(✔︎) ❝𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐑❞

34 | Duel before the Throne

*Close to Luke's saving chapter, don't worry

- Library -

     Crowley gave a slow nod as he heard the story behind their gloomy attitudes, "I see, I understand. You want to remove the collar, but because of the chaos that occurred in the Unbirthday Party, you may not be able to convince him," he summarized.

     (Name) gave a thumbs up, "Indeed that's the issue, Headmaster," she muttered. "Ace-kun, if you can't go along with your dorm leader, you have the choice to switch dorms. The thing is, you're assigned to Heartslabyul by the Dark Mirror since they're the ones who saw the color and shape of your soul. In any case, you still can be able to switch dorms, but it'll take a while with a few rituals here and there," the Headmaster told the junior.

     "Ah, so I do have the option to leave the dorm... But, meh that only shows that I already gave up against him," Ace indirectly declined the Headmaster's offer. The Headmaster crossed his arms, "If you say so, then why not challenge the dorm leader Riddle Rosehearts?" He suggested, earning surprised gasps from everyone. "Everyone! Stop shouting!"

     "Stop saying weird things then!" Ace complained. The Headmaster chuckled, "I'm afraid I'm not joking around. I'm sure that you're aware that's how Riddle-kun got the position of being the dorm leader," he told them.

     "Yes, Trey-san has told us that Riddle-san brawled with the past dorm leader within his first week in this school," (Name) said. "Speaking of dorm leaders, how are they selected exactly?" Deuce questioned, curious.

     "Dorm Leaders are selected if the past dorm leader chooses them, winning against the dorm leader, etc.," The Headmaster replied. "Challenging the dorm leader against a magic duel is one of them."

     "But using magic for your gain is prohibited in this school?" Ace panicked, afraid that he might mess up again and lead him to another expulsion warning. The Headmaster nodded, "Personal gains? Indeed, but with proper permission under the Headmaster's guidance is allowed," he replied.

     "The collar on your necks is prohibited within the duel, so you can have the collar removed without apologizing to Riddle. But—" Trey was interrupted by the Headmaster, who said, "All students have the right to claim the dorm leader position the first moment they enter this school. What do you say, Ace-kun? Do you challenge your dorm leader for the position?"

     "Sure, I'll challenge Riddle. Nothing will happen if I just sit here and wait for this collar to get removed," Ace accepted. "I'll join, too. Lazing around won't help me remove this collar," Deuce joined in.

     "I'm joining too!" Grim exclaimed. "Grim, I'm afraid to tell you that outsiders aren't allowed to participate in a dorm's duel," the Headmaster affirmed sternly.

     "But who's gonna take my collar off?!" The grey cat complained. Ace patted the cat's head, "Don't worry, Grim. I can just order Riddle to take off your collar once I'm Dorm Leader," he assured.

     Trey was astounded by their proclamation, afraid they'll mess up and create a big mess, "Are you guys serious? You too, Deuce, I wouldn't expect this from you the most," he stated, disappointed. Deuce puffed his chest, "I don't want to be belittled as a man myself. Besides, there's no better duelist than the Dorm Leader himself," he proudly remarked.

     "Ah, Deuce-san, calm down," the demoness chuckled nervously—patting Deuce's arm. The blue-haired junior tensed, "I'm sorry, (Name)-senpai. I got carried away," he apologized.

     "Allow me to do some necessary paper works for that," the Headmaster waved goodbye.

     "I don't think this is a good idea," Yuu denied the luck of his fellow first years. Ace laughed and placed his arm above Yuu's shoulders, "You're such a worrywart, Yuu! Everything's gonna be alright, so do you have a plan for us?" He asked the frantic dorm leader of Ramshackle.

     "I can't imagine ourselves defeating Riddle with magic—If we're talking about fistfights, then I'll take care of him for good," Deuce cracked his knuckles, making the demoness pat his shoulders to calm him down. "TRUE! HE LOOKS LIKE A STICK ANYWAY!" Grim agreed, jumping up and down.

     "Ah, I almost forgot to tell you. Physical attacks are forbidden within this duel," the Headmaster said, peeking behind the door. The one who wants to challenge Riddle has a scared face since they knew the dorm leader will have the advantage against them, earning a laugh from the Headmaster, "Have fun with the restricted duel~! The duel shall commence tomorrow, so feel free to come to me to say you're ready to fight Riddle! I'll be going then~," he waved goodbye and closed the door.

(Name) chuckled from the panicked faces of the two Heartslabyul students, but Ace is still positive since he still has a goal in mind: to put Riddle in his place, giving him a good scolding about sealing others' magic for breaking a single rule. Trey, on the other hand, is worried about them, who knows what'll happen to their challenge...

     *Beep*, "(Name), I don't want you to go to Heartslabyul because of the duel. I know you're gonna give the Heartslabyul students some upgrades for them to defeat Riddle," the unknown sender told her. Yes, they were right about giving upgrades—"Stop tampering with the happenings and wait until Yuu summons you," that's when (Name) was surprised.

This unknown sender knows everything about her, which is peculiar. She couldn't deny that this sender doesn't mean any harm towards her or anyone, they were just giving specific warnings as if they could see the future, too...

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

(バルバトス)