A Champion in a Twisted World

Chapter 21 - Planning and Gardening

Ace stares in horror at a very annoyed and stern Riddle, and all your Pokémon look at Riddle with varying expressions of confusion or concern.

Cater laughs nervously, looking a bit clammy. "Hey, Riddle! What's shakin' pal? You're lookin' adorbs, as always!"

Damn, even Cater's scared of him... however, you- having no magic- have nothing to worry about.

Riddle folds his arms with an annoyed expression. "Hmph. Cater, keep running your mouth and you'll lose it, along with the rest of your head."

"Sorry, sorry! My bad..." Cater raises his arms defensively, looking worried.

"Myah!" Grim stands up and slams his paws on the table, before climbing onto your shoulder to glower at Riddle. "You're the guy who put that stupid collar on me at the orientation ceremony!"

Riddle merely glances at Grim before rolling his eyes and resuming glaring at a panicking Ace. "And you're the new students who were nearly expelled yesterday. I'll ask that you not refer to my signature spell as a stupid collar. The headmage's habit of tolerating rule breakers like you is going to send this entire campus spiraling into chaos one day. Those who break the rules should have their heads removed immediately, without exception."

"Dude, seriously?" Ace mutters to himself, but not quietly so everyone hears him. "This guy looks like a wimp, but talks like a monster!"

The headmage may have forgiven you, but if you break any further rules, I assure you I will not."

"So, uh, listen, housewarden, sir..." Ace nervously scratched the back of his head, his other hand on his collar. "Any chance I could get you to remove this collar?"

"I had intended to remove it once you'd taken an opportunity to reflect upon your crimes. But I've not detected so much as a hint of remorse in the foolishness I've heard you spout today. So I think I'll let you keep that for a while." Riddle calmly responds with a cold expression.

Ace looks frustrated and deflated, and you raise an eyebrow at Riddle.

"Don't worry." Riddle responds coldly at Ace's reaction. "The freshman curriculum is more focused on magical theory than practice. And your inability to use magic will help prevent incidents along the lines of what happened yesterday. Now, if you've finished your meal, you should quit gossiping and prepare for your next class. Rule 271 is quite clear: One must leave the table within fifteen minutes of completing their lunch. You DO understand what happens to rulebreakers, I trust?"

Ace groans, looking frustrated. "More insane rules..."

Riddle quirks an eyebrow and tilts his head, frowning in annoyance. "I believe you mean to say, "Yes, Housewarden"!"

All the students wearing red-and-black ribbons around their right arms immediately straighten their postures and say, "Yes Housewarden!"

Riddle makes a curt nod of approval at the other nervous students. "Very well then."

Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them." Trey says while adjusting his glasses. He seems to be the least nervous out of anyone in Heartslabyul, outside of Riddle himself.

"Hmm. As vice housewarden, I trust you'll avoid any further indiscreet conversation." Riddle looks satisfied when Trey nods at his words.  "Now, as per rule 339: The post-meal beverage is to be lemon tea with two sugar cubes. Thus, I must go to acquire my sugar cubes. Farewell. Don't even get me started on their violation of running out of sugar cubes!"

And with that, Riddle turns on his heel and leaves the cafeteria. You notice every single Heartslabyul student relax when he leaves.

"Yeesh! That was terrifying..." Cater sighs as he plays with a strand of his hair.