Riezel couldn't help but feel that Shinobu truly looked beautiful.
Even when being this close to her, he couldn't see pores or even a hint of sweat on her face. All he saw was a flawless complexion, like porcelain, and features so perfectly proportioned they seemed sculpted, leaving a very good impression at first sight.
However, the most shocking part was that such a flawless face didn't even have makeup on, what one called a bare face.
To have such exquisite beauty even without makeup, one could only say that such a person, in Riezel's eyes, could only exist in 2D.
Actually, when it came to appearance alone, many people could rival Shinobu.
For example, Ais was universally acknowledged as beautiful, comparable to a goddess. Additionally, compared to Shinobu, Ais was only stronger, not weaker.
Not to mention Riveria, a member of the elven royal family, whose beauty surpasses that of most goddesses, enough to make even goddesses jealous.
Additionally, there was Lefiya, only fifteen years old, with a hint of immaturity and childishness. Yet, as a member of the elf race known for their outstanding beauty, her appearance definitely surpassed that of over ninety percent of the world's population.
In the Akasha Continent, there were also plenty of beauties, like Yuri, who was no less stunning compared to Ais. Even Marilyn, Ain, and Ian, who served as her attendants, had remarkably outstanding appearances. As for her younger sister, Mediste, who was still fourteen years old, she also possessed an unusually lively charm, the kind of princess who would easily be pampered by anyone in Riezel's past life.
Needless to say, Riezel had never observed beautiful women like them up close before. Hence, when Shinobu's face got so close to him, it was somewhat challenging for his heart.
As a result, Riezel instinctively pushed away Shinobu's face.
"Don't get so close to me." Riezel said with a somewhat heartless tone.
"You're unreasonable..." Shinobu protested.
"It's you who's being unreasonable." Riezel retorted, looking at her face expressionlessly. "I've already helped you get better, but you don't appreciate it and just mess around. Should've let you lay another two days before healing you..."
"So, you admit it then?" Shinobu stared at him with a peculiar look. "You admit that you're the one who healed me?"
"Yeah..." Riezel admitted honestly. "I stripped you naked and treated you from head to toe. Happy now?"
Upon hearing this, the smile on Shinobu's face froze instantly.
Was it the truth? Would her words earlier about him taking responsibility become a reality?
Now, even Shinobu couldn't help but feel a bit flustered.
She quickly stared at Riezel, trying to discern the truth from his face, but unfortunately, she didn't have that kind of time.
"Message! Message!"
A Kasugai Crow suddenly flew in through the window, hovering in mid-air while its sharp beak emitted a series of sounds.
"Tsugikuni Yoriichi is requested at the temporary headquarters for a meeting! Urgent meeting!"
Undoubtedly, this was an invitation from Kagaya and the Hashira.
"I'll be leaving then. You rest well." Riezel stood up.
"Wait! I'll go with you." Shinobu stopped overthinking and said with a serious tone.
With that, she quickly got out of bed.
"You sure?" Riezel asked tentatively. "Don't you want to rest a bit more?"
"No need, I feel better than ever physically." Shinobu resumed her cheerful demeanor. "If you are interested, you can work at the Butterfly Mansion. I can request Master for you to receive a salary, any amount you want."
"I'll consider it." Riezel said casually. "I'll wait for you outside then."
"Okay." Shinobu picked up her clothes to change.
Riezel turned and headed toward the door, but before he could reach it, Shinobu suddenly asked a question.
"Did I say anything while unconscious?"
Shinobu's question made Riezel's footsteps halt.
In the next second, with his back to her, he answered calmly.
"None."
After saying this, Riezel finally left the room, leaving only Shinobu standing still, holding onto her clothes, staring blankly for a while.
"Tsugikuni really enjoys tricking people..." Shinobu muttered softly.
After being silent for a while, she quietly sighed.
Although at that time she had already lost consciousness, she faintly felt the warmth and the hand placed on her forehead, which left a deep impression on her.
Under that long-lost warmth and nostalgic touch, she was well aware that she would involuntarily say something at that moment.
"Forget it, let's go to Master's place first."
Shinobu shook her head, pushing aside the complex thoughts in her mind before finally taking off her patient gown.
===
About half an hour later, Riezel and Shinobu arrived at the temporary headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps and entered the room filled with tatami mats.
Kagaya sat at the main seat, accompanied by his wife and children.
On the other hand, the Hashira were divided into two rows, sitting on either side like loyal subjects.
As Riezel and Shinobu arrived, they immediately caught everyone's attention, causing all the Hashira to freeze.
"Kochou!" Kyoujurou exclaimed first, pleasantly surprised. "You can get out of bed now?"
"Yes, Rengoku." Shinobu replied with her usual smile. "Thanks to Tsugikuni, my injuries seem miraculously healed. As you can see, there's no longer any problem."
Shortly afterward, she knelt before Kagaya, who was seated in the main seat.
"I apologize for being late, Master."
"It's alright, Shinobu. Please, have a seat." Kagaya seemed delighted, his eyes narrowing with a smile.
It was evident that he was in a good mood.
After all, not only had Shinobu already recovered and could resume her duties, but all the Hashira were also gathered again. Despite the life-threatening crisis of three Upper Ranks invading their headquarters, not a single Hashira had fallen.
It was clearly a stroke of wonderful luck.
Just this alone was enough to lift Kagaya's spirits.
"Yes, Master."
Shinobu responded respectfully before taking a seat beside Mitsuri, exchanging smiles with her.
"You should also take a seat, Your Excellency."
Kagaya had a special seat prepared for Riezel, right across from him.
All the Hashira sat directly on the tatami mats, with only Kagaya and Riezel having cushion-like seats, indicating that Riezel held a very high position of influence in Kagaya's eyes.
Although some of the Hashira subtly furrowed their brows at Kagaya's preferential treatment, they had nothing to say.
At this point, Riezel had earned the right to sit on equal terms with the other Hashira and even Kagaya himself.
Last time, Riezel slew the Upper Three.
This time, Riezel had managed to defeat the Upper Four, the Upper Five, and the Upper Six, three Upper Ranks falling under his sword, leaving only two Upper Ranks remaining.
With such achievements and merits, it was worth the Demon Slayer Corps to regard him as the most distinguished guest.
Of course, Riezel had earlier explained that the Upper Ranks he had truly slain were only the Upper Five and the Upper Six, the lowest-ranking Upper Ranks, while the main body of the Upper Four had escaped, not encountering his sword.
Furthermore, the Upper Three appeared to have surpassed his limits and managed to remain alive even after his head was chopped off.
For this reason, up to now, only two Upper Ranks have truly died in his hands, both being the lowest-ranking Upper Ranks, which were the Upper Five and the Upper Six.
However, it couldn't be denied that there were quite a few Upper Ranks who lost to Riezel, including the Upper Three and the Upper Four. Although they all managed to escape death, it still proved that they were not his opponents and met a crushing defeat at his hands.
With such strength, no one could question it now.
Hence, even Sanemi and Obanai, who had conflicts with Riezel before, though they still didn't show much expression, acknowledged his treatment to be on par with Kagaya's.
Riezel naturally noticed the change in attitude among the Hashira, but he didn't care much. After all, he knew that among these Hashira, there were quite a few problem children, and many had a sharp tongue but a soft heart.
Riezel ignored the gazes of the Hashira and silently sat down in front of Kagaya.
"Do you have something on your mind?" Riezel asked straightforwardly and concisely.
"I have a bit of news." Kagaya smiled at him, cleared his throat, and then continued. "We're preparing to relocate the Corps' headquarters."
"Including the Ubuyashiki family, Rengoku family, and all the families of Demon Slayers in the town, everyone will be relocated along several predetermined hidden routes to another location."
"As for this place, we must leave behind."
Truthfully, this decision didn't surprise Riezel.
Once the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps was exposed, the urgent priority was to relocate quickly to avoid another demon invasion.
Whether it was members of the Ubuyashiki family or residents of the town, they were all ordinary people without the ability to resist demons. If they were to face another invasion, the Demon Slayers would have to protect them while fighting demons, which would be somewhat difficult.
For this reason, relocating the headquarters was necessary.
As for where to relocate, Kagaya soon brought it up.
"We're preparing to temporarily relocate to the Swordsmith Village..." Kagaya sighed. "Since the level of secrecy there is comparable to our current headquarters, the Swordsmith Village is undoubtedly the best choice for a temporary headquarters we can think of for now."
After listening quietly, Riezel finally spoke up with a calm voice.
"And then? Why are you telling me all this?"
"I'd like to invite you to join us."
Kagaya answered immediately, gazing at Riezel's calm eyes, his expression becoming more solemn and sincere.
"Has your opinion changed? If I were to invite you to join the Corps again right now, what would you say?"