Mariko Kuroha (黒羽真李子)

Nanami

Although they are only cousins, Nanami is like a big sister to Mariko. Whenever Shin couldn't, she was babysat by Nanami and spent a lot of time with her. Their relationship is very strong and Mariko hopes to run the ryokan one day, just like her cousin. When she wants to talk or needs advice, she often turns to Nanami and knows that she can talk to her openly about anything.

Haruka

She and Haruka know each other through their parents and went to school together in Japan. Both were a little shy as children, but then became very good friends. During middle school, Mariko began to develop feelings for the angel, which has not changed to this day. However, she has never told Haruka and prefers to keep it to herself. While Haruka was at the academy, their contact broke off somewhat, but it has improved again since then.

Akaya

The two first met when Akaya and Haruka were already married. When she can, she takes the chance to tease the demon a little by making implications about Haruka. Still, she's very happy for the couple and thinks they're a good match and is sure that Akaya will always take good care of Haruka.

Hina

The two first met at the ryokan when Mariko was still young. However, since Hina “died” when Mariko was still younger, they don't know each other that well. Only from when she looked after her and Haruka. The two have not met since Hina's return.

Kyōko & Ryūji

She got to know the Mochizukis through her parents, just like their daughters. Since Mariko has become good friends with Haruka, she has also seen Kyōko and Ryūji often and nowadays she also drops by the bakery from time to time when she has time to visit them.

Yuito

Mariko knows Yuito through Shin, who is his best friend. Accordingly, he often visited the ryokan and helped out for a while. When Mariko was a bit older, the two also became good friends and see each other from time to time.

Akari

Akari and Mariko met through Yuito. At first they only met occasionally at the ryokan, but since then they have also become friends, although they don't see each other that often. Usually at the ryokan or the Mochizukis' bakery.

Shaira

Mariko and the witcher met through Yuito. They get along well and see each other from time to time at the ryokan, where Shaira and Yuito often visit.

Sayuri

The demoness is a frequent guest at the ryokan, which is how she and Mariko know each other. The two women have become friends and meet up from time to time, sometimes together with Haruka. Nevertheless, Mariko makes sure that the demoness sticks to the rules of the ryokan.

Yoshiko, Kanae & Daiki

Mariko and Yoshiko have never met before and the tengu only knows them from stories. But one thing is clear: Mariko wouldn't hold back from getting into a fight with Yoshiko if she had to. She has, however, met the twins once briefly in the ryokan. But since Kanae has caused trouble, she doesn't think much of them so far.

Akaya, Sayuri & Shaira are OCs from RhiaMonium (Insta @rhiamonium.art)

Quotes

• "Yuito has already told us about you, even though we've hardly seen each other lately. The professor is too busy for that" - to Shaira
• "Don't worry, I won't steal her from you~ After all, you're married. I suppose I missed out on that chance back in school." - to Akaya about Haruka
• "Mhm~ We went to school together before Haruka went to the academy. Do you remember [, Haru]? Your hair had to stay black until you left." [...] "Anyway, we spent a lot of time together back then~" - to Akaya and Haruka
• "Haaa, maybe I should have claimed you all for myself back then after all. But it's too late for that now, my Haru is a grown-up, married woman." - to Haruka
• "Her first kiss is still mine~" [...] "Well, on the cheek at least." - to Akaya about Haruka
• "The others are just as much guests as you are and not meals, you have to stick to that. Otherwise Shin won't let you back in." - to Sayuri
• "You should come by again sometime! We could go to the onsen together. Or you could come together. However, the large baths aren't mixed so you'll have to leave your wife to Sayuri and me~" - to Haruka and Akaya 
• "There are also rooms with a private onsen, so you'll have her all to yourself~" - to Akaya

Etymology

• The name Mariko means "truth, genuine" (真, ma), "plum" (李, ri) and "child" (子, ko).
  
• Mariko's surname Kuroha means "black" (黒, kuro) and "feather, wing" (羽, ha).

Trivia

General

• Mariko went to the same elementary and middle school as Haruka.
• When she was 16, she was once asked if she would like to work as a model for a shoot. She accepted for fun and now works as a model from time to time.
• Even though she is not forced to work in the ryokan, she enjoys the job and would like to run it later. 
• Her diet is not always the best, but by exercising regularly she somehow manages to maintain her figure.
• She was a little chubbier as a child.
• After graduating, she trained as a make-up artist before starting to work full-time at the ryokan.
• Her school grades were rather poor to mediocre, especially after she could no longer study with Haruka. But she barely managed to graduate.
• Mariko is much younger than her brother Shin.
• She met Sayuri by chance at the ryokan and then became friends with her. 
• Every now and then, she invites Sayuri and Haruka to a girls' meet-up at the ryokan. 
• Just like Haruka, she went to a magic academy, but later and to a different one than Haruka. She didn't stay there for long either.
• During a round of truth or dare in middle school, Mariko was supposed to kiss Haruka, but only gave her a kiss on the cheek.
• Mariko is secretly in love with Haruka, but has never told her. Sometimes she hints at it, but pretends it's just a joke. She has only told her brother Shin and Nanami. However, she is happy that Haruka is happy and would never want to ruin her relationship.