Just as Grin finally fumbled his way to the zipper of the maid outfit, preparing to open the most mysterious treasure chest of his life...
An old, raspy voice suddenly crept out from the shadows of the church altar:
"Young people, do you want to join a cult?"
"Holy crap!"
Grin was so startled he jolted, subconsciously reaching out to pull Rem's slender waist and flipping over to shield her protectively beneath him.
Rem's cheeks instantly flushed a deep red as she hurriedly raised her hands to gather her messy collar, her fingertips trembling.
Darn it, why is there always someone getting in the way of Rem's happiness?
By the time Rem had flusteredly tidied her hem, Grin was already seething with rage.
He strode up to the altar in a few steps, grabbed the old man's collar, and lifted his thin body off the ground.
"You old geezer, whether we join a cult or not has nothing to do with you! I think you're just looking for trouble and are too shy to say it. If I don't beat your pension out of you today, my name isn't Grin!"
The old man was wearing a faded black robe with frayed cuffs; he appeared to be the priest of this church.
He trembled at Grin's ferocious appearance, kicking his legs as he hurriedly explained: "You've misunderstood! I was asking if you wanted to join the faith!"
Grin's fury was instantly extinguished as if doused by a bucket of ice water. His mouth twitched uncontrollably, and the anger on his face collapsed into an expression of awkwardness.
He quickly set the Old Priest down, even diligently helping him pat the wrinkles out of his black robe, clearing his throat to smooth things over.
"Ahem... So you meant the faith. Faith is good, faith is good..."
Upon hearing this, the previously trembling Old Priest's eyes erupted with a startling light.
His back stopped aching, his legs stopped hurting, and his previous cowardice was swept away: "So, you're interested in joining?"
The old fellow produced a worn-out book from who-knows-where, flipped it open, and showed it to Grin.
"Our Church of Abundance worships the Nameless Forest Goddess. Young man, if you're willing to join, I'll make you the Vice Bishop immediately."
Grin glanced at the tattered scripture that looked like it was about to fall apart and said disdainfully, "This crappy church of yours... you're the only member, aren't you?"
"H-how could that be?"
The Old Priest's face turned red as he argued back vehemently.
"This church still has over ten members! It's just that they've all gone back to farming, but everyone comes here to pray every Jing'an Day."
"Tsk tsk, how pitiful. Here's some money, go wander around outside for two hours and vacate this place for me."
Grin stuffed a few gold coins into the Old Priest's hand, impatiently pushing him toward the exit.
"Wait a minute, young man, think about it. If you want, you can even be the Head Bishop! As long as you worship the Forest Goddess, you'll surely have a bountiful harvest next year!"
"I'm begging you, just get out already..."
...After driving the Old Priest away, Grin finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He carefully checked the surroundings of the church, and after confirming no one else was there, he sat back down beside Rem.
"Rem baby, let me have another kiss..."
Rem raised her hand and gently pushed back, blocking Grin's puckered lips.
She had already snapped out of her dazed state, and the sudden appearance of the Old Priest had left her with lingering fears.
"Green-kun, let's not do it here. Rem is worried..."
Grin took a deep breath, suppressing the wicked fire in his heart, and reached out to ruffle Rem's hair.
"Mm, I'll listen to you."
Rem leaned gently against Grin's chest, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, an uneasy look flashing in her eyes.
"Green-kun, what do you think we are now?"
"I guess you're just unlucky..."
"Huh?" Rem looked up sharply, shocked and incredulous.
"Just kidding, baby." Grin pressed Rem back into his embrace, rubbing his chin against her hair.
"I once read a sentence in a book: a good impression is liking, and if that liking can withstand the test of time, then it is love.
As for what we are, I will use my actions to answer you..."
Rem was touched, but she still dissatisfiedly gave Grin's thigh a light punch, saying in a coquettish tone, "No, Rem wants to hear it now."
Grin leaned down and whispered into Rem's flushed ear, "Rem, you are my future wife."
*Creak—*
The church door was pushed open a crack, and the Old Priest's head slowly poked in with a fawning expression: "Then do you need a wedding officiant? I'm a really good singer."
"For f***'s sake, can you just beat it already!"
Grin suddenly exploded, grabbing a handful of gold coins and hurling them at the Old Priest.
"Ouch, my face!"
The Old Priest quickly closed the door to shield himself.
Once the gold coins had all finished landing with a 'clink-clank', he immediately pushed the door open again, crawling on the ground to quickly scoop the coins into his pocket one by one.
This 'tip' from Grin, his top donor, was worth several years of the church's income.
Rem quickly held back the impulsive Grin, soothing his temper.
"Green-kun, you can't hit the elderly... Let's just leave this place."
"I really can't stay here another second."
Grin carried his many bags and led Rem out of the church in a huff.
The Old Priest hurriedly chased after them, shouting loudly.
"When you get married, please be sure to consider our Church of Abundance! The Forest Goddess will surely bless your love!"
...The sky had gradually darkened, and lights were beginning to flicker on along the streets.
Having received Grin's answer, Rem was no longer satisfied with just holding hands; she hugged Grin's arm tightly against her chest.
The two of them walked down the street pressed together like a couple in the heat of passion.
Feeling the soft sensation against his arm, Grin felt a bit restless, deeply drowning in this warmth.
*Whoosh—*
The night wind blew, carrying a hint of chilliness.
Grin's eyes snapped open as his beastly instincts ramped up to the maximum.
From that slight breeze just now, he had caught a whiff of a familiar scent.
It wasn't the sweet, soft scent of a young girl like Rem's.
It was more like a black rose soaked in the night wind, wrapped in a faint smell of rust and the cold fragrance of leather.
"Elsa!"
Grin pulled Rem into his arms, placing his palm against her abdomen to protect her firmly.
Rem bit her lower lip and gave Grin a reproachful look.
Green-kun is such a lecher; it's not like Rem is going to run away.
Grin didn't notice the change in Rem's expression, instead constantly searching the crowd for that dangerous figure.
Found her!
In the shadows of a street corner, a figure wrapped in a black cloak with a pulled-up hood was walking hurriedly.
After a few quick movements, the figure entered a shop with a sign that read 'Hoshin Pharmacy'.
Grin patted Rem's shoulder and pulled himself away from the girl's embrace.
"Rem, take these things and go back to Emilia first. I have some business to attend to, and I might not be back tonight."
Rem quickly grabbed Grin's sleeve and handed him a box of tree cake.
"Green-kun, you haven't had dinner yet. Take this with you!"
Grin nodded with a smile as he took it, but as soon as he turned around, his expression immediately switched to one of gravity as he stepped into the sea of people.
This scene really felt like the fated moment when Tanjiro found Muzan.
Elsa, you walked right into this yourself.