Gulp gulp gulp—
"Pwah~ So refreshing!" After downing a full bottle of coffee milk, Remilia and the others sprawled lazily on the rocking chairs Rin had set out.
Their faces still carried the alluring flush from the hot spring, wisps of steam lingering as droplets trickled down their hair, slipping past delicate collarbones and vanishing beneath their loosely tied yukatas.
The yukatas hung loosely, revealing rosy shoulders that teased the appetite with every slight movement.
As the familiar aroma of food wafted from the kitchen, their expressions grew even more relaxed and content.
This blissful feeling—soaking in a hot spring and then immediately indulging in a feast—was something they could easily get addicted to.
Sakuya was the first to struggle upright, ready to lend a hand in the kitchen.
"Sakuya, tighten your yukata a bit. It's so loose it's almost revealing~"
"Don't worry, even without padding, Sakuya's front and back are indistinguishable—there's nothing to—"
Whack!
"OW—!" A plastic bottle nailed Remilia square in the forehead, cutting off her slander mid-sentence. Sakuya huffed and tightened her yukata properly.
Though the thin fabric hugged her upper body snugly, it only accentuated her long, slender legs.
As the head maid disappeared into the kitchen, Remilia—still rubbing her sore head—gradually settled down.
Sprawled like a starfish on the rocking chair, her mind emptied of all worldly desires.
Despite the constant chaos in this shop, there was an inexplicable sense of comfort here.
Maybe I'll just stay the night...
While she pondered her escape plan, Marisa reappeared in the living room.
She moved like an invincible being bestowed with godly buffs—each step radiating overwhelming confidence, as if her earlier twisted ankle had never happened.
Hands on her hips, she stood before the group like an unstoppable force.
Though for some reason, everyone could vaguely see something glowing above her head.
"What's up with her? She's acting like she just bought the entire shop—boss included." Suika shot Patchouli a questioning look.
Marisa might as well have "death wish" written on her face.
"Probably just high on her new magic." Patchouli shrugged, sitting primly on a nearby chair.
She had no idea what Marisa was planning, but as long as she wasn't dragged into it, she'd observe quietly.
Once she confirmed the magic had no side effects, she'd activate hers tonight!
The group fell silent, watching Marisa's "Nah, I'd win" aura with mixed expressions.
Finally, Suika called out—
"Anyone stockpiling booze for later? Feels like we're in for a show."
"No booze, but I've got snacks."
"We can borrow some from the boss. Worst case, we'll just throw Yuugi at him."
"Suika, you bitch—!" Marisa's face darkened at their blatant schadenfreude.
Just wait! Once tonight's festivities were over, they'd all see—she wasn't someone to mess with!
Without that bastard boss's weird ability, what could he possibly do to her?!
But the moment Rin stepped out with a pot of lamb stew, Marisa instinctively shrunk back, scrambling to help with a nervous laugh.
The others shot her disgusted looks before dragging themselves to the table.
Soon, the lavish feast lined up had everyone salivating.
Cheers erupted, filling the back room with more liveliness than usual.
"Made extra since we've got more people tonight. If it's not enough, just say so—I've got more ingredients."
"Suika, Yuugi—help yourselves to the liquor cabinet. Grab some drinks for the kids too."
"YES!!!" The two oni, previously half-asleep, zoomed out of the room and returned with a crate of alcohol and beverages.
As they distributed the drinks, Rin glanced around.
"Where's Reimu? Still passed out?"
"Couldn't wake her no matter what. Just leave her some leftovers." Yukari explained, already helping herself to a chunk of lamb.
Rin nodded and signaled the start of the feast.
Not only was the food abundant, but being surrounded by beauties in flimsy yukatas added an extra layer of ambience.
The intoxicating mix of aromas and sights sent Rin's mood—and appetite—soaring.
(Though he did ignore a few table manners that resembled starved hyenas.)
But as he ate, he noticed a piercing glare locked onto him—as if someone wanted to punch him twice for good measure.
Yet every time he looked up, the gaze vanished like a ghost. Rin's lips curled into a sinister smirk as he subtly eyed Marisa.
Remilia, catching that expression, flinched and scooted away.
This bastard's plotting something!
Thankfully, the rest of dinner passed peacefully, the atmosphere warm and familial.
But this was merely the calm before the storm.
Everyone sensed the looming danger—their eyes gleaming with "this'll be good" anticipation.
Yet even as the moon climbed high, the lively chatter gradually died down.
Remilia and Aya had drunk themselves into a stupor, while Suika and Yuugi mumbled incoherently, clinging to each other.
After Yukari carried the sleeping Chen to bed, Sakuya and Momiji took over cleanup duty—earning Rin's silent gratitude.
But just as he headed to his room to grab a yukata for a late soak—
SLAM!
Marisa barricaded the door, her eyes burning with triumph.
The entire back room seemed to freeze in ominous silence. Though no words were spoken, everyone could feel it—
The fuse was lit. The explosion was imminent.
THUD!
The door shut behind her as Marisa struck a pose, jabbing a finger at Rin—
"SADISTIC BOSS! YOUR DOOMSDAY HAS COME!!!"
"EVERY BIT OF HUMILIATION YOU'VE PUT ME THROUGH—TODAY, I'LL PAY IT BACK TENFOLD!!!"
"PREPARE TO D—Mmmph~?! Nngh... Ah~... Hnng~~"*