The two figures strolled through the fields, the spring breeze gently brushing past, bringing a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere.
Silver hair swayed in the wind, brushing against her delicate profile, yet not a single strand appeared out of place.
Instead, her cool and elegant demeanor became even more captivating, leaving an unforgettable impression.
Noticing Rin's gaze, Sakuya remained silent for a moment before asking about the situation at the store.
"Earlier, those words on your employee's uniform..."
"They're new employees. They might seem a bit unreliable, but they're actually quite dependable in critical moments."
"The one with black hair is Reimu Hakurei. She just moved here and serves as a shrine maiden at the Hakurei Shrine."
"She loves slacking off and drinking tea, but if you run into any serious trouble, she's the one to go to."
"The blonde one is Marisa Kirisame... Just make sure she doesn't run off on her own."
"If you ask her for help, she'll definitely step up, though things might get a bit more chaotic."
"Your grocery store... sure has a lot of characters."
Sakuya's mouth twitched, already sensing the trouble those two could cause.
Good thing she didn't agree to bring them along earlier. If they had entered the Scarlet Devil Mansion and run into the mistress, who knows what kind of chaos they would have stirred up.
"And the one lounging in the rocking chair?"
"That's Yukari Yakumo, a very powerful youkai. But most of the time, she doesn't do anything productive. She's even lazier than Reimu."
"For the past month, she's been freeloading at my place, dragging her whole family along. She's practically moved in."
"But it seems like you two get along quite well."
Sakuya hinted, having noticed a faint sense of ambiguous camaraderie in their bickering earlier in the store.
Though it was just a hint now, who knows what might happen later.
As they chatted and walked, a faint mist began to spread around them.
Before long, their vision was completely enveloped in thick fog, making it difficult to see the path ahead.
The entire world seemed to become quiet and mysterious under the fog's embrace, and despite being in the midst of it, they felt an inexplicable sense of relaxation and peace.
"We've reached the Misty Lake. This thick fog is still a bit hard to get used to."
"Have you been here before, Mr. Rin?"
"I've come here to fish when I had some free time."
"Any good catches?"
"...Is the Scarlet Devil Mansion close? I think I can see a shadow."
Seeing Rin awkwardly change the subject, Sakuya couldn't help but smile slightly.
"It's on the other side of the Misty Lake. Just a bit further, and we'll be there."
Under Sakuya's guidance, the two navigated through the fog, avoiding all the rough patches along the way.
Before long, a luxurious and imposing mansion came into view, exuding an overwhelming presence.
The mansion stood out in stark contrast to the scenery of the Misty Lake, clearly showcasing a style from the outside world.
Shrouded in the thick fog, the mansion was cast in a sinister shadow, radiating an eerie and dangerous aura.
However, the lively noises coming from inside the mansion softened the somewhat terrifying atmosphere.
"We have quite a few fairy maids in the Scarlet Devil Mansion, so it's quite lively during the day."
"Though those little ones are busy, you can't really count on them to get much work done. In the end, I have to clean up after them."
As Sakuya explained, she led Rin toward the mansion's entrance.
Just then, a tall figure leaning against the wall came into view.
Her striking waist-length red hair was braided on both sides, and her deep green hat was adorned with a golden five-pointed star engraved with the character for "dragon."
She wore a short coat and skirt matching the color of her hat, and her long, pale legs were crossed. Her arms were folded, further accentuating her imposing presence.
Her head was slightly lowered, and the shadow obscured her face, adding to her intimidating aura.
As they approached the gate, the figure remained motionless.
Like a predator lying in wait, she seemed ready to pounce the moment they let their guard down.
Sakuya walked past her without a change in expression, but as they brushed past, her gaze involuntarily shifted downward for a moment...
"Tch."
A displeased click of the tongue flashed by like a hallucination.
When Rin turned to look, the head maid maintained her perfect, composed demeanor, as if nothing had happened.
Even though Sakuya didn't say anything, Rin could guess the fate of that gatekeeper.
Lazy.. In addition, sleeping on the job? Death penalty!
"She..."
"Hong Meiling, the gatekeeper of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. She often sleeps on the job. I'll have a good talk with her later."
The head maid introduced her through gritted teeth. If it weren't for Rin's presence, she might have already pulled out her knives.
Rin wisely remained silent, only casting a sympathetic glance at Hong Meiling.
I hope I'll see her alive next time...
As Sakuya pushed open the mansion's door, the luxurious and grand dark red decor immediately came into view.
Under the warm lighting, the entire interior of the mansion exuded an indescribable sense of nobility and mystery.
The previously noisy fairy maids, who had been flying around, suddenly became well-behaved, as if they had been diligently working all along.
Seemingly accustomed to the fairies' constant attempts to slack off, Sakuya sighed and instructed some of them to take the goods.
"Mr. Rin, please have a seat. You've had a long journey. I'll prepare some pastries for you."
"Thank you."
"Right this way. Please don't wander around, or there might be danger."
After settling Rin in the guest room, Sakuya gave a final warning before leaving.
However, the moment she left, Rin once again felt that familiar sense of being watched.
It seemed the stalker from earlier had followed them all the way here...
As he peeked out the window, he didn't see the stalker, but he did notice Hong Meiling at the gate suddenly getting stabbed and collapsing to the ground.
After a brief twitch, as if the sight had triggered the assailant's fragile nerves, another dozen or so stabs followed.
"..."
Rin's eye twitched, then he retreated as if he hadn't seen anything. 'The competition within the Scarlet Devil Mansion was unexpectedly fierce.'
At the same time, in a dimly lit room, a petite figure lying on the bed suddenly sat up, as if startled...