Into the World of Twisted Wonderland Pt 2

👑 The Beautiful Tyrant: Chapter 3 👑

"Hmph," Vil says as he glares at Azul. "Ever the chatterbox, Azul. That's basic information- hardly worth calling attention to. Would you kindly cease your embarrassing slavering?"

"Oh, speaking of influencers," Idia says. "Vil's not the only one slated for SDC this year. I hear the one and only Neige LeBlance is putting in an appearance too. It was all over online news sites a few days ago. It's no surprise that the media would be all over it."

"Neige LeBlanche..." Riddle thinks for a moment. "Ah yes. We received a registration form for him a few days ago. He's a sophomore representing Royal Sword Academy."

"..." Vil slightly glares at the news.

"He's considered the most likeable celebrity in the world," Lilia adds. "He's know for his disarming good looks and approachable nature. Hardly a day goes by when I don't see his face plastered over one screen or another. Who knew he went to Royal Sword Academy?"

"Yeah, there you go. He's like a boy idol for normies..." Idia thinks for a moment. "Wait, hold up. You guys actually watch TV in Diasomnia?"

"Khee hee hee. Why, of course!" Lilia chuckles. "I'd simply wither and die without my dramas. I've been known to enjoy a spot of gaming, too."

"H-huh..." Idia says in shock. "Somehow, I wasn't expecting that."

"Vil Schoenheit and Neige LeBlanche," Crowley speaks in thought. "This year's Song & Dance Championship will play host to two globally famous celebrities. It is no exaggeration to say that this will be the highest-profile year in the entire history of the event. Rosehearts, do make certain that you are amply prepared to avert any incidents on the day of the show," he states as he sternly looks at Riddle.

"Y-yes, Headmage," Riddle answers then sighs. "This...is turning out to be even more of a to-do than I was expecting," he mumbles.

"Even the slightest mismanagement could trigger a commotion among the throngs of fans that will be n attendance," Azul adds. "Riddle, I would be glad to extend a special offer of assistance if you're starting to feel the pressure. After all, I already have plenty of experience after handling the uproar at the interdorm Spelldrive tournament," he smiles at Leona.

"Hey, cephalo-punk," Leona says with a glare. "Want me to dry out that slimy tongue of yours and make it into octo-jerky?"

"Dear me, how frightening! Heh heh heh..."

"You help won't be necessary, Azul," Riddle says. "I have no desire to incur any special debts to you. There's no telling what you'd ask for later as compensation. Focus on doing your own job well."

"What a pity," Azul sighs. "Do let me know if you ever change your mind," he smiles. "My spirit of benevolence has no expiration date."

"Same here," Kalim adds. "Feel free to reach out to me if you have trouble with anything, Riddle. I'm always happy to help. Ooh, I just can't wait for festival day!"

"Yeesh," Idia sighs. "Must be nice to see the bright side of everything all the time. Meanwhile, I;m sitting here every day wracking my brain, trying to figure out how I can present my research without getting up on stage. I just know if I go up there, everybody in the venue's gonna be like, 'Uh, is his hair on fire?' 'Is he from the Shroud family?' 'What kind of creepy research is he doing, anyway?' They're gonna spread rumors like...Well, like wildfire. Uuuugh, this sucks. For an introvert like me, public speaking is, like, EX difficulty."

"Idia, the rules state that the researcher must be on stage in person," Riddle recites. "I cannot make an exception for you," he glares.

"Oh, great, here we go with Riddle's personal skill, Rulemonger," Idia groans. "Y'know what MY personal skill is? Thinking that rule is really backwards. For one think, who wants to listen to a geek like me mumbling into a microphone? Text-to-speech would go way smoother and be easier for listeners to parse."

"Aren't you talking perfectly fine with us right now?" Riddle observes.

"Y-you can't compare voice chatting online with people you know to giving a talk to a crowd full of strangers, okay?" Idia quickly retorts. "There's no way I could handle a Q&A after the presentation, for that matter. I'd freak."

"You have just over a month until the festival," Riddle sternly states. "Perhaps you could use it to practice delivering a speech loudly and clearly without stumbling? In fact, I'd be willing to join you for practice sessions after school, if you like."

"Erk! N-no thanks, I'm good," Idia quickly says. "I'll figure something out on my own before it's go time." He sighs. "The last thing I need is a mandatory grind on a repeatable training event with Mr. Impossible-to-Please," he quietly mumbles.

"Very well. Then I shall look forward to your fully composed research presentation, Idia." Riddle looks to the group. "That wraps up the management committee's report."

"I'll adjourn today's housewarden meeting here," Crowley states. "I expect all dorms to continue with their preparations for the big day." The housewardens, aside from Lilia and Idia, leave the room, leaving Vil alone for a moment, thinking about a few certain words before heading off, heading to his dorm.

When Vil enters his room, he pulls his phone out, staring at it for a moment. "Mira, Mira," he calls out. "Tell me something."

The phone beeps, responding to his command. "What would you like me to look up?" It asks.

"Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?" He cautiously asks.

"Displaying results for 'account with the most comments using the word 'beautiful.''" It takes a moment until it beeps again. "Neige LeBlanche."

"Neige...!" Vil says with slight anger. "...Then the time has come."

"I'm sorry. I didn't understand your command. Could you repeat that?"

At the dorm, Angel felt a slight pain in her head, a familiar feeling waving over her. "Huh?" She says as she looks around the dorm for a bit before starting at the window, seeing the school in the distance. "Hmm..." She hums in thought as she continues with her routine.