Isekai Adventure in the Dimensional Cube

It has to be said, Kochou Shinobu was indeed very beautiful.

Even when she got so close to someone else's face like this, close enough to Reiger, Reiger still couldn't see any pores or hairs on her face, just her fair complexion that seemed fragile enough to break upon a touch and her well-proportioned features that could be described as adhering to the golden ratio, leaving a very good first impression.

What was frightening was that such a face was completely without makeup – what's known as a bare face.

With such a delicate and flawless beauty in her natural state, Reiger could only think that such a person could only exist in the realm of 2D.

When it came to looks alone, there were people who could surpass Kochou Shinobu.

For example, Ais, whose beauty was universally acknowledged to rival that of a goddess, was no less formidable than Kochou Shinobu.

Revilia goes without saying, being of elven royal blood, her beauty even surpassing most goddesses, enough to incite jealousy among them.

Rephia was only 15, still slightly immature and youthful, but as a member of the famously attractive elf race, this young girl's appearance definitely transcended over ninety-nine percent of people in the world.

The continent of Akasha had no shortage of beauties either, like Yuri, who was in no way inferior to Ais, let alone her attendants Marilyn, Ai En, and Ian with their remarkably striking appearances; and Mitis, though only 14, was also extraordinarily lovely, which would've surely made her an adorable little princess adored by anyone in Reiger's former world.

But in the face of those people, Reiger had never observed them from such a close distance.

So, having Kochou Shinobu get so close was still somewhat shocking to Reiger.

Therefore, Reiger subconsciously pushed Kochou Shinobu's face away.

"Don't get so close to me."

This, when heard, sounded a bit heartless.

"That's too much."

Once again, Kochou Shinobu voiced her opinion.

"It's you who's excessive," Reiger looked at Kochou Shinobu and said, "I've already healed you, and you're not even thankful, instead, you're tormenting people. Had I known, I would have let you lie there for a couple more days."

"So you admit it then?" Kochou Shinobu stared at Reiger with an odd look in her eyes and said, "It was really you who healed me?"

"Yes," Reiger admitted this time, and added, "I stripped you naked and treated you from head to toe, does that satisfy you?"

The smile on Kochou Shinobu's face froze instantly.

For real?

Could it really have turned into a situation where she needed to take responsibility?

Now even Kochou Shinobu was somewhat at a loss, staring intently at Reiger, trying to determine the truth of his recent statement from his face.

Regrettably, she didn't have the time for that.

"Send the order! Send the order!"

A Karasu Tengu suddenly flew in from outside, through the window, entering the room, and while hovering in the air, a sharp voice kept echoing out from its beak.

"Requesting Tsukiguni Yoriichi to attend the temporary headquarters, there are matters to discuss, matters to discuss!"

Clearly, this was an invitation from Ubuyashiki Kagaya, and from the pillars as well.

"Then I shall leave first," said Reiger as he stood up, "Get some good rest."

"Wait," Kochou Shinobu stopped her wild thoughts and said, "I'll go with you."

As she spoke, Kochou Shinobu got out of bed.

"Sure?" Reiger asked tentatively, "Don't you want to rest a little more?"

"No need, I feel better than I ever have," Kochou Shinobu once again put on her cheerful expression and told Reiger, "If Tsukiguni-sama is interested, you can completely come to work at the Butterfly Estate, I can apply to the lord for you to freely take as much pay as you want, without any limit."

"I'll consider it," Reiger replied casually, "I'll wait for you outside then."

"Okay," said Kochou Shinobu as she picked up her clothes, preparing to change.

Reiger turned and walked towards the door.

However, before he left the room, Kochou Shinobu suddenly asked another question.

"Did I say anything while I was unconscious?"

Reiger's steps hesitated at Kochou Shinobu's words.

Then, Reiger answered indifferently.

"No."

After that, Reiger left the room, leaving Kochou Shinobu alone, holding her clothes, standing there dumbfounded for a long while.

"...Truly a Tsukiguni-sama who likes to lie."

After a long while, Kochou Shinobu finally sighed softly.

Though she had been unconscious at that time, the vaguely perceived warmth and the touch on her forehead were firmly etched in Kochou Shinobu's memory.

Under that long-missed warmth and nostalgic touch, Kochou Shinobu knew all too well what she might have said without restraint.

"Stop thinking about it, let's go to the lord first."

After shaking her head and casting aside the complex thoughts in her mind, Kochou Shinobu finally began to change out of her sick clothes.

...

About half an hour later, Reiger arrived at the Demon Slayer Corps' temporary headquarters alongside Kochou Shinobu, entering a room laid with tatami mats.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya sat at the head of the table, his wife and daughter still by his side lending their support.

The pillars were seated in two rows on either side, like loyal retainers.

The arrival of Reiger and Kochou Shinobu immediately captured everyone's attention.

Then the pillars were all stunned.

"Kochou!" Rengoku Kyoujurou was the first to speak, saying with a surprise, "Are you able to get out of bed now?"

"Yes, Mr. Rengoku," Kochou Shinobu said with her usual smile, "Thanks to Lord Yoriichi, my wounds have miraculously healed and, as you can see, I am no longer in serious trouble."

As she said this, Kochou Shinobu knelt on one knee towards Ubuyashiki Kagaya, who was sitting in the main seat.

"I apologize for my tardiness, my lord," she said.

Beneath her respectful words, Ubuyashiki Kagaya's eyes crinkled with a delight akin to joy.

"It's good that you're well. Please, take a seat, Shinobu."

It was evident that Ubuyashiki Kagaya was in high spirits.

After all, with Kochou Shinobu returning to duty, the pillars had once again gathered in full. They had faced a life-and-death crisis with the simultaneous assault of three Upper Rank demons on their headquarters and yet managed to convene in full number without a single loss. This was indeed a cause for great fortune.

Just this fact alone was enough to lift Ubuyashiki Kagaya's spirits.

"Yes," she replied.

Kochou Shinobu responded and then took her place next to Kanroji Mitsuri, exchanging a smile before sitting down.

"Please take a seat as well," Ubuyashiki Kagaya said.

A seat was prepared for Reiger directly opposite Ubuyashiki Kagaya. While the other pillars sat kneeling directly on the tatami mats, only Ubuyashiki Kagaya and Reiger had seats, signifying Reiger's exceptionally high status and significant influence in the eyes of Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

Although this gesture of equating statuses by Ubuyashiki Kagaya did cause a few subtle frowns among the pillars, they had no objections to raise.

By now, Reiger had earned the right to sit on an equal footing with the pillars and even with Ubuyashiki Kagaya himself.

Last time, Reiger had slain the Upper Rank Three.

This time, improbably, he had slain Upper Rank Four, Upper Rank Five, and Upper Rank Six.

Out of the six Upper Rank demons, four had met their defeat at the hands of Reiger.

Such an achievement, such a meritorious deed, warranted the Ghost Hunter's being honored as a most distinguished guest by the Demon Slayer Corps.

Of course, Reiger had already explained that the actual Upper Ranks he believed to have slain were probably only the lowest-ranked Upper Rank Five and Upper Rank Six.

The true body of Upper Rank Four had escaped, not dying by his sword, and Upper Rank Three seemed to have broken through limits, surviving decapitation. Both Upper Ranks had narrowly escaped.

Thus, to date, only two Upper Ranks had truly perished, the lattermost Upper Rank Five and Upper Rank Six.

Even so, the number of Upper Ranks defeated by Reiger's hand was not small. Including Upper Rank Three and Upper Rank Four, they had merely escaped with their lives from Reiger's blade, still proving no match for him and meeting a dismal defeat.

With such strength, no one could doubt Reiger any longer.

As a result, even Shinazugawa Sanemi and Iguro Obanai, who had previous conflicts with Reiger, though still not showing much warmth, now acknowledged the treatment of Reiger as equal to the master.

Reiger, of course, noticed the change in attitude among the pillars, but he didn't care much.

Among these pillars, there were many trouble children, with plenty of those tough on the outside but soft on the inside, which Reiger was aware of.

For the moment, Reiger ignored the gazes of the pillars and silently took his seat in front of Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

"Is there something you need?"

He remained as straightforward and concise as ever.

"There is a matter," Ubuyashiki Kagaya said, smiling at Reiger. After a cough, he continued, "We're preparing to relocate the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters."

"This includes everyone from the Ubuyashiki family, the Rengoku family, and all the Ghost Hunter families in the town. Everyone will move to a different location along several established secret routes."

"We must abandon this place," he declared.

The decision didn't come as a surprise to Reiger.

With the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters now compromised, the immediate priority was to relocate swiftly to prevent another demon attack.

Whether it be members of the Ubuyashiki family or the town's residents, these were ordinary people incapable of resisting demons.

If another demon attack occurred, the Corps soldiers would need to fight the demons while also protecting them, which could prove challenging.

Therefore, relocating the headquarters was necessary.

As for where to relocate, Ubuyashiki Kagaya had that covered as well.

"We plan to temporarily move to the Swordsmith Village," Ubuyashiki Kagaya said. "The Swordsmith Village's level of concealment is on par with the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters. As a temporary headquarters, moving to the highly secretive Swordsmith Village is undoubtedly the best option we can think of for now."

"And then?" Reiger asked calmly after listening. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I would like you to accompany us," Ubuyashiki Kagaya said, looking at Reiger with an earnest and sincere expression.

"Has your thought changed now?" Ubuyashiki Kagaya's voice spread gently.

"If I invite you to join the Demon Slayer Corps here, what would be your answer?"