As night fell, Meiling, Patchouli, Shun, Sakuya, and I set out for the festivities. My little sister, Flandre, had chosen to stay behind as she was already tucked in for the night.
The festival grounds were alive with vibrant lights and cheerful laughter. As I glanced around, I spotted familiar faces in the crowd, all immersed in the joyous atmosphere.
My attention was soon drawn to Shun and Sakuya, who seemed to be having a blast at one of the stalls. I watched them from a distance, a warm smile tugging at my lips.
"This isn't too bad after all," I murmured to myself, a sense of contentment settling over me.
Turning to Patchouli, who was standing nearby, I suggested, "How about we find a quieter spot?"
Patchouli's response was a nod, and we made our way to a slightly secluded area. Settling onto a bench, we took a moment to enjoy the serenity away from the bustling festival.
In the quietude, I found myself reflecting. "You know, Patchy, I've been wondering... Do you have feelings for Shun?"
Her reaction was immediate, a cough escaping her as she looked at me with wide eyes. "R-Remi, where did that come from all of a sudden?"
I grinned playfully, propping my chin on my hand. "Oh, just curious, you know."
Her flustered response only fueled my amusement. "And what if I do?"
As she hid her face behind a book, her cheeks tinged with pink, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I thought so."
"But Remi... Suddenly asking such a question... It's surprising."
"Why surprising?"
"Usually, You should already know by now... But... what about you Remi? Do you like Shun?"
I paused for a moment, letting her question settle in. "I do, but as my butler~"
Her response came in the form of a deep sigh. "Remi, Stop dodging the question."
"But it's the truth though?"
She sighed even deeper, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Let's say, hypothetically, that you and Shun did become... l-lovers."
My grin widened at her momentary stumble. "Ah, but you're stuttering now. That's quite the hypothetical scenario you're painting."
"S-Shut up," she retorted, her embarrassment clear. "Anyway, imagine a scenario where you and Shun were in a romantic relationship."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the direction of her thoughts. "Imagine what?"
"Imagine a scenario where you and Shun became... well, more than just employer and butler."
"Hm? But how? Why would a butler of mine become my lover?"
Her uncertainty made her voice waver. "I... don't know?"
I couldn't resist a playful smile. "That's what I thought... but let's put these musings aside for now. We should find the others."
With a nod, I turned away from our conversation and scanned the surroundings. Just as I was about to take a step, Marisa and Alice approached us.
"Yo~☆" Marisa greeted with her signature grin. "If it isn't Patchouli and Remilia."
"Good evening," Alice added, her smile warm.
"Good timing. You two... Why don't you keep Patchouli company? I'll go find the three."
"Sure thing, By the way, Patchouli, Did you know that Marisa exploded one of my dolls, turning it to ashes?!"
"I-It was a complete accident!"
I subtly stepped back and began making my way through the crowd. My eyes scanned the festival grounds, trying to catch a glimpse of the trio I was searching for.
"Where are those two?"
As I combed through the bustling crowd, I soon spotted Shun strolling along amid the festivities. A small smile tugged at my lips; it seemed luck was on my side.
But my intrigue quickly deepened when I noticed Shun's peculiar company - Suwako Moriya, the goddess herself, had a hold of his arm and seemed to be leading him somewhere.
"Hm?" I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
I descended further, allowing myself to merge seamlessly with the crowd as I discreetly followed their path.
What business did that brat have with Shun?
My thoughts raced as I tracked their movements.
But then, just as I was closing in, I noticed Suwako glancing my way, a sly smile dancing on her lips as our eyes briefly met.
"That brat..." I muttered under my breath, my irritation rising. I quickened my pace, burning in my gaze as I moved to intercept them.
But before I could reach them, both Shun and Suwako vanished from sight, leaving me surrounded by festival-goers instead.
"Huh? Where did they..." I glanced around in bewilderment, frustration gnawing at me.
Where on earth had that little troublemaker taken Shun?
As the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, I knew exactly where I needed to go. Without hesitation, I made my way toward the Moriya Shrine
"What is the meaning of this?" My voice was sharp, a cold glare directed at the trio responsible for his sudden disappearance.
Kanako, Suwako, and Sanae all turned their attention to me, their expressions ranging from nonchalant to curious.
The trio turned to me, Kanako offering a nonchalant smile. "Oh? The vampire... Welcome. My apologies for briefly borrowing your butler."
My eyes narrowed as I took a step closer, the red glow within them intensifying. "I said, 'What is the meaning of this?'"
The deity leaned against a shrine structure, her demeanor casual but her eyes keen. "Well, we were simply intrigued by the rumors of this exceptional butler of yours."
"Exceptional butler, you say? Are you implying that gives you the right to take what belongs to me?"
Kanako's tone shifted her words carrying a weight of intention. "Oh? Don't mistake our curiosity for ill intentions. Besides, he might be well-suited for a future role, don't you think? Say, as a capable overseer of the Moriya Shrine... if he were to marry Sanae."
My control wavered, and my fists clenched at the mere suggestion. "Do not jest with me, deity."
But she remained unmoved. "Do I look like I'm jesting to you, Scarlet Devil?"
My patience dwindled, replaced by a surge of intense emotion.
I retrieved my fiery red spear, the flames within it dancing with my anger as I assumed a stance that radiated both power and resolve.
The standoff between us was palpable, each of us locked in a silent confrontation.
"Don't you dare lay a finger on my property."