Chapter 41
*Night Raven College – Potion Class*
“Get to your seats, puppies. In this homeroom period, I'm going to tighten the reins you whelps pulled loose over the holidays. I trust you're all aware that the National Arcane Academy Culture Fair is coming up in mid-February. This year, it's going to be held here at Night Raven College.” Crewel said.
“Myah? We've got some kinda fair coming up?” Grim asked.
“The events schedule was posted in September, at the start of the school year. Some of you didn't even look at it, did you? Lazy curs!” Crewel glared at the class.
*Ka-CRACK*
The sound of his whip echoed in the classroom and the students flinched.
“Since we clearly have some bad dogs in this class, and because housebreaking you is my job anyway, I'll recap it for those who need it.” Crewel said before he started to explain. “The National Arcane Academy Culture Fair is a yearly event for students representing schools across the country. It's a two-day festival that includes fine art, music, research showcases on magic, and speech contests. In essence, it's an interscholastic event for culture-oriented clubs. At Night Raven, students spend their senior year at internships and research placements related to their magical professions... And this is the time when the seniors some back to school and announce their findings.”
Ace put down the pencil that was balanced on his lips like a moustache. “Y'know, I hadn't thought much about it before now...But we haven't run into a single senior since we enrolled, have we?”
“All I knew was that they were training off-campus. Better make sure we pay our respects.” Deuce said. “Now that you mention it, it's just freshmen, sophomores, and juniors on campus, huh? Wow, I never knew magicians did internships.”
“This festival also gets attention from many organizations on the lookout for fresh next-generation talent, such as the Bureau of Magic...” Crewel said. “As well as the Magic Board of Education, other universities, magic-related businesses, research institutes, and the entertainment industry. All of you art club dogs had best ensure that you're well-groomed and presentable!”
“So it's a festival for the arts clubs, huh?” Ace said.
“We're both in sports clubs, so I guess we won't be doing much here.” Deuce shrugged.
“Hey, if it's a festival, that means there's gonna be a ton of food stalls like they had at the Spelldrive tournament!” Grim grinned.
Ace rolled his eyes. “It's always about food with you. Geez.”
“And with that, homeroom time is over.” Crewel said. “First period will be a practical lesson in defensive magic. SIT quietly and STAY!”
*Hours Later*
*Mirror Chamber*
“All housewardens are present, then?” Crowley said while looking around.
Roxana crossed her arms. Why am I here…
“Malleus isn't here yet.” Vil said.
“Sorry about that. I knew where he was up until lunch break...” Lilia said. “But once school let out, poof—he was gone.”
Idia’s tablet turned to face Lilia. “He pulls this every time. It has to be on purpose, right?”
Lilia shook his head. “I wouldn't say that. Time just flows a little... differently for us fae. And if I might add, he's got quite a streak of bad luck when it comes to these things.”
“My poor darling ! This made think about giving him something of mine.” Roxana said under her breath but only Lilia hear her with his sharp hearing.
Kalim laughed. “Aha ha, I know just what you mean! Jamil gets onto me all the time for forgetting to attend meetings.”
Lilia hid his mouth behind his sleeve as he laughed. “Khee heehee... As his vice housewarden, I'll be representing Malleus today, with your leave.”
Leona rolled his eyes. “Hmph. Who cares if that pretentious punk is here? Can we get this meeting started or what?”
“Leona.” Roxana gave him a look of warning. “Don’t make me blast you into the wall.”
Leona looked away from her mumbling something under his breath.
Crowley sweat-dropped. “AHEM. I now call this assembly to order. We've spent quite a while preparing for the National Arcane Academy Culture Fair. It takes place in less than two months. Management Committee Chairman Rosehearts, your progress report, if you please.”
Riddle nodded. “Yes, sir. If everyone could refer to the papers I handed out at the start? Applications are still open for student admissions and presentations from magical academies nationwide. Vendor booths for food, drinks, and crafts are limited in number and all fully booked.”
“Hm? The food and drinks part I get, but what's this about crafts?” Kalim asked.
“That covers arts club products: clothes, pottery, engravings, paintings, and so on. They'll be selling some and exhibiting others.” Riddle explained. “We also had applications for live painting and independent films.”
Kalim clapped. “Ooh, that all sounds delightful!”
“Moving on, regarding the venues for speech contests and research presentations...” Riddle paused for a bit. “We plan to install three stages on campus for this event. The red stage will be on the sports field. The blue stage will be in the gym. And the purple stage will be in our largest spot, the coliseum. We are still accepting press coverage applications for all presentations, both from domestic and foreign sources, but...Mm.”
“What is it, Riddle? You look pensive.” Kalim said to the redhead.
“There's a musical presentation on the Purple Stage called the Vocal & Dance Championship.” Riddle finally said. “We've been flooded with applications from external media outlets to cover this program. To what I would call an excessive degree.”
Azul nodded. “I imagine so, yes. Vocal & Dance Championship, or VDC for short... ...is a global-level competition between the most talented singers at schools in every part of the country.”
Roxana looked at him. Singing ?
“Considering that it's categorized as a musical presentation, I was envisioning something more along the lines of a simple choral contest.” Riddle said.
“That's all the VDC actually was, back when the culture fair first started.” Vil said. “But as time went on, it came to encompass greater and greater varieties of musical expression. Now dances and other such productions fall within its purview. It's been changing steadily over time. Nowadays, it's a music festival widely regarded as a gateway to the big leagues.”
“The audience votes for the finalists in real time as well.” Azul crossed his arms. “This keeps the event from feeling staged. There's no small number of stars who got their start here. Incidentally, Vil will be participating this year. Small wonder the press is swarming the event.”
“...Hmph.” Vil scoffed.
Riddle blinked. “Interesting. I never knew.”
Azul raised an eyebrow at him and smirked. “Tsk, tsk, Riddle. Considering you're at the top of your class, I thought you'd be more up-to-date on trending topics. Were you not aware that Vil is a global celebrity?”
Riddle frowned at the octopus merman. “Must you always couch your words in barbs? I don't live under a rock. I know my upperclassman is in the entertainment industry.”
Azul smiled. “Indeed he is. He's a highly popular figure who does everything from modeling for fashion magazines to acting in movies. When Fashion Week kicks off, he's flooded with offers from big-name brands. He held the record for runway appearances in last year's fall and winter seasons. Plus he's a Magicammer with over five million followers. All this while still a student! They say whenever he plugs a piece of merchandise, it flies off every store shelf. He's the textbook definition of an "influencer."”
“Goodness... I didn't know he was THAT famous.” Riddle said while looking at Vil with white eyes.
Vil scoffed at Azul. “Hmph. Ever the chatterbox, Azul. That's basic information—hardly worth calling attention to. Would you kindly cease your embarrassing slavering?”
“Oh, speaking of influencers—Vil's not the only one slated for VDC this year.” Idia said. I heard the one and only Neige Le-Blanche is putting in an appearance too. It was all over online news sites a few days ago. It's no surprise that the media would be all over it. Not to mention that many other fans want for Roxana to join too !”
“Wait what ?” Roxana looked at Idia’s tablet. “Since when ?”
“You didn’t know ? Shame on you ignoring your fans Roxie shame !” Lilia giggled.
“Excuse me for living a life outside of electronics.” Roxana deadpanned. “I started doing videos out of boredom never thought I would grain popularity that quick.”
“You did a whole fashion show in there.” Lilia said. “Besides, many fans want to see you perform it will be such a shame to disappoint them.” He gave her a grin. “I am the one who created the vote by the way !”
Roxana sighed. “Goodness…”
“Neige Le-Blanche...” Riddle thought for a moment. “Ah, yes. We received a registration form for him a few days ago. He's a sophomore representing Royal Sword Academy.” He turned to Roxana. “Are you thinking about joining ?”
“Maybe, I’ll see later.” Roxana then frowned. “Who’s Neige ?” She said under her breath.
Vil’s expression soured after Neige name came up.
“Neige is considered the most likable celebrity in the world. He's known for his disarming good looks and approachable nature.” Lilia said. “Hardly a day goes by when I don't see his face plastered over one screen or another. Who knew he went to Royal Sword Academy?”
“Yeah, there you go. He's like a boy idol for normies... Wait, hold up. You guys actually watch TV in Diasomnia?” Idia was shocked by that.
“Khee heehee. Why, of course!” Lilia laughed. “I'd simply wither and die without my dramas. I've been known to enjoy a spot of gaming, too.”
“Some tea from time to time is necessary to entertain oneself.” Roxana smirked.
“H-huh... Somehow, I wasn't expecting that.” Idia said.
“Vil Schoenheit and Neige Le-Blanche.” Crowley said. “This year's Vocal & Dance Championship will play host to two globally famous celebrities. It is no exaggeration to say that this will be the highest-profile year in the entire history of the event. Rosehearts, do make certain that you are amply prepared to avert any incidents on the day of the show.”
Riddle nodded. “Y-yes, Headmage. This...is turning out to be even more of a to-do than I was expecting.”
“Even the slightest mismanagement could trigger a commotion among the throngs of fans that will be in attendance.” Azul said. “Riddle, I would be glad to extend a special offer of assistance if you're starting to feel the pressure. After all, I already have plenty of experience after handling the uproar at the interdorm Spelldrive tournament.”
Leona glared at Azul. “Hey, cephalo-punk. Want me to dry out that slimy tongue of yours and make it into octo-jerky?”
“Dear me, how frightening! Heh Heheh...” Azul gave Leona a mocking laugh.
“Your help won't be necessary, Azul. I have no desire to incur any special debts to you.” Riddle said. “There's no telling what you'd ask for later as compensation. Focus on doing your own job well.”
Azul ‘pouted’. “What a pity. Do let me know if you ever change your mind. My spirit of benevolence has no expiration date.”
“The spirit of scamming.” Roxana said.
“You’re one to talk.” Azul deadpanned at her.
Kalim jumped in. “Same here. Feel free to reach out to me if you have trouble with anything, Riddle. I'm always happy to help. Ooh, I just can't wait for festival day!”
“Yeesh. Must be nice to see the bright side of everything all the time.” Idia commented. “Meanwhile, I'm sitting here every day wracking my brain, trying to figure out how I can present my research without going up on stage... I just know if I go up there, everybody in the venue's gonna be like, "Uh, is his hair on fire?" "Is he from the Shroud family?" "What kind of creepy research is he doing, anyway?" They're gonna spread rumors like... Well, like wildfire. Uuuggh, this sucks. For an introvert like me, public speaking is, like, EX difficulty.”
“You need to max your charisma then.” Roxana said.
“Don’t mock me !” From his voice you can hear the pout.
“Idia, the rules state that the researcher must be on stage in person.” Riddle said. “I cannot make an exception for you.”
“Oh, great, here we go with Riddle's personal skill, Rule monger. Y'know what MY person skill is? Thinking that rule is really backwards.” Idia said. “For one thing, who wants to listen to a geek like me mumbling into a microphone? Text-to-speech would go way smoother and be easier for listeners to parse.”
Riddle deadpanned. “Aren't you talking perfectly fine with us right now?”
“Y-you can't compare voice chatting online with people you know to giving a talk to a crowd full of strangers, okay?” Idia panicked a bit. “There's no way I could handle Q&A after the presentation, for that matter. I'd freak.”
Riddle sighed. “You have just over a month until the festival. Perhaps you could use it to practice delivering a speech loudly and clearly without stumbling? In fact, I'd be willing to join you for practice sessions after school if you like.”
“Erk! N-no thanks, I'm good. I'll figure something out on my own before it's go time.” Idia quickly said. “The last thing I need is a mandatory grind on a repeatable training event with Mr. Impossible-to-Please.”
Riddle eyebrow twitched but he stayed calm. “Very well. Then I shall look forward to your fully composed research presentation, Idia. That wraps up the management committee's report.”
“I'll adjourn today's housewarden meeting here. I expect all dorms to continue with their preparations for the big day.” Crowley said.
Vil said nothing as he continue to glare at the empty space in front of him.
*POMEFIORE DORM - VIL'S ROOM*
Vil grabbed his phone. “Mira, Mira. Tell me something.”
A robotic voice answered. “What would you like me to look up?”
“Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?” Vil asked.
“Displaying results for "account with the most comments using the word 'beautiful'": Roxana Lestrange and Neige Le-Blanche.
Vil gritted his teeth. “Roxana and Neige...! How did that woman even … tsk whatever ! The time has come.
“I'm sorry. I didn't understand your command. Could you repeat that?”
Vil turned his phone off.
Fun Fact :
Roxana was part of the students that sang the Hogwarts song before she quit.