Chapter 19
As we walked through the forest they explained to me what a fairy is. Fairies usually pull pranks on people. That's what Dai, Lily, and Cirno are, fairies. Dai doesn't like pulling pranks, which made me feel more safe around her. We ended up stopping near a river and parted ways. The mansion was in sight so I didn't feel lost while finding my way. When I arrived Hong Meiling was asleep. I gently shook her and asked "Miss Meiling … may I come in?" Meiling woke up shocked. She apologizes and opens the gate. Sakuya was waiting and welcomed me. I bowed and thanked her . She led me through a series of floors and doors to the point where I couldn't keep track of where I was. I then apologize sheepishly looking down "I'm sorry… I thought you'll be mad at me for what I said before". Sakuya stopped and then turned around, facing me. She had a gentle look to her. I thought to myself did she always seem this approachable? Or was it because I only saw her fight, I didn't see her as her? Sakuya then said "there's nothing you need to apologize for. If you still feel like you own me…" she paused to think and continue " you could work even hard for the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Just make sure you don't overdo it.". That made me feel more relieved. I nodded and we continued. We arrived at the room where Remilia was in. She had a cup of tea in her hand while staring out the window. She said " Welcome Hibiki, you've arrived early" I apologized. She then said " there's no need to apologize. Being early is better than late and since this will be your first day you can take the time to get used to this place. That being said you still have to get into a uniform. Sakuya can you assist her with that?". Sakuya did a strange bow and said "Of course my lady" then she took me to a closet with a bunch of clothes. She helped me try on the uniforms, being maid outfits, on until we found the right size. I was given 3 blue, 2 green, and 2 pink. They were similar to Sakuya by design but the skirt is long enough to cover my ankles. Then Sakuya dropped me off at the library and told me that this is where I'll be working from now on. I opened the doors and Koakuma bowed and greeted me and I did the same. We then went to Patchouli. She said "Hello Hibiki, You'll be helping me and Koakuma tidy up the library. Koakuma, can you show her a tour?" Koakuma gave Patchouli a salute and said happily "You got it!". She then showed me all of the library. Which had massive bookshelves that span the entire library. This was pretty much the entire floor. Aside from the bedrooms and storage the rest of the floor was a library. Koakuma goes on to show me the different sections of the library. Though there were a lot of books that seemed to be missing in some sections that looked empty. I remember that Marisa would borrow books from here so I guess that's why. Koakuma explained that my job is to help her put the books in the correct spot. After the tour Koakuma dropped me off with Patchouli and went to make tea. I asked Patchouli "Um… Thank you for letting me stay… but can I ask why?". She Then said "It was Remilia's idea to make you stay here. She said it would be a good idea if you travel around Gensokyo and befriend as many people as you can." I just nodded. I wasn't sure why this would be a good idea. I'm not against it but why? Koakuma broke the silence by offering Patchouli tea and she poured me hot cocoa. I asked Koakuma how she knows that I don't like tea. Patchouli answered "Well it's because you didn't drink your tea at the tea party we had, but when I had Koakuma give you hot chocolate instead you drank all of it.". Koakuma whispers to Patchouli "are you sure you want to tell her all that? Forgive me but you kinda sound like a stalker". I overheard the conversation but before I could say anything Patchouli answered her "I'm sure you're the only one who is thinking that. Right, Hibiki?" I wasn't prepared to be dragged into this conversation " Umm… ya. Thank you for worrying about me Koakuma." That sounded a lot better in my head, I thought. Koakuma just laughed it off and joined us.After that it was night time at least for me. I normally go to bed around 9 but it's already 10. I asked both of them "... I'm sorry to ask but…where should I sleep?" Patchouli told me that there's nothing I need to apologize for and asked Koakuma if she could show me to the bedroom. She smiled and said "Of course" before grabbing me by the hand and taking me to my room. Patchouli pondered on her thoughts before smiling and having another slip of tea. I wasn't close enough to notice. The bedroom was the same room I slept in last time I was here. Before I got into bed Koakuma asked "Um.. Do you have any pajamas?" I shook my head. After Koakuma picked some out for me I wore them, and then went to bed. I was tired and exhausted so I fell asleep before Koakuma left the room. The way I sleep is kinda weird. I curl up into a ball while hugging the pillow. Koakuma saw this and giggled a bit. She then went out and stood next to Patchouli. Picking up all of our finished cups she asked Patchouli " is there something on your mind?" Patchouli looked up and put a finger on her chin and said jokingly " I was thinking I should dock your pay for running and shouting in the library" Koakuma whined saying "Awww No Fair!".
