*
"I knew I'd never know that warm and loving glow. Though I might wish with all my might"
**
Pomefiore Dorm - Lounge
"Cleanser, check. Face wash, check. Booster essence lotion, check. Moisturizer, check. Eye cream, check. Overnight serum, check. Day serum, check. Sheet masks, check..." Vil mumbled to himself, going through Epel's luggage, making sure he had everything important to take care of his skin.
"Um, Vil..." Epel began to say, sweat dropped nervously. "You're not even going to the social. You don't have to be so stringent about checking what I'm packing..."
"Please. I know you'd just take a change of underwear and nothing else if I didn't check," Vil huffed, sternly narrowing his eyes at Epel.
"Okay, that's a little unfair..." Epel nervously smiled.
"Oh, is it, now?" Vil asked, jerking his head to the side. "I know how you like to cut loose when I'm not around," he suddenly revealed.
"Grk..." Epel flinched in surprise, completely taken aback by Vil's knowledge of his actions.
"You are representing both Night Raven College AND our dorm, which is under my leadership," Vil sternly reminded. "If I hear any rumors of a student from my dorm goofing off in unkempt clothes with unprotected skin, well..." he stated, glaring at Epel. "...I trust I don't need to spell it out,"
"Eep..." Epel shrieked a bit.
"Worry not, Vil, for Epel will have my fullest support," Rook assured as he smiled brightly.
"You don't exactly inspire confidence, Rook," Vil bluntly says, completely dumbfounded. "Why did you two of all people get selected for this?"
"Oh, Vil. I implore you to forgive me for leaving you alone in such a way," Rook dramatically bemoaned before he took out flower bud. "I leave you this flower ere my departure. I shall return by the time this bud blooms. Please, keep it and do not forget me..." he frowned sadly as well.
"You do realize you'll be gone 72 hours, not 72 weeks, right?" Vil asked, even more dumbfounded. "Look. The headmage may have been flippant about this whole thing... But you attend the famous Night Raven College. People will view you with their own prejudices, for better or for worse. There no telling who might seek to undermine you. You must stay sharp at all times when socializing," he warned.
"Don't worry! I'll be honest, I ain't got a lick of interest in no ball..." Epel stated. "But I'll do my best to uphold Night Raven College and Pomefiore's image!" he promised.
"Heh. You're excited and you know it," Vil smiled. "I'm going to give you a crash course in ballroom dancing. Otherwise you'll just embarrass yourself."
"A crash course?! Right now?!" Epel exclaimed in disbelief.
"Oh, how delightful! Come, Epel, let us trip the light fantastic!" Rook beamed.
*
Ignihyde Dorm - Idia's Room
"NOOO!!!" Idia wailed loudly. "I don't want to go to a stupid social! It's the very LAST thing I'd ever want to do!" he shouts.
"Are you still kicking up a fuss?" Ortho asked with a pout. "So many other students wanted to go. You should consider yourself lucky you got picked,"
"I've done a lot of lottos for merch over the years, but this is the first time I've won something I didn't even want..." Idia mumbled, looking completely dumbfounded. "Aaaugh, I didn't WANNA win the grand prize!" he exclaimed.
"Aww, I wish I could visit Fleur City," Ortho said.
"I'd love nothing more than to let you take my spot, but the headmage won't allow it..." Idia says. "*sigh* If only you could come with me," he sighed in disappointment. He would've felt a lot better if Ortho or Y/n attended. (If only he knew that she was invited lolol)
"I'm also happiest when we're together..." Ortho begun. "But I'd be just as happy if you made a new friend from another school at the social." he smiled happily.
"Aww, Ortho..." Idia says, feeling touched before widen his eyes in realization. "Wait, I almost agreed without thinking, but that's KIND OF a tall order, y'know? I don't even have any friends here nor have the courage to even talk to Y/n online!"
"Um, well...Just try to make any friend, then. Even someone from the Night Raven group." Ortho suggests.
"It's lol-tastic just how pointless going to another school is..." Idia groaned. "But speaking of, what's Fleur City like, anyway?" he then asked.
"I looked it up online. It's not a major metropolis, but it's a beautiful city that's a highly-recommended vacation spot like the Land of Permafrostine." Ortho says, telling the data he found online to Idia. "It's known for its unrivaled scenery, and there are certain things you can only find there. Plus they have lots of neat tourist attractions. Ooh, I know! You should take me there another time, Idia!" he says excitedly.
"Huh? Me, take you on a trip?" Idia questioned.
"Yeah!" Ortho nodded. "You can be my guide and show me places that aren't mentioned on the tourist websites! You can think of this trip as a practice run for our own," he suggested.
"Practice run..." Idia mumbled quietly before coming up to a conclusion. "Okay, if I'm doing it for you...I GUESS I could maybe put forth a non-zero effort," he gave-in.
"Yay, glad to hear it! Enjoy your practice run, then," Ortho smiled.
"It's okay..." Idia suddenly mumbled.
"Yeah, it's gonna be okay...Hm?" Ortho looked at his brother in confusion.
"It's okay...It's not a social..." Idia mumbled.
"Um, Idia? Are you listening to me?" Ortho asked.
"It's okay...It's a online solo trip...Everyone else is just baggage...It's not a social...Not a social..." Idia continued.
"...He's trying to convince himself," Ortho says, completely taken aback as Idia continued mumbling to himself. "Guess he's REALLY allergic to the world 'social'..." he sweat dropped.
*
Diasomnia Dorm - Lounge
"No...How could this be?" Sebek asked. "How could Silver and I win the raffle instead of Malleus and Lilia?!" he lamented.
"I'm here too you know..." Isfrid said, having a dumbfounded expression.
"There are always winners and losers when you draw lots," Lilia reminded. "That's the way of things. Wouldn't you agree, Malleus?"
"I do, yes," Malleus nodded in agreement. "Why lament this turn of events? You should rejoice that you were chosen as our representatives. Admittedly, I didn't make it there in time for the headmage's drawing..." he sulked slightly.
"I have trouble rejoicing as well," Silver admitted. "Sebek and I are supposed to be your guards, Malleus. It would be wrong for both of us to leave you and venture into another country..."
"Oh, don't fret about the details! The young should make the most of such opportunities when they arise," Lilia stated. "Besides, I've enjoyed more trips than I can count. Now it's your turn. No more fretting, go off and enjoy yourselves,"
"Lilia speaks rightly. Have enough fun for all of us while I stay by my Once Upon a Dream's side," Malleus says.
"Well aren't you cheeky." Isfrid grinned teasingly. "Are you sure you aren't just taking advantage of the fact that there are less love rivals present around her?" he asked.
"H-hmph..." Malleus huffed, pouting at the fact that Isfrid had read him precisely.
"M...My liege...Such compassion!" Sebek exclaimed, completely touched. "I, Sebek, shall devote my life to serving you!" he sudden vowed before the sound of knocking came from the front door.
"Hm? We seem to have a visitor," Malleus says, turning toward the door.
"Hello there," Crowley greeted as he walked into the lounge.
"Why, if it isn't the headmage. What brings you here?" Lilia asked curiously.
"I have something important to discuss regarding the social," Crowley answered before turning to Malleus. "Draconia! I know this is short notice, but I'd like to add you to the guest list!" he announced.
"PARDON?!"
"You would add me?" Malleus asked, widening his eyes in surprise. "But you selected the 10 representatives fairly. What about the raffle?"
"Actually, when I informed Noble Bell College who would be attending, they specifically requested your presence as well as her majesty, the crown princess." Crowley informed.
"Huh?!" Isfrid was completely taken aback.
"'We positively MUST have the renowned mage Malleus Draconia and her majesty, Crown Princess Y/n Frostinelle at the social!' They said," Crowley quoted.
"Hm..." Malleus hummed in thought, thinking about this opportunity that he would have with his beloved fiancé.
"'Only a headmage of your caliber could nurture both great and powerful mages!' They added. 'Hats off to you! Would that I could be half as great as you!' And how could I say no in the face of such a clear fact?" Crowley brightly smiled. "Y/n has already accepted the invitation. She is currently packing as we speak."
"'Nurture'?!" Sebek and Isfrid yelped in surprise while the crocodile looked angry while the snow man just looked absolutely speechless.
"How dare they!" Sebek exclaimed angrily. "You weren't the one to nurture Malleus and Y/n! He's standing right here-"
"They requested Malleus and Beasty specifically to attend, hm..." Lilia hummed in thought while Isfrid gaped, his mouth opening and closing in a repeat.
"Interesting. Now I understand," Malleus says before smiling. "In that case, I shall join you and Y/n,"
"Oh, indeed? Are you certain, Draconia?" Crowley asked.
"Of course," Malleus nodded. "If they requested mine and Y/n's presence directly...That makes it...an invitation, doesn't it?" he asked, his expression beaming in delight.
"Of course...!" Silver and Sebek nodded, widening their eyes in realization.
"It would be poor form to turn down such a courteous invitation. I gladly accept," Malleus brightly smiled as Lilia frown sadly while Isfrid bit his nail is jealously.
'I should also attend to safeguard Y/n!' Isfrid bitterly thought.
"Yes, of course you would..." Lilia frowned. "But I suppose this will be a good experience for you. I won't object," he smiled.
"But this means we'll all be going to the social without you, Father and Isfrid," Silver says, looking guilty.
"Rest assured, Silver. We'll be fine," Isfrid crossed his arms with a assuring smile. 'Who would be there to protect her?! I must speak with lord brother!' he thought, internally panicking about Y/n safety.
"Khee hee hee, it's not a big deal. I'm at a school, aren't I? I have plenty of classmates - not to mention clubmates - to keep me company," Lilia assured. "Besides, we enrolled in Night Raven College instead of Northern Lights Academia to broaden Malleus's horizons. What better way to do that than attend an interschool function in another land?" he asked. "And I know Malleus and Beasty will be in good hands with you and Sebek. I expect you both to guard Malleus diligently so he can enjoy the social while he guards Beasty, alright? To make sure she's safe and ease Isfrid's nerves." he says with a nervous sweat drop, basically feeling Isfrid's anxiety.
"Yes, sir!" Sebek and Silver saluted.
"I'll be sure to keep my beloved safe from harm," Malleus promised. "Sorry to leave you alone, Lilia and Isfrid. I'll bring back more gifts that you two can hold in both arms,"
"Absolutely! You can count on that, Lilia and Isfrid" Sebek beamed.
"Ooh, yes!" Lilia smiled. "Bring me the shiniest, most fascinating souvenirs you can find!"
"Make sure it looks sparkly," Isfrid says, stars in his eyes.
"I'll pick out something that perfectly suits your tastes, Father and Isfrid," Silver smirked.
"Oh, thank goodness! Now I can save face and not worry about the young mistress!" Crowley beamed brightly. "You needn't worry about safety in Fleur City. It's a very nice place. Besides, the Noble Bell student council president who extended our invitations was a most upstanding, trustworthy individual! I'm sure it will be a delightful event,"
"Still...Hm. They invited me and Y/n personally..." Malleus mumbled, his smile still not off his face. "Such a gesture merits a fine thank-you gift. What shall I do about that...?" he asked himself.
*
Lumikuinen Minka - Lounge
Isfrid had rushed back into the Minka to aid Y/n in her packing, still a little salty about not being able to come with her. He slid open the door to the lounge, kinda expecting Y/n to either be almost done or finished packing but due to how empty the lounge was and emtpy cups of ghost pepper noodles, she hasn't even started.
"Y/n?" Isfrid asked, staring blankly at his sister who looked up at him with noodles hanging from her closed lips.
Y/n took a moment to slurp the remaining noodles before speaking. "So you're back already. I was just about to eat the remaining cup of noodles."
"Weren't you supposed to be packing for the trip to Fleur City?" Isfrid asked, perking an eyebrow.
"I got hungry...and why do I need to pack again?" Y/n asked.
"You need to pack because you were invited to the social." Isfrid answered, crossing his arms.
"I was invited..." Y/n's mouth gaped, making a small 'oh' sound.
"Did you forget that Crowley came over to tell you about you're invitation?!" Isfrid exclaimed. "You even have the invite letter in your hand..." he pointed out.
"Oh...I must have forgotten again..."
"Yes....yes you did."
*
Mirror Chamber
On the day of departure...
"The time has come for you to set out," Crowley announced to everyone present in the Mirror Chamber. Those who are present are the 10 representatives, Malleus, and Y/n. "Are all of our representatives here?" the headmage asked with Professor Trein having a small smile on his face.
"Yes, sir!" Deuce nodded as Ruggie and Riddle stood near him.
"Present," Azul says as Jamil stood next to him.
"Wish I wasn't..." Idia mumbled as Rook and Epel stood next to the gloomy introvert who happens to be allergic to socials.
"Of course. I've been waiting for hours," Malleus smiled excitedly, Silver and Sebek on either side of him.
"Yup, I'm good to go," Grim cheered as he stood next to a bored looking Y/n who only stared up at the ceiling and Isfrid rolled his sister's suitcase to him because he knows full well that she'll forget about it.
"......."
"...Bwha?!"
"What are you doing here, Grim and Y/n?!" Deuce gasped as Ruggie had a hand over his heart from the shock.
"I was invited, obvious. Didn't you know?" Y/n asked, tilting her head to the side.
"No. We didn't." Azul shook his head.
"I guess only Diasomnia knew of Y/n joining us." Silver chuckled.
"Well, you see...Like Malleus, Y/n has been invited as well. As for Grim...he has been badgering me to let him go on the trip ever since the raffle," Crowley complained. "Unceasing! Day in and day out! His yowls ever began to echo in my brain..." he says, glaring at a happy Grim.
"So you decided to let him go?" Ruggie asked, his eyes still widen from the shock earlier before he smirked mischievously. "You're the headmage of a prestigious school, and you caved to some pestering? What happened to the 'fairest possible means'?" he asked as Sebek had his eyes closed in thought.
"If there's room for exceptions, we demand one as well!" Sebek exclaimed. "Let Lilia and Isfrid join the trip!"
"That's far from what happened!" Crowley exclaimed in anger before he smiled. "Noble Bell College is normally off-limits to us, and Y/n is easy to loose without proper guards."
"Proper guards?" Epel asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Wait, you mean...?" Deuce widen his eyes in realization.
Footsteps were heard as everyone turned to see Isfrid holding onto some luggages. "Y/n...you've forgotten about your luggage! I had to remind you about 150 times!" he exclaimed, pulling a large suitcase with his tail while carrying two smaller suitcases that were labeled to tell which belongs to Y/n and which belongs to Isfrid.
"I'm...sorry?" Y/n pouts slightly.
"Ah, if it isn't Isfrid. What brings you here?" Malleus asked. "Though judging by the luggage you're carrying, I think I might know that you aren't here to deliver our dear Princess's luggage ," he says, widening his eyes in realization.
"Yes, Isfrid and Grim will be joining the group as attendants with Y/n," Crowley happily announced.
"Heh heh! We'll be taggin' along and takin' care of you guys," Grim cheered as he hopped onto Y/n's shoulders. "Which means partying down, gettin' fawned over, and eatin' everything in sight! Mya-hah!"
"Now I see. You used both Y/n and Isfrid as pretext to get Grim off your back," Azul disappointedly says.
"Some headmage we have," Jamil said, completely unamused as Sebek looked more pissed.
"I don't mind..." Y/n assured.
"I simply cannot allow her majesty to venture by herself to Fleur City!" Isfrid exclaimed. "As her personal knight, I must stay at her side during these sort of trips to keep her safe and secure."
"I don't see the problem! Now we've got fuzzy companionship AND valuable emotional support! Bring on the floof!" Idia grinned happily. 'Now...this is a solo date with the female lead!'
"I dunno about the floof part, but I'm glad you two get to come along!" Deuce smiled.
"This is a fine opportunity for you to see more of Twisted Wonderland, dear." Rook happily smiled with a blush. "Let us enjoy this fun, educational trip together, my beloved Reine de l'innocence!"
"Good point," Riddle nodded before he smiled at Y/n, glad she was joining. "I've studied up on Fleur City, Y/n. Feel free to ask me any questions you like. Though admittedly, this will be my first real trip abroad. I might not've covered everything we will encounter," he pouted. "I wish we had a more experienced traveler with us. Someone familiar with the local history and culture..."
"We have that covered, actually," Crowley says.
"Are you all done chatting now?" Trein sternly asked, crossing his arms.
"Huh? What's Trein doin' here?" Grim asked as everyone turned to Crowley and Trein.
"I'll be your chaperone for this trip," Trein says.
"Ugh!"
"Professor Trein hails from the Shaftlands, and he's knowledgeable about various histories and cultures worldwide," Crowley explained, ignoring everyone's dismay. "He used to do a great amount of fieldwork as well. I say he's the best possible chaperone you could have. It's all part of my efforts to enrich your travel experience... Which is out of the pure kindness of my heart, of course!" he beamed.
"All right, everyone. I have some important words for you before we leave," Trein stated, gaining everyone's attention. "We are traveling to a faraway land. I understand that's exciting, but this trip is not all fun and games. Learn the history of Fleur City and Noble Bell College," he instructed, as Grim and Ruggie weren't amused. "Rethink your conceptions of what a mage should be. Observe the other arcane academy students and examine what views your brethren hold, especially those from Northern Lights Academia. Approach the social with open minds, accepting the stimulating experiences it provides. These will nourish your future development," he instructed as Deuce and Epel frowned.
"Okay, uh...This is kind of over my head," Deuce admitted in a mumble.
"I wasn't expecting Professor Trein to be our chaperone..." Epel mumbled as well.
"You must mind your manners at all times and never get distracted. Especially in front of her majesty the crown princess," Trein ordered.
"I couldn't agree more, sir," Riddle happily agreed.
"Yes, absolutely! I'm extremely honored to receive such a valuable learning opportunity," Azul says, also agreeing with Trein.
'This is why I pestered the headmage to allow me to come...' Isfrid thought, seeing through Riddle and Azul.
"Mm, yes, a most satisfactory response," Trein smiled in satisfaction. "however, I'm worried... QUITE worried about Lucius..." he admitted.
"Mrow...Mrow...*nuzzle*" Lucius floated as he nuzzled against Trein in comfort.
"Aww...You're willing to be patient and wait for me? What a good boy you are!" Trein smiled, petting Lucius.
"Oh, you're leavin' Lucius here?" Ruggie asked.
"I wouldn't want him to have an emergency in an unfamiliar place. I've asked Professor Crewel to watch him while I'm gone," Trein answered. "Normally I wouldn't dream of leaving Lucius in the hands of a dyed-in-the-wool dog person..." he pitched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "But considering the other faculty, he was the only choice," he groaned.
"You mean Coach Vargas and Sam..." Ruggie listed a few notable ones. "Yeah, I get that,"
"While dogs and cats do differ, Professor Crewel still cares for living creatures. I'm sure Lucius will be fine," Trein assured.
"Indeed," Crowley smiled. "He was most enthusiastic about teaching Lucius commands like 'stay' and 'place'!"
"Lucius, ignore everything he tells you," Trein instructed the cat.
"Mrooow,"
"Though I arranged the trip, I'll be remaining here. Don't worry about getting any gifts for me," Crowley says as Y/n narrowed her eyes, knowing exactly what he wants. "As a side note, I prefer treats with subtler flavors rather than overpowering one. But really, don't worry about it at all!"
"Absolutely not," Y/n and Isfrid bluntly say in unison, causing Crowley to pout.
"Oh, Headmage..." Trein grumbled as everyone else was dumbfounded.
"Ahem! Does everyone have all their belongings?" Crowley asked with a slight pout from how quick a pair of twins replied.
"Yes, sir,"
"Then have a swell trip!" Crowley happily waved goodbye.
"I guess I can bring you back some snacks!" Y/n sighed.
Everyone but Crowley stepped over to the Dark Mirror and soon disappeared, leaving the headmage alone in the Mirror Chamber. He released a shaky sigh before turning his head slightly, sensing a familiar presence waiting for him.
It was a spirit familiar. A mighty snow leopard that had a collar meaning that he belonged to the 2nd prince of Permafrostine. "Relay to your master that her majesty the crown princess should have arrived at Noble Bell College by now." Crowley says, turning around to face the majestic creature.
The snow leopard nodded before baking away, disappearing into the sunlight. (like Chachamaru)
*
Noble Bell College - Lecture Hall
The bright light cleared from Y/n's sight as she looked around the new area everyone was in. She looked around the area in awe, despite her usual look of indifference.
"Whew. Let's see, one, two, three..." Trein counted, making sure everyone is present. "Yes, it looks like all fourteen of you made it safely," he smiled in relief.
"So this is Noble Bell College!" Grim gasped in excitement. The hall they were in was absolutely beautiful.
"What a grand and beautiful stained glass windows. This place feels...pure, in a sense. Exactly like Reine de l'innocence," Rook praised, indulging in it's unique beauty that reminded him of Y/n.
"Yeah. Even though we're in a big, cavernous hall, the light coming through the windows is so bright," Epel smiled, admiring the scenery.
"Let us go and greet our hosts," Trein instructed.
"I've been expecting you," A voice spoke as footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. The voice sound oddly familiar to Y/n who tilts her head to the side, feeling something in her heart.
"Hm?" Malleus and the others turned over to the owner of the voice.
~To be Continued~