"I'm sorry! I admit I might've raised my voice a little too much earlier!"
A sincere apology echoed through the general store as Marisa knelt on the floor in a textbook dogeza pose, bowing deeply in front of Rin. (T/N: "orz" poze)
Her golden pupils were trembling violently, and her entire body shivered in place.
Just moments ago, when she had lunged at him, the overwhelming stimulation from the friction against her clothes had completely shattered her consciousness in an instant.
If Rin hadn't quickly shut down the store's counterattack system and pinched her philtrum for half a day to wake her up, she'd probably already be reporting to King Enma in the underworld by now.
After experiencing the brutal wash of tenfold sensitivity, Marisa's eyes suddenly became clear, like she had just reached enlightenment.
If given another chance, she swore she would never try to sneak snacks from Rin's store again.
Next time, she'd make sure no one was watching!
"It's good that you've realized your mistake. Don't worry—I'm not someone who holds grudges…"
"Really?"
"You just need to work here for a week. Serve tea, wash clothes, cook meals, clean the shop, and mind the register. Then we'll call it even."
How the hell is that 'not holding a grudge'?!
Marisa's pretty face twitched, and she instinctively wanted to object—but the moment she saw Rin's arm subtly lift, her body reacted before her brain could.
The refusal that was about to slip out instantly transformed into—
"Leave it to me! I'm super good at this kind of stuff!"
"Good. I like that attitude."
Rin nodded in satisfaction and stuffed a small booklet into Marisa's hands.
"Sit at the counter for now. This is the price list. If anyone comes to buy something, just charge them based on this. I'll be outside soaking up some sun."
"W-Wait! Um… can I borrow the bathroom first?"
Marisa lowered her head, her face flushing crimson as she spoke in a soft voice.
The intense stimulation earlier had left her feeling… sticky. Moving around was getting a bit uncomfortable.
"Go through the back. First door on the left at the end of the hall. There's a staff uniform inside—change into that and throw your clothes in the washing machine."
"And don't even think about running off. If you try to escape, there's something even more stimulating waiting for you."
Marisa's footsteps faltered for a brief second. Then, she immediately put on the most righteous expression she could muster.
After watching her retreating figure disappear down the hallway, Rin leaned back into his rocking chair with a satisfied smile.
Today's a good day.
A familiar face had returned, he'd secured some free labor, and life suddenly had a bit more promise. Definitely worth celebrating with a nice meal tonight.
As for Marisa…
Seven days was more than enough time for her to regain her confidence and start thinking, "I can pull it off this time!"
When that happened, all he had to do was leave a tiny opening. She'd try to steal something again, he'd catch her red-handed, and the work schedule would get a convenient extension.
She's definitely going to be this year's Best Employee of the General Store!
As Rin closed his eyes comfortably, the store gradually returned to its peaceful state, as if nothing unusual had ever happened.
The rocking chair swayed gently, and the soft spring breeze drifted through the street, adding a refreshing touch to the atmosphere.
Carefree laughter from passing townspeople and the playful giggles of young fairies mingled together, creating the perfect lullaby to lull Rin into a pleasant nap.
Time quietly slipped away.
When Marisa returned from the back room, she had changed into a loose-fitting T-shirt and pants.
The oversized T-shirt hangs off one shoulder, revealing a fair, slightly pink-tinted collarbone.
Her golden hair was still damp, and as she dried it with the towel, faint traces of steam rose from her cheeks, which were still flushed red.
She glanced at the now-sleeping Rin before her gaze fell on the bold characters printed on the T-shirt:
"出入平安" (T/N: chū rù píng ān which means safe travels or peace that comes and go, the irony that her kleptomaniac tendencies bites her back).
What kind of employee uniform is this supposed to be?
But she didn't dwell on it. After adjusting the loose shoulder of her shirt, she grumbled and sat down behind the counter, cheeks puffed out in a sulky expression.
She still couldn't figure it out.
Her movements had been so subtle. She'd even picked a blocked angle and made sure not to make a sound.
So how had he caught her?
Marisa was still racking over this when the shop's front door opened, and several customers stepped inside.
"Welcome!"
Letting go of her thoughts, Marisa turned toward the customers with a bright smile.
The once-quiet general store soon buzzed with activity.
At that moment, a shimmering gap silently opened in the corner of the shop.
A slender, pale hand slid through, stealthily reaching toward a bag of spicy sticks.
Sensing that Rin was asleep and the store was getting busy, Yakumo Yukari showed no intention of stopping.
In fact, her hand began sweeping toward a box of tea, a pack of dried spicy duck tongues, a cup of instant ramen, and a slice of sponge cake.
Just as her hand reached toward the refrigerated drinks, Marisa finally noticed the anomaly—and her face turned pale.
"PUT THAT DOWN!!!"
With a furious roar, Marisa lunged forward, frantically wrestling the stolen goods out of Yukari's hand.
She was already working at the store as punishment for getting caught stealing. The trauma of that sensitivity spike was still fresh in her mind.
If someone robbed the store while she was on duty and Rin hold her accountable for the loss… she couldn't even imagine what would happen next!
If anyone tries to steal from this store today, I'm gonna tear them apart!
Sensing Rin stirring awake, Yukari dared not overstay her welcome. She reluctantly released the stolen goods and hastily closed the gap.
She had witnessed what happened when Rin punished Marisa.
For a whole month, her little freeloading strategy had worked flawlessly—until now.
Rin was hiding some seriously terrifying ability. If she got caught, who knew what kind of effect would hit her?
She shuddered at the thought of suddenly convulsing and rolling her eyes in front of her shikigami. That level of social death was too much to bear!
But… she couldn't just give up the taste of these new products.
Time to figure out a backup plan…
As Yukari plotted her next move, Marisa slumped over the counter, clutching her chest as her heart hammered wildly.
That was way too close!
If Rin had actually woken up and seen that…
She hesitantly glanced toward the rocking chair.
Rin had already opened his eyes and was watching her with a gentle smile.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Marisa's temple. She forced an awkward smile, then obediently began putting all the products back on the shelf.
Meanwhile, Rin rubbed his chin thoughtfully and consulted the Sage—
"Yukari has stolen many items from this place multiple times before. How come the counterattack system didn't activate?"
『 The intruder wasn't personally caught by the host, nor was her true form exposed. Thus, the system could not activate. 』
『 Alternatively, if the host can lure her into revealing her true form, you may be able to trigger the effect through entrapment. 』
"Entrapment, huh…"
Rin's eyes narrowed slightly.
Yukari… you've gotten away with it for now.
But next time?
Heh… You're not getting off that easy.