HEADLINE

New Youkai Emperor Marries Subordinate

It was quite a shock in the youkai world of nobility when the new emperor, Kougaiji, son of Gyumao, announced his engagement to Yaone, his pharmacist. Demon lords who were hoping to marry off their daughters to the emperor feel scandalized and are not exactly supportive of the couple.

In retrospect, it's actually an ideal coupling since Yaone was one of Kougaiji's followers during the reign of Gyokumen Koushou over Houtou Castle. She remained loyal to him and chose to follow Kougaiji even when he deserted his stepmother's side and chose to join forces with the Sanzo-ikkou to stop Gyumao's revival.

The wedding took place yesterday—

Sanzo folded the newspaper in half, not wanting to continue reading the article. There were even accompanying pictures of the wedding, showing Yaone smiling and clinging to Kougaiji's arm while the emperor gazed at her with absolute devotion.

The blond's hands clenched the newspaper, crumpling it and distorting the pictures and the article. What had happened to 'I'll wait for you'? To 'You'll always be in my heart'? Promises were made to be broken, as they say, and Kougaiji had certainly broken his; practically shattered them to pieces.

He had known that something like this would happen. That was why every declaration of love that the redhead had spouted was ignored, why Sanzo had never let himself hope that maybe this time, the love being offered would be real; would last more than a one-night stand.

It had lasted more than one night. It lasted until the morning after Gyokumen Koushou's defeat. Then something had changed; something important had disappeared. Sanzo was glad that he had been careful to distance himself. Because that way, he didn't feel the hurt that bad. After thinking it over for another minute, Sanzo brought out his lighter and set fire to the newspaper he was holding. He watched as it slowly blackened and turned into ashes, wishing that letting go would be just as easy.