Chapter 1
The first thing I ever saw was the blaze of cremation.
I don't know why, but I remember perfectly the color of the fire that consumed my body.
Prologue: The Demon's Dream of Flames
An old loudspeaker crackled, "The sun is beginning to set . . . "
The melancholic song served as a gentle warning signifying the arrival of dusk.
That was the time when people risked being devoured.
It advised everyone to return home before it was too late out.
A young girl was absentmindedly listening to the melody fade into the evening darkness.
She looked down upon the town resembling a brightly lit go board, her feet stepping on the red hue that dampened the stone pavement.
Nadeshiko . . . Nadeshiko Gokumon.
Upon hearing her name called by the man in the kimono, the girl turned around.
She was a young lady of extraordinary beauty.
She appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen. Her milk tea-colored hair, garnished with a small hair clip shaped like a dianthus flower, barely touched her shoulders. Dressed in a sailor uniform, it highlighted her skin which was as white as porcelain, as well as her clear, red eyes.
However, her doll-like beauty was now painted with a mysterious red hue.
You're more of a beast than a human.
. . . I hate it when you say that.
She wiped the reddish stain from her face with her finger and brought it to her lips, looking displeased.
I tried not to make a mess. But . . .
As Nadeshiko twirled her tongue around her wet finger, she scanned her surroundings.
They were on the outskirts of Kyoto City, near Imibiyama, once known as Toribeno. The dense mountain forest, long feared as a dwelling of demons, was a place no human would dare venture into.
An abandoned broadcasting tower fell silent behind Nadeshiko, its disaster prevention broadcast complete.
There was nothing I could do . . . it put up quite a struggle.
Where Nadeshiko pointed, a bizzare carcass laid scattered where she was pointing. Broken horns, six crushed eye sockets, and four torn arms indicated that the creature was once something supernatural.
You're like a feral cat . . . You're sorely lacking in grace.
The man in the kimono tsked in disapproval and slowly emerged from the shadows of the trees.
Every time he moved, there was a sound akin to rustling dried leaves.
I told you to clean up the local monsters, not make a mess of them.
He was incredibly tall, with long brown hair and dusky grey eyes. His neck was completely wrapped in bandages.
A cluster of talismans veiled the left half of his face.
As he spoke, the talismans fluttered, rustling even though no wind was blowing.
You animal . . . I've told you time and again to at least behave like a human.
You don't have to put it like that, Kirihito . . . If you don't need anything, could you please leave?
Nadeshiko shot a light glare at the man, Kirihito Gokumon, and then bent over as she began to efficiently gather the scattered heads and limbs of the inhuman creature into one place.
Actually, I do have something to discuss . . . unfortunately.
Well, well . . . but if it's boring, I won't hesitate cut you off, all right?
Hmph . . . what would you do if you could have a free meal?
Eat it.
Kirihito's lips curled into a smile at Nadeshiko's enthusiastic response.
Well, then . . . I have a tempting proposition perfect for a big eater like you.
He thrust a letter towards Nadeshiko.
Written on the label of the fancy envelope, were the words:
To the esteemed Gokumon family.
in elegant yet somewhat shaky handwriting.
. . . Why would someone go out of their way to send us a letter?
Nadeshiko skimmed the contents and calmly brought the stationery closer to her nose.
Suddenly, her red eyes gleamed in the twilight, and peculiar sharp teeth peeked out from the graceful curves of her lips.
Hmm . . . interesting.