T/N: Midterm's over. Except for the gruesome data analysis, the probability of me passing other subjects is 80% Ⴚტ⊙▂⊙ტჂ. Anyway, might as well drop 2 chapters for both novel today. I'll try to make advanced chapters and put it on patreon (on some other days). As always, thank you for your time ( ๑‾̀◡‾́)σ"
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"The wife you promised me?"
"You aren't the boss's wife?"
Sakuya glanced at Yukari Yakumo with some surprise and asked.
When she first entered the store, she saw such a beautiful woman lounging comfortably in a chair and assumed she was part of the store.
'Turns out she's a matchmaker?'
"Oh my~ it's not that different..."
"Don't misunderstand, this one is just a freeloader who drags her whole family along to eat and drink for fr—"
Before Rin could finish, a sharp pinch to his waist made him suck in a cold breath of pain.
Yukari, who had delivered the pinch, smirked and teased—
"You can't say that. Once you get married, we'll be family. How can I be considered a freeloader then?"
"It's not like you're the one marrying into the family. You're still an outsider here."
"Mr. Rin is still so greedy. Are you planning to have the whole cake and fully eat it, indulging in your desire? Be careful, or you might get stabbed one day."
"Your relationships seem a bit complicated..."
Sakuya's eyes twitched, but she had no intention of delving deeper into the topic. Instead, she continued selecting seasonings.
Although she was somewhat curious to keep watching the drama, the two little ones at home were more important.
"Do you have any black tea here?"
Noticing the variety of teas on the shelf, Sakuya's eyes lit up.
The brand they usually drank at home was also available, so it was a good chance to restock.
"I remember you mentioned there's a patient at home. You might want to try this health tea. It's quite good for the body."
As Rin spoke, he handed over a peculiarly packaged tea canister.
The canister looked like an urn, and the clasp on the lid had a blank space perfectly sized for a small photo.
"Are you sure... you didn't grab the wrong one?"
"The packaging is a bit abstract, but the quality is good."
When Rin opened the tea canister, it revealed an interior wrapped like explosives.
"..."
Is this store actually a front for some shady, dark business?
Sakuya's eyelid twitched, but when she picked up a packet and sniffed it, her eyes sparkled with delight.
"Then I'll take a can to try. If it's good, I'll come back for more."
"Pack up these few cans of black tea too. Our household goes through a lot of it."
"Also, give me some of each of these snacks. The kids will probably like them."
...
Before she knew it, Sakuya had bought several large bags of goods, nearly clearing out a few shelves.
Most of the items were snacks for the two little ones at home, and she even picked up a few toys.
When she came to her senses, the red-white and black-white figures were standing by the door, holding their rice bowls and staring intently at the packed bags on the ground.
"To buy so much without batting an eye, how rich is she?"
"She must have a lot of valuable treasures at home."
"That maid outfit is so pretty. It must be from a wealthy family!"
...
Hearing their murmurs, Sakuya gracefully bowed and introduced herself—
"Sakuya Izayoi, the newly appointed head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. You're all welcome to visit the mansion sometime."
"My mistress would be delighted to meet you all, and I'll make sure to treat you well."
"Wow~ such proper manners."
"Definitely, we'll definitely come!"
Marisa declared confidently, but the moment she finished speaking, Sakuya felt an inexplicable chill.
She instinctively sensed something was off, but it was too late to take back her words.
With a polite smile, she began gathering the bags on the ground.
However, there were simply too many items, and she couldn't carry them all. She glanced at Rin for help.
Before Rin could respond, the red-white and black-white figures eagerly volunteered—
"We can help!"
"That's right, we're the most helpful duo in all of Gensokyo. No matter how far, we'll deliver them for you."
"Since we're friends now, friends should help each other!"
However, Sakuya completely ignored their enthusiastic gestures, her clear blue eyes still fixed on Rin.
Her intuition told her that letting those two follow her home would be no different from inviting thieves to help her move.
"Then I'll help you carry them over. It'll be a good chance to learn the route."
"You two... stay here and watch the store."
"Tch!"
Three dissatisfied clicks of the tongue sounded almost simultaneously. Yukari, watching from the side, looked like she was about to grind her teeth to dust.
This wasn't just about delivering goods—it was clearly an attempt to steal someone away!
Marisa and little Reimu were utterly useless!
As Rin picked up the remaining bags and followed Sakuya out of the store, he turned back to remind them—
"Save some food for me. Don't eat it all at once."
"Got it."
"Come back soon, and remember the route!"
Waving as they watched Rin's figure gradually disappear into the distance, the two sat on the threshold, pouting as they held their rice bowls.
They had been so eager to help, so why did the other party refuse so firmly?
Was it because of the other one ruining their image?
The moment this thought arose, the two looked at each other's "出入平安" (safe travels) and "财源广进" (wealth and prosperity) signs, their faces filled with disdain.
At the same time, Yukari, lounging in her rocking chair, slipped a new photo into a gap.
Not long after, Ran, who had been happily enjoying her fried tofu, received the photo.
Seeing the picture of Rin and Sakuya together, she choked, her breathing halting.
'What does this mean? A couple's photo? Is Lady Yukari actually trying to steal someone else's man?!'
Ran's pupils trembled violently, and the fried tofu in her mouth suddenly lost its flavor.
Emotionally, she fully supported Lady Yukari, but morally, this was a betrayal that would surely incur divine retribution!
After imagining a ten-thousand-word tragic love triangle story, Ran's expression shifted between dark and light.
After a long silence, she finally took out a small piece of paper and began writing furiously.
Before the gap closed, she tossed the note into it, then prayed devoutly.
Lady Yukari, you're a respected figure. Please don't fall into this sinful abyss!
When Yukari received the note and unfolded it, she was left bewildered by its contents—
「 Lady Yukari, that's hell you're walking into. 」