𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚 |. 𝙏𝙒𝙎𝙏 .|

𝟐𝟕

——"Jamil has long, black hair. Let's see... Ah, there he is!" Cater said, pointing to a boy who fit the description...and was arguably very attractive.

"You're the guy who got banged up in the kitchen yesterday, right? Mind if we chat?" Grim asked, waltzing over there as we trailed behind.

"What is this? An inquisition?" The boy asked, eyeing down each and every one of us. "Oh, hey! That's the weasel who set my rear on fire at orientation!" A boy with white hair pointed out.

"Grim. You need to work on your tone. Tact is important for these sorts of things. Forgive us for interrupting your breakfast." Riddle scolded, before bowing to the other two as a sign of respect.

"Wow, the Heartslabyul housewarden and the fire-spitting weasel. Ahaha, what a fun combo!" The boy with white hair giggled. "I ain't a weasel! The name's Grim. And that's my minion, Y/N." I let out a sigh at the measly introduction.

"Huh! Well, I'm Kalim, Scarabia's housewarden. And that's the vice housewarden, Jamil." Kalim introduced. "Uh, sure. Man, this guy throws me off." Grim mumbled to me. "So, why are you asking about my accident?" Jamil asked, his eyes slightly narrowing.

"We're here at the headmage's behest." I stated formally, making sure not to break eye contact. "The headmage? Huh...Well, okay." Jamil said, but I could tell he was still suspicious.

"Last night, I was in the kitchen frying up some lamb rolls at Kalim's request." He started. "Oh man, you guys have NO idea how amazing Jamil's lamb rolls are. You've gotta try 'em one day!" Kalim complimented. "Can we stay focused here, Kalim?" Jamil sighed. "Ah, right. Sorry!" Kalim apologized. He was like the sun...so pure...so bright...but an idiot.

"When I was chopping the ingredients, it was like my knife hand went wild and cut my other hand all on its own." Jamil explained. "It makes no sense! Even the dorm's head chef can attest to Jamil's legendary knife skills. Were you tired from Spelldrive practice, maybe?" Kalim prompted.

"No. Not so tired I couldn't control my hands.
But at one point while I was cooking, I did feel kind of light-headed." Jamil explained. "You got dizzy?" I asked, just to confirm. "Most people would think that, but I know that sensation. I think I was feeling the effects of someone's signature spell." Well, he catches on quick, that's for sure.

"Oh, right! Because your signature spell is—MMMPH!" Jamil quickly covered Kalim's mouth. I narrowed my eyes and raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Pffft! Why'd you put your hand over my mouth?!"

"Because we're not talking about me here. Anyway, my theory is that someone was controlling my movements with magic." Jamil said, looking toward me with a knowing look. He knows I know, that's for sure.

"Interesting... That WOULD be a way to hurt people and have it appear like it was nothing more than the victim's own carelessness." Cater said, jotting things down in the notes app.

"And if it only lasted an instant, even the victim might perceive it as his own mistake. When I nearly fell down the stairs, I never felt as though I was being controlled against my will." Riddle quickly added.

"rn how to cast that, I could really clean up on bakery day!" Grim said. I could see the gears beginning to turn in their heads. "Such small-mindedness... Truly, Grim? That's as far as your ambitions extend?" Riddle asked. "Man, imagine eating all the deluxe grilled cheese I wanted— Huh?" I saw it click in Grim's eyes.

"Speaking of bakery day..." I said, a smile on my face as I watched Grim flashback to what happened. He let out a shout of surprise.

"WHOA! Why are we screaming?!" Kalim exclaimed. "I, Grim, Expert Detective, have solved the case! I know who's got that signature spell!" Grim exclaimed, everyone else (besides Kalim and Jamil) looked rather disappointed they hadn't solved it first. "What?" Riddle said, rather shocked that a mere cat had been able to solve it quicker than a group of humans had.

"The culprit is...Ruggie Bucchi!" Grim exclaimed. Everyone turned their head to me for confirmation. I gave Grim a thumbs up. "Good job, you got it! I'll get you an extra can of tuna tonight." Grim let out a little victory dance.

"Ruggie? That lil' dude from Savanaclaw?" Cater asked, slightly slack-jawed. "Let's track him down and see what he has to say." Riddle said, now rather pissed he didn't get it first. "Hmmm... Looks like Ruggie's in class 2B." Cater said, clicking at things on his phone.

"Thank you both for your cooperation!" Riddle said, bowing to Kalim and Jamil. "I'm still kinda lost here, but good luck!" Kalim said, a cheery smile on his face.