But not this.

You step into a massive ballroom, the sheer scale of it stealing your breath the moment you cross the threshold. Delicate, golden chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. Brilliant stained glass windows shimmer in every color of the rainbow, stretching along the length of the hall. The marble floor is so polished you can almost see your reflection.

“Speak of the devil. We’ve been expecting you.”

Remilia Scarlet’s voice echoed from the far end of the room.

You quicken your pace and stop before a long, elegantly set table resting on a raised platform. Sitting directly across from you, at its center, is the lady of the house, watching you closely. To her right, you notice the same girl from the portrait - dressed in lavender pajamas, completely absorbed in the pages of an impressively thick tome, which she holds effortlessly in her small, delicate hands. Something glints in the corner of the room - it's the maid, watching your every move as she lifts a silver tray filled with fine china.

You muster a deep bow—clumsy, graceless, but earnest.

“Thank you for the invitation, Lady Remilia,” you say in a hushed tone, unsure if such directness might cause offense.

A faint smile forms on Remilia Scarlet’s pale, bluish lips.

“You learn quickly, little pup. Here, in the Scarlet Devil Mansion, you’ll be treated with respect, as long as you show it in return. That goes for manners as well.”

She snaps her fingers without taking her eyes off you. Sakuya steps forward, and after handing teacups to Remilia and the mysterious girl, she pours steaming tea into each. Remilia takes a small sip with casual grace, her pinky finger lifted ever so slightly.

“Ahhh, delicious” - she sighs, gently turning the cup in her hands. “Hey, Sakuya - why hasn’t our guest received his tea yet? Since when do we treat visitors like this?”

Sakuya’s lips tighten ever so slightly. She approaches you and sets down a slightly smaller cup filled with a dark brew. It smells heavenly, you have to admit.

“Please, sit” - Remilia insists. “Proper manners dictate we make ourselves comfortable during tea. Standing around like a stiff board is simply uncivilized.”

You do as she says. Driven by curiosity, you try a cautious sip of the still-steaming drink. It burns your tongue a little, but even through the heat, you can tell it’s exceptional. Bold, rich, unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

“Thank you, it’s wonderful” - you say, and for the first time, you manage to meet Remilia Scarlet’s piercing gaze.

“I’m glad it pleases you. Sakuya can be unruly, but she brews the finest tea in all of Gensokyo - and beyond.”

She glances over at the maid and flashes her a wide, warm smile. Are those… fangs?

“But let’s get to the point. We don’t have all day.”

Her attention shifts back to you, the warmth in her expression giving way to seriousness.

“What do you know about the Vernal Equinox Stone? The one that brought you here?”