Early in the morning, when everyone woke up, they opened their windows to see a long table stretching along the street to its end, laden with fragrant food and fine wine, all completely free, courtesy of the Archduke.
So, early in the morning, the entire populace was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.
Kayal, however, stayed in his small base until lunch.
Lunch was simple; he went directly to Remilia's mansion to freeload a meal. The perfect Head Maid, despite being more skilled at blood-based dishes, was by no means incapable of preparing ordinary cuisine. Over ten years, Kayal had become well-acquainted with the residents of Scarlet Devil Mansion in Gensokyo, so he didn't stand on ceremony.
Looking at the dining table with only a few people, Kayal asked curiously, "Isn't Patchouli coming to eat?"
Patchouli, the witch residing in Scarlet Devil Mansion, was said to have written the vast collection of books in the library. A severe shut-in, she rarely left her room, even eating in the library. As a fellow scholar, she and Kayal were very close, but her shut-in nature meant she barely moved, and she suffered from severe asthma. Even if Kayal wanted to chat with her, he had to go to the library.
A yandere.
That's what you'd call someone like her.
Kayal's question made the petite Remilia roll her eyes: "You know Patchouli's constitution. If she catches a cold, we'd have to go to the Human Village or Eientei for medicine... It's too much trouble."
"Hey, hey, Remi, are you really not letting Patchouli out to eat just for that reason... How cruel~" Kayal teased.
"Who! Who is 'Remi' to you! Call me Remilia! Remilia! And besides, she's the one who doesn't like it, okay!" Remilia, like an enraged little tiger, bared her two small fangs and cried out.
"Mama~" Kayal smiled faintly and began to cut his steak.
"Annoying fellow." Biting her steak unhappily, Remilia, despite being over five hundred years old, was still as cute as a little girl.
Seeing her master in such a state, Izayoi Sakuya, as her maid, watched the scene with a smile from behind her, suddenly feeling that this wise man, whom she had watched grow up, was very suitable for her young lady.
She just didn't know if he would be willing to accept immortality... While Izayoi Sakuya was lost in thought, Kayal had already finished his meal, left his seat, and patted Remilia's bun-shaped head, revealing an expression of enjoyment: "Mmm~ Remi's head always feels so nice to touch..."
Remilia, who had been showing an expression of enjoyment, immediately flew into a rage upon hearing this. She opened her small canine teeth and bit down on Kayal's hand.
"Ouch ouch ouch ouch..." Kayal lifted his hand, and Remilia was lifted along with it: "Wah! Remi, that hurts! Let go quickly!"
"No! Let go!"
Kayal shook his hand but couldn't shake her off.
Soon, a white glow emanated around Remilia. Only then did Remilia, with a touch of vibrant crimson blood, gently lick her fingernail, then sensuously licked her crimson lips: "Huh? Why is your blood... so delicious?"
"Perhaps it's because his ten years of meditation, day in and day out, allowed the elements of heaven and earth to permeate his body. His blood should be more delicious and tastier than others'," Patchouli said, walking in from the doorway with a pale face. "Sakuya, is there any more food?"
"Yes, I'll go get it now." Sakuya bowed and retreated.
"So? His blood?" Remilia, licking her slender fingers, exuded an indescribable charm, her small crimson tongue constantly licking her jade-like fingers... A surge of appetite is how Kayal's current psychological state could be described.
I'm not a lolicon! I'm not a lolicon! I'm not a lolicon!
Kayal muttered this, suppressing his desires, and couldn't help but curse in his heart: He couldn't control himself when he was asleep, but even when awake it was like this... Could it be that his big spear was truly thirsting for action?
Kayal shook his head with a wry smile and looked at Patchouli with concern: "Library, you don't look well. Are you alright?"
"En... I just haven't slept for a few days, so I'm very sleepy." Patchouli rubbed her eyes, thanked Sakuya who brought her a plate, and then began to tackle her steak. "Library, how is the research on the Claymores coming along?"
Kayal, due to having to teach his students, had set aside the research on the Claymores' yoma flesh and blood, which was hindered by crude equipment.
But this did not mean Kayal had given up on the Claymores; he fully entrusted Patchouli to assist in researching their bodies.
In fact, Kamishirasawa Keine and Yagokoro Eirin in Gensokyo were the most skilled at such things.
However, Kayal only knew the Scarlet Devil Mansion faction, the Hakurei Shrine faction, the Yakumo family, and also the Hakugyokurou family and Marisa and the like.
He didn't know anyone else because they were too far away... And he couldn't fly... So he could only ask Patchouli for this kind of thing~
But then again, Patchouli had no resistance whatsoever to a handsome researcher like Kayal... Kayal just needed one starry-eyed look to win her over~
"It's very troublesome. That piece of flesh is mixed with the composite flesh and blood of many yokai, and they've been continuously improving it in each generation. It's clear that although Teresa was the strongest, it was purely by talent. Her generation was abandoned. The next generation's Priscilla, despite being powerful, was extremely unstable; after her, that generation was likely abandoned... Then, generation after generation, I can see from them that their research level has clearly gone astray... In the end, they will probably all awaken... The last generation. It's truly laughable, these 邪道 (evil path) guys still have the nerve to call themselves researchers, they're just trash."
Watching the indignant Patchouli, Kayal stood with a smile. He might also be a scholar, but as a person in power, he had to see much more. He gently patted Patchouli's and Remilia's hands, then greeted the silver-haired Head Maid, and passed by the sleeping gatekeeper.
That evening, he performed another concert for everyone, and the second day of the Harvest Festival revelry thus concluded.
Of course, on the second day, everyone's rationality had somewhat recovered, and some more sensible people had already begun commercial operations. Although it would be much more expensive than tomorrow, time is money; leaving one day earlier meant you gained a faster business opportunity than others.
The third day was the official trade fair! Merchants and farmers would trade with fairness and impartiality under the joint supervision of the government, business enterprises, and chambers of commerce. Thinking of this, Kayal, who was changing into his pajamas in bed, couldn't help but smile: tomorrow was also the day his disciples would officially announce their plans.
His gaze turned to Artoria, who was guarding beside him. Kayal suddenly smiled faintly, extended his hand, and propped up Artoria's chin, asking with a captivating tone and a smile: "Artoria~ Won't you come to serve me tonight?"