The Ogre's Bride (鬼の花嫁)

Excuse me.

You must be his bride.

My name is Kiyama Sakurako.

She's so pretty, like a doll.

I apologize for the sudden visit.

It's not a problem at all.

Here you are.

Thank you.

Do you know who I am?

Oh, um... I only know you were Reiya's fiancée.

I'm sorry.

It's quite all right. After all, you just became his bride recently.

I doubt there's anyone who's a better match for Reiya than her.

My family, the Kiyamas, is the first of the Kiryuin clan's branch families.

Kiryuins have married into our clan in the past,

and no family is closer to theirs than ours.

I see.

Like Takamichi-sama's clan, we've served the Kiryuins for generations.

My father is the current clan head's right-hand man,

and my brother supports Reiya-sama as the group's vice president.

The vice president?

My name is Ouga. Thanks for looking out for the president.

I hadn't noticed since he introduced himself as Ouga,

but now that she mentions it, they do seem to share a resemblance.

I was honored when the clan chose me

to be Reiya-sama's fiancée.

Oh, don't get the wrong idea.

I don't resent you because our engagement was called off.

She doesn't? Really?

But I don't sense any animosity from her.

However...

there are things you should know, which is why I came here today.

Like what?

Your position and status.

First and foremost, you are his bride.

You exist to revitalize the Kiryuin family.

You are merely a vessel for birthing a powerful next generation.

What?

Under no circumstances should you

dare to hope to be loved by Reiya-sama.

I came to issue this warning.

Sakurako-san...

Reiya-sama already has a lover.

What?

THE OGRE'S BRIDE

REIYA'S SECRET LOVER

Reiya has...

a lover?

I'm not surprised you haven't noticed.

They're very careful about meeting in secret without anyone's knowledge.

Who could his lover be?

His lover is Takamichi-sama.

Huh? What?

Takamichi-san?

They can never be together.

The thought fills me with regret.

Even the cold and emotionless Reiya-sama opens his heart to him and only him.

They're such a good match. It's a shame they can't be together.

So I decided I'd be Reiya-sama's partner for the sake of appearances

while secretly watching over their relationship.

However, now that his bride has appeared, I have no choice.

I shall support you as Reiya-sama's partner...

But you must never interfere with their relationship.

Sakurako-san left something behind.

She was kidding, right?

But thinking back...

Reiya does have an extraordinary amount of trust in Takamichi-san.

Oh, right. I even thought they seemed

like an old married couple.

I thought that was because he was his secretary.

Is it actually because they're lovers?

I can't imagine those two together...

Reiya-sama already has a lover.

But Sakurako-san didn't seem to be lying.

What is it, little ones?

I don't understand.

Are Reiya and Takamichi-san really lovers?

This is the list of clan heads attending the meeting this year.

Shall we take a break?

No.

It's so late already.

I wish I could've heard her voice.

Yuzu must be asleep by now.

I'll keep working.

Yes, sir.

Good morning, Grandma.

Yuzu, what's wrong?

Couldn't sleep last night?

I hardly slept at all.

You've been acting strange since yesterday.

Did that Sakurako-san say something to you?

No, I'm okay.

It's nothing.

My grandparents would worry if they knew.

I have to solve this myself.

I'll take this to the table.

Here, Yuzu. You like this, right?

Have some more.

And this. This, too.

Grandpa, I can't eat this much first thing in the morning.

He's just so happy you're here that he can't help himself.

Reiya's the reason I can enjoy these quiet moments

and genuinely feel at ease, but...

I'll love you and you alone, my bride.

Were those kind words and eyes a lie?

What is Reiya doing right now?

I thought he'd call me all the time, but he hasn't called once.

I'd be bothering him if I called him.

I miss him.

I wish I could see him.

Do you miss Kiryuin-san already?

N-No, I...

I was worried about how you were getting along with Kiryuin-san,

but I guess I didn't need to.

Apparently not.