𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 || ᵗʷˢᵗ ˣ ᵐ!ʳᵉᵃᵈᵉʳ

【𝐇】𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲-𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

• 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐄 •
The Crimson Tyrant
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It only took a few minutes to sum everything you have known so far about the predicament in Heartslabyul and left out certain parts that were deemed as personal and looked at the headmaster indifferently. With an unwanted thought of reminder that you're doing this everything in general for your survival. But it seems that he hasn't found a way home, and you have no choice but to obey what he says in the meantime to earn a living.

"I see, so that's what happened... You don't want to apologize for having the collar taken off, but you know that convincing a housewarden will not go smoothly..." Crowley trailed off.

"That's precisely it." You muttered. After giving him a concise explanation of what happened, he seemed curious and amused at the same time, and had come to a decision to stay for a moment. The tension was long gone and a lot of you seek out for answers.

"I see. If you dislike the way your housewarden leads, you might as well have the option to switch dormitories. However, the Mirror of Darkness is the one that judges based on what it sees in your soul, so it is actually quite a herculean task to transfer dormitories." Crowley pointed out causing Ace to sigh, having second thoughts about it.

"Transferring, huh. I feel like I'd lose to him if I did that, so I don't really wanna go for it." You let out an exasperated sigh as the headmaster was lost in thought once again.

"Then how about challenging Rosehearts to a duel and then take the title of housewarden for yourself?" He suggested out of the blue and earned surprised looks from them. However, you were contemplating whether or not it's a right choice to do so. From what you've seen, Riddle has mastered his magic at a very young age and using his own strength to cast spells is already amazing itself.

"Become the housewarden?!?" They exclaimed in unison and the headmaster panicked with his hands frantically waving.

"Gentlemen, inside voice!" He whispered, making a shushing motion with his finger. Everyone soon settled themselves, complying to his orders.

"They might think you have lost your mind, headmaster. However, if you think about it, how did Rosehearts become Heartslabyul's housewarden, anyway?" You questioned with arms crossed over your abdomen and was intrigued, trying to get to know and understand the redhead more better.

"I assure you [m.name] that I am as clear-headed as day." He answered. "That said, it is how Rosehearts came into his position of power."

"Positions can either be appointed by the previous housewarden, or they can win a duel against them. However, there are also other ways. A duel is one of the simpler ways, I'd say."

"Well, it's impressive that Rosehearts became the housewarden after a week of enrolling. Then again, an individual's performance determines their rank." You were bewildered at Crowley's explanation as this duel held a little similarity to your childhood friend's kendo club where they choose the squad based on skills during matches.

Ace raised a brow, "But I thought that using magic for one's own benefit was forbidden...?"

"For your personal gain, of course. However, a duel appointed and approved by the headmaster himself due to official and valid reasons is another story." Crowley confirmed with a satisfied chuckle and you noticed the clogs running and gearing on Ace's mind as he was obviously rethinking everything. If he did agree to hold a duel against the redhead, not only it hurts but it may hurt his pride as well.

Let's just hope that it won't be that bad. But you can't be sure that there would be a chance for them to win even in the slightest, seeing that Riddle has more of the upper hand when it comes to magic as his core strength. They'll be defeated right off the bat but it wouldn't hurt to have faith in them.