"Sakuya, how are the preparations for the banquet coming along?"
"They are nearly complete, Mistress. The Hakurei Shrine Maiden was willing to help us invite some attendees to the banquet." Reimu's willingness to assist was satisfying to Remilia. Having her take the lead on invitations would certainly make the process much smoother than doing it themselves.
"That's good. Make sure everything is perfectly prepared. We cannot afford to be looked down upon."
"Please rest assured, I will not disappoint you, Mistress." Remilia trusted Sakuya's capability completely and didn't press for more details. The main task ahead was socializing with the arriving yokai and, most importantly, helping her nephew find a suitable partner.
"I hope these yokai aren't too disappointing." Remilia was wary of settling for just anyone. She would not compromise on this matter. If a suitable candidate couldn't be found, she would rather Kars remain single. Although she wanted the Scarlett family to grow, it wasn't a desperate situation yet.
"Also, make sure you strictly warn Kars to be serious and not mess things up. While these yokai won't react like those priggish vampires to his behavior, I don't want him to be perceived as mentally unsound. That would completely disgrace the Scarlett family name."
Such an incident at the banquet was something Remilia absolutely could not tolerate. How could she establish a foothold in Gensokyo after that? The punishment would be far more severe than merely spanking him.
"Yes." Recognizing Remilia's seriousness, Sakuya knew she had to thoroughly warn Kars to prevent any disastrous behavior.
After confirming her task, Sakuya immediately went to the Great Library and found Kars sitting in Patchouli's lap, his head resting on her chest as he studied magic.
"Master Kars, the Mistress asked me to convey some matters regarding the upcoming banquet. The Mistress expects you to exhibit behavior and decorum suitable for your status. Furthermore, do not discuss any unnecessary topics with the attending yokai to avoid being perceived as strange. Otherwise, the Mistress will impose a severe punishment on you."
"Therefore, Master Kars, please be extremely careful that night." Sakuya wouldn't want to see Kars punished.
"Alright, I understand. Since Little Auntie has gone to such lengths, I'm not the type to enjoy punishment. I promise I won't say anything strange." If he still messed up after this warning, he would truly be an idiot. He couldn't risk not only failing to find a wife but also incurring his Little Auntie's wrath, resulting in severe punishment and her refusal to help him find a partner again. He would have nowhere to turn.
"Huh? Looking for a partner at a banquet? Will that even work? We don't even know what kind of yokai will attend. What if Kars gets targeted by some terrifying yokai with unusual fetishes?" Koakuma was slightly against the idea, worrying Kars might be misled by another yokai.
"The members of the Scarlet Devil Mansion are not to be trifled with. This banquet is also intended to show the yokai the power the mansion possesses. Even if a powerful yokai attempts something ill-advised, they will be made to understand the price of doing so." Patchouli released Kars from her lap, making him look her in the eye.
"However, Kars, you must consider this carefully. This is a major life decision; you absolutely cannot let appearances alone sway you, understood?"
"I know, I know. First of all, even if I wanted to, they might not agree. Besides, I haven't exactly been deprived of seeing pretty girls. Not to mention the girls from the matchmaking sessions before, Patchouli, Sakuya, Koakuma, and Meiling are all beautiful. Perhaps those yokai won't even compare to you all?"
Kars's compliment made Koakuma nod in approval, finding his words very sweet.
"You've already learned how to say things like that, have you?" Patchouli was also pleased, but surprised Kars had learned such flattery.
"Does complimenting someone's beauty require special learning? Is there some trick to it? I was just saying what I genuinely thought."
"That's right, Lady Patchouli. I also think Kars is just speaking from the heart. He really hasn't been taught this stuff." Koakuma spoke up for Kars. She genuinely believed him. Setting herself aside, wasn't Lady Patchouli beautiful? If anyone said she wasn't, that person needed to donate their eyes to someone who could use them better.
"Enough. Save those sweet words for the girls you meet later. Work hard then. Don't end up crying in disappointment again."
"I would never cry! Stop underestimating me, alright?" Kars complained slightly. Has my current appearance really made everyone treat me like a little kid again?
"Then we shall see your performance. Good luck."
"Hmph! Just wait! I will bring back the best yokai at that party! I will prove it to all of you!" Kars resolved that he had to perform exceptionally well and achieve results that would astound everyone, earning their respect.
He decided his target should be a mature-looking woman with a gentle disposition. Such a person would likely be easier to approach and secure. If he brought back a suitable partner like that, he would definitely change their perceptions of him.
With this thought, Kars was filled with anticipation and fighting spirit for the upcoming banquet.
Seeing Kars's determined expression, though they didn't know what he was plotting, they assumed he had a good idea.
"Then we shall eagerly await your spectacular performance."
Following this, once all the necessary preparations for the banquet were complete, all that remained was to wait for the evening to welcome the guests.