Chapter 91: Remilia — Outsourcing the Problem to Her Own Maid.
.....
The gruesome scene Remilia Scarlet had imagined—Shinobu being crushed into a bloody pulp—never happened.
Instead, Flandre Scarlet stared blankly at her own palm.
"…Huh?"
She clearly felt it—she had crushed the "eye."
So why… was this person completely unharmed?
"Such a dangerous ability…"
Shinobu Oshino smiled faintly, her golden eyes narrowing with interest.
"But I suppose you're the final piece needed to complete the 'vampire' concept… how fascinating."
Flandre froze.
Then—like a startled animal—she darted behind her sister's throne, peeking out with wary, crimson eyes.
Yet despite her fear, her gaze remained glued to Kiharai.
"Shinobu… you can ignore Flandre's ability?"
"Of course not," Shinobu replied proudly, puffing out her chest.
"I simply used a few tricks unique to a True Ancestor to temporarily seal it. Impressive, right? Go on—praise me. Head pats, now."
"Yes, yes. You did great."
Kiharai chuckled and gently patted her head.
That was the last straw.
Seeing her favorite "toy" being claimed by someone else, Flandre let out a sharp, piercing cry.
"EEEEEK!!"
She lunged forward, shoving Shinobu aside and burying herself into Kiharai's arms, glaring fiercely like an angry kitten.
"Big brother is my toy! You're not allowed near him!"
Shinobu tilted her head.
"…Would you want to be someone else's toy?"
"O-Of course not!"
"Then why would you expect my master to accept that role for you?"
"Uu…"
Flandre's lips trembled.
Her eyes welled up with tears.
"But… I just… really like him…"
A sly smile spread across Shinobu's face.
"Then simply change your role. You could be his pet… his fiancée… his girlfriend… even a plush toy—"
"Enough!"
Remilia slammed her fist against the armrest.
"Even as a True Ancestor, you will not insult the dignity of the Scarlet family!"
"Shinobu, that's enough."
"Understood~"
Shinobu clasped her hands behind her back, grinning as she fell silent.
Kiharai gently stroked Flandre's soft golden hair before looking up.
"Lady Remilia… despite all the misunderstandings and accidents between us, most of it was caused by Yukari Yakumo. Personally, I've always treated you and the Scarlet Devil Mansion with respect."
And he wasn't wrong.
Whether it was offering gifts at banquets or dealing with trouble while fishing, he had always remained polite.
Remilia's expression softened slightly.
"…I know. But your attempt to 'lure' Flandre still isn't something I can just ignore."
"How about this?"
Kiharai smiled.
"I'll have Shinobu help seal Flandre's uncontrollable 'eye,' so you two can finally live together again."
Remilia froze.
Then—without hesitation—she nodded.
"…Very well. If you can truly do that, then all past grievances are forgiven."
For someone who adored her little sister as deeply as she did, there was no greater wish.
After all, Flandre had been locked away for centuries—not out of cruelty, but necessity.
No one could peacefully coexist with someone who could crush them at any moment.
"Additionally," Kiharai continued,
"I can also help eliminate your vampire weaknesses. In return, I'd like to establish friendly relations with the Scarlet Devil Mansion—and meet Patchouli Knowledge. I have something I want to give her personally."
"…That's hardly an excessive request."
Remilia nodded again.
"In fact, we're the ones benefiting here."
She straightened, her noble bearing returning.
"From this day forward, you are an honored guest of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. If any youkai trouble you, you may invoke our name."
"Thank you."
Kiharai smiled.
This was far beyond what he had expected.
Originally, he had planned to build relations slowly—but Shinobu's appearance had accelerated everything.
Maybe I should bring more donuts tomorrow, he thought.
"Shinobu, how exactly do we cure their weaknesses?"
Her answer stunned everyone.
"It's simple."
She grinned.
"They just need to drink your blood."
"…My blood is that special?"
"No. What's special is their mixed physiology—vampire and something else…"
She glanced meaningfully at Remilia, who looked slightly uncomfortable.
"…Since you and I share the same origin, your blood can help them evolve and overcome their weaknesses."
Kiharai didn't say it out loud but a certain race came to mind.
"…If that's the method," Remilia said slowly,
"then we'll have to trouble you again… Kiharai."
"It's not a problem. But only once a week. I won't be able to function properly if I'm constantly anemic."
"That's acceptable. During recovery, you may rest here. Sakuya Izayoi and the others will take care of you."
With that settled—
Shinobu quickly sealed Flandre's unstable "eye."
At first, Flandre felt uneasy…
But the moment she realized she no longer had to stay locked in the basement—and could freely play with Kiharai.
she instantly forgot her worries.
Soon after—
Kiharai lay back in a soft reclining chair prepared by Sakuya.
On either side stood Remilia and Flandre.
The sweet scent drifting from him stirred their instincts.
"…Let's begin."
Flandre moved first.
She opened her small mouth and bit into his neck.
Remilia hesitated for a brief moment—then gently bit into his arm.
Kiharai closed his eyes.
He could feel the softness of their lips and the unavoidable reaction that came with being bitten.
"…?"
Remilia blinked, noticing something off.
"Sakuya. What is this reaction?"
Sakuya froze for half a second—then immediately grabbed a blanket and covered Kihara's lower body.
"…Lady Remilia. This is… a natural reaction unique to human males. There is no need for concern."
"…I see."
Remilia nodded thoughtfully.
"You seem quite knowledgeable about this."
"Yes!"
"Excellent."
She looked utterly satisfied.
Then, with complete confidence, she issued her next order:
"In that case—Sakuya, you will be responsible for handling this 'reaction' in the future."
"…Understood."
And just like that—
the ever-loyal maid had been pushed into yet another unreasonable responsibility.
....
Thank you for reading.