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Leo's commission reward wasn't lavish. His mindset was still stuck in his college days, where an entire outfit from "Pinxixi" cost less than 100 yuan.
To a late-game farm, "20 units of ANY crop" could mean millions of gold (Iridium Ancient Fruit Wine). But right now? It was just some strawberries or parsnips.
It wasn't attractive enough for most youkai. And the only person with the skill to make clothes—Alice Margatroid—lived comfortably in the Forest of Magic. She had a goddess mother; she didn't need to work for scraps.
However, someone was very greedy for the word "ANY."
Morning. The New Farmhouse.
Leo woke up and almost cried.
The kitchen was clean. The floor was tiled. He had lived like a savage for weeks, sleeping in a shed. Now, he was back in civilization.
Nitori had provided everything. Oil, salt, vinegar, soy sauce—all genuine products from the Mystia's Izakaya brand.
Leo turned on the TV. It was time for The Queen of Sauce.
"Hello everyone! I'm Mystia Lorelei!"
On the screen, the night sparrow adjusted her apron.
"Today, I'm teaching you how to make Coleslaw! Light, crunchy, and perfect for summer!"
She chopped a cabbage with expert precision.
"Simply mix fresh cabbage with vinegar and mayonnaise! This is a favorite of the monks at Myouren Temple! Price at the Izakaya: 345 Gold!"
Usually, the show ended there. But today, Mystia held up a QR code.
"Also! Mystia's Izakaya is officially launching a Takeout Service! Use your phone to order, and we will deliver straight to your door!"
Leo blinked.
"Delivery? In Gensokyo?"
What if Yuyuko orders? "Hello, I don't want the food. Just send the delivery boy over. I'm hungry."
That was hell.
Leo checked the app. Most meat dishes were sold out due to ingredient shortages. Only veggie dishes remained. He wasn't interested in being a vegetarian, so he closed the app.
He grabbed his gear. Today's goal: The Mines.
He had 20,000 Gold saved for escorts. His tools were Copper. He needed Iron (Floor 40+) to upgrade again. Once he had Iron and Gold, he could craft Quality Sprinklers and the Seed Maker. That was the key to automation.
"Hey! Don't leave yet!"
Whoosh.
Marisa dove from the sky on her broom, hair messy like she just rolled out of bed.
"I'm taking that commission!" she shouted, landing in a cloud of dust. "Quick, let me measure you! You said 'ANY crop,' right? I want 20 Red Mushrooms!"
She pulled a long wooden stick from her apron. It looked like a potion stirrer.
"You?" Leo looked at her skeptically. "You know how to make clothes?"
He didn't believe her. His target had been Alice, but since the doll maker ignored the post, he assumed the commission was dead.
"Don't worry about the details!" Marisa waved the stick. "If I get someone else to do it, it still counts, right? Don't mind the process, look at the results!"
She made Leo spread his arms and measured him with the stick (which was definitely not a ruler).
"Okay, bye!"
Marisa used her Resident Card to open a portal and vanished.
Leo shrugged. He went to the Kappa Office, paid Nitori 3,000 Gold, and descended into the Mines.
Forest of Magic. The Doll House.
"Alice! Good morning! Look what I brought you~~!"
Marisa kicked open the front door.
According to Aya's newspaper, this house was a "House of Horrors" where intruders were turned into dolls. In reality, it was just dark because the trees were thick. And Alice wasn't a monster; she was just socially anxious.
Marisa, the "Social Terrorist," had broken down Alice's barriers years ago through sheer persistence (and breaking and entering).
"You don't want me to help you make clothes, do you?"
Alice sat by the window, sewing a doll. She didn't look up.
"I'm not interested. If you want to make them, use the fabric over there. Do it yourself."
She sighed. Marisa was too familiar. It was exhausting for an introvert, but she couldn't drive her away.
"Help me!" Marisa wailed. "You know I can't thread a needle! If I try, I'll sew my fingers together! Please! Onegai! I'll do anything! Save me! I really need those Red Mushrooms!"
Marisa performed a perfect sliding kneel. She hugged Alice's leg and looked up with puppy eyes.
"Red Mushrooms?" Alice paused. "Why do you want those poisonous things?"
"To make explosives! I mean... potions!"
"..."
Alice looked at the witch clinging to her leg. She looked at the fabric. She looked at her peaceful morning, now ruined.
"Fine," Alice sighed, putting down her doll. "But you owe me. Big time."
"Yes! Thank you, Alice! You're the best wife ever!"
"I am not your wife! Get off my leg!"