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——"If only someone had stopped him before it came to this..." I murmured to myself, remembering the dream I just had.
"Hey, Y/N! Ah, good, you're already up." Grim meowed, waltzing into my room. "Today's the big duel! Let's DO this thing." Ace cheered. I sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I'm not paying those hospital bills."
—►►—
"Did you hear? They say someone's challenged Housewarden Rosehearts to a duel!" A student whispered as we walked by. I had changed back into my Unbirthday outfit form before, just like the one from my dreams. "Riddle Rosehearts? Seriously?! Whoever it is has gotta be outta his mind. Riddle will have his head off in five seconds flat." Another student gasped in response. "Still, it's the first challenge since Rosehearts took power. I'm pumped!"
"You're saying Ace and Deuce are challenging Riddle for the housewarden's seat?! Please tell me you're kidding." Cater shrieked, talking to Trey. "I tried to stop 'em." He sighed. "Of all the stupid ideas... I just hope this doesn't make everything worse." Cater sighed. "You and me both." Trey shrugged, a worried look in his eyes.
The students had created an area-like form, with Ace and Deuce in the center standing before Riddle. I stood within the crowd.
"We are about to commence two challenges for the housewarden position at Heartslabyul House. The first challenger is Ace Trappola. The second challenger is Deuce Spade. The current housewarden they have challenged is Riddle Rosehearts. Now, in accordance with the duel rules, please remove the magic-sealing collars as they would provide an unfair disadvantage." Crowley stated, looking toward Riddle.
Riddle had done as he was told, like the obedient hedgehog he is. "Ah! FINALLY, the dumb collar is off!" Ace rubbed his neck and rolled it, relieving some pain. "Enjoy your moment of freedom. The collar will be back on soon enough. I could hardly believe it when I heard you two intended to duel me. Is this a joke?" Riddle sneered, glaring at the duo.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Ace scoffed, crossing his arms. "I'd never propose a duel as a joke." Deuce said, putting a hand on his hip. "Hmph. Have it your way. Let us get this over with." Riddle sighed, adjusting his gloves.
"Uh, Riddle, what do you want to do about today's afternoon tea?" Cater said, talking up from the crowd. "A foolish question. You know that the rules stipulate I take my tea every day at 4 p.m. sharp." Riddle said. "It's just that it's already past 3:30..."
"And you fear that I will be late? All the more reason to end this promptly. It appears I have little time to waste. Rather than facing my opponents in succession, I will take on both at once." Riddle smiled at himself.
"You can do it, Housewarden! Knock 'em dead, sir!" The students cheered. I glanced over to Trey, a look of guilt crossed his eyes. "Cowards." Deuce scoffed.
"Myah. I got a bad feelin' about this." Grim nervously meowed from next to me. "Same here. But it's their lesson to learn." I sighed.
"Hey, at least we got a plan!" Ace yelled, pointing at me. He has better hearing than I thought. "Headmage, please give us the signal." Riddle said. "When the mirror I've thrown shatters upon the ground, that is your signal to begin. Ready... Go!" Crowley signaled, raising his hand.
