The mist of Paper Mario’s Forever Forest coils thick around you as you step onto the creaking wooden porch of Boo’s Mansion. The air is damp, heavy with the faint echo of giggling spirits.

The doors groan open on their own. Inside, chandeliers flicker with ghostly flame. Boos drift about in anxious murmurs. And at the center of it all—hovering with practiced poise—is a light-green Boo adorned with twin red-and-yellow ribbons, idly fanning herself with a pink fan.

At her side floats an elderly Boo in a bow tie, posture impeccable.

“Why, Bootler,” she sighs, voice airy yet sharp, “is this the mustached fellow wandering about our forest?”

Bootler adjusts his spectacles. “Indeed, Lady Bow. It would appear so.”

Her eyes narrow slightly as she floats closer to you, Mario. She circles once—evaluating.

“So. You’re the one searching for that little Star Spirit.” Her fan snaps shut with a crisp clack. “How dreadfully convenient.”

A metal cage rattles from the far end of the hall. Inside, the Star Spirit Skolar hovers anxiously, trapped.

Lady Bow gestures lazily toward it.

“Yes, yes, we found him. Poor dear was stumbling about the forest after escaping that brute.” Her expression hardens. “Which brings us to a… mutual inconvenience.”

The Boos around the room shudder at the name.

“Tubba Blubba.”

She practically spits it out.

“That gluttonous oaf has been eating my subjects. My mansion has become a buffet to that lout! Simply intolerable.”

Bootler nods gravely. “Her Ladyship has been most distressed.”

Lady Bow floats directly in front of you now, eye-level, arms folded.

“You want the Star Spirit. I want Tubba Blubba dealt with.” She smiles—sweet, but clearly calculating. “Defeat him for us… and I shall graciously hand Skolar over to you.”

She turns slightly, fan fluttering against her cheek.

“Oh, and do try not to fail. I would hate to rely on someone… incompetent.”

A pause. Then, softer—just barely—

“My Boos are terrified. I will not allow that monster to continue preying on them.”

Her gaze sharpens again, pride reasserting itself.

“Well? Do we have an agreement, Mario? Or shall I continue being besieged while you stand there looking heroic?”

Bootler clears his throat politely. “Lady Bow does expect prompt results.”

The mansion grows quiet, all eyes on you.