"Lady Remilia, I'd like to go out for a bit," I said, my voice calm and polite.
Remilia glanced at me. "Sure, but may I ask where you're headed?"
"I'm meeting someone," I replied with a reassuring smile.
She turned away. "Very well. Just ensure you return."
"Of course, Milady."
Leaving the mansion, I noticed Meiling standing by the gate but seemingly in a deep sleep. I walked closer, calling her name softly. "Meiling..."
She snapped awake, instantly assuming her guard stance. "You're not allowed to pass this gate, intru—"
Then, she realized it was me. "Oh, it's you, Shun."
"Yeah," I replied with a small chuckle.
"Going out?" she asked.
"Indeed."
"Safe travels, then!"
"Likewise. Oh, by the way, Sakuya is right behind you, and I'm not joking."
Meiling turned slowly, her eyes widening as she saw Sakuya's expression. "M-e-i-l-i-n-g!"
"Miss Sakuya, I was genuinely guarding the gate! I swear!"
Sakuya, not convinced, continued her reprimanding.
Deciding it was best not to intervene, I walked away and into the forest. n my journey, I encountered some hostile fairies, which I easily dispatched. Cirno also challenged me to a fight, and while she was strong, it wasn't enough to beat me.
"That was impressive, you two," I said, as I retracted my blades into their crystal form and tucked them into my pocket.
"Hehe, you've definitely gotten stronger, Shun!"
"Really? I guess I have. But Cirno is still much stronger than me."
"Grrrr... I'll beat you someday! I swear!" Cirno declared before flying away.
"Cirno! Wait!" Daiyousei quickly followed, leaving me behind.
She didn't hear me...
I sighed and continued on my way, heading towards the Hakurei Shrine. As I reached the final steps, I noticed Yukari standing in the middle of the shrine.
"I've been waiting for you, Shun," she said, her gaze fixed on the sky before turning her attention to me. "What does the butler of the Scarlet Devil Mansion want from me?"
I hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "Please, I want to return to the outside world."
A wide smile crept across Yukari's face as she approached me. "The outside world... Do you understand the consequences?"
"Yes, I'm prepared."
"Then why do you want to leave? Isn't Gensokyo your new home?"
"There are some matters I haven't attended to yet," I replied.
Yukari chuckled. "Ah, Siesta, your former mistress, is it? My, she's already passed on, hasn't she?"
"Please, Lady Yukari."
Yukari grinned mischievously. "You're quite the intriguing one, Shun. Very well, I'll allow your return. But perhaps you should consider discussing this matter with your current mistress first."
As she said this, I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I turned to see Lady Remilia and Sakuya.
"Milady... What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to follow you, of course," Lady Remilia chimed in.
Sakuya, with a touch of concern in her voice, asked, "Shun, is it true that you're planning to leave Gensokyo?"
So the two overheard our conversation.
I nodded. "Yes."
Sakuya pressed further slightly raising her voice. "But why, Shun?!"
"There are some matters I haven't attended to yet."
"I see... Do you mind if I come with you then?" Remilia asked with a warm smile.
"Eh?! Milady?!" Sakuya and I exclaimed in unison.
"What about the mansion?" Sakuya inquired.
"I'll leave it to you, Sakuya," Remilia replied. "I also have matters to attend to, especially regarding Shun's mistress."
"Milady..." Sakuya began but then bowed. "I will take care of the mansion."
"Thank you, Sakuya."
"But first, Milady, there's something bothering me," Sakuya said, turning to me and Remilia. "Did you two enter into a deep bond?"
Remilia smiled and nodded. "That's right... So, Sakuya, from now on, announce to everyone in the mansion that Shun and I have entered a romantic pact!"
"Remi..." I smiled and nodded in agreement.
Remilia and I turned to Yukari. "We're ready," we both said simultaneously.
Yukari chuckled, "You only have a week to settle things. Okina and I will be watching the two of you, so don't do anything too outrageous, okay?~"
"W-What do you mean by that?!" I exclaimed before sighing.
Yukari opened her fan and created a huge gap portal. "Now, enter~"
Remilia and I nodded at each other, held hands, and stepped through the portal, immediately finding ourselves transported back to Japan.