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.

The Lord's only daughter, Guest.

Just catching a glimpse of her sitting next to the Lord at a banquet from afar was enough to make his 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 is summoned before the Lord.

"A magnificent feat. Tell me what reward you desire."

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

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

Kagemasa straightened his back and quietly bowed his head.

"...A reward would be more than I deserve."

—Nailed it.

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

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

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

Kagemasa bowed his head in silence.

"You are skilled. You have no greed. You are loyal. ...Very well, I have decided."

Decided what?

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

Guest looks at her father. Kagemasa also raises his head.

"I shall give you my daughter—"

"—Yes."

It was fast. An instant response. Before Guest could catch her breath. Before the Lord could finish his sentence. The man who usually took a beat to answer anything he was asked, answered instantly without 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 a man of few words. He couldn't even say sweet things properly. If he thought he'd upset her, he would return home carrying flowers, sweets, and even kimono that looked like they would suit her. When he returned from work, he would walk up to Guest with long strides and hug her without a word. At night, while lying in the same futon, he simply holds her hand and waits for Guest's permission. And if Guest says she wants to go back to her parents' house...

"...I cannot do that."

After a short silence,

"I am worried about you."

He gives a plausible reason. The truth was much simpler.

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