Chapter 46
“You think you can just waltz back here? Not only did you skip your rehearsal, but you left campus without permission AND got in a fight?” Vil shouted at Epel and Deuce. “You're lucky it was written off as self-defense. But what if you'd gotten barred from competing in the VDC because of it? Does your irresponsibility know no bounds?!”
Deuce bowed. “Vil, I am so, SO sorry! I was the one who took Epel off campus without permission. I accept whatever punishment you deem fit, sir!”
Epel stood in front of Deuce. “No, I was the one who ran out in the middle of rehearsal...and I started the fight. This is my fault! And, if I may add one other thing? I learned something today. I finally understand what you and Roxana mean when you talk about power.”
Vil’s eyes widened.
“Deep down, I've always looked down on people who care about being cute or charming.” Epel said. “But you endorsed my hometown's apple juice, and everyone in town is happier for it. I think your concept of power finally clicked for me. And now I want to have power like yours, Vil.”
“Heh... Let me tell you something, Epel. I like making people prostrate themselves before me.” Vil said. “There is one form of power that can bring people to their knees. It's more overwhelming than violence; more eloquent than words. I speak, of course, of beauty. That is why I devote myself utterly to the art of aesthetics—so that no one can outshine me. So that I can be the fairest in the land. You were fortunate enough to be born with the weapon called "charm." Whether you sharpen that weapon into something useful or let it rust away is up to you. I suggest you remember that.”
“Yes, sir. I'm going to keep getting more powerful.” Epel nodded. “Powerful enough to beat Neige AND you!”
Vil smirked. “Heh. At least you're ambitious.”
“Heheheh. I see the baby birds have learned a valuable lesson.” Rook smiled. “What would you say to letting them off the hook this time, Roi du Poison?”
Vil sighed. “I suppose the point has been made. There's no sense in belaboring it. I'm giving you both a second chance. There will not be a third. Is that clear?”
Deuce and Epel nodded. “Yes, sir!”
Vil scoffed. “Don't take that peppy tone with me. You both clearly have an excess of energy. Your punishment is to run thirty laps around the dorm!”
Deuce and Epel saluted. “Yes, sir! Running now, sir!” They run out of the room right after that.
“It sounds like they got into some trouble, but at least they're feeling better!” Kalim grinned. “They look like they both had a moment of catharsis.”
Jamil sighed. “A moment that could have thrown the whole show into jeopardy, you mean. What a mess...”
“No kidding. And Vil ran the rest of us through the wringer while they were out. Have some pity for the rest of us, man.” Ace said.
Deuce returned and stopped in front of Ace. “Oh, by the way, Ace!”
Ace raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? You'd better not be expecting an apology.”
“Hey, don't put words in my mouth.” Deuce said. “You were right, okay? I'm not as smart or as slick as you are. But even then… I'm not letting you outshine me, okay? That's all I wanted to say. Later!” With that said he run out of the room again.
Ace blinked. “Wait, what? Huh? Did he just declare war on me? Is he nuts? That knucklehead wouldn't outshine me in a million years. Roxana, Grim, you two agree, right?”
Roxana raised her wine glass and pointed at him. “Keep me out of it.”
“Are you drinking ???” Vil asked scandalized.
Grim grinned at Ace. “From where I'm standing', any competition between you two is a race to the bottom.”
“BWAH?! What was that you little furball?!” Ace shouted at Grim.
“Youth these days.” Roxana took another sip of her fire-whiskey.
Vil gasped. “Don’t drink it’s not good for you ! You’re too young for that !”
Roxana deadpanned. “Boy when I started drinking your grandfather wasn’t even born !”
*Slytherin Dorm – Ballroom*
“We're down to one week until the Vocal & Dance Championship.” Vil said. “Starting today, we'll be doing rehearsals in full costume.”
“You mean in our school uniforms?” Ace asked.
Rook nodded. “Precisely. After all, we are representing Night Raven College when we take the stage.”
A mistake. Roxana thought. Should have used a color theme that represent Night Raven College instead of dancing in School Uniform.
“That, and school uniforms are ideal attire for a boy band that projects a youthful image.” Vil said. “Naturally, these are specially tailored uniforms that stretch to accommodate dance moves. You can thank the headmage for having them made.”
Crowley smiled. “Oh, think nothing of it. It's a small price to pay for massive school publicity—*Cough* Ahem. I mean, you boys deserve the freedom to dance to your fullest!”
“Publicity.” Roxana whispered loud enough for Crowley to hear.
Crowley’s shoulders fell as he gave her a look, Roxana just smiled at the crow.
“I would've liked costumes with a little more razzle-dazzle, personally.” Kalim said.
“It's not our call to make.” Jamil responded.
Vil clapped to get their attention. “Enough chitchat. We're going to do the full song from top to bottom.”
Everyone nodded. “Yes, sir!”
Music started to play.
Roxana passed a glass to Crowley. “A drink ?”
“Oh thank you !” Crowley said and drank huge portion of it, only to scream, start coughing, and spit fire right after it. “MISS LESTRANGE ???”
“It’s an alcoholic drink named Fire-Whiskey, as you can see ‘Fire’ in the name is not a joke.” Roxana said after taking a sip. “Go easy on yourself.”
Crowley whimpered, it was enough drink for today, he decided to pay attention to the students.
Gotta love silencing wards, the group of students didn’t hear Crowley’s scream.
***
“Oh… OOOH! Marvelous. Simply marvelous! You're all in such perfect sync! I knew I made the right call putting Schoenheit in charge of production. An ultra-trendy song, sharp dance moves, incredible singing, and highly thematic lyrics... I give it top marks across the board!” Crowley said.
“Heh... But of course. What do you take me for?” Vil said.
“What I've always taken you for. A leading global talent—no, correction—the housewarden of Pomefiore, our campus's most historic and beautiful dorm.” Crowley said. “The VDC is a musical recital. We won't know what songs the other schools have chosen until the day of...But you have a level of polish that makes you worthy of being called top contenders. Schoenheit. NRC. Defeat Royal Sword Academy and prove your beauty to the world!”
“Yes, sir!”
“The headmage seems very enthusiastic about this whole thing, don't you think?” Kalim said with a cheerful voice.
Jamil nodded. “Knowing him, he probably thinks it would be a huge publicity boost if we won.”
“Oh, yes—I have something for you all.” Crowley said.
“Oh right, I forgot.” Roxana said. Even though I did invite Malleus, he will still need a ticket to enter !
“Tickets to the VDC remain hot commodities every year.” Crowley said. “I've used our status as the host school to reserve a small handful of affiliate seats. You can give them to your friends and family.”
“Ooh! Thanks, Headmage!” Kalim said as he took the tickets. “My mom and dad said they'd rented out a few movie theaters for the event back home. They'll be holding a live viewing with all the household staff and family.”
“My little sister said she'd be visiting for the culture fair. I suppose I could give her one.” Jamil said while looking at the ticket. “Though it does make me a tad nervous knowing family will be watching.”
“And on that note, don't let me keep interrupting your practice. I'll be taking my leave now. Break a leg, everybody.” Crowley said.
Vil turned to the boys. “All right, boys, back to practice.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Looking' at these guys now, it's like all the struggles we saw at first never even happened.” Grim said while sitting on the chair beside Roxana. “And what about you ?”
Roxana smiled at him. “Oh you will see~”
*Slytherin Dorm – Garden*
“My love.” Roxana smiled at Malleus as she approached him. “Crowley finally gave me this.”
Malleus grabbed the ticket given to him. “Oh this is…”
“The ticket for VDC, I can’t perform without you there, after all the only reason why am going on stage is to please you.” Roxana said.
Malleus chuckled and Roxana blushed. Damn it you stupid hot dragon, don’t chuckle like that it makes me blush.
The dragon gave her a soft peck on the corner of her lips. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you.” Roxana said as she put her head on his chest, Malleus put his head on hers.
Both lovers closed their eyes and enjoyed each other presence in peace.
*Slytherin Dorm – Morning – Roxana’s room*
Roxana turned her head to look at the door after hearing a soft knock.
“Enter.”
Epel opened the door. “Good morning, Roxana, Grim, I see you’re both up.”
Grim jumped and landed in front of the boy. “Hey, Epel! Today's the big day! It's the Vocal & Dance Championship! You'd better take home the gold, okay?!”
Epel grinned. “Absolutely! I'm ready to win this thing. But...it's kinda sad to think that this will be the last day of our training camp. Thank you for accommodating us this long. Heheh.”
*Slytherin Dorm – Hallway*
“Morning, Roxana ! Epel! Grim! Did you sleep well?” Kalim grinned. “I didn't. I was too excited. Jamil even yelled at me to go to sleep! Aha ha!”
“Seriously. You're not a child on a field trip.” Jamil said while pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Bonjour! Good morning to you all! I hope the day finds you well.” Rook said as he appeared. “Vil has some words for everyone before the show. Would you mind coming to the lounge?”
*Slytherin Dorm – Lounge*
“I see everyone's here.” Vil nodded. “The time will be 3 p.m. The place will be the Purple Stage set up in the coliseum. Then and there, the Vocal & Dance Championship will finally kick off. The competition will be streamed live worldwide. This is our moment to reap the beauteous seeds we've sown and take the entire world by storm! I trust all of you are ready?”
“Yes, sir!”
“Rehearsals start at noon. I expect each of you to be ready to take the stage before then.” Vil said.
“Oooh... It's killing' me that all we can do is watch.” Grim said.
“You.” Roxana corrected. “Only you will watch.”
“Correct—you Grim will be of no use simply lurking around and twiddling your thumbs. Your fidgeting will only distract us. Go see the sights at the festival instead. I'll give you a staff pass. Wear it when you go in. But I expect you to be present for rehearsal in the coliseum at noon. Is that clear?” Vil said.
Ace pouted. “Aw, maaan. I wanna check out the festival!”
Kalim was the same. “Me, too!”
Vil frowned. “Out of the question for you! Have you been listening to a word I've said? The festival lasts for two days, so you'll have your chance to cavort on day two. Today, you will focus strictly on the VDC show. Now, let's start our final checks!”
Roxana smiled. “Am confident about my performance so am going to go and enjoy myself.”
Vil said nothing as he watched her leave with Grim in her arms.