"Marisa, do you know where's the boss?"
CRASH!
The sudden voice made Marisa jolt, sending her cup tumbling. Milk tea splattered across the counter.
"Sakuya! Don't scare people like that!" Marisa hissed like a startled cat, frantically mopping up the mess she had accidentally made.
"So… What brings you here again?"
"Heard some news from the paparazzo, so I rushed immediately an—" Sakuya's explanation cut off as her gaze locked onto the chalkboard behind the counter.
The head maid's eyes locked in on that one item—
「 Secret Papaya Tea 」
Sakuya: ..!!!
"Is that... a members-only drink?"
"Nah, the teas are for everyone. The members just get some extra discounts."
"Then... I'll take one. The... secret one." Sakuya mumbled, her tone suspiciously casual.
Marisa studied her with a raised eyebrow, taking in the maid's painfully obvious facade of indifference.
'Well... might as well let her have this. Everyone needs hope.'
"What's this about memberships?"
"Go ask Reimu. She handles sign-ups of the store." Marisa pointed to Reimu, who was still counting the same stack of bills for the twentieth time.
At the sound of her name, Reimu scurried over, rubbing her hands eagerly like a clever merchant.
"Ah! Miss Sakuya, perfect timing as always! Only two members so far. Sign up now, and you'll get priority bookings!"
"Though the fees are pretty steep, we—"
THUD.
Sakuya dropped a suitcase onto the counter with enough force to make the wood groan.
Even unopened, Reimu's eyes glowed.
The moment she flipped the latches, a blinding golden radiance lit up her face.
Marisa peeked over, and her pupils shranked.
'Gold bars.'
'A whole suitcase of gold bars!!!'
""Hiss—"" Both girls sucked in sharp breaths, staring at Sakuya in awe.
'Since when was the Scarlet Devil Mansion this loaded?!'
"One membership. That tea. Full services. Is this enough?"
"More than enough! But the full package doesn't cost this much—"
"The Scarlet Devil Mansion will prepay the rest. Deduct future expenses from the balance."
"I'll need the boss's approval."
"Fine." Sakuya nodded, watching Reimu sprint toward the back room with the suitcase before turning back to Marisa.
'Priorities first—the tea.'
"Boss! Boss! Big client!!!" Reimu's yell drew everyone's attention—briefly.
Most just glanced over before refocusing on Kaguya's face.
The mask had begun hardening, its effects becoming visibly apparent.
Meanwhile, Rin froze at the sight of the gold-filled suitcase.
After Reimu relayed Sakuya's terms, he immediately agreed, instructing Patchouli to adjust the membership system.
By the time he returned to the shop, Sakuya was already sipping her secret papaya tea, murmuring what sounded like prayers under her breath.
Marisa watched her solemnly.
'Hah~ ...Some things just aren't meant to be.'
"Sakuya, your card's ready. Just verify it, magic, aura, or blood will do."
Reimu handed over the intricately crafted card, launching into an enthusiastic explanation of membership perks.
Sakuya examined the card with interest, completing the verification before asking—
"If I book the facial now, what's the earliest slot?"
"No other reservations yet. Everyone's still observing the results. Book now, and you're up next week."
"Done."
Sakuya declared. After years of service, I deserve this.
"What about the bone-setting massage?"
"It's tonight. But I've got back-to-back sessions lined up, need a break first."
"Understood. May I stay overnight? Deduct the fee from my balance."
"No need. You're family. Your room's always ready."
"Head to the back and see Kaguya's results."
"My sincere thanks."
Sakuya bowed gracefully before strolling off, tea in hand.
'Today's my day off. No one interrupts this.'
Before Rin could follow, Marisa yanked him aside, making Reimu tense instantly.
'What now?!'
But Marisa didn't pull any tricks. She just hugged his arm, whispering—
"Boss... can I get a membership too?"
"Already made yours. Was saving it for tonight."
Rin grinned, producing a card from his pocket.
Marisa's eyes sparkled, but Reimu looked horrified.
'If Marisa gets a late-night session, and the boss loses control... I'll die!!!'
Before Marisa could celebrate, Reimu lunged, pinching her cheeks.
"Ow ow ow! Reimu, what the hell?!"
"What's wrong with you?! Where's your willpower?! How are you this eager to indulge?!" Reimu's voice trailed off as she realized something.
She pinched harder, ignoring Marisa's yelps and flailing.
"Hey, it hurts?"
"Obviously! Let go—OW! You're twisting it now?!"
Reimu's face slowly lit up. Her shaking hands slowly let go of Marisa and began to feel joyful inwardly.
'No shared sensations! Finally! I am free!'
As for Patchouli, who had trapped her last night...
"Boss, I'll handle today's dinner shopping. We will have an extra oysters, lamb kidneys, leeks, goji berries... So, fortify yourself. For a peaceful night's sleep."