"She's alive, she's moving!"
"We almost thought we were going to say goodbye to you forever."
"Huh?" Patchouli, still drowsy, looked bewildered at the two who were shouting and making a fuss.
'Did I die? How come I didn't know about it?'
Seeing Patchouli still in a daze, Remilia thought her soul hadn't returned yet and immediately pinched her philtrum again.
The moment the pain hit, the groggy Patchouli suddenly woke up and angrily swatted away Remilia's hand.
"I was taking a nap!"
"No way, I just saw you weren't breathing."
"It's a new medicine I developed. It helps with sleep and health, but it makes my breath very weak."
Patchouli explained, then noticed Rin standing at the door and was momentarily stunned.
"Who is he?"
"A monkey."
"Guest."
"..."
'What on earth happened while I was asleep?' Patchouli blinked, nodded slightly at him as a greeting, and then chose to kick Sakuya out of the room.
"Alright, alright, I still have research to do. Don't stay here and disturb me."
"Are you sure you won't suddenly drop dead?"
"Don't let us come back next time to find your corpse already rotting."
"Go away, think positively. I'm not that easy to kill!"
Patchouli glared at the two, panting as she pushed them out the door, then slammed it shut.
At the same time, the prompt in Rin's mind finally sounded—
『 The system has detected a target and now the entity has been added to the list. 』
『 Main quest established: "Capture" Patchouli Knowledge 』
『 Reward: Hypnosis 』
Rin's eyes sharpened instantly.
The skill rewards in the Scarlet Devil Mansion are all quite familiar!
But when he looked at Remilia, the Sage System had no reaction.
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
『 Professional have standards, host. Or would you prefer if I label you as such? 』
'Fair enough. Although would there be any hope for this little one to grow up?'
Rin looked down at the tiny Remilia with a conflicted expression, finding it hard to imagine her growing into a dignified young lady.
Seemingly sensing his pitying gaze, Remilia's face twitched.
Grabbing the corner of his clothes, she immediately started shouting aggressively—
"Our business isn't finished yet! Come on, let's duel in the hall! Considering you're a human, I won't say I'm bullying you."
"I won't use any special abilities, it'll be a fair one-on-one duel! The loser obeys the winner!"
"What if you cheat during the duel? Everyone here is on your side."
Rin glanced at the little one, his face full of distrust.
Before Remilia could speak, the library door suddenly opened again.
Patchouli, panting heavily as if she had expended great energy, handed over two blindfolds, her cheeks still flushed with a sickly red.
"I can be the witness."
"These blindfolds can suppress all abilities and weaken your physique to that of an ordinary person."
"Since your vision is blocked, why not have a blind duel? It'll add some fun."
"..."
Facing everyone's subtle gazes, Patchouli scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"I thought it wouldn't be good to keep working behind closed doors. It's a good opportunity to have some fun... It's better to come out and relax."
Patchouli explained while handing over the blindfolds.
The two, one big and one small, looked at each other, instinctively sensing an ominous aura.
But since Patchouli had gone to such lengths, Remilia could only nod fiercely and drag Rin to the first floor.
"Come on! Whoever chickens out is a monkey."
"Today, I'll show you how I earned the title of Scarlet Devil"
Watching the two figures leave, Sakuya helplessly looked at Patchy beside her.
"You're afraid they won't fight, aren't you?"
"If something happens to the young lady, be careful I don't cook for you anymore."
Facing Sakuya's threat, Patchouli's expression changed dramatically.
She had almost spoiled everyone in the Scarlet Devil Mansion into uselessness. If she went on strike now, they would definitely die!
"Ahem—I just needed some data for researching new magical tools, and they happened to be available."
"Don't worry, we're watching. Nothing will happen."
Patchouli repeatedly assured, which slightly eased Sakuya's concerns.
But when the head maid was about to follow, she found Patchouli still standing motionless.
"What's wrong?"
"I ran too fast just now, my legs seem to be cramping. Can you carry me?"
"..."
Sakuya's eye twitched, but she still crouched down.
However, as Patchouli leaned on her, the terrifying and heavy pressure on her back made Sakuya's face turn dark.
Before Patchy could steady herself, the head maid stood up with a grim expression.
"You'd better walk on your own."
"Huh?"
Under Patchouli's bewildered gaze, Sakuya almost gritted her teeth as she left.
Her fists clenched, veins popping.
'Indeed, it's better not to cook for Patchy today.'
On the other side, Remilia, who had already arrived at the hall, directed the fairy maids to move all the furniture nearby.
Only after clearing enough space did the two stand solemnly facing each other in the center of the hall.
"Today, we will not only determine who is superior but also decide life and death!"
"Scarlet Devil Mansion, Remilia Scarlet! Please gran─"
"Take these, you can only use these later. No direct use of hands and feet, and no biting."
Before Remilia could finish, Sakuya, who had just arrived, stuffed two sponge-made soft sticks into their hands.
Hearing Sakuya's warning, Remilia's face twitched. Why does it feel like everyone is targeting me?
But never mind, a mere human, even if all my abilities are sealed, I can still easily suppress him!
"Now move forward, stop here."
"Young lady, are you sure your foot is okay?"
"It's fine, it's been healed for a long time. My healing ability is no joke!"
"Alright, put on the blindfolds. Wait for my command before you start."
As the two put on their blindfolds, Patchouli finally dragged her exhausted body to Sakuya's side.
She wanted to say something, but gasping for breath, she seemed on the verge of collapsing.
"You're not even well yet, and you're still causing trouble."
"Just a minor... issue, I'll be fine after a rest."
Patchouli waved her hand, urging Sakuya to start.
The head maid helped her sit on a chair, then solemnly announced—
"Begin!"
The moment the command was given, Remilia immediately performed an invincible frame dodge roll, accurately catching the sponge stick with her face... BWACK─