"Pew-pew-pew—"
The cheerful sound of a bubble gun echoed at the entrance of the grocery store.
Countless bubbles, shimmering with dreamy hues, floated through the air, instantly drawing gasps of admiration from a group of little fairies and youkai.
Remilia stood proudly on the steps, basking in their awed gazes with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Flandre and Chen moved cheerfully around her, gleefully popping the bubbles, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Yukari Yakumo, lounging in a rocking chair, watched the little ones darting around in joy. An indescribable sense of comfort and relaxation washed over her, and she squinted her eyes contentedly.
'Truly, this leisurely and peaceful life was exactly what suited her best. If she could pair it with some top-quality sake, she could happily laze around here all day. Too bad the shopkeeper was being annoyingly vigilant…'
"Reimu, Reimu! Reimu, where are you?" Yukari called out impatiently, but no red-and-white figure answered her.
Instead, it was Momiji, who happened to be passing by while restocking, who replied—
"Reimu couldn't find Aya, so she went back to the shrine to pick someone up."
"Oh? Guess I should get ready to head out too, then."
Yukari muttered to herself, wondering how things were going on at Ran's end.
As she slipped halfway into a gap, the newly renovated Yakumo residence gradually came into view.
She had to admit—Ran's work ethic was truly commendable. The entire new home had been decorated with elegant simplicity.
However, after spending so much time at the grocery store, Yukari couldn't help but feel that her own home lacked a certain warmth and liveliness, instead carrying a faint air of coldness.
Sighing inexplicably, she began searching the house for Ran.
When she finally reached the bedroom, she found her freshly bathed, carefully drying her damp nine fox tails with a conflicted expression.
After some internal debate, Ran had decided she would accompany Yukari after all.
Of course, she was only going to lend some support—absolutely not to partake in any sinful threesome activities!
Such forbidden behavior was simply too far beyond the line!
"Ran~ How's the prep going? It's about time~" Yukari asked with a smile, picking up a towel to help dry the fox tails.
"No need to bathe so early, you know. The shopkeeper's place has a hot spring—we can relax there tonight."
"It's a formal visit, so proper etiquette is necessary."
At the mention of a hot spring, Ran's fluffy fox ears perked up instantly, but she maintained a serious tone.
More importantly, if she went to the hot spring with Yukari-sama, who knew if an extra person might join them midway? For safety's sake, it was better to take care of all unnecessary business at home first.
Still visibly nervous, Ran hesitated before cautiously asking—
"Yukari-sama, will… that silver-haired maid be there too?"
"You mean Sakuya? Of course, she's helping prepare tonight's banquet."
"Quite a few people will be coming—it'll be lively."
"Quite a few people?!"
'Would that golden-haired girl who sneaked around under the guise of a business trip be there too?!' Ran's expression instantly darkened.
The original, the sneaky cat, and the cuckold—all gathered in one place?! This was bound to turn into a brutal bloodbath!
Before she could retreat and dissuade Yukari, the latter had already tossed a set of clothes at her—
"Alright, your tails are dry. Hurry up and change, we're heading out soon."
"Oh, right! What about those treasures I collected? Might as well bring some as gifts."
"They're all piled up in the basement storage. There's too much to sort through and I was planning to organize them later."
"I'll go take a look~" With that, Yukari vanished into a gap, leaving Ran behind.
Ran let out a long sigh, her heart pounding nervously as she dressed.
'Will they end up fighting later?'
Before she could continue imagining the horrifying scene of hair-pulling and brawling, Yukari soon returned, carrying a small gift box.
Seeing Ran fully dressed, she gave her a once-over, nodded in satisfaction, and said—
"Let's go. If we head over early, we can help look after the kids. The little ones at the shop are quite rowdy."
"Y-Yukari-sama! Maybe we should reconsid—"
Before Ran could finish, Yukari grinned and waved her hand.
A gap instantly swallowed them both. By the time Ran regained her senses, they were already inside the grocery store.
Her entire body tensed up instantly, her fluffy nine tails slightly bristling.
She wasn't mentally prepared yet!!
"Ran-sama~!"
Just then, a familiar, cheerful voice rang out from the entrance.
Chen came flying into Ran's arms, nuzzling against her, instantly easing some of her tension.
Thank goodness… At least there's one normal family member here. That's a bit reassuring.
At the same time, she felt multiple gazes locking onto her.
Turning her head, she saw Remilia, Flandre, Cirno, and the other little ones gathered around, staring eagerly at her fluffy fox tails.
"Can I touch them?" Remilia asked tentatively, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and curiosity.
If it were just one tail, she might have been able to resist—but there were nine!
And all of them were so fluffy and glossy! Who could possibly refuse?!
Ran smiled gently, flicking the tip of her tail to brush against Remilia's adorable little face.
"Wooow!!!"
With Ran's permission, the children excitedly clung to her nine tails, rubbing their faces against them with pure delight.
As expected, Ran's always been popular with kids~
Watching her blend in so effortlessly with the little ones, Yukari nodded in satisfaction.
She could already picture the heartwarming scene of the shopkeeper and Ran raising children together after marriage!
Just then, a familiar voice chimed in from outside the store—
"Mom, I'm serious—the tea here is amazing."
"That jar you confiscated from me before was bought here. It's affordable and just as good as the expensive stuff we've had before."
"I've even tried the pricier ones—the fragrance lingers all day."
"Next time Marisa does something stupid again, I'll take you to try some more. We'll just put it on her tab."
"..."
Marisa, who had been peeling garlic at the counter, paused, giving the two shrine maidens walking in a deeply skeptical look.
'What kind of nonsense was Reimu spouting?!'
Did she really think Marisa was the type to forget pain the moment the wound healed?!