"Aren't you going to explain yourself?"
In the bathroom, under the interrogating glares of Sakuya and Suika, Rin guiltily averted his gaze.
'Last night was all about going wild with Yuugi, then Marisa right after… I totally forgot to clean up the crime scene!'
"Ahem… Had some things on my mind, so I drowned my sorrows. Got a little carried away. When you're feeling down, you need someone to cheer you up! Otherwise, you'll just drown in more sorrow!"
Suika tugged at Rin's sleeve with sparkling eyes, her voice full of sincerity.
"Next time you feel like this—I mean, next time you're troubled. Call me! I'll stay up all night comforting you!"
If she could wallow in a sea of booze all night, she'd die happy. Literally!
She was going to be at the next drinking party, no matter what!
Before she could keep rambling, Sakuya yanked her back, shooting her a disbelieving glare.
'You actually believe his excuses?! Since when does "drowning sorrows" involve wrecking the bathroom with Marisa?! Even Patchouli with her max-level endurance is still unconscious in bed!'
"Please don't do this again. Too much drinking is bad for your health. If something happened, we might not even notice in time." Sakuya's stern tone made Rin nod obediently, thoroughly chastised.
Seeing his remorseful attitude, the head maid sighed and let it go… for now.
As she dragged Suika away, she called back—
"It's clean now. Go bring the little ones for washing up."
"Got it!" Rin cheerfully complied, scooping up the kids and herding them toward the bathroom.
After lining them up on tiny stools, he picked up Remilia first.
"Open wide~"
"Ah—… Mmmph… mmm…"
As the toothbrush invaded her mouth, Remilia mumbled incoherently, still half-asleep.
Even as her head lolled backward, Rin shook her gently, making sure she rinsed before continuing.
Thud.
Next to them, Cirno started tipping over until Rin's leg blocked her fall.
The little ice fairy nuzzled against his calf, then dozed right back off as if nothing happened.
Rin's eye twitched, but he held the awkward pose, wiping Remilia's face while keeping Cirno upright.
"Ugh… Water monster… Stop splashing me… Go splash Patchy…" Remilia swatted weakly, squirming in his arms.
"Hold still, or you'll fall!"
"Mmmph…"
Just as he struggled to keep her steady, something soft and fluffy brushed against his back.
"Let me help." Ran's gentle voice drifted into his ear as she took Remilia from him.
"Thanks."
"It's fine. I dealt with this all the time raising Chen."
With a soothing lullaby, she rocked Remilia until the little vampire calmed down, letting Ran wipe her face without protest.
'Some people just have the magic touch…' Rin marveled before turning to prop up Cirno against Rumia again, then picking up Flandre.
Compared to her sister, Flandre was surprisingly well-behaved, obediently opening her mouth for brushing.
Ran glanced at the mirror reflection. Rin holding Flandre, Remilia in her arms and her cheeks pinked slightly at the domestic scene.
Until—
Thump.
A certain ageless shrine maiden plopped onto a stool, yawning widely.
Both Rin and Ran's faces darkened instantly.
"…Was she like this at home too?"
"No. Normally, she wouldn't even get out of bed at this hour."
"This is historic progress for her."
"You've really had your hands full with this family, huh?" Rin sweatdropped, finishing Flandre's routine before taking Remilia back and carrying both girls out.
Meanwhile, Ran stared at Yukari, who was holding her arms out like a child.
"…You're older than this country. Wash yourself."
"Oya~? But back home, you always—"
"Back home, you never got up to begin with!"
"Tch." Yukari pouted, but Ran shoved a toothbrush into her hands and turned to tend to Daiyousei instead.
Abandoned, Yukari slumped over the sink, squeezing toothpaste with zero enthusiasm.
Back in the living room, Rin settled the vampire sisters just as the shrine maiden brought out breakfast.
"I wasn't sure what you usually eat, so I made a bit of everything."
"No worries, we're not picky."
Rin's stomach growled as he shoved a meat bun into Remilia's mouth.
"Wake up. Breakfast."
"Mmm… Five more minutes…"
Despite her protests, Remilia nibbled drowsily, while Momiji pushed a steamer of dumplings toward Momo.
The shrine maiden lifted Reimu upright, holding a bowl of ochazuke.
"Your favorite. Eat while it's hot."
"Mmm… Feed me~" Reimu nuzzled into her lap, eyes still shut.
With an amused sigh, the shrine maiden pinched her cheek but obliged, mixing the rice and tea.
"Open."
"Ah~… munch…" Reimu chewed lazily, savoring the fish and rice, then stretched luxuriously—
Only to be yanked back before she could flop onto her mom's legs.
"No lying down."
"Ehh~" Pouting, Reimu sat up properly, and the room settled into a warm, breakfast-filled harmony.
Meanwhile, in another part of the house. Suika ambushed Marisa the second she stepped out.
"So? How'd it go?"
"Huh?"
"You know, whispering in his ear, helping me get that guard position!" Marisa's face froze.
Oh. Right. That. Last night's "activities" had been so intense, she'd completely forgotten her mission!
"......"
Her gaze darted away guiltily.
She'd failed.