"Haaah~ So full. I've never been this stuffed in my life." Mokou sprawled lazily on the floor, smacking her lips in satisfaction.
That stir-fried rabbit had been divine. She'd devoured two whole bowls of rice, hissing from the spice the whole time.
'If I spot any rabbits in the bamboo forest tomorrow, I'm catching a few more for another feast.'
"Don't lie down right after eating. It's bad for your stomach so get up and walk around a bit." Keine chided while helping clear the table.
Mokou grunted in acknowledgment but didn't budge, already dozing off.
Just then, Marisa tossed a towel at her—
"C'mon, let's hit the hot springs."
"Huh?" Mokou blinked groggily, while Keine's ears perked up instantly.
"You have hot springs here?"
"Yep. The pool's huge—you could even swim in it. It's behind the door in the bathroom. You haven't checked it out yet?"
"No… Is this place some kind of resort paradise?"
'Homework outsourcing, gourmet food, and hot springs? I don't wanna leave!' Mokou sprang up like a carp and eagerly followed Marisa and the others toward the bathhouse.
Noticing Keine's sparkling eyes, Rin chuckled—
"Keine, you should join them later. It's getting late, after the soak, just stay overnight. We've got plenty of spare rooms."
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
"Not at all. More people means more fun. Just drop by the shop more often."
"Absolutely! If you ever need help with anything, just call me or Mokou. We'll be there."
Keine vowed solemnly before heading to the kitchen to wash dishes with Ran.
Meanwhile, Yukari, still lounging in the living room, smirked at Yuugi, who was trying to sneak off to her room.
"Yuugi, not joining the soak?"
"Ahem. I'm practically marinated in medicinal liquor, and I already washed up earlier. Maybe next time." Yuugi shook her head too quickly.
'Going to the hot springs now would be suicide! Better to hide in her room and sneak out for a wash after everyone was asleep.'
"Ara~ I thought you were delaying so you could soak with the boss later."
"As if!" Yuugi's heart leaped into her throat.
'Did she figure it out?! I was so careful! That night, everyone should've been asleep.'
'Even this afternoon, the doors were locked, and she'd muffled all the noise!'
'No way…'
"Just teasing~ Why so nervous? You're sweating."
"Ahaha… Really? Must be the alcohol. Oh, I'm overheating." Yuugi wiped her forehead, her mental defenses crumbling.
Unable to meet Yukari's knowing gaze, she fled down the hallway—
"My ankle's killing me, gonna rest early. See you tomorrow!"
"Bye~" Yukari waved cheerfully.
The moment Yuugi vanished, her smile dropped.
In an instant, she morphed into a heartbroken maiden, her accusing stare making Rin's hair stand on end.
"Boss~ For your sake, I've been working so hard these past two days, blocking reporters, losing sleep…"
"Especially with Suika. That girl's sharp. Without me, your favoritism would've been exposed. After all this effort… don't I deserve a reward?"
"Sure. Come to my room tonight." Yukari froze, her entire body tensing.
'What?! After devouring Yuugi, his appetite's grown this bold?!'
"Since you've been so tired, I'll give you a full-body massage, to help you relax." Rin's smile was pleasant, but Yukari sensed the menace beneath it.
She'd seen Marisa and the others during their massages. Though they felt amazing afterward, none of them lasted through the process without screaming!
With her delicate spine, she'd be toast.
And if his hands wandered while she was helpless…
*I'm just a pure 17-year-old maiden! I can't resist a villain's assault! Maybe we should—"
"Don't worry, I'll go lighter this time. If it hurts, just say the word, and I'll stop."
"Really?"
Against her better judgment, Yukari wavered.
'…Maybe just a little try?'
Before she could overthink it, Rin was already heading down the hall—
"It's settled. I'll go prep the room."
"Eh—" Yukari's mouth hung open as he disappeared.
"Yukari-sama, we've finished in the kitchen. Would you join us for the hot springs?" Ran's voice materialized behind her, making Yukari jump.
'Why do I feel so guilty?!'
Shaking off the odd thought, she forced a lazy smile—
"Let's go~ I'll help wash your tails."
Meanwhile, in the hot springs…
"Marisa, are you feeling sleepy yet?"
"???" Marisa stared at Patchouli, who'd asked the same question ten times now, her guard sky-high.
"What are you planning to do once I'm asleep?"
"If you want the game console, just ask the boss for another one. This one's mine."
'Who the hell wants your stupid console?!' Patchouli was terrified of whatever deranged games Marisa might play tonight.
She opened the door last time—what's next?!
If Marisa stayed wide awake, her only option was to… deal with Rin.
'At least I set up a backup plan this afternoon.'
Patchouli wasn't the only one sweating. Reimu was also eyeing Marisa like a time bomb.
After a pause, she couldn't resist asking—
"Marisa, are you feeling sleepy yet?"
"???"
'You too?! Something's wrong, I can feel it!' Marisa's brow furrowed.
'These two are definitely plotting something behind my back!'