"Ugh, I don't even want to imagine how chaotic this place would get if we weren't around." Aya sighed in concern as she looked at the group sprawled across the couch, drenched in sweat.
Back then, the boss had at least shown some restraint—usually only targeting one person at a time.
But now? It was practically a full-on party!
If she weren't afraid of ending up the same way—and under close watch—she'd have already written a scathing exposé condemning this debauchery!
"Still, after seeing them fight over it, I'm really curious about how that wine tastes now..." Remilia's gaze lingered greedily on the bronze gift box sitting innocently on the coffee table, her heart itching with temptation.
The more forbidden something was, the more irresistible it became.
But with five lifeless bodies serving as a warning nearby, she managed to suppress her curiosity—for now.
Just as she debated whether to ask Sakuya to stop time and sneak a taste, the head maid emerged, carrying a grocery basket.
"Milady, there's a banquet tonight. I'll return shortly to fetch Meiling and the young mistress. Is there anything you'd like me to bring back along the way?"
"A banquet?" Remilia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she immediately ordered—
"Bring some of the finest wine from my cellar—the strong stuff, the kind that can knock that damn boss flat on his back!"
"As for other gifts, just pick whatever. Meiling can carry them all anyway—she's got the strength for it."
"Understood." Sakuya nodded before vanishing in an instant.
The moment she left, Suika and Yuugi—who had been barely recovering—suddenly perked up, locking their gazes onto Remilia.
"Good booze?"
"Of course! The Scarlet Devil Mansion has everything!"
"Got any 'Scarlet Daughter's Wine' or 'Wasted Dreams'?"
"...No."
The two immediately slumped back in disappointment.
Their tastes had been spoiled by Scarlet Daughter's Wine, and with Wasted Dreams teasing them right in front of their eyes, ordinary alcohol just didn't cut it anymore.
Seeing their disdainful expressions, a vein throbbed on Remilia's forehead.
"Fine, maybe not that level, but my collection is vast! I've got rare brews from all over!"
"Really?" The two alcoholics finally showed interest. Trying new flavors was fun.
"Hmph~ Just wait till Sakuya gets back. I'll show you what real variety looks like!" Remilia huffed, crossing her arms—though her eyes kept drifting back to Drunken Dreams.
Once Sakuya brought the drinks, she'd just have to get the boss drunk enough… and then maybe she could snag a taste for herself!
As she plotted, Rin emerged from the kitchen with several dishes in hand.
"Lunch is ready. Everyone, go wash your hands."
"Okaaay~" The group on the couch responded sluggishly, weakly pulling themselves upright.
Even though Rin had deactivated the sensitivity boost, every step still sent shivers down their spines.
Marisa was the first to recover, supporting the still-dazed Reimu as they shuffled toward the bathroom.
Watching her move so effortlessly, the others couldn't help but twitch in reluctant admiration.
"Marisa, we admit it—right now, you're the strongest one in this shop."
"Huh???" Marisa blinked in confusion at their sudden praise.
What the hell were they all talking about?
"With the boss's terrifying skills, you've somehow managed to avoid becoming his plaything entirely. That's some insane willpower."
"There aren't many people I respect, but you're number one."
"..."
Was that supposed to be a compliment? Marisa's face darkened. If she hadn't been caught so many times and learned from experience, would she even be like this now?
It's this damn shop's fault for being too tempting! And these guys? They'd all end up the same way sooner or later!
As the group grumbled their way to the bathroom, Rin finished setting the table and started mopping the floor.
Looks like I'll have to clean more often now… With how much everyone was sweating, the floor would get ruined from moisture. And Patchouli and Yuugi were the worst—their natural talents were downright impressive!
Just as he mused, Yukari Yakumo leisurely slipped out of a gap in space, her violet eyes locking onto the untouched bronze gift box.
A bewitching smile curled on her lips.
"Oh my~ Boss, you've restocked already?"
"Special circumstances. Only one bottle this time. Hands off."
"Oh my, I just want to look~ I won't drop it." Her delicate fingers traced the box's surface, showing no intention of moving away.
The hidden aroma was maddening—even she was struggling to resist.
And after seeing how refreshed Reimu looked—her skin glowing, her mind clear—the temptation was unbearable!
Rin shot her a sidelong glance. Just as he tried to take the box back, Yukari pressed down, refusing to let go.
"You really want to drink this?"
"The more you love alcohol, the stronger the effect. Reimu was out cold for a full day—you'd probably be down even longer."
"Aren't you afraid… something might happen while you're out?" His pointed question made Yukari's expression shift.
Before, she might've been confident—but after seeing what happened with Marisa, she wasn't so sure anymore.
'This guy was a full-blown predator!'
Seizing her hesitation, Rin yanked the box back.
Yukari stared at it longingly before making up her mind—
Ran's arrival couldn't wait any longer! If she did pass out from drinking, at least Ran could cover for her. Otherwise, left alone… she might actually get devoured!
Or… maybe she could just let Marisa keep him occupied?
They'd already crossed the line—a few more times wouldn't hurt. Poor Patchouli, though…
The memory of Marisa and Patchouli's struggles resurfaced, and Yukari's cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
*For a youthful 17-year-old girl, this was all too stimulating.* Ignoring her thoughts, Rin stored the box away and sat down for lunch.
Reimu and the others soon returned, looking much more composed after washing up.
As they took their seats, their expressions were unusually well-behaved.
After their earlier lesson, they weren't about to cause trouble again.
Or rather—until Marisa satisfied Rin, they dared not provoke him.
One victim was enough!