Remilia agreed immediately. She also believed the time was right for Kars's coming-of-age, and truthfully, she was eager to complete this step with him as soon as possible.
"The next point of discussion is who will preside over this matter." This was the core issue. Both Patchouli and Remilia deeply desired to be the one to complete this rite of passage, as it carried significant meaning.
Sakuya stood silently, listening and waiting for the final decision. Her only thought was when she would finally be allowed to serve him in bed.
"Let Kars decide this himself." Remilia didn't presume to choose for Kars. After all, this was an important matter for him, and his feelings couldn't be ignored.
"Kars himself…" Patchouli felt a little dejected. She suspected that if it came down to a choice, he might not choose her. She knew how deep Kars's affection was for Remilia, and she felt there was a considerable gap between her and them.
"I understand." However, Patchouli didn't dwell on the issue. If she couldn't compete with them, so be it. As long as she could be with him eventually, that was enough.
"Then, let's wait for Kars to return." Seeing that Patchouli had no objections, Remilia began waiting for Kars to return so she could inform him of the situation.
After waiting for a while in the hall, the voice they were anticipating finally arrived.
"Auntie! I'm home! Huh? Patchouli, why are you here?" Kars entered the hall and was very surprised to see Patchouli. Patchouli rarely left the Great Library; was something important happening?
"Kars, Patchouli and I have an important matter to discuss with you." Remilia spoke first, and her serious expression made Kars realize this was something significant. He focused, waiting for the question.
"Patchouli and I both agree that you are ready for your final adulthood graduation. The question now is: will you choose me, or will you choose Patchouli to help you complete this ceremony?"
Kars froze for a moment upon hearing the question, then quickly understood. He hadn't expected this to be the topic, or that he would be given this choice. Once he realized what was happening, his gaze flickered between Remilia and Patchouli.
His initial instinct was to choose Patchouli. After all, she was the one who began teaching him about this, and it felt natural for her to finish it. However, he noticed Remilia's gaze was full of anticipation and nervousness—she was clutching the armrest of her chair, clearly indicating how much she also wanted to do this.
If he had to choose between the two, it would have to be…
"Auntie… would you help me, please?"
The moment she heard his answer, a brilliant smile bloomed on Remilia's face. Her joy at that moment was indescribable.
Patchouli, despite having predicted the outcome, couldn't help but sigh.
"Patchouli…" Kars noticed Patchouli's expression. He walked anxiously to her side and took her hand, feeling guilty that his choice might have made her sad.
"It's alright. Don't worry." Patchouli looked at Kars's worried face and gently stroked his head with a reassuring smile. She didn't want him to feel guilty over this decision.
"Then, Kars, you must do well! I'll come find you for a review later to see exactly how well you did."
"Mhm!" Kars felt relieved and nodded, seeing that Patchouli genuinely seemed okay. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known what to do.
"Sakuya, go make some preparations." Although this was Kars's "graduation examination," Remilia believed it shouldn't be treated lightly. Some preparation was necessary, starting with redecorating the bedroom. The actual event hadn't officially begun, but she felt the right atmosphere was essential.
"Understood." Sakuya understood Remilia's intention. She bowed slightly and vanished instantly, heading to Remilia's bedroom to begin the arrangements. With her ability to manipulate time, this task took hardly any time at all. She finished the preparations quickly, leaving only the waiting for the ceremony to officially begin.
Sakuya fantasized about the moment her Lady and Young Master Kars would formally join together. Her heart began to race with excitement; she desperately wanted to witness the event firsthand.
"My Lady, the preparations are complete." Sakuya returned to the hall and informed Remilia of the result.
"Then, I'll take my leave now." Patchouli felt her role in the planning was finished. She returned to the Great Library, where she would wait for the ceremony to end, after which Kars would come to her for his "review."
"I need to go get ready as well." Remilia stood up from her chair. She also needed to prepare. Before leaving, she looked at Kars with a gaze full of doting love, then departed from the hall.
"Well… they all left? What should I be doing now?" Kars looked at the hall, now only occupied by himself and Sakuya. He was unsure if he needed to make any preparations.
"Young Master Kars, there's no need to be nervous or prepare anything. You simply need to follow My Lady's instructions and complete this important graduation ceremony." Sakuya walked over to Kars and knelt down, ensuring his appearance was perfectly tidy.
"I see." Kars felt a little more relaxed after hearing Sakuya's words.
After waiting together for a little longer, Remilia's voice echoed through the hall.
"Alright, Kars, come to my bedroom now."
"It's time?" Kars walked toward Remilia's bedroom. When he pushed the door open, his eyes were met with a scene of pure white. Much of the original decor had been replaced with white elements, making the room look dignified, elegant, and filled with a sense of ceremony.
This theme extended to Remilia and Flandre, who were both sitting on the bed.