Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

At this moment, Sayuki was happily munching on a wagashi in one hand while tightly holding Kawanishi's hand with the other, practically dragging him toward another shop selling rice balls. Her steps were light and quick — clearly, she was eager to eat more.

The town wasn't large, so it didn't take long for them to arrive.

By the time they reached the rice ball shop, Sayuki had already finished the wagashi she'd been snacking on along the way.

Seeing this, Kawanishi flicked her forehead with a small thump:"How many times have I told you — don't walk while eating."

Sayuki swallowed the last bite and mischievously licked her lips, cleaning off the remaining crumbs."But walking and eating is the best! I love it this way... hic."

"Hic. Oh no, big brother... hic... I'm choking... hic... Can you get me some warm water... hic."

Clicking his tongue, Kawanishi laughed at her misfortune."You love eating like this, but then you choke. Wagashi are dense to begin with. You stuffed them in like a little piglet — of course you'd choke."

Sayuki pouted and glared at him:"Meanie! You want to see me choke to death, don't you?"

Kawanishi chuckled and gently patted her back to help her breathe."Alright, alright — I'll get you some water."

This scene was so familiar, like a replay of their childhood. Sayuki would always end up choking on wagashi, and Kawanishi would run to get water for her.

These fond memories made the present moment even more precious.

In front of them was a tiny shop with steam rising from its chimney, the warm vapor blending into the cold winter air and forming a soft mist.

The store's service window stood about half a person tall and two meters wide. Inside, a chubby man in his forties or fifties busily worked with his back turned to them. A small arched sign hung above, boldly reading:

"Delicious Rice Balls."

Simple, yet confident — and rightfully so. Kawanishi and Sayuki had eaten here many times, and the shop owner's confidence was well-earned.

"Uncle Yoshida, the usual — two umeboshi seaweed rice balls."

"Oh, and a cup of warm water — this silly girl's choking again."

Wearing a white round cap, black inner shirt, and apron, Uncle Yoshida turned around.

This was the owner of the shop, Yoshida. He had been making rice balls for decades since his teenage years, and was well-known in town.

Hearing his name called, Yoshida paused from rinsing a bowl of rice, then turned and spotted Kawanishi and Sayuki.

Upon seeing them, he was momentarily surprised, then a mischievous smile crept across his face.

"Well, well — that voice sounded familiar. So it's you, Kawanishi."

"It's been so long since you two came here together. You must be thrilled to reunite, huh?"

"You're both not kids anymore — isn't it time to settle down already? Kawanishi, you ought to be more proactive."

Wow, you're just going straight for it, huh?

That was basically a marriage proposal right there.

Sayuki, hearing Yoshida's words, found him more likable than ever. She grinned and gently tugged at Kawanishi's sleeve, clearly pleased.

Kawanishi, on the other hand, forced a smile:"Uncle Yoshida, please don't tease us like that — it's not what you think."

Yoshida handed over a cup of warm water, steam rising softly from it."Alright, alright — I'll leave you young folks to figure it out yourselves. Old men like me can't keep up with you kids anymore."

"Here — the water's just right. Give it to Sayuki."

"I'll go make your rice balls now."

Wiping his damp hands with a clean cloth, Yoshida got to work.

Kawanishi handed the warm water to Sayuki, who was hiding shyly behind him, too embarrassed to greet Yoshida directly.

She accepted the cup with both hands, sipping it carefully.

Kawanishi shook his head—she was still the same.

Sayuki had always been timid. When she first moved back from Asakusa, she was overwhelmed and struggled to adapt. Withdrawn and gloomy, she rarely interacted with others.

Though the townsfolk had tried to approach her, her repeated indifference eventually made them give up.

It was Kawanishi who, out of sympathy, visited her every time he came to town to sell charcoal. At first, she would silently stare at him with fear in her eyes, never replying.

But after many visits, her fear softened into calm curiosity.

Slowly, she opened up and began trusting him.

Aside from her parents, Kawanishi was the only person she would approach — which was why her parents had been so happy she had him as a friend.

She was likely just as reclusive and worrisome to her parents back in Asakusa.

Kawanishi had patiently guided her out of her shell, helping her overcome what resembled social anxiety.

Thanks to him, Sayuki no longer feared going out or accepting kindness from others.

Still, she rarely spoke to anyone else unless necessary.

Her bright, sunny side was something only Kawanishi ever saw.

After finishing her water, Kawanishi gently tapped her forehead:"Sayuki, aren't you going to thank Uncle Yoshida?"

In front of others, Sayuki became like a withered eggplant, timid and fragile like a small animal seeing the world for the first time.

"Th-thank you, Uncle Yoshida..."

Just then, Yoshida turned around, holding two fresh umeboshi seaweed rice balls, still steaming."Alright, give these a try. If they're no good, I won't even charge you."

Kawanishi instinctively reached into his pocket to pay."Of course not, Uncle Yoshida. Everyone knows your rice balls never disappoint."

But after feeling around for a while, his heart sank.

Where do I even have money? The clothes he wore now had been a gift from Ishikou back at the caravan, along with a little spare change tucked inside.

But that money had all gone to buy the wagashi earlier. Now, he was completely broke.

Why do my clothes always end up in tatters… Those characters in movies fight forever without ruining their outfits — what kind of magical gear do they wear?

Embarrassed, Kawanishi scratched his head:"Uh… Uncle Yoshida…"

Seeing his awkward expression, Yoshida interrupted with a kind smile:"This one's on me. It's nice seeing you two together again. An old man like me has to at least treat you for calling me 'uncle,' right?"

Uncle, you're too kind — but Sayuki definitely figured it out already…

Sayuki knew him too well. With just one look, she could tell what had happened.

She pouted and took out a bulging coin pouch from her clothes:"Here. If you've got no money, I'll take care of you."

Kawanishi sighed."…You only have that because I used my last coins to buy you sweets."

(End of Chapter)