~Author's Note~
The thing about cuteness is that as nice as it may be, it should always remain optional. Cooing over an ice fairy who just wants to go about her day can be hazardous to your health.
~Clash of Cuteness~
The annual Gensokyo's Cutesiest Youkai contest was underway. Judged by Urumi, Kaguya and Wakasagihime, the contest wasn't without controversy, but it had mostly proven popular.
Aunn entered the repurposed noh stage wearing green mittens. "Woof! Woof!" she barked, doing a begging pose.
"Amazing! Ten points!" gushed Kaguya.
"It's a seven from me," said Wakasagihime.
"You're trying a bit hard, but adorably so. Six points," said Urumi, known to be the harshest judge.
"Have some pride!" Momiji shouted from the audience.
Aunn flipped the bird at her and flounced off.
Next up came Tewi. She pranced onto the stage in a soft pink cardigan and paw-shaped boots. "I'm ever so sweet," she simpered. "I do volunteer work for disadvantaged rabbits, and I love helping my bestest-ever friend Reisen with stuff!"
"Delightful! Ten points!" gushed Kaguya.
"Tewi doth protest too much, methinks. Three points," said Urumi.
"Come on, she's at least worth a seven!" said Wakasagihime, who gave everyone seven points.
Next up, Cirno wandered on stage. Her eyes widened when she saw the audience of several dozen looking at her. "Um, I seem to be lost..."
A ripple of admiration passed through the audience.
"My word," cried Wakasagihime, "she's adorable!"
Cirno's hackles rose. "There's nothing adorable about me! I'm the strongest fairy!"
"Such attitude!" gasped Kaguya. "She's so cute! Ten points!"
"N-no, I'm not cute! I'm not!" insisted Cirno.
"It's a seven from me!" declared Wakasagihime.
"Nine points!" said Urumi. "Cirno is the winner! Congratulations, Cirno, you're the cutesiest youkai in Gensokyo!"
The audience cheered.
"No! I'm not cute! I'm dangerous, I swear! Augh..." Cirno clenched her fists and held back tears.
"What will you do with your prize money, Cirno?" asked Urumi, handing her a cheque for 100,000 yen.
Cirno froze her solid. "Keep it! Buy yourself a hot curry!"