"What's wrong with her?"
"Who knows? Maybe she's trying to scam us."
Reimu muttered with a dark expression as she watched Patchouli, who had collapsed on the ground after being blinded by the sunlight outside.
Damn it, lying down like that only made her... assets even more glaring.
This was definitely a threat to her job!
Sensing Reimu's inexplicable resentment, Marisa scratched her cheek in confusion.
'What's going on?'
Before she could ask, Rin appeared at the shop's entrance, carrying a bunch of bags.
The moment they saw him, before Marisa and the others could say anything, Patchouli, who was on the ground, struggled to her feet and grabbed Rin by the collar.
"Was it you...?"
"Patchouli? Why are you here?"
Rin's question left Patchouli stunned.
He didn't know about this?
"You... tell me everything. What did you talk about with Sakuya and Remilia?"
Patchouli asked with a serious expression, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.
Has she been sold out?
"Let's go inside and talk. You're not in good health, so have some tea first. I have some nourishing herbal tea."
"Thank you."
Patchouli thanked him softly, her unease easing slightly, but she still felt something was off.
As Rin led Patchouli to the living room in the back, Yukari had somehow already made herself comfortable there.
Her lazy figure was sprawled on a beanbag chair, her red tongue occasionally licking at an ice cream cone, looking utterly content.
Seeing the two enter, Yukari squinted her eyes but didn't say anything, continuing to enjoy her ice cream.
"Please, have a seat."
"Wait a moment, I'll make you some tea."
As Patchouli sat down, she noticed Yukari glancing her way and nodded slightly in acknowledgment before turning back to Rin with a puzzled expression—
"What exactly did Sakuya say to you?"
"She wanted to exchange the bet's reward with me." Rin explained calmly while brewing the tea.
"She said that since Remilia is the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, if word got out that she was being bullied because of the bet, it would seriously damage the mansion's reputation."
"So she wanted to take over the bet's reward, and in exchange, she prepared some gifts for me."
"See, that big bag over there is what she asked me to bring back... Yukari what are you doing?"
"I'm just checking for any dangerous items."
Yukari explained righteously, but her hands didn't stop rummaging through the bag.
Hearing this, Patchouli's brows furrowed—
"Did she mention me?"
"She asked for a magic contract from you, saying that with Patchouli as the witness, once the contract was signed, both parties would have to enforce the agreement and couldn't back out."
"I figured she chose this method to better seal the deal, so I signed it."
The contract!!!
Realizing the key issue, Patchouli's face turned green.
When Sakuya came to her for the contract, why didn't she read what was written on it?!
Ahhhhhhh!!!!
Patchouli's brain was trembling violently.
Now that she had been sold off as part of the deal, she didn't even dare to imagine what would happen between Sakuya and Remilia alone in the room!
Most importantly, having grown accustomed to Sakuya's meticulous care, how was she supposed to survive now that she had lost her support?!
"Wait, the contract! Do you have the contract with you?!"
Patchouli, as if grasping at her last lifeline, grabbed Rin's clothes and asked nervously.
"No, after signing it, Sakuya took it and kept it close."
"..."
Patchouli's eyes lost their light, and she slumped to the ground, utterly defeated.
Her life was over.
How could Sakuya be so cruel...
Seeing Patchouli seemingly starting to relive her life's memories, Rin didn't disturb her. After brewing her tea, he swatted Yukari's hand away.
"These are gifts from someone else. Don't ruin them all."
"I'm just looking..."
"Do you even believe your own lies?"
Rin shot her a sidelong glance, then pulled out a small cake from the bag and handed it to her to placate her before gathering the rest of the items for himself.
It had to be said, Sakuya had prepared an exceptionally generous gift this time.
Aside from Patchouli, there were all sorts of pastries and small gifts that had been packed in without a second thought.
Even if Rin were to prepare these himself, it would take a considerable amount of time and effort, not to mention the mental energy required.
From this, it was clear that Remilia wouldn't be having an easy time for the next few days.
Just then, Patchouli, who had finally regained her composure, asked weakly—
"Boss, I'm not in good health. Could you trouble yourself to send me back...?"
"Of course."
"Huh—huh?!"
Seeing Rin agree so readily, Patchouli was taken aback.
He's actually this easy to talk to?
Looking at his bright and honest smile, the last trace of doubt in Patchouli's heart gradually faded away.
Boss Rin is a good person...
"But I don't have a car, and the Scarlet Devil Mansion is quite far... How about this, I'll carry you on my back."
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you?"
"It's fine. Since we've met, we're all friends now. Friends should help each other out."
Rin said cheerfully, squatting down at the back door.
After a moment of hesitation, Patchouli finally decided to climb onto his back.
At that moment, under Yukari's conflicted gaze, Rin's eyes suddenly sharpened.
You're just doing this out of the kindness of your heart?
I'm too embarrassed to call you out on it!
But Rin himself maintained an air of righteous integrity, kindly reminding her—
"Hold on tight, I'm getting up now."
"Okay..."
Hearing Patchouli's soft response, Rin stood up quickly, his hands lifting her soft thighs.
Due to her lack of exercise, Patchouli's legs had almost no muscle, feeling soft yet maintaining a perfect elasticity.
The texture was excellent!
"If you feel uncomfortable, let me know, and I'll put you down to rest."
After giving his instructions, Rin carried Patchouli toward the shop.
Reimu, who was sipping tea, couldn't stop her eyelids from twitching as she saw the two return.
Damn it, this woman is here to steal my job!
And she's using such shameless methods!
This is unfair competition!!!