"Careful, it's hot~" Sakuya's voice rang out as a rich, tantalizing aroma filled the air, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Under the eager gazes of the group, the wine jar was placed on the table with a soft thud, the bubbling sound of simmering broth still faintly audible from within.
The moment the lid was lifted, the suppressed fragrance exploded outward, overwhelming the scents of every other dish on the table.
Even the feeling of fullness in their stomachs seemed to vanish, replaced by ravenous hunger.
Eyes gleaming, everyone crowded around Sakuya with their bowls, barely resisting the urge to shove their heads directly into the jar.
"There's enough for everyone, no need to push. Let the children have theirs first."
The moment Sakuya finished speaking, Suika was the first to shove forward, her tiny bowl raised high.
The others shot her a collective look of disdain before unceremoniously dragging her to the back of the line, much to her indignant grumbling.
Remilia, Cirno, and the other little ones beamed as their bowls were filled to the brim, their eyes sparkling with delight.
After taking a cautious sip of the rich, savory broth, their expressions lit up with pure bliss.
Watching them happily devour their portions, Sakuya couldn't help but smile.
When it came time to serve the others, she hesitated briefly before scooping the most nourishing ingredients into Rin's bowl.
Rin blinked in surprise but accepted it with a grin.
Meanwhile, Marisa and Patchouli turned green, shooting the head maid a death glare.
Are you trying to kill us?!
Sakuya ignored them, offering only a silent good luck before returning to her seat.
Ran Yakumo, observing Sakuya's blatant favoritism, couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
'As expected of the "original", she takes care of him so thoroughly. Yukari-sama! Stop stuffing your face and take notes!!!'
Noticing Ran's exasperated stare, Yukari looked up in confusion, a bit of broth still clinging to her lips.
"There's plenty left in the jar if you want more. No need to eye my bowl~"
"That's not what I meant!!" Ran nearly tore her hair out.
'Even as a homewrecker, at least have some professional pride! The "original" just served him a bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall—can't you at least put up a fight?!'
As she frantically gestured toward Rin, Yukari paused before suddenly grinning with understanding.
"Don't worry, leave it to me~"
The next second, Yukari cheerfully squeezed herself between Rin and Marisa, bowl in hand.
At the same time, she definitely noticed someone's hand very quickly withdrawing from where it shouldn't have been.
The victimized blonde girl didn't look relieved—if anything, she seemed even more miserable, her expression screaming:
'GODDAMNIT, STOPPING AT THE LAST SECOND AGAIN!!! I'M GOING INSANE!!! You bastard, I'm ending you tonight!'
Yukari's cheeks flushed slightly, but she stubbornly wedged herself between the two.
"My seat was too far from the good dishes~ Mind if I switch places?" With a playful elbow nudge, she shoved Rin right next to Ran.
The sudden closeness between them made Ran's heart stop.
'YUKARI-SAMA, THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!!!'
Rin didn't seem bothered, picking up a large piece of sea cucumber and placing it in Ran's bowl.
"Eat up, no need to be shy."
"Th-Thank you..." Ran's voice was barely a whisper, her face burning as her fluffy tails stiffened slightly.
"Oh right, I heard you like fried tofu? I made some earlier, let me grab it for you."
Rin excused himself, heading to the kitchen and returning with a steaming bowl of golden fried tofu, along with an array of dipping sauces.
The sight of her favorite treat made Ran's fox ears perk up, her tails swaying unconsciously.
"Wasn't sure which sauce you prefer, so I prepared a few. Let me know if you want more."
"This is plenty, thank you."
Ran murmured, picking up a few pieces with her chopsticks and placing them in Rin's bowl.
As she leaned in, his scent made her fingers tremble slightly, but she still managed to whisper—"Y-You should eat too... You've worked hard."
"No problem. Chen, want some? Still got room?"
"Yes!!"
Chen cheered, snuggling up to Ran with her bowl outstretched.
Watching them interact so harmoniously, Yukari nodded in satisfaction.
'Perfect, just like a family of three!'
Meanwhile, Marisa—who seemed to have finally regained her senses—was viciously gnawing on the scallops and sea cucumber in her bowl as if they were Rin himself.
'This bastard keeps winding me up—I'll show him what happens when he pushes me too far! Once everyone's asleep tonight, I'm making him beg for mercy!'
As she fantasized about their upcoming battle, Patchouli across the table looked like her soul had left her body.
Slumped over the table, her ragged breaths carried a hint of something dangerous.
The torture of being left hanging every time had left her feeling like she was being roasted alive.
If she were alone with Rin right now, she might've actually pounced on him.
But at least Yukari had separated the two troublemakers, sparing her from a third assault.
'How is the shopkeeper still sober after all that drinking?!' Patchouli groaned internally, only for Sakuya to lean over with a spoonful of quail eggs—
"Patchouli, are you alright?"
"F-Fine."
Unable to meet Sakuya's concerned gaze, Patchouli sat up awkwardly.
But then— Drip.
The sound of a single drop of sweat hitting the floor was nearly drowned out by the noise of the banquet.
Yet Sakuya heard it.
Patchouli's face burned crimson, her mind screaming: 'I need to grab Remilia and flee Gensokyo tonight!!!'