"Patchy, aren't you going to say anything?" Facing Remilia's death glare brimming with resentment, Patchouli awkwardly averted her gaze and sigh.
"I'm a victim too."
"Wasn't the contract your idea?! And you just dipped after handing it over—since when do victims act like that?!"
SLAM! Remilia slammed the table, barely restraining herself from lunging at Patchouli. If this weren't someone else's shop, she might've already started clawing.
'After all these years of friendship, all this trust—this is how you repay me?! A whole night! A WHOLE NIGHT!! Do you have any idea what I went through last night?! Just recalling Sakuya's terrifying soul-draining left Remilia's face twitching, her complexion deathly pale.'
"I only provided the contract. Sakuya wrote the specifics—I had no idea."
"By the time you two signed it, I'd already been sold off here. Couldn't even run." Patchouli irritably waved the back of her hand.
Who knew Sakuya would go that far?!
But Remilia wasn't buying it. Just a minute ago, Patchouli had been sipping porridge and reading like she was on vacation. Who was she trying to fool?!
Then Patchouli demonstrated—striding as far from the shop as she could, only for ethereal chains to yank her back.
"See?"
"..." Remilia fell silent.
Maybe it's time to fire the head maid. This is way too extreme...
"I'm more curious how you escaped."
"Waited till Sakuya passed out after... finishing, then bolted. To cover my tracks, I shoved Flandre in my place."
Remilia's face darkened.
It's my own mansion, yet I have to sneak around like a thief. How is this livable?!
"Well, you're out now. Rest here a while."
"Want some breakfast?"
"Yes!"
Remilia huffed, snatching the bun Patchouli offered. After scanning the room, she flopped onto a rocking chair.
"So this is that bastard's shop? Fancier than I expected. So where is he?"
"On a business trip... probably?"
Patchouli's cheeks flushed as last night's scandalous scene resurfaced in her mind.
"Haaaah?" Remilia's eyebrow twitched at the uncertainty in Patchouli's tone, but she didn't press further. Taking a bite of the bun, she melted into the chair.
Being alive feels so good...
Meanwhile, Rin and Marisa—having finally finished repairing the house—were en route to the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
But the entire way, Marisa kept a wide berth from Rin, eyeing him like he was a predator.
Rin rolled his eyes.
'She was the one who initiated last night. Can't pin this all on me. Who the hell demands higher sensitivity mid-massage? That's a first.' Noticing his look, Marisa bristled like a feral cat, barely stopping herself from pouncing.
'Play it cool. Endure for now, strike back later. Once I learn defensive magic from Patchy, it's PAYBACK TIME!'
As they stewed in mutual suspicion, the Scarlet Devil Mansion's gates loomed into view.
Hong Meiling's "corpse" lay sprawled at the entrance as usual—knives embedded in her hat, clothes stained with ominous blood, a veritable crime scene.
"This... doesn't seem like a reputable establishment."
"You sure there aren't murderers inside?" Marisa gulped, hiding behind Rin.
"Relax, she just got caught slacking. Same as you stealing snacks."
"HOW IS THAT THE SAME?!"
Marisa's eye twitched. I'd gladly take knives over being turned into some weird plaything!
Ignoring her dramatics, Rin knocked.
"Miss Sakuya! You in?"
"Here to pick up Patchouli's clothes!"
The door soon creaked open—revealing a disheveled Sakuya.
Stunned silence.
Rin broke it first—
"Is Remilia... alive?"
"Escaped. Searched the whole mansion—vanished without a trace."
"Maybe she went to Patchouli?"
"Possibly. Wait here—I'll grab the clothes, then we'll check."
"Appreciate it."
As Sakuya left, Rin snatched Marisa's collar before she could "explore."
"Stay put. No wandering."
"Tch."
Marisa pouted, ogling the mansion's lavish interior.
Such a mysterious place—perfect for treasure hunting!
I'm totally sightseeing here later!
Sakuya returned swiftly, suitcase in hand.
"Let's go. The young mistress hasn't left home since moving. If she's lost..."
"What about the gatekeeper—"
"She'll wake up and scavenge for food eventually."
"Fair."
The trio departed. The moment they were out of sight, Meiling sprang up, shook off the knives, and strolled inside for a proper nap.
En route, Sakuya kept eyeing Rin's rumpled clothes.
"Impossible... with Patchou—"
"Don't jump to conclusions. Just helped this one renovate. Things got messy."
Rin jerked a thumb at Marisa, who glared daggers.
If Sakuya weren't here, I'd bite your arm off!
Sakuya exhaled in relief.
For a second, I thought he'd seduced Patchouli in one day.
Ugh, overindulged on the mistress. It's warping my mind.
Need to retrieve her ASAP for an energy recharge. Otherwise, I'll be useless all day.
Oh right, I can also check on Patchouli. If she's comfortable... maybe delay the pickup a bit...