*Ciel's POV*
"Hey, Riddle! What's shakin', pal? You're lookin' adorbs, as always!" Cater said in a nervous tone
"I don't think calling him cute is the best course of action." I said
"Hmph. Cater, keep running that mouth and you'll lose it- along with the rest of your head." Riddle threatened
"Sorry, sorry! My bad" Cater said while having a awkward smile
"Myah?! You're the guy who put that stupid collar on me at the orientation ceremony!" Grim said while pointing at Riddle.
"And you're the new students who were nearly expelled yesterday." Riddle said while looking at me and Grim.
"Nearly? He already had the papers filled out." I informed him as he nods at my words
"I'll ask that you not refer to my signature spell as a 'stupid collar.'" Riddle said with a glare towards Grim
"The headmage's habit of tolerating rulebreakers like you is going to send this entire campus spiraling into chaos one day. Those who break the rules should have their heads removed immediately, without exception." Riddle stated as I glare at him
"You aren't the one who can decide that, after all, you only have control of those in your dorm only. So unless what someone does affects everyone, you can say what you want, if not, then I suggest you stay out of it. Also, Crowley doesn't tolerate that kind of behavior so don't you dare assume such." I stated to him coldly which made him do the same
We both glared at each other as sparks flew around us, I could tell that the others were staring but I paid no mind. I saw some flashes of people whose names still remain hidden but some were acting as if they had the authority to do whatever they want. Seeing those flashes of broken memories left a sour taste in my mouth. Me and Riddle continued to glare at each other as I heard Ace say something about Riddle.
"Dude, seriously? This guy looks like a wimp, but talks like a monster!" Ace groans but I paid no mind
"The headmage may have forgiven you, but if you break any further rules, I assure you I will not." Riddle said to me
"And I don't condone people who uses their authority wrong so I'm grateful Crowley makes the choices here." I said to Riddle, as we continue to glare at each other while the others were quiet.
"So, uh, listen, housewarden, sir... Any chance I could get you to remove this collar?" Ace asked nervously as we both look at him
"I had intended to remove it once you'd taken an opportunity to reflect upon your crimes. But I've not detected so much as a hint of remorse in the foolishness I've heard you spout today. So I think I'll let you keep that for a while." Riddle stated
'Then how will he do his classes?" I thought to myself
"Don't worry. The freshman curriculum is more focused on magical theory than practice.
And your inability to use magic will help prevent incidents along the lines of what happened yesterday. Now, if you've finished your meal, you should quit gossiping and prepare for your next class. Rule 271 is quite clear: 'One must leave the table within fifteen minutes of completing their lunch.'" Riddle stated as I roll my eye as he looks at us
"You DO understand what happens to rulebreakers, I trust?" Riddle stated
"*Sighs* More insane rules..." Ace sighs
"No kidding..." I said in annoyance, why must there be so many confusing rules!
"I believe you mean to say, 'Yes, Housewarden!' Riddle and a stern look
"Yes, Housewarden!" Ace and Deuce said while I shake my head in disappointment
"Very well, then." Riddle said as him and me glare at each other again
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them." Trey reassured Riddle, it was an attempt to get rid of any tension going on between me and Riddle.
"Hmm. As vice housewarden, I trust you'll avoid any further indiscreet conversation. Now, as per rule 339...'The post-meal beverage is to be lemon tea with two sugar cubes.' Thus, I must go to acquire my sugar cubes. Farewell." Riddle said as he turned to leave but not before looking at me one last time as he left.
I watch as I hear him mumble something to himself that the others didn't seem to hear or notice as he was walking away. I decide to continue listening to understand what he was saying, just in case it was something important.
"Don't even get me started on their violation of running out of sugar cubes...!" Riddle states quietly
Next thing I knew it, my surroundings became dark as I saw a dark red all around me with some black. I looked to see what looks to be a inky substance landed on the floor where Riddle was standing earlier. I felt myself wrap my arms around me as I felt pain, sadness, anger and many other negative emotions coming from the substance. But then, my surroundings turn back to normal as I felt warmth once more. I looked to see that everyone at the table was sighing in relief after Riddle left.
"Yeesh! That was terrifying." Cater sighs in relief
"That guy... has some serious issues." Grim said as Deuce looked at him in shock
"Hey, don't disrespect him!" Deuce shouted at him
"I don't try to be rude, but I have to agree with Grim on this." I stated as I took a sip of tea while ignoring Deuce's eyes.
I then turn my head when I heard voices from another table, it was two boys who seems to from Heartslabyul based on the uniform and colors. They look like they were looking around in fear before sighing in relief. I realized that the reason why they were acting like that was because of Riddle, were they afraid of Riddle?
"Is the housewarden gone?" Heartslabyul Student A asked in fear
"I totally justbroke rule 186, 'Never eat a hamburger on Tuesday.' I don't know what I would have done if he's caught me! *Sigh*... I wish he wouldn't come here so we could at least eat lunch in peace." Heartslabyul Student B said in fear
'So even those under his care are afraid of him...' I thought to myself with a sadden look
"......" Trey and Cater had conflicted looks as Trey cleared his throat
"Riddle managed to secure the housewarden title before the end of his very first week at school. I know he can come off a bit harsh, but he's not a bad guy. Everything he does, he does because he thinks it'll improve the dorm." Trey informs us
"Would a good guy go around putting collars on strangers' necks?" Grim asked the two
"Heh heh..." Trey and Cater let out an awkward chuckle.
"So what's this 'signature spell' he mentioned?" I asked as I was very curious about it
"Grrrrr... But that collar really hurt, and it shut off all mu magic! That's just rude!" Grim growls at the memory
"Hm? You're curious about Riddle's signature spell?" Cater asked me to which I nod
"That means, like... It's a spell that only he can cast, right?" Deuce questioned
"I doubt he's the only person in the whole world... But yes, a signature spell is a magical ability that is, generally speaking, unique to its user. You'll learn about them in class soon enough." Trey explains
"Riddle's signature spell allows him to temporarily seal away the magic of another. The spell is named... Off With Your Head!" Cater yelled as I heard Riddle's voice in my head.
"Even the name is completely psycho!" Grim cried out
"But those get the message across." I stated as for some reason, I wasn't disturbed by the name at all. Probably has to do with my forgotten life like usual.
"To a mage, losing the ability to use magic is about as painful as losing your head completely. Which is why all of us at Heartslabyul House try hard not to violate Riddle's rules." Cater explains
"And as long as you are following the rules, Riddle isn't so scary." Trey states
"Speaking of which - are you still not gonna let me into the dorm until I buy a tart, Cater?" Ace asked as Cater nods
"Don't @ me, but... yeah. That's rule 53, so my hands are tied. Also, Riddle always looks forward to having the first slice of a tart. So if you want him to forgive you, you better bring a whole tart!" Cater informs him
"What happened to 'We're all from the same dorm, let's try to get along?' Throw me a bone here!" Ace shouted at Cater
"That's one thing. This is another." Cater states
"A whole tart has gotta be pretty expensive." Deuce said
"Seriously? I don't have that much money!" Ace said
'I don't have money either so I can't help Ace on that.' I thought to myself as I pat Ace's back
"Then why not make one yourself? Trey made those three tarts by hand, after all." Cater states
"Wow, that's amazing!" I complimented Trey
"You made those tarts, Trey? That's incredible! That was like something you'd find at a bakery!" Ace complimented Trey
"Heh. I appreciate that. We do have most of the stuff you'd need, but... I'm afraid I'll need something from you in return." Trey explains
"You're gonna charge me to make it?! What kinda racket...?!" Ace questioned in shock as Trey shakes his head.
"Nah, I wouldn't take money from a freshman! But Riddle wants a chestnut tart next, so I'm gonna need you to gather a ton of chestnuts.
"Like that's any less of a hassle. But... fine. How many do you need?" Ace asked
"Well, it's for the unbirthday party, so... Probably two or three hundred?" Trey said as we stare at him in shock
"Did you say HUNDRED?!" Me, Deuce, and Grim shouted as Ace was silent
"And they're all gonna need to be boiled, shelled, and pureed." Trey informs us
"Alright, I'm gonna head out." Grim said
"I'm leaving too." Deuce said
"You heartless cowards!" Ace yelled at the two
'I'll help Ace out since he is gonna live in my dorms until further notice.' I thought to myself
"Hold up! Haven't you ever heard that food tastes better if you make it with your friends? This'll be a memory to treasure! It could even be your chance to make a splash as a cooking blogger!" Cater suggested
"Don't tell Riddle, but chestnut tarts are at their tastiest when eaten right out of the oven. And the only people who get to experience that culinary privilege are the ones who make it." Trey informs us
"Well, when you put it that way... Come on, humans, let's do this!" Grim said as I shake my head with a chuckle
"Where can we find chestnuts, anyway?" I asked
"I heard there's a whole bunch of chestnut trees in the woods behind the campus's botanical garden." Trey said
"Cool. Plan made. Let's meet at the botanical garden after last period." Ace said as all four of us nods
"We're gonna be up to our ears in chestnuts!" Grim cheers
'Now I just need to remember what I chestnut looks like.'