Looking at the sleeping boy, she smiled with quiet happiness. She was not foolish. She knew Lord Cael wanted her to be happy. He was kind. He could see the pain inside her, so he respected a courtesan like her and tried to help. But Haruhime was only a courtesan. She was not a pure princess or a suffering saint. She did not deserve such kindness and had nothing she could offer in return. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Still, this was enough.

Knowing that someone cared about her and wanted her to smile was enough. Haruhime felt truly happy. The next morning, Cael woke, washed up with Haruhime's help, put on his mask, and left the Pleasure Quarter. If he appeared there without a mask, leaving might become troublesome. His reputation was far from quiet now. Last night, people everywhere had been discussing the War Game between Hestia Familia and Apollo Familia, as well as Cael and the Hashira, who had appeared as key figures.

Imagining a crowd of aggressive courtesans chasing him through the street made Cael shiver. Today, however, he did not need to worry about Hestia questioning where he had gone. He had truly spent the night working on the War Game plan.

"Thank you for your hard work, Cael." Just as Cael had hoped, Hestia did not ask what he had been doing all night. Her expression was serious.

"Next, I will attend the emergency Denatus. The gods will decide the rules of the game. Wait for good news." After that, Hestia hurried out.

"We will wait for Lady Goddess's good news," Cael said to the Hashira who had gathered. Fire burned in his eyes.

"This is our first battle against another Familia. We must win beautifully."

"I have been waiting to go wild." Tengen put his hands on his hips and laughed.

"We are going to win Apollo Familia's mansion and wealth. Tanjiro told me about that flashy estate. It suits Lady Goddess."

"It may be a little improper," Sanemi said, "but if it gives Lady Goddess a stable home, then we go all out."

"They provoked us first," Obanai said.

"This is only repayment. If they want to blame someone, they can blame their own greed. Right, Captain?"

"Exactly. If Apollo Familia had not been greedy, they would never have taken the bait. Even if we set the bait, a fish that does not bite never gets hooked." The Hashira had principles, but there was nothing wrong with fighting for their Familia.

"Why does this feel like a group of gang bosses planning against another gang?" Zenitsu muttered weakly.

"Tanjiro, say something."

"I have no objection, Zenitsu," Tanjiro said.

"At the banquet, Apollo Familia framed everyone like that. I am angry too."

"Fine..."

"So Gyomei, Giyu, and Muichiro are guarding the Demon Slayer Corps?" Cael asked, looking at the three absent seats.

"Yes," Kyojuro said.

"Gyomei sensed traces of demons. It seems some demons may have found the Corps headquarters. As soon as tomorrow, or as late as a week from now, the headquarters may face a major attack. They have not moved yet because they are gathering more demons."

"That is within expectations." Cael nodded.

"With Muzan's cautious personality, he will probably wait until all the Twelve Kizuki arrive before attacking. Our War Game should be over before that assault begins." A mere Demon King was no longer enough to frighten the current Demon Slayer Corps. At the top of Babel, the highest place in the world, the gods had already taken their seats and were waiting for the two protagonists of today's meeting.

"Haha, the two for today finally arrived."

"I cannot wait. What kind of game will they choose?"

"How should the format be decided? If it is too boring, things will not heat up."

"Exactly. Neither side wants to disappoint us, right?"

"Do not worry, everyone. I will not disappoint you." Apollo sat at one side of the negotiating table with a broad laugh, looking provocatively at Hestia across from him.

"I am sure Hestia will not disappoint you either."

"As you wish. If we want excitement, then every member of both Familias must participate." Hestia slapped the table first, full of momentum.

"How about that, Apollo?" The gods immediately cried out in surprise.

"What?" Loki's eyes widened. She had prepared a whole pile of tricks to trip up the little shrimp, only for Hestia to choose the largest format at once.