"I'm back." Sakuya's voice echoed from the courtyard, instantly drawing everyone in the living room toward her.
Under everyone's curious gaze, a petite figure—almost a copy of Remilia—was cradled in Sakuya's arms.
Her thick, slightly curly blonde hair was tied into a cute side ponytail. She wore a nightcap and a crimson-toned short-sleeved top with a matching mini skirt.
Her wings, adorned with colorful crystals, were pulled in close. Her fair, tender hands clutched Sakuya's collar tightly, and her deep red eyes timidly scanned the crowd.
"Oooh~ So this is Remlia's little sister? How adorable!"
"How come the sister's so cute, yet the older one's so abstract?"
"Oi, careful, or you're getting smacked."
"Want some candy?"
Everyone immediately erupted with enthusiasm at Flandre's arrival.
Before anyone could get closer to cuddle the little cutie, a red-haired figure in a black gothic dress suddenly fluttered her bat wings and pounced on Patchouli in the corner.
A pitiful wail echoed—
"Lady Patchouli!!"
"Uwaah—You vanished without a word, I thought you abandoned me!"
"It's a bit complicated, I'll explain later." Patchouli rolled her eyes and hurriedly pried the little demon off her.
Meanwhile, Suika and Yuugi eagerly gathered around Hong Meiling, helping her carry the many bags in her hands.
"We've got it!"
"You must be tired from the trip!"
"Oooh~ Just like Remilia said, such a wide variety of alcohol!"
"Looks like we're in for a treat tonight—no stopping until we're drunk!"
As the two happily carried the bags into the living room, Rin quickly called everyone over.
"Come in and sit, we're just about to have lunch. I'll get some extra bowls and chopsticks."
"Thanks."
With Sakuya leading everyone inside, the living room quickly became lively.
Yukari Yakumo watched with interest as the general store's "population" grew, especially the way the little ones obediently lined up and sat down—it made the smile on her face even more genuine.
If they added a few more, they could practically open a kindergarten.
Even suika blended in perfectly, holding her bowl eagerly and trying to score some extra appetizers from Rin, with a huge jar of Scarlet Daughter's Wine already prepared beside her.
Everyone started looking at her with subtle, complicated expressions.
"Suika, why are you still sitting with the kids?"
"What kind of child drinks straight from the jar like that? Get back over here."
"No! You guys eat like you've been starved for days—I can't even grab anything. Might as well stay here."
Suika's face darkened as she pointed to the ravenous Marisa and Reimu, who were eating like it was their last meal, afraid they'd die of starvation if they missed a bite.
The two paused slightly, glanced at Rin who was serving the kids, and then resumed eating even faster.
One of them still had unfinished business and was planning another attempt—if she got caught again, at least she'd be full.
The other feared someone might crawl into her bed tonight—better to be full and have the strength to resist. And if resistance failed, at least she'd have the energy to endure.
Patchouli noticed Marisa's suspicious look and instantly realized what might go down tonight. Her expression changed dramatically.
'You guys were at it all night and didn't rest in the morning either—where do you get this stamina from?! Separate! I need to find a way to separate those two!
Marisa might still resist a little, but Rin was the real threat. As long as his appetite wasn't satisfied, Marisa had no chance.
I need to redirect Rin's attention—or better yet, get him drunk and unconscious so there's no danger!'
Patchouli pondered, scanning the room until her gaze landed on Yuugi.
'Heavy drinker. Can hold her liquor. In a drinking match, she could definitely knock Rin out cold.
Curvy as hell too—any chance Rin gets, his eyes wander over there. Practically perfect!
And convincing her would be easy—just offer her a "Wasted Dream" liquor.'
Having made up her mind, Patchouli discreetly kicked Yuugi under the table.
Yuugi blinked in confusion, looking toward Patchouli.
Before she could say anything, Patchouli's voice echoed telepathically in her mind—
"Want some Wasted Dreams?" Yuugi's eyes sharpened—if we're talking that, I'm suddenly wide awake!
As Yuugi subtly nodded, Patchouli's voice continued:
"I'll get you the liquor. In return, help me with something."
"What's the job?"
"Get the boss drunk. Ideally, knock him out till noon."
"If that doesn't work, keep him busy—don't let him be alone with Marisa for even a second!"
"That's it? Easy peasy, leave it to me!"
Yuugi confidently agreed. Getting someone drunk was child's play.
If the boss resists, she could even bring Suika into it—split the reward afterward.
She thought she wouldn't get another chance today, but Patchouli had come offering collaboration, with no risk of being caught. It was a godsend!
With Yuugi on board, Patchouli nodded in satisfaction, then looked over at Rin, who was wrestling over ribs with Remi.
Now the question was—how to get the booze from Rin?
Sensing something, Rin glanced her way. Patchouli flinched in panic and quickly looked down, pretending to quietly eat.
Was that… just his imagination?
Rin scratched his face and shrugged it off, then, under Remi's furious glare, snatched a rib from her bowl.
As the two locked eyes like they were about to brawl, Patchouli got a new idea.
Sorry, Remilia!
After sentencing Remilia in her heart, Patchouli plopped a large chicken drumstick into her bowl.
Caught off guard by the sudden affection, Remilia grinned and started munching, even smugly lifting her head to show off to Rin.
'See that? Someone spoils me!' Rin rolled his eyes. Just as he was about to grab more food, Yukari suddenly tossed a chicken drumstick into his bowl.
Rin's pupils quivered, and he looked at her with fear.
'What the heck? Was he dying or hallucinating?'
Yukari twitched but nodded toward the tea table, clearly still eyeing the Wasted Dreams liquor.