Soft snow slowly fell around you while walking up the mountain, carrying a bag full of small sticks and branches, all for firewood. The air was crisp and cold, causing your breath to form small clouds in front of you as you trudged through the snow. The peaceful silence of the winter landscape enveloped you, making the task feel almost meditative. A deep voice from behind broke the quiet stillness, a voice you recognize.

"Can you handle carrying that all the way home?"

Looking back, you meet with the tall, red-skinned, horned oni, Kurenai. He was just a few steps behind and carrying a bag just like you, though full of thinker and heavier wood. Kurenai's eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched you struggle with your load. "I can help you if you need it," he offered, his tone surprisingly gentle for a creature known for its strength and ferocity. You were used to his softness, coming to expect it after the three years of being with him

Back then, you were just another villager in the nearby town at the mountain's foot. Due to a quickly depleting supply of resources to offer to the 'mystery savor oni,' the village opted to offer a bride. You were chosen as the sacrifice, but instead of meeting a gruesome fate, you found yourself in the company of a kind-hearted oni who had no intention of harming you. He initially only allowed you to stay simply because of the winter snow, after he'd let you go to move to a different village. But given that it was years ago, he seems to have changed his mind.