"Marisa, are you really content just sitting here peeling garlic?"
"Yes." Marisa replied expressionlessly, not pausing her garlic-peeling in the slightest.
The lessons from last time were still fresh in her mind—she wasn't about to make the same mistake again.
'Trying to use her as a pawn? Not a chance!'
Seeing Marisa's complete lack of reaction, Reimu clicked her tongue in frustration.
'Marisa, don't suppress your nature! Sometimes, indulging in your desires a little is good for your mental health!'
"Look, the shopkeeper's busy in the kitchen right now—he obviously doesn't have time to keep an eye on the store."
"And with how crowded and noisy it is in here, this is practically a heaven-sent opportunity! How can you just let it slip by—ow ow ow...!"
"Mom, I'm sorry!"
Reimu continued her temptations, but before she could finish, a delicate yet firm hand reached from behind and yanked her ear mercilessly.
When Marisa turned to look, the gentle yet dignified face of the Former Shrine Maiden came into view.
Her lustrous black hair cascaded like a waterfall over her smooth shoulders, with a single adorable cowlick sticking up on top.
Though she wore a red-and-white shrine maiden outfit similar to Reimu's, the sheer presence she exuded was on a completely different level.
And with the magnificent curvature supporting that outfit, it was impossible not to feel the warmth and benevolence of a true shrine maiden.
'Reimu, did your shrine maiden inheritance miss a few steps or something?'
Noticing Marisa's meaningful gaze, Reimu's mouth twitched.
Her proportions were the standard norm, okay?! Anyone bigger was clearly a genetic anomaly!!
"Alright, everyone, wrap things up—it's time to eat!"
Just then, Rin's voice rang out from the back room, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Ran Yakumo, who had finally relaxed while playing with the kids, tensed up again, her nervous gaze locking onto the slender figure stepping into the store.
'He looks even more delicate and fair-skinned than in the photos…' Ran's eyes flickered slightly, some of her anxiety fading away.
Yet despite his refined appearance, he had been so wild and aggressive during that secret rendezvous in bed...
Recalling the scenes from that night, Ran's cheeks flushed uncontrollably, and she lowered her head shyly, unable to meet his eyes.
Meanwhile, the Former Shrine Maiden cheerfully waved at Rin—
"Sorry for the trouble my Reimu's caused you these past few days."
"Not at all. Reimu's been a big help in the store."
Rin smiled warmly, making Reimu squirm a little with guilt.
At the same time, the Sage's notifications echoed in Rin's mind—
『 A romance target and has been added to the list. 』
『 Main quest established: "Capture" Yakumo Ran 』
『 Reward: Mystic Eyes of Arousal 』
『 Main quest established: "Capture" the former shrine maiden 』
『 Reward: Secret Rite Of The Entangled 』
Hearing the reward for the former Shrine Maiden's quest, Rin blinked in surprise.
Though the Sage didn't explain the effects, his instincts told him the key lay in the word "Entangled"!
Before he could ask the Sage for clarification, Ran had already stepped forward, holding out a few gift boxes—
"J-Just a small token, p-please accept it..."
"Ah, we've brought something too. Talismans from the shrine and some homemade sweets." The Former Shrine Maiden also handed over a gift box with a smile.
"You're too kind. Please, head to the back room—right this way."
After accepting the gifts, Rin ushered everyone inside, coaxing even Cirno and the other kids who had dropped by to play.
The back room's living area had been cleared to make space, with a long table set up and laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes.
Rows of alcohol bottles lined the edges, their rich aroma mingling with the scent of food, making everyone's appetites grow.
"Make yourselves at home. There are just a few more dishes to finish—no need to be too formal."
"Marisa, could you grab some drinks for the kids?"
"Sure~"
After giving instructions and watching everyone settle in, Rin returned to the kitchen.
Suika, acting as a server, wandered out with more dishes, giving Yuugi—who had already cracked open a bottle—a strange look.
'Wait, you're just drinking already? What happened to scouting out the competition? You're not even trying? Are you giving up and handing the opportunity to me?! Is this for real?!'
Noticing Suika's confusion, Yuugi laughed awkwardly, not daring to explain her numerous sins.
But it was all for a greater cause!
To Suika, however, Yuugi's smile looked like one of reluctant surrender and encouragement, moving her deeply.
'Yuugi, from now on, if I get a drink, I'll make sure you at least get a lick!'
Nodding solemnly at her, Suika returned to the kitchen to fetch more dishes.
Meanwhile, Ran's heart nearly leapt out of her throat when she saw Sakuya step out with a plate of lobster.
'The real deal is here! Is she going to dump this plate on me?!' Ran's eyes were full of vigilance, her body tensed and ready to bolt at any moment.
Fortunately, the worst-case scenario didn't happen as the head maid simply set the dish down and took a seat across from her.
Now, the three parties, the original, the sneaky cat, and the cuckold sat in a tense triangular formation, making Ran too afraid to even breathe too loudly.
Maybe I should just go sit with the kids... This is way too dangerous...
The children's section was far livelier, with Cirno and the others happily munching on fried chicken legs and grilled ribs.
Their mouths full, they kept mumbling praises, their smiles never fading.
"So, Mom, isn't this feast amazing? It's not usually this extravagant, but everything's always delicious. I almost don't want to leave."
"No wonder you've been coming home late these past few days. The shrine's been so lonely with just me."
The Former Shrine Maiden pinched Reimu's cheek in mock annoyance. At first, she'd even worried her daughter had been kidnapped.
"It's a special situation! And I did bring back leftovers!"
"Oh please, most of those 'leftovers' still ended up in your stomach."
"No way! You must've sleepwalked and eaten them!"
As the mother-daughter pair bickered, Patchouli on the side was frantically signaling Yuugi with her eyes.
It's time to make your move!
Unfortunately, Yuugi had completely tuned out all incoming transmissions...