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 1.3

Far East.

I hear it’s a land where terrifying monsters called yokai roam.

The residents are said to be so terrified of the demon that no one dares to go outside.

Since no one can go outside, food shortages are occurring, and it seems that rioting residents are causing chaos everywhere.

Also, because the magic tool technology hasn’t developed, they are living in a terribly primitive way.

In the western continent where we live, I had heard that the Far East was a place of “mystical lands” and “uncivilized territories,” places where civilized people could hardly reside…

But.

“What’s wrong, bride?”

Regarding the Far Eastern port, I was… surprised.

“Is this really the Far East?”

“That’s right. It’s the port town of the Far East, Daiba.”

The streets of Odaiba were… very lively.

“It’s cheap, it’s cheap! Fresh fish just caught!”

“Come on, come on! Grilled turban shell! It’s super delicious, so come and eat!”

Stalls are set up everywhere, and business is being conducted.

Women, children, and even the elderly are walking around the town as if it were normal.

Everyone was smiling and enjoying shopping.

There are many ships docked at the port.

“Ichijo-sama…”

“Satoru, it’s fine, bride.”

Honestly, I still can’t bring myself to call this person by their first name. It feels too presumptuous.

But if I defy his orders as the head of the family… I might be abandoned.

“I understand. Then… Satoru-sama.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Is that… a ship…?”

Pointing at the ship docked in the harbor, I ask.

It’s a bit too large to be called a ship.

Moreover… it’s not made of wood.

A massive ship covered with what seems to be a hard material.

A large tube extends from the ship, and steam is rising from it in thick clouds.

“Don’t you know what a steamboat is?”

“Jo, jouki… sen?”

“Ah. It’s a ship powered by steam.”

W-What am I saying?

“Aren’t ships supposed to be powered by the wind?”

“That’s true. But the wind is fickle, isn’t it? You never know when it will blow.”

“Yes, so having a wind magic user among the crew is essential…”

Satoru-sama nodded as if he understood, saying, “I see…”

“Bride, the customs you were used to where you came from don’t apply here.”

“What do you mean?”

“In this Far East, the very concept of magic does not exist.”

What is ………………?

“Magic… doesn’t exist?”

“Ah. Since ancient times, there has been no magic, no magical power, and no magical tools in this Far East. Moreover, we have been isolated for a long time.”

“National isolation…?”

“It means they had severed all ties with the outside world.”

I heard that the magic tool technology was underdeveloped, but I never expected that there was no magic in the first place.

“Without that magic, I can’t survive.”

“Hahaha! You say the funniest things, bride!”

Did I say something interesting?

“Isn’t everyone here alive?”

Indeed, that’s true.

Everyone is walking around outside normally and not looking anxious.

“Hey, look. The steamboat is starting to move.”

W-What? There’s no wind, and no wind magic user, but the ship is moving…!?

“Haha. You’re interesting.”

“Is that so…?”

“Ah. Come here, bride. I’ll show you something even more interesting!”

Satoru-sama is reaching out his hand.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, no… I was just wondering if someone like me is allowed to touch it…”

Then, Satoru-sama chuckles softly.

“You’re saying something strange. You are my bride, you know?”

Satoru-sama reaches out his hand and… holds mine.

What warm hands they have.

“Ah, it’s warm… your hand.”

“Eh…?”

Slowly… tears welled up in Satoru-sama’s eyes.

“Wh-what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry. I’ve never felt the warmth of another person… not even once until now.”

Have you ever felt the warmth of another person?

“I’ll explain it to you while we walk.”

“Uh, ah, ha, yes…”

Satoru-sama is firmly holding my hand and walking.

“All of us in this Far East, including me, possess extraordinary abilities.”

It seems that “abnormal abilities” refer to special powers such as breathing fire, floating in the air, or stretching one’s arms.

“My special ability is called [Spirit Turtle].”

“Reiki…?”

“By erecting a barrier as strong as a turtle’s, one can confine and annihilate the demons.”

“Wow! That’s amazing!”

“But because it’s too strong, it’s difficult to control. My body is always enveloped in that solid barrier.”

I closely observe Satoru-sama’s body.

“It doesn’t seem like it exists, but… ah, I’m sorry! I don’t mean to doubt you, Satoru-sama!”

Satoru-sama tilts his head in confusion.

“Why apologize?”

“Because… I can’t believe I thought such disrespectful things about Lord Satoru lying.”

“No, it’s not disrespectful or anything. Besides, it’s only natural that I can’t see. It’s because I’m touching you.”

Are you touching me?

“I told you, didn’t I? You have the [ability to nullify other abilities].”

It seems like you mentioned something like that before coming here.

“Ability Killer, Phantasm Eater, well, there are all sorts of names for it. Anyway, my bride possesses the rarest of powers in the world, the Ability Nullification Power.”

“So… are you being touched by Satoru-sama?”

“Exactly! You negate the power of the spirit turtle. As a result, I can touch you.”

Squeeze, Satoru-sama happily holds my hand.

“I… don’t know the warmth or touch of a person. The power of this spirit turtle has been in this body since I was born.”

He smiles softly.

“Thank you for teaching me the warmth and touch of a person…”

Satoru-sama touches my cheek with his hand.

Warm hands. Is this person really the Eastern demon…?

Looking at it again, Satoru-sama truly has a beautiful face.

Snow-white skin, eyelashes, and… beautiful red eyes like rubies.

“Indeed, yes. My bride. Gain a little more weight.”

“Huh? Huh?”

“You are too thin. It makes me feel sorry for you.”

“Oh, um, that is… I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, but… well, it’s fine. It seems the people picking us up haven’t arrived yet. Let’s grab a bite to eat for a bit.”

Satoru-sama points to the building with his finger.

It said “Sushi Restaurant” on the sign.

“Do you dislike sushi?”

“Actually, I’ve never eaten it.”

“What! That’s not good. Alright, let’s go eat.”

He smiles and takes my hand, leading me towards the sushi restaurant.

“I hardly have any money…”

“You are my wife, right? Of course, it’s the husband’s job to pay for things!”

I had never seen my deceased mother getting any food from my father, but…

“I love conger eel. I’ll let you try some too! It’s delicious!”

I wonder why they are feeding me.

To someone like me. Such delicious food.