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Stardew Valley. Early Morning.
"The dish we are introducing today is Carrot Salad!"
On the TV, Mystia Lorelei held up a carrot.
"Ingredients: Fresh Carrots from the Bamboo Forest of the Lost! Crisp, juicy, and zero calories!"
"Method: Wash, peel, slice. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Serve with bread."
"Price: 300 Gold per serving! Order now at Mystia's Izakaya!"
Leo watched, disgusted.
"300 Gold?! My Gold Star Carrots sell for 57! How many carrots are in a salad? Two? That's highway robbery!"
He turned off the TV.
I vow never to order from that rip-off shop until I achieve financial freedom.
He pushed open the door.
It was drizzling. He shivered.
"It's chilly. Marisa has had that commission for ages. Why isn't the outfit ready yet?"
He pulled up his collar and walked toward the bus stop to catch the 8 AM Fishing Shift (Catfish wait for no one).
BOOM.
Thunder cracked. The drizzle turned into a deluge.
Leo sprinted for cover inside the abandoned bus.
Wiping rain from his face, he sat in the priority seat and pulled out his phone.
[Chat: Marisa Kirisame]
Leo: Marisa! Where are my clothes? If they aren't done soon, I'm cancelling the commission!
Marisa: Almost ready! almost ready! Alice agreed to help! I'm currently getting the fabric! Gotta go, I'm busy sourcing supplies!
[System Warning: Beware of Online Scams.]
Leo frowned. "Sourcing"? Why not "Buying"? Where is she getting this fabric?
Gensokyo.
BOOM.
Marisa Kirisame sped through the sky on her broomstick, clutching several bolts of luxurious red silk under her arm.
Trailing behind her was Gungnir—the legendary spear of Odin—thrown by a very annoyed vampire.
"Alice! Incoming!"
Marisa flew past the Doll House. She threw the fabric through the open window with practiced aim.
Yeet.
"Make it nice! I'll pick it up tomorrow!"
She accelerated, heading straight for the Hakurei Shrine. The red spear of destiny was gaining on her.
"Reimu! Save me!"
Reimu Hakurei sat on her porch, sipping hot water.
"Reimu!"
The spear poked Marisa's butt.
"What did you do this time?" Reimu sighed.
BOOM.
A small explosion sent Marisa tumbling from the sky. Reimu tossed a cushion to catch her.
"Ow, my butt!"
Marisa landed face down, smoke rising from her rear.
"Reimu! Help me get revenge! Remilia is too cruel! I only borrowed some old curtains! I left a payment!" (A mushroom).
Reimu sipped her water. "I'm off duty."
"Ten Smoked Fish!" Marisa yelled. "Blow up the Mansion for me! The Little Brother just released them! Sold out instantly! I can choose 20 items for my commission! I'll give you 10!"
Reimu's teacup rippled.
"Not enough. Smoked Fish price is low."
"These are Legendary Smoked Fish!" Marisa lied (mostly). "800 Gold a piece! Black Market value!"
Reimu stood up. "Fifteen. Or the deal is off."
"Deal! Explode the Mansion!"
"Excuse me."
Time froze. Sakuya Izayoi appeared on the porch.
"Lady Reimu. If you refrain from interfering, the Scarlet Devil Mansion will offer a generous Donation."
Reimu sat back down.
"Sorry, Marisa. They made a better offer."
She sipped her water.
"Don't worry. Remilia won't kill you. At most, she'll break a few bones. I'll close my eyes."
Sakuya bowed politely, grabbed Marisa by the collar, and dragged the screaming witch away.