Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Bring Medicine for Treatment
Chapter 53: Bring Medicine for Treatment
"Demons?" Ren's eyes flashed with a sharp glint.
A Demon near the Butterfly House? Could it be here because of me?
No, that's impossible. The twelve moons probably don't know I'm here.
It must be a coincidence.
Murata continued, his tone grave. "Fortunately, the village chief discovered it early—that uncle you asked about earlier—and he quickly gathered all the villagers here."
"Everyone worked together to fend off the demon's attack, and since it was early morning, people only suffered injuries. There were no fatalities."
"That's a relief," Ren said with a calm expression.
"Yes, but it was terrifying," Murata replied, still shaken. "When I rushed over, I thought it was too late."
Murata then pointed to the medicinal fields behind the house and said, "The real issue is that the doctors here lack the expertise to treat the injuries properly, and there are simply too many wounded."
"Even though we have abundant medicinal herbs and money isn't a problem, we still can't get proper treatment."
Murata's voice grew more anxious. "If this continues, the injuries will worsen, and we might lose lives."
The villagers in the room lowered their heads, the grim reality weighing heavily on them. After surviving a night of terror, they now faced the long, uncertain road to recovery.
The wounds inflicted by demons were unlike those caused by ordinary animals. If not treated properly, they would quickly fester and deteriorate.
Murata explained further, "We've been taking turns seeking help from a local doctor, but he's overwhelmed. Two severely injured villagers are still waiting for their turn."
Ren glanced toward the room, where two people lay on stretchers. Their injuries were severe but not immediately life-threatening.
Pinching his chin in thought, Ren resisted the urge to laugh.
Rich villagers, no access to treatment, and an abundance of resources?
This situation practically screamed for the Butterfly House's intervention!
After a moment, Ren shared his idea with Murata.
"You mean we should send the injured to the Butterfly House for treatment?" Murata asked, looking unsure.
"The Butterfly House is meant for the Demon Slayer Corps. Wouldn't this be inappropriate?"
Ren replied firmly, his voice filled with righteousness, "In matters of life and death, exceptions must be made! The lives of the Demon Slayer Corps matter, but so do the lives of ordinary people! The Corps' mission is to protect everyone. How can we ignore those in need?"
The villagers in the room were deeply moved.
What a noble statement: The lives of the Demon Slayer Corps are lives, and the lives of ordinary people are also lives!
Murata bowed his head, ashamed. "You're right. I was too narrow-minded. I apologize, Ren."
Ren smiled modestly. "There's no need to apologize."
Seeing the atmosphere settle, Ren added, "If anyone feels uneasy about receiving help, those who have money can contribute funds, and those who don't can offer medicinal herbs. This way, no one feels indebted."
"You're absolutely right!"
A villager with a scratch on his arm stood up excitedly but winced in pain and sat back down. "Sir, we're already so grateful you're helping us. How can we let you do this for free?"
"Exactly! Please take our money!" another villager chimed in.
"If anyone refuses to pay, they'll have to deal with me!" someone else declared.
The villagers began taking out coins, insisting Ren accept them.
Ren quickly waved his hands, trying to calm them. "No, no, no! I'm serious! Please, stop. This is about helping each other, not about money."
Hearing this, the villagers hesitated but still clutched their coins tightly, clearly waiting for Ren to change his mind.
Murata, sensing the opportunity, asked, "Ren, how should we transport the injured to the Butterfly House?"
Ren patted Murata on the shoulder and replied with a smile, "It's simple. We'll use the transportation method of the hidden members."
The Demon Slayer members in the room immediately understood.
After a brief discussion, they devised a plan:
The villagers would line up in two rows.
Murata and the Demon Slayer members would blindfold them to protect the Butterfly House's location.
The Demon Slayer members would station themselves at regular intervals to ensure safety and guide the villagers.
Once the plan was set, Murata led the group out of the hut. Ren stayed at the back, overseeing the entire operation.
The journey up the mountain went smoothly. The villagers, still shaken by the demon attack, obediently followed instructions.
Ren, however, soon noticed something unusual. Flashing forward, he appeared beside an elderly man.
The man froze, startled by Ren's sudden arrival. Quickly, he covered his eyes with the blindfold he had just removed.
Ren narrowed his eyes.
He recognized the man—it was the village chief.
Murata had repeatedly instructed everyone to keep their blindfolds on, yet the chief had disobeyed.
What's more, the chief's actions didn't match his earlier demeanor. Just a short while ago, he seemed disoriented and weak. Now, his movements were deliberate and calculated.
Something wasn't right.
The Butterfly House was a key facility of the Demon Slayer Corps, and Ren couldn't afford to take unnecessary risks.
The chief's suspicious behavior was a risk he couldn't ignore.
Ren quickly devised a plan. Convincing the village chief to turn back directly would be difficult due to his influence over the villagers.
A more subtle approach was needed.
Ren stopped the group in their tracks.
**