*Ciel's POV*
Deuce explained to Crowley what was going on at the moment back at Heartslabyul dorm, along with everything else. From how the situation had started the events to fix it, to the events that happened afterwards, to now. He made sure that he didn't leave a single detail out so Crowley can get the full picture. Crowley listen carefully to the story as he had a serious look on his face while also thinking. Once Deuce finally finished the story, Crowley thought for a bit longer before finally speaking.
"Ah... I believe I understand the situation. You are resistant to the idea of apologizing, but unable to devise any other method to get the housewarden to remove the collar." Crowley stated
"Yeah, pretty much." Ace said
"I see. If you and the housewarden are truly unable to reconcile, you could always transfer. However, this is the dorm that the Dark Mirror chose for you based on the essence of your being. Any attempt to relocate would necessitate quite a burdensome process, as well as a new ritual." Crowley explains
"A transfer, huh...? That'd make me feel like I was running away with my tail between my legs." Ace said angrily
"Hmm. Then it sounds like you should challenge Mr. Rosehearts for leadership of the dorm." Crowley said as we stared at him in shock.
"WHAAAAAT?!" Crowley quickly quiet us from our shout
"Lower your voices! This is a library!" Crowley angrily whispered
"But what you said was... insane!" Ace whispered
"There is nothing remotely "insane" about it. After all, that's how Mr. Rosehearts got the position." Crowley informed us, which made me curious.
"What exactly is the process by which housewardens are selected at Night Raven College?" Deuce asked
"Trey said that Riddle became housewarden within his first week as a student here." Grim informs Crowley
"I'm curious as well, after all, it must be difficult to be chosen to be a housewarden." I said as Crowley nods
"There are several ways. You could be appointed by the previous housewarden, for example, or duel the current warden and win. A duel is certainly one of the simpler methods." Crowley explains
"But isn't fighting with magic against the rules?" Ace asked
"That's true, how will Ace fight Riddle if magic fights are prohibited?" I asked
"In general, yes. A duel initiated through a formal procedure and conducted in the presence of the headmage is another matter entirely." Crowley explains with a smile
"I'm pretty sure the duel rules don't allow for preemptively handicapping your opponent... So this could be a way to force Riddle to remove your collar without apologizing. That said..." Trey explains while trailing off.
"Does Ace even have the right to challenge Riddle?" I asked as Crowley nods
The right to challenge a housewarden is bestowed upon all students when enrolling at Night Raven. So what do you say, Mr. Trappola? Will you challenge Mr. Rosehearts?" Crowley asked him
"Sure, I'll give it a shot!" Ace said
"Then I will too." Deuce said
"Me three!" Grim declared as I shake my head
"I don't think you'll be able to, Grim. After all, me and you aren't from their dorm." I informed him as Crowley nods
'But if we could, I would do whatever I could do to help Ace and Deuce.'
"Ciel's right, I'm afraid you cannot, Mr. Grim. You cannot challenge a housewarden of a dorm to which you do not belong." Crowley informs him as Grim stares at him in disbelief.
"Myah?! Then how'm I supposed to get this buzzkill collar off?!" Grim complains as I hold him in my arms
"Don't worry, Grim... Ace and Deuce got this." I reassure him
"If I become housewarden, I'll just order Riddle to remove it! Easy-peasy!" Ace said with a smirk
"How will everyone know how tough I am if you do that?" Grim states as I sigh
"That's not what matters, Grim." I said as Trey looks at Deuce
"Are you sure about this? I certainly didn't expect you to throw your hat in the ring, Deuce." Trey stated in surprise
"You didn't? I think every man's gotta make a grab for glory at least once in his lifetime. And if we're teaming up to take him down, ya better believe I'm running the show!" Deuce said with a smirk
"Oh man, here we go again." Ace said with a smirk
"Haven't seen that side of you since yesterday." I said with a smile as Deuce looked at us.
"Huh? What'd you say?" Deuce asked the both of us
"Nothing." I said with a teasing smile
"Then I'll get started on the paperwork." Crowley said with a smile as he walks off, while I looked at the duo.
"We need to come up with some sort of plan." I had my arms crossed with a serious look.
"For sure. Anyone got any good ideas?" Ace asked as we all looked at each other except for Trey.
"Hmm. Hard to imagine we can beat Riddle with straightforward magic. A solid left hook, on the other hand..." Deuce suggested
"Yeah, that guy looks like a pushover!" Grim said
"I don't think that's gonna work." I said as they look at me
"Why not?" Deuce questioned
"Well that's because..." I trailed off as Crowley spoke once more but far from us.
"Ah, did I forget to mention that detail? These duels are to be fought solely with magic." Crowley informs us
"That's why." I said
"What?!" Deuce cried out in shock
"Ha ha ha! Nothing beats a good, civilized duel! Now, the paperwork should be prepared and filed on the morrow, and the duel scheduled accordingly." Next thing I heard was the sound of a book being thrown and hitting Crowley as he left.
"So... Any other ideas?" I asked the two as they looked a bit unsure
"Alright, let's do this! I may not be the world's greatest mage, but... I'll figure something out!" Ace said confidently with a bit of uncertainty.
"That's the spirit!" Deuce said
"My head's on the line here, so don't mess this up!" Grim said
"Be careful, Riddle will not be so easy on you guys in this duel." I stated
"You guys..." Trey said softly as I grabbed his hand
"Don't worry, Trey... Ace and Deuce got this, plus... Maybe this duel will help Riddle open his eyes to his wrong doings and try to fix them." I said as Trey gave me a small smile
"When I'm housewarden, I'm gonna make Riddle fess up to bein' wrong. I'll make him apologize, too! And no one in the dorm is gonna have to live by any crazy rules ever again!" Ace declared
YOU ARE READING
An Earl in Night Raven College (Book One)
Fanfiction(Black Butler x Twisted Wonderland) After avoiding being expelled, Ciel is now a student in Night Raven College with his magic companion, Grim. Now he must face a new challenge when he meets a housewarden named Riddle Rosehearts, a person who is str...
