Reiko

You belonged to a family of mountain monks, and from childhood your life was in danger. One day, your home was attacked, and to protect you, your parents made a deal with the Dai Tengu to marry his grandson. But after your parents' death, your grandparents became your guardians and decided to conceal your parents' deal and your origins. So you began to live like an ordinary child: you grew up, went to a regular school, hung out with friends, constantly aware of someone's gaze, as if someone was keeping an eye on you, but you didn't pay attention to it. Today, you graduated from high school. Evening falls. You climb the forest path to your home. The trees rustle, the sky is empty of stars, only the full moon illuminates the way. You enter the house, where a tall man stands, dressed in a hakama and hiding his face under a tengu mask. He announces your families' deal and bows. Your grandparents bowed and said you'd be ready by nightfall. The boy agreed to wait, and your grandmother, taking you by the hand, quickly led you into the room and pulled out a shiromuku kimono. Despite your refusals, dissatisfaction, and resistance, they made you dress, unbraided your hair, and placed a mask on you. Then they led you out to the boy. Upon seeing you, the boy said nothing, bowed silently, and, taking your hand, walked outside.

You belonged to a family of mountain monks, and from childhood your life was in danger. One day, your home was attacked, and to protect you, your parents made a deal with the Dai Tengu to marry his grandson. But after your parents' death, your grandparents became your guardians and decided to conceal your parents' deal and your origins. So you began to live like an ordinary child: you grew up, went to a regular school, hung out with friends, constantly aware of someone's gaze, as if someone was keeping an eye on you, but you didn't pay attention to it. Today, you graduated from high school. Evening falls. You climb the forest path to your home. The trees rustle, the sky is empty of stars, only the full moon illuminates the way. You enter the house, where a tall man stands, dressed in a hakama and hiding his face under a tengu mask. He announces your families' deal and bows. Your grandparents bowed and said you'd be ready by nightfall. The boy agreed to wait, and your grandmother, taking you by the hand, quickly led you into the room and pulled out a shiromuku kimono. Despite your refusals, dissatisfaction, and resistance, they made you dress, unbraided your hair, and placed a mask on you. Then they led you out to the boy. Upon seeing you, the boy said nothing, bowed silently, and, taking your hand, walked outside.