The Lost Fate Of The Oni: Otome Romance Game

Chapter 1

I wake up to the sound of gleeful giggling. Pulling myself out of bed, I check outside my window. A servant girl is talking to a young man outside the mansion grounds. My lips curl into a faint smile.

It must be nice, being able to go outside like that... Meanwhile, I'm not allowed to go out at all...

I quickly shake my head.

No, I can't think like that!

I continue watching through my window. They seem to be having so much fun. I wonder what they're talking about? A knock on my door snaps me out of my reverie.

Kujo: Nana, are you awake?

Nana: Father! Yes! Come in.

The door creaks open.

Kujo: Good morning, Nana.

Nana: Good morning.

He narrows his eyes as he sees me by the window.

Kujo: Were you looking outside again?

Nana: I'm...

Kujo: I told you, outside world is dangerous. You must never leave the mansion, do you understand?

Nana: I know. But you...

Kujo: I know better than anyone how dangerous is it outside.

My father is always telling me stories about oni. Mindless, heartless monsters who attack humans without mercy. He told me about the black stares of their eyes. Their gray skin and their horns that set them apart from humans.

I know my father works hard as leader of Oni Eradication Brigade, a small division in the imperial army. But still, everyone else seems to enjoy being out and about.

I'm always wondering if my father is just being overprotective

Father shakes his head.

Kujo: Anyway, nevermind that. I got you a new dress for tonight's party.

He hands me a box.

Nana: Ah... Thankyou, Father!

I almost forgot the party tonight.

The commemoration party for new military officers assuming their posts in the brigade. I place the box on my bed and open it, revealing a beautiful, white dress.

Nana: It's beautiful!

Kujo: When i saw it i just knew it would suit you perfectly. I'm glad you like it.

Nana: I love it!

I press the dress against my body. And twirl around to the full-length mirror to see how would it look on me.

Kujo: It comes with a pocket, too.

Father comes over and points it out on the side of the dress.

Kujo: You can put your blade here.

Despite not being allowed to go out, Father insist on teaching me self-defense. He also makes sure that i carry around a small blade at all times.

He really worries too much...

I fold the dress neatly and place it back in the box.

Nana: Father...

Father smiles wryly.

Kujo: I know you think that worry too much.

Nana: That's not...

Kujo: It's alright. I understand why you might feel that way. But you're my only daughter, Nana. The only family i have left.

I can't help but smile back at my father and say...

Nana: I understand.

I take a hold of his hand.

Nana: Since my mother passed away when i was born, it's always been just the two of us.

Kujo: I hope you do. Oni can appear out of nowhere. We are the Oni Eradication Brigade always have our hands full.

Nana: Yes... You've told me before. I know you only want the best for me. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.

I want to leave, but i can't worry father. Not when he cares so deeply for me. I let go of his hand, and he nods appreciatively. He pats my head gently.

Kujo: In anycase, there's still some time before the party. What's your plan for today?

Nana: I think i'll continue with my studies.

I study by myself at home. Despite not having a teacher, i try to keep up with it. I especially like reading about medicine. Father firmly nods at my words, thinking it'll help keep me safe.

Kujo: At the rate you're going, i'll have to get you more books soon.

Nana: Please!

Kujo: Alright, anything for you.

I feel silly for worrying about my father when he showers me with so much love. Staying safe is atleast i can do for him. I watch as Father exits my room and close the door behind him.

Right, i'll get ready for study.

I pick out a set of everyday clothes from my wardrobe. I ensure that i have my blade close at hand. Just as i'm about to exit my room, i hear another knock on my door.

???: Nana, can i come in?

Nana: Haru!

I open the door.

Haru was taken in by my father ten years ago and has been my only friend. Father told me that his whole village was killed by oni. That was the first time i truly realize how fearsome oni can be. But if i met Haru today, i wouldn't have guessed he'd have such a dark past. Haru smiles brightly at me.

Haru: What do you think?

He shows off his Oni Eradication Brigade uniform.

Nana: It suits you!

Unlike me, Haru can go outside. He studied at military academy to become a member of brigade.

Though, i worry for him. I feel that he's only joining to get revenge for his family. Haru maybe bright and cheergul now, but i'll never forget, the despair on his face when i first came to the mansion.

Still, he's worked hard, and today is his day.

Nana: They gave you the uniform before the party?

Haru: Yeah! But we won't officially assume our posts 'til tonight, when we get the assignment. I've been waiting to wear this uniform for years!

Nana: I'm really happy for you!

Haru: Thanks! Now i'll be able to protect you and everyone else from those oni!

Haru seems excited.

Nana: I'm counting on you, officer!

Haru: As you should!

Suddenly, his expressions turns serious.

Haru: I'm not going to lose anyone again...

Even under that cheerfulness, Haru still holds the darkness of what happened years ago. Perhaps my father is right to keep me inside all the time. Haru's demeanor falters.

Haru: Anyway, i thought it might be nice to do something special today.

Nana: Something special?

Haru: What do you think of going into town with me?

I gasp.

Nana: Haru! You know my father would never let me!

Haru flashes me a cheeky grin.

Haru: We don't have to tell him.

Nana: You're asking me to sneak out with you? If my father finds out, we'll both get in trouble.

And Father just told me how worried he is about me...

Haru: Then as long as he doesn't find out, we'll be fine!

Nana: Haru...

Even though i understand my father's feelings, I can't say i'm not tempted by Haru's offer. I've always wanted to go out into town. I hear Haru and the servants talk about it all the time.

Haru: Please, Nana? Just this once. Once i became an officer, i might not be able to see you very much. I'll make sure to protect you when we're outside.

Haru looks at me earnestly. It's hard to say no to him when he's giving me that look.

Nana: Okay. Just this once. And we have to keep this a secret from my father!

Haru: Ofcourse! It's our secret.

Sorry, Father... But i'll be with Haru, so i should be safe.

I look into the mirror to make sure i'm properly dressed.

But... What's 'properly dressed' anyway? They're my usual clothes. Wil they be alright?

I've never been outside, so i'm not sure how people dress to go out to town. I look at Haru. He seems to notice the sheepish look on my face.

Haru: You look fine!

Nana: Are you sure?

Haru: I am! You look great.

Haru glances at the dress on my bed.

Haru: Is that what you're wearing tonight?