Chapter 47
*Side Street – Festival – Vendors Outside The Coliseum*
“Ooh, ooh! Roxana! Look at all these food stalls!
“We can get some food if you want.” Roxana said.
Grim paused before he narrowed his eyes and gave her a suspicious look. “Ok, what’s the catch, you don’t do this normally without trying to skin me or something.”
“Oh my ~ You don’t trust me after all this time Grim ?” Roxana pouted. “That hurt my feelings.”
“Just tell me what’s going on.” Grim deadpanned.
“What can I say ? I am in a good mood today, after all my love is going to watch me perform.” Roxana said.
“…” Grim blinked. “Females are weird…”
The chimera then decided to shrug it and got the food he wanted, they both bought nearly everything in the festival, there was nearly nothing that they didn’t get their hands on.
“Look Grim, this plush looks just like you !” Roxana teased.
Just to be clear, the plush was that of a clown.
“IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE ME AT ALL !”
Roxana chuckled as she grabbed Grim and returned to the main street of the festival where she met Trey and Riddle.
“Oh, hey boys, happy to see you here.” Roxana said.
“Ah, Roxana, didn’t see you all day how are you ?” Trey asked.
“Am fine.”
Grim looked around and he looks surprised at the amount of people in the place. “It ain't even open yet, and it's already buzzing with people!”
Trey nodded. “This festival is a gathering of students from across the nation. There's a lot of people attending, even just counting the staff and organizers.”
PA System. “Thank you all for your patience. The National Arcane Academy Culture Fair is now open.”
*Cheering*
*Applause*
*RRRUMBLE*
“Which way is the Purple Stage where they're holding the Vocal & Dance Championship?!”
“Where's the standby area for purchasing cancelled same-day tickets?!”
“I can't wait to see Neige IRL!”
“Eeeeeeh! This is where Vil goes to school? Oh-em-Squeee, I HAVE to post this to Magicam!”
“YOU THERE! HUMAN! No running! And stop looking at your smartphone while walking!” Sebek shouted.
“The same-day ticket raffle is not first-come, first-served. Follow the staff's instructions and stay in line.” Silver said.
Grim looked at the crowd. “Whoa, what's with the giant mob?!”
“I think we've found Vil and that Neige Le Blanche boy's fans.”
“I knew they were global celebrities, but wow.” Trey said surprised.
Silver noticed them and walked up to Riddle. “Did you come to check up on things, Riddle? We've started a standby line behind the coliseum, just as planned.”
Sebek glared at the crowd. “What is with these crowds?! I keep sorting them out, and more just keep coming! Wretched humans!”
“Sebek, how many times must I tell you to stop referring to people as "humans"? Remember, you're representing our school.” Riddle frowned at the boy.
“Riddle's right. Besides, you're half one yourself.” Silver said. “Your rudeness will reflect poorly on Malleus and Lilia. Choose your words more carefully.”
“Wha—HOW DARE YOU TALK DOWN TO ME, SILVER!” Sebek shouted.
Roxana chuckled at the green haired boy. “Never a dull moment with Sebek.”
Grim deadpanned. “Yeesh, this guy's loud! My ears are ringing' already!”
Trey turned to Silver. “Sports club freshmen certainly have energy to burn.”
“I was anticipating large crowds, which was why I put Equestrian Club members front and center.” Riddle said. “I figured that if anyone would excel at diplomacy and customer service, it would be them.”
Silver nodded. “You made the right call. The trouble is that we might not have enough manpower to adequately handle the crowds right at opening time.”
“Malleus will be attending the VDC! I would never live down even the slightest misstep!” Sebek said.
Roxana leaned to whisper in his ear. “Of course he will be here, I gave him the ticket.”
Sebek turned and looked at her with stars in his eyes.
“All right. I'll send over any staff that are done with their building work and currently unoccupied.” Riddle said. “I'm going to check on the east building. You can take it from here.”
Silver and Sebek nodded. “Right. / Yes, sir!”
*Night Raven College – Main Street*
“The east stage has dressing rooms for the clubs making presentations on the Blue Stage in the gymnasium... As well as the Red Stage on the sports grounds.” Riddle said. “We'll have students from other schools using those rooms as well.”
“So, is that where the VDC competitors are gonna be hanging' out?” Grim asked.
Riddle shook his head. “No. The coliseum has locker rooms and facilities where the SDC entrants will be staying.”
“We've got a lot of visitors from Royal Sword Academy this year. We'll need to make regular rounds. Our campus is full of hotheaded guys who are quick to pick fights. When students from our rival school are around, well...” Trey said.
*WHAM*
“Hey, punk. You got snot all over my uniform. You're not even gonna apologize?”
A sneezy Boy browed. “I said I was sorry... Achoo!”
“Ewww! He sent more snot flying' our way!”
“Snick! Here, blow your nose.”
Snick nodded. “Thanks, Dominic... *Honk*”
Dominic turned to the bullies. “I'm sorry about that. I'll pay the cleaning bill for your uniforms.”
“You bet you will. Y'know, I was wondering what kindergarteners were doing here... But you kids are wearing' the Royal Sword Academy uniform, aren't you?”
A Grumpy Boy glared. “Who're you calling kindergarteners?! I'm the great Grum, and I'd bet I'm older than you! Don't you dare go insulting dwarfs!”
“Heh. I was gonna let you off easy 'cause you were kids, but I guess that means I don't have to now!”
“Since you got our nice uniforms all gross, we're gonna get mud all over those white jackets of yours!”
Trey sighed. “Good grief. I didn't even have time to finish the thought out loud.”
“How uncouth, they lack a lot of education.” Roxana sighed.
“Physical altercations on campus are a clear breach of rules. I don't need to wait for a verdict. I'll clamp down on this right now!” Riddle walked up to the students. “OFF WITH YOUR HEAD !”
The spell locked around the students with a clank.
“Gaah!”
Riddle glared at them. “The culture fair has barely opened its doors, and already you're picking fights? This is more disrespectful than even breaching the Queen of Hearts’ rules!”
“Maaan! Busted by Rosehearts, of all people...”
“Be grateful it’s not Lestrange that attacked us !” The other guy said while pointing at the girl in question.
“This is your punishment for besmirching the dignity of Night Raven College. Keep those collars on and think about what you've done!” Riddle said.
“W-we'll get you for this!” They said before running away.
Trey walked up to the dwarfs. “Are you guys okay? Let me apologize on behalf of our school.”
“I-I'm good... Achoo!”
I am not approaching any of them. Roxana thought while keeping her distance.
Dominic bowed. “Thank you for helping us.”
……alright it’s adorable… Roxana sighed.
Grum grumbled. “Yeah, whatever. I could a taken those guys with or without your help.”
Dominic turned to look at him. “Grum! Must you do this every time?”
“I take it from your uniforms that you boys go to Royal Sword Academy?” Trey said.
Dominic nodded. “Yes, that's right!”
“Really? You guys are barely taller than me. Are you sure you're not way younger?” Grim said as he stood beside them.
Grum glared at the cat monster. “Are all of you this rude?! We're pretty tall for dwarfs, I'll have you know. Hmph!”
Dominic sighed. “Come on, Grum, cut it out. By the way, have any of you seen four other dwarfs? They're about as tall as we are. We got separated from our group on the way to our dressing room...”
Riddle shook his head. “I'm afraid not. Would you like me to have the broadcast club page them?”
“Humm-hum-Humm...” Che’nya’s head appeared. “Looking for someone? I'm the purrfect guy to ask.”
Grim jumped in fright. “MROOOW! A floating severed head!”
Trey and Riddle looked surprised. “Chenya?!”
Roxana sighed. “You guy go and search for whatever you want to search for, I have something to do.”
“Don’t leave me here ! Am coming with you !” Grim said.
Roxana raised another dress. “And what about this one.”
Grim sighed. “I should have stayed with Riddle.”
“Maybe this one is better…” Roxana said as she ignored him.
Grim deadpanned at the invisible camera.
*Coliseum - Purple Stage*
Murmur was heard in the crowd.
“Wow, it’s so big !” Grim said.
A Film Crew stopped them. “Hey, you two! VDC rehearsals are starting soon.”
“This place is off-limits to the general public. Out you go.”
Roxana glared. “Excuse me ? First of all, I am one of the ones who is going to perform, Roxana Lestrange is my name, and second, Grim here has staff passes.”
“Oh Pardon me.”
“Wait Roxana Lestrange ? THE Roxana Lestrange ???” someone from the back said. “No way !! Am a big fan !”
Roxana was going to open her mouth to respond but Vil appeared and shooed them away. Well he did the work for me, good.
“Bold of you to arrive last, Roxana.” Vil said as he crossed his arms.
“Did you take in the sights and sounds of the festival?” Rook asked.
Grim nodded. “You guys oughta see the line of people outside the coliseum waiting' for same-day tickets. It's nuts!”
Kalim stepped in. “Really? Well, it's nice to know people are excited.”
“There's a lot of reporters and cameras as well. We can chalk that up to Vil and Neige, I'm sure.” Jamil said.
“And Roxana too ! I’ve heard some people talking about you !” Kalim said.
Roxana just smiled at the boy.
“Oh yeah. Ace, Deuce, Epel... We met Riddle and Jack while making our way here, both said if you guys screw this up, you're really gonna be in for it!” Grim said.
Deuce gulped. “Erk... Please, I don't need any more pressure.”
Epel bit his lip. “N-now I'm getting nervous...”
Ace sighed. “We've got three hours from now until the show. There's no sense in tensing up now.”
Vil nodded. “Agreed. Our rehearsal time is there to ensure we don't make any mistakes at showtime. VDC tradition dictates that the host school's team performs first. Let's make our act so hard to follow that everyone who comes after us looks like moldy tubers in comparison.”
“Yeah!”
“...Vi?” A voice called from behind them.
Vil turned around. “Huh?”
“I knew it! Hi, Vi!” A cheerful voice said.
Roxana’s eyes widened. Unbelievable.
Vil composed himself. “Neige...”
Neige smiled at the blond. “It's been forever! How've you been? When I heard on the news that you'd be in this year's Vocal & Dance Championship... I just couldn't wait to see you in person!”
“So that's Neige Le Blanche!” Epel said.
“No wonder he's a household name. Even the way he walks and talks is perfectly choreographed.” Ace said.
“Hmmm. He looks nice enough...” Deuce said. “But he's not giving off that same intense aura that Schoenheit did, the first time we met.”
“He looks disgusting.” Roxana said but no one heard her.
Kalim nodded at Deuce words. “True. He doesn't have much of a glamorous vibe.”
“His smile is entirely unlike Vil's. It is unaffected, like a tiny flower blooming in an open field.” Rook said.
Roxana wanted to gag.
“Hmph. The more innocuous someone looks, the worse they're likely to act behind the scenes.” Jamil said. “That's how entertainers are.”
“Do you have any room to talk there?” Grim said to Jamil.
“Speaking from experience ?” Roxana teased.
“I haven't seen you much on the job since we filmed that last movie together. I've missed you, Vi!” Neige said as he jumped in front of Vil.
“I'm trying to focus on school right now. So I'm avoiding movie deals with long filming periods.” Vil said with a voice void of emotions.
Neige pouted a bit. “Oh, that makes sense. I'm just happy I get to hear you sing again today, Vi. Your voice is absolutely incredible, after all! The first thing we co-starred in was a musical drama set in a school, right?”
“Just so. You played the star, and I played the student bullying you. ...They were perfect roles. For you and me both.” Vil said.
Wow, voice dry like sand. Roxana thought before she smirked. I wonder Vil, will you hesitate ?
A Staff member entered. “Excuse me, Night Raven College entrants! It's time for your rehearsal. Please stand by!”
Vil nodded at him. “We'll be right there! If you'll excuse us, Neige.”
“Sure! I'm looking forward to your performance.” Neige said with a smile that could have summoned sunshine and rainbows before he walked away.
“It’s like Carry bear and a unicorn had a child…” Roxana shuddered.
Vil glared. “Keep wearing that oblivious smile while you still can. Our flawless performance will crush you, completely and utterly.”
Rook hid his eyes with his hat and said nothing.
“I smell tea.” Grim said.
Roxana patted him on the head. “I taught you really well~”
*After the performance*
Kalim came running up to them. “Roxana! Grim! What'd you think of our performance?”
Roxana nodded. “Nice.”
“The stage was way bigger than the practice room… not that the room was small or anything !” Epel quickly said after seeing Roxana looking at him.
“Hmmm…maybe I should make it bigger then.” Roxana said mostly to herself.
Jamil smirked. “Heh. Even you're coming around.”
Vil crossed his arms. “I'd like to review our footage right now. And not just the front; I want to know how it looks from both sides.”
A TV Station Staff walked up to Vil. “Great work, Vil! That was the best performance I've ever seen! I got goosebumps just watching! We're with a Shaft-lands news program. Could you spare some time for an interview to be shown on our evening news?”
Roxana hid from the cameras, she’s not going to get caught in it anytime soon, maybe after her own performance, she decided to go and spell her outfits, when she came back again she found Vil looking at his phone.
“Mira, Mira. Tell me something.”
“What would you like me to look up?”
“Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?”
Again ? Roxana raised her eyebrow.
“Displaying results for "account with the most comments using the word 'beautiful'": Vil Schoenheit.”
Vil eyes widened before a smile creeped it way in. “Heheh... Heheheh… Finally. At long last!”
A Film Crew entered again. “Next up is the Royal Sword Academy group. Please stand by!”
Neige nodded. “Got it! We're on our way!”
“Royal Sword Academy's going right after us?!” Ace asked.
“That's perfect. Let's see what kind of performance they've got.” Deuce smiled.
Kalim nodded. “Good idea! Let's take a break in the audience seating and enjoy the show.”
“Not so fast. I told you that reviewing the footage and ironing out our flaws comes first.” Vil said.
“Now, now, Roi du Poison. It's important to observe one's rival and get a full grasp of their capabilities.” Rook smiled at Vil.
Vil sighed. “...I suppose you have a point. Let's see what Royal Sword Academy's representatives have to show us. Not that it will hold a candle to our beauty, of course.”
“Lighting and audio are all set! Royal Sword Academy, you're up!”
The dwarfs started to come in after Neige.
“Uhhh... What is this, an elementary school play?” Ace said while pointing at the dwarfs.
Jamil frowned. “I don't think those are children, actually. They're fae—dwarfs, to be specific.”
Neige smiled at the cameras. “Hello, everybody! I'm Neige Le-Blanche, with Royal Sword Academy. Say hello, boys.”
“I'm Snick... Achoo!”
“I'm Dominic!”
“I'm Grum. Hmph!”
“*Yawn* I'm Shelpie... *Mumble*”
“Hiya! I'm Hop! Peace!”
“I'm T-T-Timmy. Oh no, this is so awkward…”
“Hm? What was my name again?”
“Quit playing' dumb already, Toby!”
“Heheh, that's right. I'm Toby!”
Some started to laugh. “Ahahahaha...”
“Oh no.” Roxana sighed. “I know where this is going…”
“We've practiced day and night with the goal of putting on the best performance ever! I hope you'll enjoy our song!” Neige said with a dazzling smile.
“Wow, what IS this song? It just keeps coming back around to the hook in circles!” Kalim asked.
“It's an arrangement of a Shaft-lands children's song.” Rook said. “Even I've heard it, and I'm from the Sunset Savanna. I'm sure it's quite famous.”
“Huh. All those dance moves are so simple, anyone could do them. They're not even in sync.” Ace said.
Grim looked at the dwarfs. “One of 'em almost fell over! Neige helped him catch himself, but all of these guys look like they could go toppling at any second.”
“Frankly, the quality is nothing worthy of note.” Jamil said.
“You can't even call this competition. Am I right or what, Vil?” Ace grinned.
“......” Vil looked livid. “We've been outplayed...”
“Huh?” Everyone was confused.
“Of course.” Roxana said. “Some people will be reminded of fond memories that have a relation with this song making them want to vote for something that makes them remember lovely memories of their childhood rather than something new that don’t make them feel anything other than ‘cool’ and ‘awesome’.”
Vil bit his lip in anger.
“Anyways I will be performing now.” Roxana said.
Vil composed himself. Not now, not now, stay calm.
A Film Crew entered. “Next up is the only female student of Night Raven College who will perform solo representing only herself, Roxana Lestrange !”
Roxana snaped her fingers and her dress changed.
“Woah.” Ace looked at her with his mouth open.
“You look beautiful !” Kalim said.
Deuce grinned. “Get them tiger !”
Roxana nodded with a smile as she made her way to the stage, she took the microphone before she smiled at the cameras.
“Hello everyone, my name is Roxana Lestrange and as you already know, I am the only female student of Night Raven College, before I start I want to tell all of you that I have two songs to perform, one of the songs is dedicated to my beloved.” Roxana blushed.
A female staff member gasped with a grin. “A declaration of love, OMG we didn’t get these for a long time !!!!!!”
“So I hope you enjoy.”
The whole stadium was plunged into darkness with the only lights being shone on Roxana making her look ethereal, as the music started some wisp like creatures made out of lights appeared.
“I know you~
I walked with you once upon a dream~
I know you~
That look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam~
But I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem~”
Some people actually started to sway along the calm music with a stupid smile on their face.
“Find someone who will sing love songs to you.” A staff member said to his partner.
“And now for the second performance.” Roxana smirked as the stage once again plunged into darkness.
And this time when the lights shone on her, there were four other girls behind her while wearing a completely different outfit.
The staff looked confused. “Where did they come from ??”
“Uh Unique Magic maybe ?” The other shrugged.
“I'm a goddess with a blade~
Not someone who can be played~
Better shout my name out, loud, loud, loud, loud~”
Roxana plan wasn’t only to target the female audience emotionally with the love song thing, but by showing her…assets, it will trigger the male audience too.
Manipulating things to her favor.
When Roxana started to RAP, the stadium plunged into darkness again, and her outfit turned luminescent.
“Hey, you ready for this ? Let's go! ~
See, I am the real thing ain't no magic~
Now I wanna~
Hear the crown go wild, I'm gonna~
Gonna get you, Uh! ~”
Behind the scene Vil gritted his teeth. “I can’t believe this …”
“You know…am not even surprised she pulled this.” Ace sighed.
Rook looked at Vil, worried.