Several days after the party, life in Gensokyo had mostly returned to normal. Things were peaceful once more, and Meiling, no longer having to live under the threat of attack, seemed more lively than usual.

  "More tea, Mistress?" She asked cheerfully, hefting her long-spouted teapot.

  "Of course. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this tea." Remilia smiled. "It tastes even better with the tinge of victory." As Meiling began to pour, Remilia's gaze turned to the sky, through the window. "Still..." She sighed.

  "I hope what Reimu did managed to change the minds of at least a few of those dragon elders. I should be angry at them for hounding you all this time, but after seeing how uninspired and messy their danmaku is, I can't help but feel pity."

  At this, Meiling stopped pouring in mild surprise. "Pity, ma'am?"

  Remilia nodded. "I'm not sure how long you spent at the Palace before coming to us, but I have a feeling you understand what I mean. As Reimu said, being waited on hand and foot every day, without ever leaving that place... Having no real idea of the delights and splendor of the world beyond... It's no wonder they fight all the time. They don't have very much to live for." Remilia's gaze fell to her teacup. "Or, rather... fighting for that empty throne is the only thing that keeps them going."

  Meiling was silent for a time, then set her teapot down. "That's... very insightful, Mistress. And likely, everything you say is true."

  "It's not as if I have much room to judge." Remilia closed her eyes and smiled. "A pampered vampire girl has no room to speak on the affairs of dragons."

  "Perhaps if you were like my brethren, yes." Meiling replied thoughtfully.

  "Pardon?" Remilia asked, turning to look at Meiling.

  "You and my siblings both come from noble backgrounds, and live in relative luxury. That's true." Meiling answered. "But the difference between you is immense. You regularly leave the mansion, and immerse yourself in Gensokyo's culture, sights, and sounds. You enjoy and accept them, rather than rejecting them because they are 'below you'. Maybe you were this way before coming here..." She smiled. "But I believe it's made you far kinder than any of the dragons in the palace." She caught herself, and cleared her throat. "I-if you'll pardon my frankness, that is, Mistress."

  Remilia's face turned gentle, and she broke into a smile once more. "Not at all. Thank you, Meiling. That's high praise, coming from a dragon."

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  Meiling chuckled and rubbed the back of her head. "Just, speaking my thoughts, Milady."

  Changing the subject, Remilia mused "I didn't expect you to put on such a display at the party, though."

  "Milady?" Meiling asked curiously.

  "To show your true dragon form, not just to Kirisame and Hakurei, but to all of the youkai in Gensokyo... with such a flourish, no less. I think more than a few people there almost choked on their food." Remilia smirked.

  "Ahaha... Perhaps I did overdo it..." Meiling grinned sheepishly. Then she shrugged, still smiling. "But... it was time. Now that the threat is gone, I'm not going to be ashamed or hide who I am anymore. I'm free to be myself, without fear of persecution. Although, I'm sure it won't just be the youkai who know now..." She sighed. "I apologize in advance, Milady; humans will likely bring offerings and riches to our gates as unwanted tribute to me."

  "Let them come." Remilia took a sip of tea. "We can use whatever they bring, here in the mansion, anyway. Perhaps as fodder for our next party."

  "Meiliiiing!" A voice whined from the mansion's lobby. Remilia and Meiling turned, to see Flandre there, holding a teddy bear and wearing a pouty face. "You said you were gonna play with me! You've been up here with Remilia for a long time already, it's my turn!"

  "Flandre, patience is a virtue, especially for a lady." Remilia chided.

  "I don't care!" Flandre grumped. "I wanna play with Meiling!"

  "Now, now..." Meiling soothed. "I'll come play with you in a bit, Flan—"

  "No! Now!" Flandre shouted.

  Meiling looked hopelessly at Remilia, and Remilia sighed. "Go on, then. If that's what she wants."

  "Thank you, Milady." Meiling bowed. "Alright, Flan, come on. Let's go play."

  "Yaaaay!" Flandre cheered, hugging Meiling. "I've got some new good ideas! I wanna show you!" She grabbed Meiling's hand and started pulling her along.

  "W-wait, Flan, don't pull like that!" Meiling protested as she she was lead away.

  Remilia continued to sip her tea in silence, as their voices faded down the stairs. Then she called "Sakuya?"

  Instantly, Sakuya appeared, bowing to her mistress. "Milady."

  "You might need to help Meiling out on gate duty for awhile. Humans will come knocking, just accept their gifts and ask them to leave."

  "Yes, Milady." Sakuya bowed again, before turning to leave.

  Before she could, though, Remilia called again. "And Sakuya?"

  "Yes, Milady?" Sakuya turned.

  Remilia gave a warm smile. "Try not to work too hard. Understand?"

  At this, Sakuya smiled in return, saying "Wouldn't dream of it, Milady. Thank you." With that, she disappeared.