"I can't take it anymore, I'm going crazy! Only able to smell it but not touch it—this is torture!"
Hoshiguma Yuugi clutched her head, her entire body writhing wildly on the ground in a frenzied state.
As she thrashed around her, her originally clean clothes became filthy, making her look rather pitiful for a moment.
Beside her, Ibuki Suika seemed as though her soul had been sucked away, her small face filled with a dazed expression.
They considered mustering the courage to barge in, but the reports in the newspaper were far too horrifying, sending chills down their spines.
Just then, Suika seemed to remember something, her petite body suddenly perking up.
"How about we get someone to buy it for us?"
"Hiss—oh right! But what if the person goes in and gets caught, unable to come back out?"
"Then let's find someone strong enough to escape, like... that one!"
Yuugi followed Suika's pointing finger, and a certain friendly neighborhood shrine maiden passing by immediately came into view.
'''It was the shrine maiden from the newspaper!'''
"The report said she accidentally wandered into the scene but managed to escape unscathed. Her strength must be unfathomable."
"Let's try asking her. At worst, we'll offer some delivery fees and shrine donations!"
"Fine!"
Once the two reached an agreement, they quickly called out to Reimu in the distance.
Reimu, hearing the noise, paused and looked curiously at the two unfamiliar faces before her.
"Can I help you?"
"If you're here for shrine visits or blessings, please head to the Hakurei Shrine."
The two awkwardly scratched their cheeks at her words, hesitating for a moment before explaining their request.
"Could you buy some alcohol for us?"
Reimu's eye twitched. What exactly did these two think a shrine maiden was?
But before she could refuse—
"We'll pay extra for delivery and shrine donations."
"Deal!" Reimu nodded without hesitation.
Though it was strange why they wouldn't buy it themselves, as the Hakurei Shrine maiden, it was her duty to help those in need!
"Which store's alcohol do you want?"
"That general store with the flagpole at the entrance."
"They have this one type of alcohol that smells amazing—you can catch a whiff from far away. That's the one we want."
'Boss Rin's General Goods?' Reimu raised an eyebrow, and upon noticing the newspaper in their hands, she quickly understood. 'So it was that mess caused by the tengu…'
"Alright, wait here for a bit."
"Thank you so much!"
After taking the money, Reimu didn't dawdle, quickening her pace toward the general store.
Originally, she had timed her visit to mooch a meal, but this was an unexpected bonus.
The store must have gotten new alcohol in stock—maybe she could convince Marisa to snag some!
As she approached the general store, the intoxicating aroma the two had mentioned gradually wafted over.
The rich, mellow fragrance instantly awakened her cravings, making her feel almost lightheaded.
By the time she reached the store's entrance and saw the "Closed for Lunch" sign hanging outside, she cheerfully wandered toward the back room.
Perfect timing!
"Boss! I'm back!!" Reimu shouted, basking in the alcohol's scent as she darted into the living room.
The entire room seemed submerged in alcohol, the overwhelming aroma alone enough to make one tipsy after just a few whiffs.
Chen had already succumbed, dozing off groggily next to Yukari Yakumo.
Remilia was holding up slightly better, but only barely—her head was spinning, looking like she could collapse at any moment.
"Perfect timing. Want some?" Rin smirks, shaking the wine glass in his hand.
"Don't mind if I do!" Reimu took the glass and sat down eagerly.
But before she could take a sip, she noticed Patchouli and Marisa staring at their glasses as if facing mortal enemies, refusing to touch them.
"What's up with them?"
"Maybe they're lightweights, afraid they'll start spouting nonsense if they drink too much?"
Reimu blinked at that, but after seeing Yukari calmly take a sip, she confidently brought the glass to her lips.
As the rich, aromatic flavor surged from her tongue throughout her body, a lovely blush immediately spread across her fair cheeks.
"How is it?"
"Amazing! Even better than what Mama let me try before! Another glass!"
"Don't just drink—here, have some skewers to go with it."
"Ooh~ I'll definitely give you a proper blessing later, Owner!"
Watching Reimu alternate between skewers and alcohol so blissfully, Patchouli and Marisa began feeling tempted too.
If they just had a little... surely it'd be fine?
The two exchanged glances before finally giving in to curiosity, cautiously taking a sip.
After savoring the taste for a moment, they immediately lost control and started chugging.
With twice as many test subjects now, Sakuya's spirits lifted.
Now she had references for both "big" and "small." She'd be able to adjust much more precisely later.
Too bad the young mistress was still on guard, sipping very slowly. There was no hope of her drinking enough to pass out.
Otherwise, she'd be the perfect practice target!
Noticing her maid's sinister gaze, Remilia shuddered, her drunkenness fading slightly.
She also tugged at Marisa's sleeve, frantically signaling with her eyes.
'Are you still guzzling?! Don't forget the actual mission!' Marisa paused, slowly processing the reminder before reluctantly putting down her glass.
Just then, Reimu—after five or six glasses—suddenly faceplanted onto the floor, startling everyone.
"Hic~" A soft hiccup escaped her as her eyes grew hazy.
Her fair skin was now thoroughly flushed with drunkenness, like a dessert ready to be devoured, teasing the senses.
"Is her alcohol tolerance is this bad?"
"Probably drank too fast and couldn't handle it. Pour her some mushroom soup to sober up."
"Hey~ Reimu, don't pass out on us."
"One... more glass..." Reimu mumbled incoherently. Though she couldn't get up, her hand kept reaching for the glass.
Once she finally grabbed it, she suddenly froze.
Wait... had she forgotten something?
Her nearly shut-down brain couldn't process it, so she tossed the thought aside.
Drinking comes first!
Meanwhile, back at the village entrance, the duo are still waiting...
"Why isn't she back yet?"
"Did she run off with our money?!"
"Don't be ridiculous. She's a shrine maiden—she wouldn't do something like that."