Extra: Handmade Buns

The gate guard sighs heavily.

"Another slow day, this is so boring," she mutters.

The Scarlet Devil Mansion rarely has visitors, so the past weeks have been pretty peaceful. Aside from the occasional delivery, she hardly has any work to do. Not that she is complaining, of course. Thanks to the idle times, she has time to practice her Tai Chi. When she has the chance, she even takes a short nap after lunch.

Suddenly, she hears some rustling from the bushes along the path. She confidently walks forward and prepares her combat stance.

"I knew it. Humans are useless," she says aloud.

A rabbit jumps out of the bushes. It looks at her for a few seconds before scurrying away.

"That line doesn't really fit you. Also, I don't think you should say that around Sakuya."

She turns around to look at the owner of the voice. She smiles when she recognizes him. He is one of Lady Remilia's guests in the mansion. He is a human, not unlike Sakuya. His silver-rimmed glasses glint brightly in the morning sun. He gives her a gentle smile.

"Just trying it out," she says as she folds her arms. "Stop following me already~"

"You wouldn't run to some place with nothing there, right?"

"Well, actually, I think I would..."

After a moment, they both burst out laughing.

"Y-you really should come up with better lines, Ms. Gate Guard," he says.

"And you should find something else to do besides bothering people at work," she retorts.

"I suppose I should," he replies.

She doesn't understand why, but she easily opens up to this person. She doesn't have to pretend to be hardworking or strong. She can just be herself and take it easy.

"Oh yeah, I brought something for you," he says. He gives her a small bag.

The gate guard opens the bag. A delicious aroma wafts into her nostrils. She recognizes it immediately.

"Sakuya said that you like sweet buns," he says.

She gives him a bow before taking one of the buns. She opens her mouth to take a large bite. The delicately kneaded dough of the bun rubs smoothly against her tongue. Her mouth is in ecstasy as she feels the soft, sweet bean paste slide down her throat. This must be a glimpse of heaven.

"How is it?" he asks.

The gate guard gives him a thumbs-up as she swallows.

"T-that's great!" he says in relief. "I wasn't sure if I baked them properly..."

"You baked these yourself?" she asks.

"Yep, I thought that I would try something new," he answers softly. "I'm glad you liked them."

She finds herself staring deep into his kind eyes. She can feel herself blushing, but she can't look away. She opens her mouth, but she can't find any word to express herself.

"A-anyway, I'll be heading back inside now," he says.

He gives her a thumbs-up.

"Keep up the good work, Ms. Gate Guard!"

"E-eh?" she manages.

He walks back inside before she can say anything else.

...

"Ms. Gate Guard, eh?" she mutters aloud.

She takes another bite of the sweet bun. They really were well-made.