At the same time, Lucien Graves learned that the Final Selection had just taken place a few days ago.
This meant that the Child of Destiny, Tanjiro, had already joined the Demon Slayer Corps and was likely confronting his first demon, the Swamp Demon.
Until Nezuko adapted to sunlight, Lucien could not make any move. Any deviation that interfered with her adaptation could jeopardize his eventual consumption of Kibutsuji Muzan, rendering all his efforts meaningless. After all, immortality without the ability to exist in sunlight was unacceptable.
"Tch, I'll have to wait…"
As his thoughts swirled, Mitsuri entered the courtyard, waving cheerfully.
"Lucien-san, I'm back."
"Welcome back," Lucien responded, returning to the present. His gaze landed on the exquisite girl before him, and an involuntary surge of affection coursed through him. He felt a deep, almost possessive desire, as if he wished to love her utterly and completely.
Ah… this was love, pure and selfless. Any girl would surely treasure such devotion.
"Was it smooth?" Lucien asked, extinguishing his cigarette with a doting smile as Mitsuri sat beside him.
"Mhm," she nodded, then clasped her hands together in apology. "I'm very sorry, Lucien-san. I reported your situation to Master, and Master hopes to see you tomorrow."
"That would be an honor." Lucien's amethyst eyes flickered with anticipation; his prediction had been correct.
"You're not angry, are you? After all, I…" Mitsuri began, flustered.
"That's your duty, Mitsuri. Besides, you've already apologized. You're so beautiful and charming—how could I be angry?" Lucien replied earnestly, face serious as ever.
"Really?" Mitsuri's cheeks flushed, her gaze dropping, fingers twirling nervously.
"Really. I'll go with you tomorrow," Lucien assured, reaching out to pat her head.
The gesture made Mitsuri shiver, cheeks burning even redder. "I… I'll go take a bath," she stammered, retreating down the corridor in a flustered rush.
Lucien pinched his chin, bemused. In countless anime, head pats and wall slams were legendary for making girls flustered. He could now personally attest to their effectiveness—though being handsome was apparently a prerequisite. Otherwise, the results could be… painful.
[Thump! Thump!]
Mitsuri, now locked in her room, cupped her face, feeling her heartbeat racing. "What do I do? My heart is pounding so fast… my face is burning…" She giggled uncontrollably, powerless to calm herself. Even dinner had left her dazed; any eye contact with Lucien sent her into joyous panic. Hanazawa and Sakura had noticed this peculiarity.
Lucien remained calm, though he also recognized the unmistakable signs of love. Mitsuri's personality explained it; despite her beauty, she had faced repeated rejection in the past, which had driven her to seek someone stronger, someone she could trust and admire. Such girls were rare and innocent in heart, almost mythical.
The night passed quietly. Early the next morning, Lucien followed Mitsuri to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
Meanwhile, three individuals reported a mission to Oyakata-sama. "Understood. We will proceed with caution," Oyakata replied, his gentle smile radiating reassurance.
"Father, the Love Pillar has arrived," Amane said, entering gracefully in her kimono. "Please invite her in directly."
"Yes," Oyakata-sama replied.
Soon, Mitsuri led Lucien into the room. The Insect Pillar, Shinobu Kocho, the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, who were kneeling nearby, all turned to regard Lucien.
"Master, Lady Amane," Mitsuri greeted respectfully, bowing to Oyakata, Amane, and Shinobu in sequence.
Lucien stood on the tatami, nodding politely to the others without performing a full bow, an act some might see as disrespect.
Sanemi and Kyojuro's expressions soured at his apparent impertinence, while Shinobu observed him with curiosity.
"Thank you for coming, Lucien-san. Please, have a seat," Oyakata-sama said warmly, exuding an inviting presence. Amane nodded in greeting before leaving to prepare tea.
"An ill-mannered brat," Sanemi muttered, his silver-white hair and scarred, fierce features betraying his temper. Known as the most hot-headed Pillar, he could not tolerate perceived disrespect, even toward Oyakata-sama's guest.
Lucien only glanced at him before turning to Shinobu Kocho, her black hair tipped with purple and styled in an elegant night-party bun. Her mint-green butterfly hair clip highlighted her purple eyes. She was one of the most admired female Pillars, and Lucien had once loved her deeply.
Beside her, Kyojuro Rengoku radiated warmth and nobility, his flame-patterned haori matching his bright, spirited eyes and long yellow-red hair. His personality was generous and magnanimous.
Lucien had not expected to meet these three Pillars today.
"Sanemi, do not be rude. Lucien is an esteemed guest I invited," Oyakata-sama chided the Wind Pillar gently.
Lucien waved his hand, signaling he held no offense. After all, all these individuals would eventually die by his hand; patience was easy.
(Haha, even Shinobu)
"Thank you, Lucien-san, for eliminating Lower Moon Three. The Twelve Kizuki have always been elusive; your achievement is invaluable," Oyakata-sama praised. His words were directed to Lucien, but also served to inform the others of Lucien's prowess.
The reactions of Shinobu, Kyojuro, and Sanemi were subtle yet telling.
"Since Lucien-san has mastered Thunder Breathing, do you intend to join the Demon Slayer Corps?" Oyakata-sama asked.
"Of course. I learned Thunder Breathing to slay demons," Lucien replied firmly, revealing his determination and hatred for demons.
"His strength, having defeated Lower Moon Three, indicates he may already be at the Pillar level. Would you consider becoming the Thunder Pillar?" Oyakata-sama's proposal astonished everyone in the room.
"I object! Killing a mere Lower Moon Three? Every Pillar here has done that before. I do not believe he is Pillar material," Sanemi spat, his hostility clear.
"Haha… I also think it might be unsuitable," Kyojuro said, laughing heartily but candidly.
Shinobu remained silent, studying Lucien with a measured gaze.
Lucien, expressionless, looked at Oyakata-sama, reminded of Erwin Smith—another natural leader whose charisma and foresight inspired unwavering loyalty. Just as Erwin had immediately offered him a position in the Survey Corps, Oyakata-sama was now offering him a Pillar title on first meeting. Anyone else might have felt honored, yet Lucien remained calm, already calculating his next steps.