Mitsuri tugged at Horitake, signaling him to turn around. When he did, he was genuinely surprised.
Before them stood a hot spring inn, small but elegantly refined. Its sign read: Wisteria Springs!
Horitake and Mitsuri exchanged a glance.
A hot spring inn named after wisteria—could it be… the Wisteria Family?
The so-called Wisteria Family consisted of clans aided by the Demon Slayer Corps over centuries. Grateful to the Corps and the Ubuyashiki family, these clans offered modest support to the demon-slaying cause.
Typically, these families owned small businesses and assisted by providing injured Demon Slayer swordsmen with places to recover, offering lodging, meals, medical supplies, and more.
Their most distinctive mark was the wisteria emblem carved on their doors or walls, with wisteria flowers planted around their homes to ward off demons.
In essence, the Wisteria Family was a discreet yet vital logistical backbone for demon-slaying swordsmen.
Horitake and Mitsuri shared a look and approached.
Sure enough, the inn wasn't just named after wisteria—it bore the wisteria emblem at the entrance, with wisteria flowers blooming vibrantly around the courtyard.
This was undoubtedly a Wisteria Family establishment, a haven for the Demon Slayer Corps.
No need to hesitate. With a Corps-affiliated inn in the hot spring town, they'd naturally choose their own.
Eagerly, Horitake and Mitsuri pushed open the door of Wisteria Springs and stepped inside.
The interior matched the exterior's elegance—tastefully decorated without being overly lavish, a style Horitake appreciated.
As they entered, the door's wind chime tinkled, and the inn's proprietress emerged:
"Welcome!"
She was a kind-looking woman in her sixties, dressed in a simple kimono, greeting them at the entrance:
"Are you two from the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Horitake nodded:
"Indeed."
Hearing his voice, the inn's proprietor appeared from the back:
"Oh!? Demon Slayer heroes! Could it be the two I met yesterday?"
An elderly man in plain clothes stepped forward:
"Ah! It really is you two!"
Horitake and Mitsuri were startled. Mitsuri gasped in surprise:
"Eh!? You… aren't you the old man from the footbath at the hot spring stream entrance yesterday!?"
Indeed, this was the same old man they'd met upon arriving in Kusatsu—the one who'd given Horitake a conversational assist at the footbath!
Horitake hadn't expected this:
"To think it was you, sir. You probably recognized us as Demon Slayers from the start, didn't you?"
The old man, full of vigor, grinned proudly:
"Of course! I saw your uniforms and Nichirin Blades and knew you were Corps members. I was disappointed you didn't stay at our inn last night."
Horitake shook his head helplessly:
"No choice there. Last night… well, it's not easy to explain. Let's just say we slayed some demons and resolved a major crisis."
Though Horitake spoke lightly, his words shocked the old couple.
The kindly old woman asked with concern:
"Could it be… demons appeared in Kusatsu?"
"Not quite. They were in the mountains nearby, plotting against Kusatsu. We stumbled upon them last night, killed them all, and neutralized the threat."
The old man nodded in realization:
"I see. I met some Hidden Corps members today and heard about the government's oversight in Kusatsu. Must be because of last night."
"Exactly. But don't worry—the trouble's been handled. Kusatsu is safe and calm now."
Hearing this, the old couple bowed deeply in gratitude:
"Thank you both for slaying those vile demons. Without you, Kusatsu would've faced disaster."
Mitsuri hurriedly returned the bow:
"No, no, it's our duty!"
Horitake waved it off:
"Just a small effort."
The old woman, still worried, asked:
"Since you fought demons last night, are you injured? Shall I fetch a doctor?"
"No need to trouble yourself. My wounds are already treated."
At this, Mitsuri snapped to attention, eyeing Horitake's shoulder with concern:
"Right! Horitake-nii, your wound can't get wet! What do we do?"
Horitake shrugged:
"It's fine. Just a minor injury. No big deal."
"Really okay?"
"Absolutely!" Horitake turned to the couple: "Do you have hot springs to soak in?"
"Of course!" The old man's eyes lit up with pride. "To serve Demon Slayers discreetly, our springs may not be the most famous, but they're the best!"
Horitake grinned, excited:
"That's perfect."
"Dear, please take care of our honored guests," the old man said to his wife.
"Leave it to me," she replied. "Please, follow me."
The old man entrusted the guests to his wife.
Neon's service industry and traditions were truly remarkable.
The old woman knelt at the entrance, retrieving two pairs of slippers from the cabinet and respectfully offering them:
"Please change into these."
Horitake and Mitsuri, unused to such formal hospitality, felt a bit awkward but complied, slipping into the comfortable slippers.
Led by the old woman, they ventured deeper into the inn.
As expected of a Wisteria Family establishment, the inn was modest in size but a hidden gem. Horitake and Mitsuri followed her through a refined, cozy setting, passing a courtyard, a corridor, and a pavilion, until they reached the innermost area.
This section was a step above the rest, clearly reserved for distinguished guests.
Finally, the old woman slid open a shoji door:
"Please rest here."
Horitake peeked inside and was thoroughly pleased.
Mitsuri looked cautiously and gasped in delight.
The room was spacious, warmly decorated, and elegantly arranged, with soft lighting, fresh air, and a stunning, open view that captivated the heart.
Most importantly, the hot spring.
What thrilled Horitake and delighted Mitsuri was the private, enclosed courtyard attached to the room. It was adorned with vibrant flowers and magnificent wisteria trees, with a sizable hot spring pool at its center, built from smooth bluestone.
The courtyard was surrounded by rocks, trees, and plants, ensuring both light and privacy.
A gentle stream of hot spring water flowed like a small waterfall from one corner into the pool, filling it before trickling out from another side.
This was a living spring!
Horitake stepped inside, looking around, utterly satisfied.
Mitsuri entered, equally thrilled and overjoyed.
Suddenly, it dawned on her—the old woman had assigned them just one room and one hot spring pool!
This…
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That chapter ended on a bit of a cliff, didn't it? 😅 Don't worry, the next one's already on Patreon! [If you'd like to support my work, check out my: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]