The Incompetent Noblewoman Marries the 'Devil of the Far East' as a Substitute Bride—Told by Her Parents to 'Die in Place of Your Sister,' She Left the House, but Her New Family Turned Out to Be Wonderful and She's Happy - Episode 1.16

“Um, um, Shinkuro-san…”

“Is something the matter, miss?”

Shinkuro, completely wrapped in bandages, tilts his head.

“Shinkuro-san, you’re a parasitic-type ability user, right? If I grant you my ability nullification, wouldn’t you stop being an aberration?”

Akino Akino-san and the others in black suits had transformed into monstrous forms, unable to control the demon powers hidden within them.

But if I grant you my power, you can return to your original human form.

“Thank you very much. Indeed, I am a parasitic-type ability user.”

“Then…”

“However… it’s impossible.”

“Impossible?”

What does this mean…?

Ms. Akino Akino will explain.

“Your brother’s special ability is vampirism.”

“Vampire…”

I was also on the western continent.

It’s about a bl00d-sucking demon. If I remember correctly… its characteristic is that it’s weak to sunlight…

“I am a vampire, and moreover, I am keeping an existence that can be said to be the progenitor of vampires.”

“Wow…”

“However, because of that, my skin has become very sensitive to light. Even the moonlight at night or artificial electric light, just being exposed to it turns me to ash in an instant.”

That’s… so painful.

Then, won’t I have to keep the bandages on for the rest of my life?

“In order for Rei to use his special ability, he needs to directly touch the other person. To grant Shinkuro his special ability, he must unwrap the bandages. But if he does that, he will be exposed to light, turn to ash, and die…”

“That’s how it is. So, I’ll just accept your feelings.”

Mr. Shinkuro is laughing.

But, no. That’s not allowed.

Because I know.

Shinkuro-san’s smile… is a smile to hide the pain.

“It’s no good, Shinkuro-san.”

“Miss…?”

I approach him and say.

“Please don’t force yourself to smile. Even though it’s really tough for you, pretending to be okay so others won’t worry… that’s not good. You won’t be saved that way!”

“…Why do you think that?”

Shinkuro smile stiffens.

“My mother… that’s how she was.”

My mother was treated horribly at the Saiga household because she gave birth to an incompetent child.

To avoid hurting me, they laughed, and yet… they were hurt more than anyone else.

I was projecting my mother onto Mr. Shinkuro.

Absolutely, I thought I wanted to help.

“Shinkuro-san. I have an idea. Please, trust me and allow me to treat you…”

Everyone in this house is kind.

To such kind people, I truly… want them to smile.

I don’t want you to become unhappy like my mother and I did.

After looking into my eyes for a moment, Shinkuro-san…

“Understood.”

“Ni, niichan… Are you okay…?”

Sojiro-kun, looking anxious, says.

“It’s okay, Sojiro. I… believe in Lady Rei’s power and words.”

It’s not because I’m Satoru’s wife, but because you believe in me. That made me so happy… I almost cried.

But I won’t cry. It’s not over yet.

“Rei, what are you going to do? If you take off the bandages, Shinkuro will die, you know?”

“Yes, so… before you die, I will treat you. Shinkuro-san, please remove the bandages.”

He nods and unwraps the bandages from his face.

The skin of Mr. Shinkuro, who was bathed in sunlight, burned, and his head turned to ash…

At that moment, I activate the curse seal.

Rejuvenate the collapsing cells with a curse.

“The head that turned to ash has returned to normal!?”

And then… in this state, I pressed my forehead against his and activated the ability to kill supernatural beings.

Please, get better…!

A bright light envelops the surroundings with a “ka…!”

And then, when the light settles…

“Shinkuro, big brother! Your skin… it’s not tanned!”

There stood a very beautiful man with blonde hair.

Blonde hair, golden eyes. Long face, narrow eyes.

Her skin is as pure white as virgin snow, without a single blemish.

Even if I take off the bandages, my skin won’t burn and turn to ash like before.

“I can’t… believe it. I can… control my powers…”

“Brother!” “Shinkuro! Brother!”

The Hyakumekoni siblings hug Mr. Shinkuro.

“Now you won’t have to be afraid of sunlight anymore!?”

“I’m so glad, I’m so glad…!”

The two of them are crying tears of joy.

I’m happy too.

I’m glad I was able to help him.

“Lady Rei! Thank you very much!”

“Thanks for helping me out, big bro!”

Akino Akino and the others are laughing.

And then… Shinkuro-san knelt before me.

“Thank you very much, Lady Rei. I will never forget the favor of saving my life.”

“No, please don’t worry about it. I was just doing what any wife of Satoru-sama would do.”

Then, from behind, Satoru-sama hugged me tightly.

“Rei… you are truly amazing! The best! You are the goddess of fortune!”

Oh, so dramatic…

Ah, but… being hugged from behind… feels nice too.

I feel a sense of security, as if leaning against a great tree…

“Moreover, it’s an incredibly precise manipulation of spiritual power. Using supernatural abilities while maintaining a curse seal is impossible.”

And, as Satoru-sama says.

“What do you mean?”

“Ability and curse prohibition (spiritual power manipulation) are different things. Doing them simultaneously is like trying to look to the right while looking to the left.”

Well, that’s certainly impossible

I didn’t realize it was that difficult.

“How on earth did you do it?”

“I-I don’t know… I was completely absorbed… but…”

I don’t understand the reasoning, just like I can’t explain how to walk to someone.

I can’t explain it, but still, I can. I have that strong conviction.

“The strongest in the Far East is no longer an exaggeration.”

“Yes, Lady Rei is undoubtedly the strongest supernatural being.”

“That’s amazing, Miss!” “Rei-chan, this is insane! So awesome!”

Of course, I’m happy that everyone praised me.

But for me, it was more important that the members of the Hyakumekoni family were smiling… that made me happier.