Thank you, @Foreign Myth, for joining the memberships.
I'm truly grateful.
Bonus (1/1)
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Chapter 45 – An Indecent Shrine Maiden Can't Possibly Be This Cute.
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"Wood~ why is the path to the shrine so long? I'm tired, carry me!"
"You really have terrible stamina. Maybe you should exercise more otherwise, you might get fat."
Akane puffed her cheeks angrily and turned back, glaring at him with watery eyes.
"I'm a god, okay?! I'll never get fat!"
With that, she jumped onto Kihara's back, deliberately pressing her chest against him as if to shut him up.
"Honestly… you've spoiled her way too much," Rikka sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"I kind of miss how she used to be. At least she acted like a proper goddess back then—she could dress herself, put on her own socks… not lie in bed acting spoiled and making you do everything."
Though, judging by Kihara's expression… he clearly enjoyed it.
"…Should I start acting like Akane too?" Rikka muttered.
"You can," Kihara suddenly leaned in and stole a quick kiss from her, grinning. "I'd love to take care of both of you. Dressing, bathing—anything you want!"
"You just want an excuse to take advantage of us, don't you?" she shot him a sideways glance.
"What's wrong with being affectionate with my girlfriends? I'm not going to hide how much I love you. I can proudly say it anytime, anywhere!"
"Shh! Lower your voice!" Rikka blushed, quickly covering his mouth. "That's embarrassing if people hear you!"
"I like how straightforward he is~" Akane chimed in happily.
The three of them chatted and laughed as they climbed the long stone steps. Passing through the red torii gate at the top, they finally arrived at the Hakurei Shrine.
Tonight, the usually quiet shrine was lively.
Red-and-white lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting warm light across the courtyard. Youkai from all over Gensokyo had gathered—laughter, singing, and the clinking of cups blending into a lively, chaotic atmosphere.
Dressed in modern clothes, Kihara and the girls looked like outsiders who had accidentally wandered into a festival from another era, naturally drawing attention from many of the youkai.
Just as the famous tengu reporter—Aya Shameimaru—was about to rush over for an interview…
A familiar voice cut in.
"Yo! Bro, why're you so late?"
Fujiwara no Mokou walked over, casually carrying a jug of alcohol.
"Mokou? You actually left the Bamboo Forest?"
"Well, I heard you'd be here. Figured you might get harassed by some shady reporters, so I came to cover you. Who're these two?"
"Thanks. These are my girlfriends, Rikka Takarada and Akane Shinjo. This is Fujiwara no Mokou. We fought once and became sworn brothers afterward."
"…Brothers?" Akane's expression turned a bit strange. No matter how she looked at Mokou, she clearly wasn't male. She could only assume Mokou just liked identifying that way.
Rikka politely greeted Mokou.
Before Kihara could ask where Yukari was, a gentle and elegant voice spoke up.
"You must be Mr. Kihara. My name is Reimu Hakurei, the shrine maiden here. I've been waiting for you."
Kihara's right eyelid twitched violently.
The girl before him—graceful, composed, and refined—was completely different from the lazy, money-obsessed shrine maiden he had imagined.
There's no way… my shameless shrine maiden could be this cute…
Reimu stood calmly before them. Her long black hair flowed like silk over her shoulders, her clear eyes gentle and serene. A faint smile rested on her lips, hands folded neatly before her.
"…Mr. Kihara?" she called softly when he didn't respond.
Rikka stepped forward, handing over a prepared gift box filled with premium ingredients.
"Hello, Miss Hakurei. I'm Rikka, and this is Akane. We've heard a lot about you from Kihara. It must be hard maintaining the shrine and the peace of Gensokyo, this is just a small token of appreciation."
Reimu peeked inside and nearly lost her composure.
So much high-quality meat?!
Yukari was right—this guy really was a walking gold mine!
"Ahem… it's nothing, really. Just doing my duty," she said with a bright smile. "There's a seat prepared for you. Let me show you."
As she turned, her expression instantly sharpened, silently warning the surrounding youkai not to get any ideas.
The crowd behaved immediately.
After seating them in a spot lined with a pink carpet and filled with food, Reimu bowed slightly.
"I'll go prepare some special shrine tea. Please excuse me for a moment."
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
As she walked off, Marisa Kirisame stopped her, staring suspiciously.
"Reimu… did you take the wrong medicine today? Why are you being so polite?"
"Politeness is reserved for honored guests," Reimu replied coolly. "Not freeloaders like you who never donate but still drink my tea."
Marisa clicked her tongue.
Nearby, youkai whispered among themselves.
"Look at Reimu… you'd think that human was her husband."
"I heard he might actually be her fiancé."
"From where?"
"Tengu newspaper."
"…Wait. If that's true…"
Some began casting thoughtful glances toward Kihara.
Meanwhile, Remilia Scarlet observed him quietly before leaning over and whispering something to Sakuya Izayoi, a mischievous smile forming on her lips.
At the center of it all, Kihara was busy handing out gifts—rare fish, fruits, and premium meat appearing from thin air.
Under the shrine corridor, Yukari Yakumo leaned elegantly against a pillar, sipping sake. Beside her, Yuyuko Saigyouji was happily devouring food at an alarming pace.
"You've come," Yukari said calmly.
"I've come."
"You shouldn't have come."
"And yet, I did… Do we really have to do movie lines? I'm just here to give you something."
He pulled out a beautifully fresh eel and handed it over.
Only for Yuyuko to snatch it instantly.
Without hesitation, she slurped it down like noodles.
"L-Lady Yuyuko! You can't eat eel like that!!" cried Youmu Konpaku, nearly in tears.
"But it tastes just fine this way," Yuyuko said innocently, then looked at Kihara. "You're quite nice. Want to come to Hakugyokurou—mmph!"
Youmu panicked and covered her mouth.
"Lady Yuyuko! He's human! If you say things like that, he'll die!!"
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Thank you for reading.