Trying to win shinobu!-Chapter 40: Insufficient Funds? Butterfly House’s Financial Problems

Chapter 40 - Insufficient Funds? Butterfly House's Financial Problems

"Mr. Romeo, is that you?"

Kanzaki Aoi's voice came from the door.

She pushed open the door to the laboratory room but didn't see Romeo inside.

Kanzaki Aoi looked puzzled. "That's strange, I just heard something down here."

Just then, another pair of footsteps echoed in the corridor.

Romeo appeared behind Kanzaki Aoi.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Romeo gently patted her shoulder, his tone slightly concerned.

Kanzaki Aoi turned around in surprise and was visibly stunned to see Romeo behind her.

Huh? Mr. Romeo, did you come down after me?

But Romeo didn't give her time to react. He smiled and said, "Let's talk upstairs. There's a lab downstairs, and the smell of medicine is pretty strong."

Kanzaki Aoi nodded.

The two walked upstairs together.

While walking, Romeo casually asked, "Is Shinobu out on another mission?"

"She's back," Kanzaki Aoi replied after thinking for a moment. "She's reporting to the Lord now."

"I see. Has Shinobu always gone on missions alone?" Romeo asked again.

Upon hearing that, a look of sadness crossed Kanzaki Aoi's face.

"Yes, ever since Sister Kanae passed away, Shinobu-sama has changed."

"One day it was raining heavily, and when she came back from a mission, she was soaked. There were many patients at the Butterfly House, so no one noticed her return."

"She quietly cleaned herself up, then immediately came to help treat others. Everyone's heart broke seeing how strong she was."

Kanzaki Aoi's voice turned soft with grief.

She sighed. "If only I could help Shinobu-sama more... but I can't even learn the breathing techniques, and I'm too afraid to face demons."

"If Master Shinobu hadn't taken me in, I'd probably be homeless now."

Romeo smiled gently. "What you're doing now is helping Shinobu."

Kanzaki Aoi pursed her lips. "But..."

"No buts," Romeo interrupted firmly. "I think saving people is more important than killing demons."

"Without you and the others here at Butterfly House, the Demon Slayer Corps wouldn't be able to function. You all play a far more vital role than most of the people out there swinging swords."

His words were strong and unwavering, touching Kanzaki Aoi deeply.

She was stunned for a moment.

Then she realized—perhaps this was why even Kanao had opened her heart to Romeo.

It felt like redemption.

Kanzaki Aoi gave a faint smile. "Mr. Romeo, I understand now. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Romeo winked and smiled.

Soon, the two returned to the surface.

But the scene before them stunned Romeo.

The Butterfly House was full of injured patients. All the beds reserved for the Demon Slayer Corps were filled.

Romeo frowned. "What's going on?"

Kanzaki Aoi sighed. "The demons have been appearing more frequently lately. We've all been stretched thin."

"And that's not all. The demand for medicine is overwhelming, and the Butterfly House is running out of money."

Romeo looked confused. "Isn't the Butterfly House a public department under the Corps? Doesn't the Lord allocate funds for it?"

"Mr. Romeo, it's a long story. But since you asked, I'll tell you everything I know."

Kanzaki Aoi handed some medicine she'd retrieved from the basement to Xiaoqing, then explained slowly.

"Every month someone brings the medicine we need, but we don't actually receive money."

"Funding is allocated based on how many Pillars are stationed in a particular facility."

Romeo blinked, his sharp mind quickly putting the pieces together.

"You mean, since Shinobu is the only one stationed here, funding is minimal?"

"Exactly."

Kanzaki Aoi went on. "Public relations personnel like us earn less than the regular Corps members, so life is tougher."

"Shinobu-sama, being a Pillar, earns much more. She uses her own money for experiments and gives the rest to us as salary."

"But she never complains, because the Lord has to distribute funds fairly across all Pillars and their divisions."

Romeo asked, "Does the Lord even know about this?"

"I don't think so." Kanzaki Aoi shook her head. "Shinobu-sama is very proud. She knows how hard the Lord is working and doesn't want to trouble him."

Romeo held his forehead.

Kochou, Kochou... you probably don't even know the Ubuyashiki family is loaded, huh?

That little bit you're trying to save could barely buy them lunch.

Romeo believed firmly that the Ubuyashiki clan could easily afford to support the Butterfly House.

But... pride had to be preserved.

He couldn't just barge in and shout, "Hey, I'm Romeo! Hand over the money!"

This had now become a difficult problem to solve.

"Mr. Romeo, let's not talk about that right now. Xiaoqing and the others are swamped."

Kanzaki Aoi rushed off to prepare bedding and clean the patient's area.

Left momentarily alone in the vast Butterfly House, Romeo found no one else to speak with.

"Guess I'll practice my swordwork," he muttered.

Grabbing a wooden sword, Romeo headed toward the back courtyard.

As he walked down the corridor, a graceful figure entered his field of vision.

Kanao stood there, smiling sweetly at him, twin dimples forming on her cheeks.

"Mr. Romeo."

"What's up?" Romeo walked to her side.

Kanao asked suddenly, "Mr. Romeo, you're going to spar with Mr. Shinazugawa tomorrow, right?"

Romeo was taken aback.

He quickly ran the dates through his mind.

Yeah... it should be around that time.

"What about it?" he asked gently.

Kanao bit her lip nervously. "After the match... will Mr. Romeo stay at the Butterfly House?"

"Of course. Where else would I go?" Romeo said with a chuckle. "Sleep on the street?"

Kanao's expression turned anxious. "That's not what I meant... I'm just worried Mr. Romeo doesn't like it here."

"That depends on whether you like me or not," Romeo teased. "If Kanao doesn't want me here, what can I do?"

"I... of course I want you here."

Kanao lowered her head, her face blushing deep red.

Her small hands clenched the hem of her uniform tightly.

Romeo chuckled and shook his head.

This kid blushes after just a few words—just like Guan Yu.

He slipped his hand into his pocket...

And pulled out a coin.

"I'm giving this back to you."

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