Author's Comments: Here it is! In all its glory.

Fans of my fighting lines will not find themselves impressed with this particular episode. Feel free to bask in my awkward sense of humor, and do not forget to leave some change.

...Come on, help a poor beggar, will you? Come on, change!

There are a lot of horizontal rulers here. I wonder if I am overusing them...

[Interlude – Location: Bhava-Agra]

The wind was blowing steadily that morning.

As it blew through the trees and grass, all responded to it in harmony, dancing to the wind as it brought itself forth.

The sweet scent of peaches filled the air as the eldest daughter gazed at the world below, standing by the edges of heaven.

She was curious. Ever since the sky shattered, she only saw interesting lights down below. She had no idea what they were or what they did... She didn't even know what was creating the lights. But it was gathering her attention in large steps.

She walked around the edges and skittered her vision across the landscape, searching for more of the mysterious flashes of light, but none were found. She wondered however, if the sky shattering and the recent movement from down below were connected somehow.

Her curiosity was starting to get the best of her.

Tenshi "Come on. There won't have any of that today...?"

Life in heaven was really carefree.

There was singing and drinking every single day...

But that was so dull and uneventful that the slight spark of difference would trigger the eldest daughter's curiosity to outstanding levels.

The world below was like the passport to adventure and excitement.

Iku "...Eldest Daughter! ...Oh, there you are. I've been looking for you."

Tenshi turned around and looked at the oarfish in scarlet clothing with tedium as she approached the celestial with elegant steps and stood right next to her with her usual serene expression.

Iku "Eldest Daughter, the meal is ready."

Tenshi "I don't care. It's the same boring food as usual. What about we eat dirt? At least that's a difference."

Iku "Do not make lightly of the nutritional value of the food you eat. You shouldn't stop eating because you disagree with what it is."

Of course, because that's what my life is supposed to be, right? ...Accepting what it is because it's for the best.

Venomous thoughts crossed her mind as she gazed down below once again, searching for those amusing lights but none were found.

It all happened after the sky shattered...

Tenshi "...Iku."

Iku "Yes?"

Tenshi "Go down there."

The command from the celestial made the oarfish raise an eyebrow.

Iku "Excuse me?"

Tenshi "Do you remember the day the sky broke? I have seen those strange lights down there ever since that day and everything has been bombing with activity ever since. But today I can't see anything."

Iku "I don't see what this have anything to do with me."

Tenshi "That's why I want you to go down there and see what's going on."

The wind blew again, forcing the girls to hold onto their hats so they wouldn't fly. The oarfish sighed with complete lack of enthusiasm to the whims of the celestial.

Iku "I'm not your errand girl."

Tenshi "I would do it myself, but I have to eat, don't I? ...Aah~ so bothersome... I want to eat steak. A really bloody steak..."

Iku brushed her eyebrows with her right hand in disbelief as the celestial stood away from the edges of heaven and started heading towards the meal area.

A thought crossed her mind as she was doing so, forcing her to turn and face Iku who did the same.

Both "Oh, I wanted to ask you-"

Iku "...You can go first."

Tenshi "Then I'll do that. ...Do you know where the musician is? I had no idea we had one, that will keep me entertained."

Iku "I was... About to ask you that. ...We don't have such a musician, then."

Such an answer satisfied the celestial enough. She resumed her trip to the meal area.

Tenshi "I'm anxious to what you find, Iku!"

Iku "Sigh... I really wish you'd stop being like this, however."

And she took off to the world below, swimming in the clouds with perfect elegance.

[Interlude – Over]

[Location: Moriya Shrine]

So that's how its going to be.

We will stop spreading the word of the outside world's presence around Gensokyo because that would cause our own youkai unnecessary problems.

And nothing really stands for the fact every single one of the outside world youkai are evil.

Havoc is an exception to this, but warning folks of his presence will be a bad idea because despite no one knowing who he is, he can't go by unnoticed anyway.

If he starts causing trouble, everyone will notice right away and hunt him down, us included.

And if he escapes, everyone will be on higher alert, keeping him even more leashed to the iron hand of retribution from Gensokyo.

Shinki "...Did I get this right?"

Suwako "You're a smart bôya, bôya! I'm impressed! Are you used to using your head?"

Shinki "More or less. I didn't really spend my whole life sniffing flowers, you see."

Kanako "I can see that. You could learn a few things from him, Sanae! I like you, kid!"

Sanae "K-Kanako-sama, I don't need any assistance from a faithless person!"

What does faith have to do with anything...?

Shinki "What good will my faith do if it won't kill my enemies for me?"

Aya "Well, it can make you lose money, for one."

Ouch! That was kinda evil.

Sanae "Aya-san! Faith is not an excuse for us to gain money! Faith is to help and assist the ones in need! To give councils and soothe their weary hearts!"

Why are you so mad at me?

I'm not saying that faith is a bad thing...

People can believe in their gods. In fact, I encourage them to do so. To have faith.

But I don't have any of that.

Not everyone thinks this way.

Aya "Not all people think the same way you do, Sanae-san..."

See? Aya just said it.

Sanae "I know that! ...But you can't blame me for trying!"

At any rate, I refuse to continue this uncomfortable conversation.

Debating on beliefs and whatnot never brings good results. It never did.

Seems like the conversation was over even before it started, looking at the two goddesses before me.

Well, seems like I already did what I had to do here.

Shinki "And that's the end of that, huh."

Kanako "What? Are you leaving already? Why don't you stay for lunch?"

Shinki "I would love to, but I really can't. ...I still have to go re-warn Reimu about all of this... Sigh..."

The mere thought of it makes my legs cringe with pain.

Aya "I don't think your body would be too happy about that, Shinki. ...I could do that for you instead! How about that?"

...You're... Being awfully nice and helpful.

Are you trying to get something from me? ...I'll keep the poison to myself this time, though.

Shinki "Well, that would be awesome..."

And really good to my health, might I add?

Kanako "...Well, the paparazzi is being really nice to him. Did something good happen?"

Aya "Oh, please don't mind me. All I am doing is my sole duty as someone with a conscience~"

Kanako "You are the least convincing idiot I've ever met."

I was about to think that, but I'll let her off the hook this time.

Because I can't complain about people being nice to me! Who actually does that?

Aya "Well then... I guess I'd better go, then. I still have to finish my report on-"

Rustle

Female Voice "Aya-san! Aya-san, are you there?"

...Hmm? There's someone outside.

Kanako "...Oh! If it isn't the Mountain's Telegnosis."

The what now?

Sorry, but Office says that word doesn't exist.

Momiji "Kanako-dono, Suwako-dono, Sanae-san. it's good to see you in good health. ...Is this a new friend of yours? Sorry to make my presence short, but I am in quite a hurry."

So it seems.

...She's a white wolf tengu. Those are quite rare in the outside world, usually keeping to themselves more often than not. As the name implies, her hair is white and also her tail. She's carrying a really large scimitar with her, and a shield.

White Wolves are not known for their subtlety. When they go to war, they go to war.

Aya "What's wrong, Momiji? Did something good happen?"

Momiji "More like the contrary, Aya-san. The Great Tengu Lord has called for all Tengu for a report, and you were nowhere to be found."

Aya "...Oh!"

A report? Is this a weekly thing or something like that?

And you forgot about that? Is that it?

Aya "I... Forgot what day this was. ...Sorry, Shinki! But duty calls elsewhere!"

Yeah, you forgot.

Oh, well. Seems like my priorities have changed yet again.

Shinki "It's fine, don't sweat about it."

Momiji "Then let's move, Aya-san. I'd rather not displease the great lord if I can help it."

Aya "I'm way ahead of you!"

...She just got a running start. She likes posing, doesn't she?

Aya "You still owe me that interview, Shinki!"

Vooosh

Vooosh

…

...And she left.

Her speed always manages to impress me.

Sanae "W-Well then! I-I'll go prepare lunch..."

Kanako "Are you sure you don't want to stay, kid? I'm pretty sure Sanae's food is definitely worthy of your time."

Shinki "I wish the time I had available to me would allow me to accept your offer. I can't fly, so I have to get a move on..."

Kanako "That's problematic when you're living in a world like this, isn't it? Almost everyone here knows how to fly!"

Well, I also could be able to.

Because flying is magic, of course.

Shinki "But I have this anti-magic field nature about me, so I can't have anything to do with flying."

Suwako "...Anti-magic?"

That's what I said, isn't it?

Suwako is giving me the mischievous look. Don't do that. Just don't.

I feel like your hat is going to eviscerate me.

Suwako "I see. So you really are a blue-blooded vampire! ...I was kinda careful of what I would say, but there you have it...!"

It seems my heritage isn't really a secret to this world anymore, is it?

Suwako "Say, bôya. How far into your own bloodline have you gotten to?"

...W-What?

That's not a question I was expecting her to make!

Shinki "...How far? I can use a projectile."

Suwako "For real...! That's pretty impressive for a blue-blood!"

Maybe.

Blue blood vampires are notable for not being able to throw their magic at others. ...Like I've seen here, this... Bullet hell kind of attacks this place is so fond of.

That is impossible for me. My projectile, the Azure Nuke... Is a super-dense concentration of magic that surpasses my defenses in every way. That's why I can throw it.

And it explodes.

Glorious explosions.

Kanako "I can see the creep all over your face, Suwako. What are you planning?"

Suwako "Well, It can prove to be an interesting past-time for me. Say, bôya! When you have the time, come back and visit us! I may have something here you will enjoy a lot!"

...That's oddly cryptic.

Shinki "I'm not sure. Does it involve explosions?"

Suwako "Lots of them! Radiation, explosions, all that good stuff!"

Oh? Then I'm game.

I'm surprised she knows of radiation, however. She must have come from the outside world.

Well then... I'll be off, now.

Kanako "Don't be a stranger no more, kid!"

Suwako "Croak! Remember to visit us, bôya!"

Shinki "Heh. Of course."

Sanae "Visit us again! Even if you're not here to pray, we still treat our guests honorably!"

I wouldn't come here to pray. I didn't do that when I lived in the Dragon Palace.

Oh well. I hop off the building and start walking down the stairways... Back to where I came from.

Shinki "See you all later! Thanks for the hospitality!"

And they all wave back at me.

...What a nice bunch. Kinda off, but nice nonetheless.

[Location: Forest of Magic]

Puff

Well...

At least the handicap for going downhill did not tire me nearly as much as the other way around.

Now let's see. I have to get over to Reimu's place and... Maybe leave a note. I don't know if she is back... I don't even know if she already left.

If she did, she told me to stay clear of Myouren, and I kind of want to obey. Preaching does no good to me, and the last thing I want to listen to now is preaching.

But you know what has been bothering me the most out of all of this?

Shinki "..."

Is the fact that this forest opens itself up to me every single time I come in.

I mean it, it feels like these woods are scared of me!

Not only I always seem to take the shortest route to where I want to go, but I know exactly where I am on it, like a mental GPS.

...And... And the odd part about it, when I want to go from point A to point B? I do not run into trees.

Why?

I remember I got totally lost when I first came into here! Did I hurt this forest when I burned its magic so I wouldn't get lost anymore?

Did I assimilate it into me somehow?

I'm pretty sure the fairy queen would be pissed off at me for this...

Shinki "Hmm. I'm not sure how to say this, but... Sorry."

I'm apologizing to trees.

I must have cracked my skull worse than Eirin thought.

Alice "What are you sorry for, Katsura-san?"

Ah! I thought I was listening to footsteps, and feeling the light scent of jasmine in the air.

Shinki "Alice! Good morning."

Alice "It nearly is not morning anymore, but I greet you all the same. So, what are you apologizing for? Stepping on leaves is too much of an offense, I take it?"

Shinki "Aah~... About that... How do I explain it?"

Alice "Humor me."

Oh? Such a heavy task, given to me?

I'm glad to know I have your undivided attention, sir knight. This will be interesting.

And we start walking through the forest, talking about the latest news of date.

I know that I have just been instructed to stay silent about Havoc, but my tongue rolled over the past few news naturally. I didn't even think that would be a bad idea when I did that, and I still don't.

Alice proved to be the most level-headed person I ever met aside from Reisen in this place.

As I also explain that it's better we don't spread the word of Havoc carelessly, she scolded me for being a dumbass and she also agrees with the plan.

Alice "Why did you tell me about it if I wasn't supposed to know?"

Shinki "...Because you know your priorities well. I don't think that telling you about this is a bad idea."

She simply nodded to herself in thought.

Such modesty, it touches me in the heart.

Alice "So, tell me. What had you planned on doing, hurt the way you are?"

Shinki "Warn Reimu about the conclusion we all came to. Because she was the first one I visited when I could, and she was off to warn Byakuren about Havoc."

Alice "I see. Knowing Reimu the way I do, she might as well reach an interesting conclusion on her own. There is no real reason to go after her."

Even if I did, I have no idea on where she is.

Oh well.

Alice "We can reach her later if this still bothers you. Do not worry over a matter that is not of importance."

You know her better than I do, so I'll leave it in your hands if you so said you would deal with it.

Alice "Now that I spoiled your plans, what are your plans?"

Shinki "I'm not sure. I haven't thought about it, truth be told. I was just hoping you'd invite me to follow you or something."

Alice "...I'm not."

Figures!

Shinki "Then can I ask of you to allow me to accompany you?"

Alice "Huhuh! Trying to find your way around, are we? Sure, I don't mind."

So you're not inviting anyone, but when we ask of you if we can go nonetheless, you accept?

You've got the pride of a lion, woman.

And a really subtle smile, might I add.

Alice "Then come. Before the earth opens up and swallows us."

To the human village, then.

I have the feeling that this might be an interesting day.

[Location: Human Village]

Well, here we are.

This place is much bigger from up close. Seeing it from the Moriya Shrine was one thing, but it wasn't nearly as awesome as seeing it from up close.

Alice "This is it. Nearly all of the humans of Gensokyo live here."

Indeed. There are a lot of humans here.

They don't seem to care about either me or Alice. They actually seem extremely relaxed about us.

When seeing and interacting with youkai become part of your daily activities, I guess this is bound to happen. If we had any intentions of attacking this place... Would they retaliate with deadly force?

Are these people more badass than they look like?

Shinki "This place looks really good. The humans must take really good care of this village."

Alice "They do, more than one would assume. Since it is the safest place to be in all of Gensokyo, there are also human-friendly youkai living in this village."

Although it is not uncommon, you said it like it was the achievement of a lifetime.

Maybe in Gensokyo that is true.

Alice "And here is the tool shop. Are you coming in?"

Tools? Well, of course.

I might find something I could use in here.

Everyday Merchandise.

Rattle

Alice "Excuse me."

Store Clerk "Oh! Welcome, welcome... It's been a while since I last saw you, Alice-san."

Alice "It's good to see you in good health, Numeikata-san. ...My last set of actually useful utensils for cooking broke last night. Can I have a look at them?"

As I see, this looks like a really useful store. There's a lot of stuff being sold here.

Glasses, incenses... Pots and cutlery.

...Garnish, statuettes... There's a lot of junk being sold, I'm impressed.

And I mean junk in a good way.

Rattle

Sakuya "Excuse me... ...Oh! Shinki-san, good morning."

Sakuya!

Well, talk about unexpected. She look as beautiful as ever, and she is carrying a rather big sack of... Well, considering the scent, I guess that is food.

Shinki "Hey, good morning to you too. What's up?"

Alice "Izayoi-san? Unexpected to see you today, good morning."

Well, suddenly this store looks crowded now.

Sakuya "This is perfect. I was about to visit you after I completed my tasks at the village. Can I ask of you to stay here awhile? This will not take long."

Hm? Visit me?

I take a quick look at Alice, who doesn't seem to care. ...Oh well.

Shinki "Sure, I have the time."

She nods in concur before heading towards the owner of the store.

Sakuya "I came here about the frying pan I asked of you to fix for me."

Store Clerk "Of course, Sakuya-san... Here it is! Sparkling new, just like how you wanted it!"

Sakuya "Hm, indeed. Your work truly is fabulous, Sōnyū-mei-san."

...This store owner have a really weird name.

'Nameless person, insert name here'?

Naah. I don't think a parent would be so shameless as to name their kid like that.

Sakuya "What are you doing here today, Shinki-san? Are you buying something?"

Shinki "That was the plan, but I remembered I have no money. Thus, making my attempts at shopping, futile."

Alice "Oh? I thought you were accompanying me."

Shinki "I can multitask, sister taught me well."

The light mood of noon is so relaxing. Can you feel it, too girls?

Sakuya "I see you are buying cooking utensils, Alice-san. There might be something about this time of year that makes them span, don't you agree?"

Alice "I believed the Scarlet Devil Mansion had more than enough frying pans for you to worry about a single one, however."

Sakuya "Oh, yes... This is a matter of preference however - this particular frying pan is almost as old as I work for Ojou-sama."

And it still works? That's formidable.

Well, it clearly didn't, because you sent it to be fixed.

Alice "So I take it you'll be making Remilia's lunch by now?"

Sakuya "Yes. And this would be the reason of my visit at your home, Shinki-san. Ojou-sama has personally requested your presence for today's feast. I was to invite you to come to the Scarlet Devil Mansion."

...Really? Remilia did?

Sakuya "She claimed it was to formally address you as a resident of Gensokyo and neighbor. I do not doubt her claim in any way."

Shinki "Should you?"

Sakuya "Perhaps in another circumstance I would. But I have no reasons for such a thing this time."

Fair enough.

...I'm still feeling a bit reluctant about going to Remilia...

I do not hunt to kill. I do not eat vampires. I have my own standards, and I will respect them to the end.

Her words resonate in my head as I remember the night I met the Scarlet Devil.

...What the hell was I thinking?

Remilia already proved to not be the same as the vampires from where I come from.

I can relax, can't I?

Shinki "Sure! ...I'll go. Definitely."

...You smiled. You're extremely pleased about something.

Sakuya "You truly have a good personality, Shinki-san. I thank you for having such faith on Ojou-sama."

Are you reading me?

I have this feeling that you can read my facial expressions with such ease it's not even funny!

Alice "Isn't that great, Katsura-san? You have an admirer."

Shush!

Shinki "So... I guess this package you are carrying with you is food?"

Sakuya "Good eye. Since I am not sure what your food tastes are, I was hoping I would try a different approach at cooking."

As long as the cook is good enough, I don't have anything I dislike in particular.

Shinki "If you want some help preparing food, I can..."

Sakuya "Absolutely denied, Shinki-san. You are Ojou-sama's guest."

Wow, really? Are you denying me just like that?

Shinki "Oh, you hurt my cooking feelings when you deny them so! It feels like they are going to burst open from my chest!"

Sakuya "Your jest will not affect me. Though I admit I am intrigued that you can actually cook."

Shinki "Heh. Well, living on the run for as long as I did will result in you actually developing a lot of abilities."

Alice "Such as cooking? That is an odd 'ability' to acquire 'on the run', Katsura-san."

Shinki "Hey, try cooking a giant lizard with nothing but a log, a molten rock and leaves! You would be amazed at how punk that is!"

...

...What? What are you making that face for?

Alice "You said you did what?"

Shinki "I cooked a giant lizard with a log, leaves and a molten rock."

What's this silence all for? It's not impossible, you know.

Shinki "I also managed to make beef stroganoff on the wilds once. You guys know what that is, right?"

Sakuya "Yo... Y-You managed to prepare a dish that uses sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with sour cream in the wilderness...?"

Shinki "It still is my greatest accomplishment as a proud member of the male caste!"

Snap

…?

Sa...Sakuya-san? Something just snapped there?

Sakuya "Come with me. Now."

Eh? Now? But what about Al-

TUG

Shinki "DUGHH! Sakuya! You're gonna choke me! Don't drag me by my collar!"

She's dragging me by the neck! O-Oi!

The hell is this? Do they enjoy tugging people by their collars in this world?

Alice "I-Izayoi-san!"

Rattle

Shinki "Why are you dragging me? Sakuya, I can... Cough! I... Gasp!"

I'm using my feet to keep me from being dragged all the way, but this still hurts!

Shinki "What did I do? Listen to me!"

Alice "Um... T-This should cover the new cooking utensils, right? Thank you for your attention, Numeikata-san!"

Store Clerk "...Come back always..."

Alice "Wait! Izayoi-san, you are going to kill him! Izayoi-san!"

[Location: Pathway to Scarlet Devil Mansion]

Shinki "Sakuya. Can I ask you to be ever so kind as to allow me to walk on my feet instead of trying not to choke to death?"

Alice "Izayoi-san, don't you think you are overreacting?"

TUG

Umuh! She just pulled me up again.

I can stand aga-

…

She is still pulling me, but this time it isn't by the collar.

It's by the arm.

This is much better.

Alice "*Sigh*... Izayoi-san..."

Shinki "Alice, did I do something wrong? Did I say something that I shouldn't have?"

I can see in your eyes you are as confused as I am.

We are walking quite fast. To keep on together with me and Sakuya, Alice is nearly race walking. She doesn't seem to mind the speed, however.

Shinki "So, Sakuya. Last time I mentioned anything before you started to drag me around was the fact that I can cook exotic food on the wilds."

Sakuya "..."

Well, I might as well push her further, then.

Shinki "Are you challenging me?"

Sakuya "...I dare not call this a challenge. I can only believe such a preposterous claim when I see it with my own eyes."

Shinki "What if I prove it to be true?"

Is this my voice? It came out so devilishly I'm sure a smile just grew on my face!

Sakuya "...Then I shall admit defeat."

Just that?

That's no fun, now is it?

Shinki "What about you make me something to eat instead?"

…?

She greets me with silence?

Alice "Don't look at me. I have no idea on what she is thinking."

But you are smiling as well.

Oh well. You will all wonder on Katsura Shinki's cuisine then.

It's been a while since I looked forward to a challenge such as this.

[Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion]

Well, we passed by the gates without any kind of questions from the gatekeeper.

She just greeted me with a surprised look. I guess she figured I said something weird to Sakuya.

And now I am still being dragged along, even when we're already inside. ...You know, my arm is starting to feel a sharp stab on it, but it's probably my splintered bone moving a bit to the left.

Remilia "Oh! Shinki, what excellent timing! I welcome you to my ma-"

...

We passed by her? Without even greeting her?

Aah...!

Shinki "It's... It's good to see you well, Remilia-!"

Remilia "...What in profanity's waking call...?"

Alice "Good luck to you, Katsura-san. I will await the results of this with great anxiety."

Of course, don't help me fix my splinters or anything. I'm pretty sure I didn't explain about that to you.

...Oh, well.

Might as well just get this over with.

[Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion's Kitchen]

...Huh.

You really did drag me all the way here.

Sakuya "Well then. First of all I must apologize for the rough treatment on the way here. I admit I was not processing my thoughts adequately."

And now you start talking to me again!

I don't know what to make of this. Can I assume things on my own, as usual?

...Of course I can.

Shinki "It's fine. You could just have asked me to follow you. Were you afraid I'd bail out because you were not almost killing me?"

Sakuya "T-That..."

Shinki "Oh, it's totally fine, really. My arm's got a splintered bone now, my back kind of hurts from being dragged all the way here and I'm not all that in perfect condition to be in a kitchen, but at least I didn't escape. It's all right."

Sakuya "I'm... T-That is... True. Forgive me, I have no idea what went wrong with me. ...But you still owe me a proof that you are a better cook than me. I will not accept your claim. Never."

Wow. That is jealousy of an ability you only heard about now.

That is quite creepy.

Shinki "This Shinki does not quite remember mentioning that he was a better cook."

Sakuya "...That's... Also true."

I can see you growing more and more uncomfortable.

Ah, yes. Payback.

Still, payback only gets enjoyment until they go so far.

Shinki "But you already asked me to forgive you for this, so I will. I don't hold onto things that already happened. ...At least not if the offense was something this insignificant."

Sakuya "Ah! ...Thank you."

...You just reminded me of a puppy. And I do not say this with the intent to offend.

You are a fine lass.

Shinki "So I take it I will cook my own reception buffet? You won't even aid me?"

Sakuya "Of... Of course I will! ...We... I... I mean..."

Shying off now, are we?

Allow me to take the lead, then.

Shinki "What do we have? Meat, mass, vegetables? Fish, cheese... ...We can split the chores between us. You make half, and I do the rest. How about that?"

Sakuya "...That sounds ideal."

Awesome.

And with a synchronized nod, we begin preparing the food.

And we start, quite rapidly, might I add.

When we picked the ingredients up, Sakuya explicitly told me to stay away from the masses. So I'm to take care of the salad and meat instead – I have the feeling that even as embarrassed as she is, she is still leaving the bigger portion to me.

Fair enough. If a challenge is what your main idea is, then a challenge it shalt be.

They have quite a big selection of utensils to work with, most of them I am quite knowledgeable of. As I separate them around as I will use them, I can notice she looking at me with the corner of the eye with interest.

Hm.

Sakuya "You seem quite enthusiastic about this."

Shinki "Ah? Maybe I am, a little. I was just realizing how big this kitchen is."

Sakuya "Are you uncomfortable with such?"

Shinki "Not really. I used to cook in a palace before, though I wasn't its master. This place is nearly as large as that one was, so this is quite comforting."

Progression with the preparations of the food continue quickly as we talk.

Seems like our bodies act on their own as our hands cut and spice what we can.

Sakuya "A palace? Such luxury does not come easily. I believed you had nowhere to call home before Gensokyo."

Shinki "I didn't. Even though I 'lived' in the palace for a few years, I was hardly welcomed there so it's the same as not having a home."

Sakuya "Living somewhere does not make it your home by default?"

Shinki "Define living. I was nearly a parasite – the only thing keeping me from leaving was the few people that actually needed my presence there. At least the messengers proved to be a more reliable source of interest..."

Sakuya "Messengers? Was the palace an important enough locale?"

Shinki "The Dragon Palace? That place that people think is in the bottom of the sea, when it actually is floating in the thunderclouds? A separate gateway of its own, that is. Whoever designed such a thing was hammered, or maybe as drunk as they like."

Sakuya "...Forgive me, but... This I find slightly difficult to believe in. Isn't the Dragon Palace where... The Dragons live?"

Shinki "Yes."

You must have received a shock upon listening to such news.

Gensokyo have never seen Dragons, then.

Wonderful.

Sakuya "So... They still live?"

Shinki "You don't want to meet one. Ever."

I can see by your expression that you are mentally noting that.

Yes. That is for the best.

After what seemed like minutes, we are finally done.

With the help of the fairy maids, all of the food has been served already. Sakuya have not spoken much when we were halfway through it, I wonder why.

Oh well.

Fairy Maid "Lady Remilia has asked for your presences, head maid, young master."

Young master?

Shinki "BRRRR~"

T-The pure mentioning of such thing to me just made my blood chill out of my eye sockets!

Fairy Maid "Please come, the dinner table is ready."

Shinki "Ah! Of... Of course! Come, Sakuya."

Sakuya "...This proves nothing."

What are you talking about, woman?

Stop creeping me out, will you?

[Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion's Dining Hall]

And we arrive by the enormous dining hall.

Really, this place is so big you'd think it is half the size of this mansion, as if looked from the outside!

The table that the girls are sitting by is also quite big, rather comfortably accommodating Alice, Patchouli, Meiling and Remilia. They seem to be... Not as impatient for food as I first imagined.

Shinki "Sorry it took as long as it did. Then again, I'm not sure how long it took."

Remilia "Ten minutes and thirty-two seconds. I counted it."

...Oh? W-What?

Ten minutes? That can't be right!

Remilia "Allow me to welcome you properly this time. I reckon Sakuya had something important to let clear with you – something so important that it allowed me to show some generosity towards such an act..."

Sakuya "F-Forgive me, Ojou-sama! I will accept any sort of punishment you choose before my selfish behavior!"

That's a bit extreme, you know.

Remilia "Huhuhuh. Fear not, I am simply jesting. Alice explained the situation to me, and please let me know of any moment I actually decided on punishing someone within my manor. I grow ever more curious."

Oh, so you are the benevolent master?

Things seem pretty carefree in here, though. So there are no reasons for me to believe otherwise.

Remilia "Now, can we start eating? This marvelous scent is taunting me so!"

Patchouli "Indeed. I'd wish we could get started by the end of next week."

Oh, getting a little hurried, are we?

Shinki "By the way, it's good to see you too, Patchouli."

Clank

Oh, you hit the table with your knee! That's gotta hurt.

Patchouli "Hm! Yes, I... Forgot to address Remi's main guest. Even when you made half of this... Is that right?"

Shinki "Indeed it is."

Meiling "This looks amazing... I can't believe someone other than Sakuya can cook like this..."

Alice "I must admit I am surprised myself. ...I thought you were only boasting..."

And with a signal from Remilia's hand, I sit next to Meiling while Sakuya sit across from me, next to her master.

Remilia "Well then. Allow me."

And Remilia eats it.

Remilia "...By the unholy name of Dracula, this is... Superb... Sakuya, have you prepared this...?"

Sakuya "...I did not, Ojou-sama."

Remilia "Truly? I have no words... I was not expecting your cooking to be this excellent!"

And now everyone has started eating.

It brings pride to my cooking levels as I see their expressions range from curiosity to delight. OK, I cook well, but clearly they flatter me.

Even if it is flattery, it still makes one feel pride!

Sakuya "...This... Proves... Nothing..."

Meiling "Unumuhum! Mthis isfth phantsthic!"

Alice "Have you not learned not to speak while eating? But indeed, this is fantastic."

Patchouli "It is a shame Koakuma cannot experience this. She has been way too absorbed into her schedule..."

Remilia "Yes... I was about to ask you that, Patchy. Have you not released her from her duties so she could rest for a day or two? Is she still working?"

Patchouli "Yes. Ever since the Hivecrawler incident, she has been working non-stop. I would guess she wishes to catalog and add to the memories all about that event. It will drive her mad sooner or later."

Koakuma... Is she the worker of the library? I don't think I had the pleasure of meeting her in person.

Alice "I do not believe you have the rights to tell that to anyone, Unmoving Great Library."

Patchouli "Please keep your mouth full before you address it at me with that which I am already well aware of, Seven-Colored Puppeteer."

Oh, so this is your standard trade of words to each other? I get it.

No wonder the atmosphere is not strange at all.

Maybe except for this strange noise...

...Noise?

…

Yes. It is faint, but I can listen to it...

What is this? Is there something below?

Remilia "Fear not."

…!

W-Was that directed to me?

...I can see the look in your eye. You can listen, too?

Meiling "Fear what, Ojou-sama?"

Remilia "No matter. This is so good, I cannot stop eating... You might ask for a few pointers next time, Sakuya."

Sakuya "This proves nothing, Ojou-sama."

…

Suddenly, I feel the urgent impulse to run back home and hide...