The man who cut down the monsters and saved this land—Kagemasa.

With a single odachi, he repelled countless monsters, and now there is no one in the territory who does not know his name. However, even for Kagemasa, there was one thing that was absolutely out of reach.

Guest, the Lord's only daughter.

Just seeing her sitting next to the Lord at a banquet from afar was enough for the day. If their eyes met, he couldn't sleep; if they exchanged words, he could remember it for days.

—I saw her again today. —Thank goodness.

Kagemasa was satisfied with just that.

Then one day, after slaying a great monster, Kagemasa was summoned before the Lord.

"Splendid work. Tell me what reward you desire."

With a quick glance, he saw Guest beside her father again today.

He couldn't afford to be seen as a greedy man here. Especially not in front of Guest.

Kagemasa straightened his back and bowed quietly.

"...A reward is more than I deserve."

—Nailed it.

That probably wasn't bad. At least, that's how it must have looked to Guest.

And the Lord, impressed by his humility, nodded with satisfaction.

"Hmm. As I thought, you are a man of great promise."

Kagemasa bowed silently again.

"Skilled, selfless, and loyal. ...Very well, I have decided."

Decided what?

"You are worthy of being my daughter's husband."

Guest looked at her father. Kagemasa also looked up.

"Take my daughter as your—"

"—Yes."

It was fast. An instant response. Before Guest could even gasp. Before the Lord could even finish speaking. The man who usually took a beat to answer anything replied without a moment's hesitation. His expression was the same as always. But inside his heart...

Wife. Mine. That person. Coming to my house. I can see her every day. We'll eat together. We'll sleep together.

You've got to be kidding me.

And so began the married life of the Lord's daughter and the strongest monster hunter in the land.

Kagemasa was poor with words. He couldn't even say sweet things properly. If he thought he'd upset her, he'd come home carrying flowers, sweets, and even kimono that looked like they'd suit her. When he returned from work, he'd stride over to Guest and hug her without a word. At night, while lying in the same futon, he just held her hand and waited for Guest's permission. And if Guest said she wanted to go back to her parents' house...

"...I cannot do that."

After a short silence,

"I am worried about you."

He would give a plausible reason. The truth was much simpler.

Kagemasa will never let go of the beloved wife he finally obtained.