Demon Sword Maiden

Volume 9 - Dojigiri: Chapter 15 – Minamoto no Yoshitsune

“Excuse me, senior, but who are you?” Lily asked politely.

“Y-You are…” Ayaka looked at the armored young man in front of her in astonishment.

The silver-red armored man possessed warm eyes that gazed at Lily, and he graced her with a gentle, profound smile that seemed incongruous with his youthful appearance.

“I am Minamoto no Yoshitsune,” he revealed.

“What?” Lily’s heart skipped a beat. From the moment she laid eyes on him, she had suspected his identity, but she couldn’t lightly speculate about the guardian of the Heavenly Gate.

“Y-You’re truly Lord Yoshitsune? The renowned hero of the empire, the one who has guided me since the day I visited the shrine to pay my respects to you?” Gratitude swelled within Lily’s eyes, causing her lashes to tremble.

Minamoto no Yoshitsune had become her teacher and guide in this world, a legendary figure of the Heian Empire who still held the unwavering reverence of the masses despite his passing—a true hero.

Lily took a step forward, intending to kneel and bow in a show of respect, but Yoshitsune emitted a golden aura that prevented her from doing so.

“I am but a samurai who fell in battle long ago, Ms. Kagami. I cannot accept your bow,” Yoshitsune gently remarked.

“B-But… You have been so kind to me, Lord Yoshitsune,” Lily protested, her voice filled with sincerity.

“It is the amalgamation of your obsession, kindness, and conflicts that has brought you to this point. I implore you not to bow to me for that,” Yoshitsune responded, his words dissuading Lily from expressing her reverence.

Although Yoshitsune’s soul emitted a powerful aura, not a trace of grudge could be sensed. Souls in such a state would ascend to the heavens, so it was a wonder why his soul remained in the mortal world.

As a hero who met an untimely demise, it seemed odd for him to lack resentment towards the world. Lily wondered where his soul’s power came from if it wasn’t fueled by the grudges he held.

Has he become a heroic spirit??!

While this dark world was filled with vengeful spirits, there were also genuinely selfless, benevolent, and righteous spirits. Their unwavering ideals could become obsessions that prevented them from ascending to the heavens or descending to hell.

These spirits were known as heroic spirits.

Becoming a vengeful spirit was a simple feat, but becoming a heroic spirit was a rarity. Despite falling in battle and dying prematurely, they held no hatred for the world, humanity, or the heavens. Within their hearts burned a righteous obsession. Only spirits as majestic as them could become heroic spirits.

Ayaka had also regarded Yoshitsune as her hero during her childhood. However, upon witnessing his unexplainable connection with Lily, she bowed silently and stepped back to the side.

Yoshitsune wore a gentle smile, looking at Lily with a sense of familial affection.

“For a long time, the fragments of my consciousness left in various shrines searched for the right person to inherit my legacy and life’s mission, Lily. The descendants of the Genji clan in recent years have left me disappointed. However, everything changed when I encountered you. I’m genuinely surprised at how far you’ve come in less than a year. Your aptitude and luck are unprecedented.”

“Please, Lord Yoshitsune, I only wished to protect my sisters. As a woman, I am aware that without courage and strength, I would be defenseless against the miseries of the world.”

“I cannot fathom the burden of fate you carry, Lily, but I respect your defiance of it. Only an extraordinary genius can challenge the schemes of fate and break free from its shackles. I once believed I would be the one to achieve it, but my overconfidence led to failure, blinding me to the horrors of this world.” Yoshitsune’s gaze turned slightly downcast.

“I hope you will guide me, Lord Yoshitsune. I have come this far solely due to the favor you have bestowed upon me. I am willing to do anything you ask. I would not hesitate to risk my life,” Lily replied with unwavering determination.

While she had never felt responsible for maintaining world peace or upholding justice, she had no qualms about endangering her life and chastity if it meant protecting Rinne and her sisters.

As a resident of the Heian world, it was natural for Lily to uphold righteousness. However, she would always prioritize her own and her sisters’ interests. She would offer help within her capabilities, but not if it exceeded her power.