Ghost Slayer: My Wife Kanao

Holding Kanao Tsuyuri's hand, I walked through the slums filled with a strong stench. The world outside the slums was full of bright lights and bustling activity. Turning back, the slum where Kanao lived was so dark, with only a few flickering lights, forming a sharp contrast with the outside world.

Sam Miller held Kanao's hand as they walked forward. His ghostly golden eyes scanned the surroundings until they reached the entrance of an inn.

He stopped and looked down at Kanao. Her clothes were already shabby and her face dusty. Without thinking much, he took Kanao's hand and walked in.

"One room, please," he said calmly to the innkeeper.

The innkeeper glanced at Sam, immediately recognizing that these two came from the slums. He was concerned they might not be able to pay for their stay.

"One hundred yen," the owner stated, pointing to a notice that read: "No credit. No exceptions."

Sam didn't say anything. He didn't have much money on him, but he did have some, so he fished it out. The total amounted to about 300 yen.

"Stay for one night, and prepare a set of clean clothes," he instructed, pointing to Kanao, and handed over all 300 yen. Now he was truly empty-handed.

The owner nodded, handing over a key. "Room C, third on the left. I'll have the clothes delivered later."

Without further words, Sam led Kanao to the room.

He motioned for Kanao to rest on the bed first. But after a while, she didn't move. He couldn't help but lower his head, looking at Kanao with some confusion. "Why don't you go?" he asked softly.

Kanao remained like a marionette, her purple eyes showing no emotion, and she didn't speak. However, this time she clutched her clothes tightly. Her worn-out dress, stained by the filth of the slum, was her concern.

Seeing this, he understood. Clearly, Kanao was worried about dirtying the white bed in the inn. He felt a pang of sorrow but also a small sense of happiness. The sorrow was for Kanao, but the happiness came from seeing that Kanao seemed to have a bit of her own will.

"It's okay," he said, kneeling down to gently stroke Kanao's hair. Her hair was withered and sticky, likely due to long-term malnutrition and a poor living environment. It was clear she hadn't bathed in a long time.

"It's okay if it gets dirty," he reassured her, gently patting her little head. Kanao's purple eyes blinked in response, a rare moment of spirit that left Sam momentarily dazed. But the moment passed quickly, and she returned to being empty and lifeless.

He suspected it was a fleeting moment of clarity, but Sam knew he wasn't mistaken; a tiny crack had opened in the girl's closed heart. It seemed she was willing, for the first time, to accept warmth from the outside world.

He gently took Kanao's hand, guiding her to the bed.

Just then, the waiter brought hot water along with a neat set of girls' clothes.

"Take a shower," he suggested, "and change into these clothes." He squatted down, speaking softly to the girl sitting on the bed's edge.

However, after waiting for a long time, Kanao still did not respond.

"I'm going out for a bit. Call me if you need anything," he said softly, not surprised by her reaction, and prepared to leave.

Just as he stood up, a thin little hand grabbed the corner of his clothes. He looked down at the pale, weak hand holding onto him.

Although Kanao couldn't express emotion yet, she was clearly beginning to depend on him, worried that he might leave her.

He squatted down again, looking gently at Kanao. "Hey, I won't go far. I'll be right outside the door, staying with you."

His gentle words were like a spring breeze, causing Kanao's purple eyes to blink again.

Once her little hand gradually loosened, he patted her head. "Take a good bath and call me if you need something."

With that, he walked out of the door, closing it behind him.

When the door was completely closed, Sam suddenly looked up, his golden eyes staring into the distance. A flash of cold light passed through them.