Plop—plop—
Watching the Wasted Dreams being dragged out from under the bed by Rin, Yuugi finally couldn't hold back anymore, and her tears fell like tiny pearls.
The grief of losing a beloved cow surged in her heart as she collapsed weakly to the ground.
Even though her will was as unbreakable as steel, why couldn't she withstand this suffocating heartache?
"Boss, please don't! Boss, spare me! I can't live without it. How am I supposed to go on like this?!"
Seeing Rin about to leave with the bronze gift box in hand, Yuugi let out a loud wail and clung to his leg.
She had already gotten her hands on it and had even been about to take a sip—only to have it snatched away at the last moment.
Who could bear such a thing?!
Yet Rin remained unmoved, inching step by step toward the door.
"If you keep howling like this and Suika notices, not only will you lose your chance at Yuyuko, but you'll also lose your eligibility for the competition," Rin warned.
The threat instantly silenced Yuugi.
But she still stared pitifully at the bronze box, her grip unrelenting. She just couldn't let go!
This was the closest she had ever been to the liquor. If she missed this chance, who knew how long she'd have to wait for the next opportunity?!
Seeing her desperate expression, Rin raised an eyebrow and asked tentatively—
"You really want it that badly?"
*Nod nod nod nod.
Yuugi nodded frantically, her eyes sparkling with hope.
"It's not entirely impossible..."
"Woo!!"
"But are you prepared to face the price?"
Yuugi's voice caught in her throat. Under Rin's dangerously hungry gaze, she felt a chill run down her spine.
Memories of Marisa and Patchouli being toyed with until they were utterly disheveled flashed through her mind, and her face flushed crimson.
Marisa was, after all, still human. Patchouli was frail, so the boss had to hold back somewhat.
But Yuugi was an oni—healthy, strong, and with far greater endurance than either of them.
If things escalated, the aftermath could be catastrophic. If she lost control even once, she'd never be able to face anyone again!
Instinctively, she wanted to retreat. But the intoxicating aroma wafting from the box made her waver just a little.
Before she could agonize further, Rin lightly chopped her on the head—
"What nonsense are you thinking? I'm a man of principle and proper procedure when it comes to emotions. I don't cross lines."
"I'm all about pure love but don't mistake me for some kind of pervert."
"Uwah, Boss, saying that is about as believable as Suika swearing off alcohol! Eek—wait, don't go! I take it back!"
"I'll believe whatever you say!!"
Seeing Rin about to leave again, Yuugi immediately straightened up and asked eagerly—
"So, Boss, what do you need me to do?"
"It's actually very simple..."
As Rin leaned down and whispered into Yuugi's ear, her already flushed face turned so red it looked like it might drip blood.
Though still unbearably embarrassed, compared to Marisa's "devoured clean" situation, this was far more acceptable.
"You... really promise you won't do anything weird?"
"Don't worry—I'm a man of my word."
Rin swore solemnly. He never took advantage of others.
...Unless, of course, someone provoked him recklessly. That was a different story.
"It'll... only last until... the inspection is over?"
"Correct."
"Don't tell Suika."
"Deal."
When Yuugi finally nodded hesitantly, Rin couldn't help but reveal a kind smile.
The fish had taken the bait.
As the bronze box was returned to her hands, Yuugi finally let out a sigh of relief.
She'd gotten it! Fair and square!
But now that she'd earned the liquor through her own efforts, did that mean she didn't have to worry about Patchouli's task anymore?
Realizing this, she promptly tossed Patchouli's request to the back of her mind.
"Hide it well. If Suika finds it and steals it, even I won't be able to save you."
"Of course, of course!"
Yuugi shook her head vigorously, quickly rewrapping the box in several more layers before hiding it under the floorboards beneath her bed again.
Still uneasy, she dug out a few jars of wine from her cabinet and opened them to further mask the scent.
Watching her busy figure, Rin didn't disturb her further. As he headed for the door, he called out—
"I'll get going now. Don't forget tonight's arrangement." Yuugi stiffened but still gave an awkward nod.
When Rin returned to the kitchen, he found Suika had followed Sakuya inside.
The petite oni stood on a small stool, diligently shaping beef meatballs.
"Heya, Boss!" Suika greeted him cheerfully, never pausing in her work.
Her earnest attitude made her seem like the shop's model employee.
"Suika, you're a real hard worker." Rin patted her little head with genuine admiration.
...Too bad Yuugi was already racing ahead in the competition.
But the oblivious Suika took his words as high praise, her face lighting up with an innocent, pure smile.
Rin's conscience twinged slightly.
When he glanced away, he met Sakuya's knowing gaze.
She seemed to see right through his guilt, but after rolling her eyes, she said nothing and went back to stirring the pot.
Relieved, Rin ruffled Suika's hair again—
"Keep it up. I have high hopes for you."
"Woo!!!" Suika responded with fiery enthusiasm.
But as she kept shaping the meatballs, something suddenly struck her, and her eyes sharpened.
Wait a minute… If she was working this hard, why was Yuugi being so quiet?
There was no way Yuugi would miss a chance to show off....Was she plotting something else?
A deep unease settled in Suika's heart as she glanced repeatedly at Rin, who had started washing vegetables.
It seemed she couldn't rely on work performance alone. To secure her victory, she'd have to make moves on another front.
For example—Marisa!
Since she'd already been "taken down" so many times, all it'd take was a little alcohol and some teasing to get her to try something bold.
Once the boss was swayed by her pillow talk, wouldn't the guard position be as good as hers?