The other side of a glass tank - Octavinelle (& Twisted Wonderland) X Reader

Chapter 85 - Out for the holidays

"So, what brings your merry little band here?"

"For one, I wanted to ask about your progress on finding my way home." Yuu made a small step forward, brows faintly furrowed as they looked at the masked man in front of them.

"Ah... Ahhh! Ahhh, yes! Of course! A way home for you! Ha ha ha! Why, I'm expending every effort!" It took a moment for Crowley's realization to settle in, his voice immediately going high as he nodded in an exaggerated manner and laughed stiffly.

"In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've never visited before." He quickly cleared his throat and smiled, also straightening up.

"That's how deeply my diligent streak runs." The dark haired man stated proudly.

"You don't look dressed for an investigation to me." Ace exhaled deeply, shaking his head in resignation.

"What he said! You look ready to go soak up the sun!" Grim promptly agreed, protesting with a scowl.

"How could you suggest that? I've only clad myself in appropriate attire for my venture. When in a foreign land, do as the locals do." The headmage swiftly defended, gloved hands on his hips.

"Escaping winter's frigid bite to kick back in a hammock and sip coconut juice while gazing at the tranquil ocean waves..." His voice lowered into a mumble, closing his yellow, glowing eyes.

"I have NO such refined and indulgent vacation plans whatsoever, I assure you." He announced in a more audible and firm tone.

"What an incredibly specific denial..." Deuce blinked incredulously as he thought out loud.

"In that case, I'll be more than happy to help you go through your new findings once you're back, dear Headmage." You suddenly spoke up, wearing too 'sweet' of a closed-eye smile.

"A-ah... but of course. I- am eternally grateful for your precious assistance! My esteemed professor..." Crowley's smile came back to be awkward and strained, a sweatdrop trailing down his cheek as he hesitantly nodded.

"I'm sure you won't disappoint." You smoothly answered, the corners of your mouth tilted upwards.

"Myah-ahah! Way to put him in his place, Teach'!" The fiery monster snickered with a sharp-toothed smirk.

"Yes, I shall always lend my selflessness to the right cause." The yellow eyed adult sighed dramatically, making a show of his shoulders slumping.

"Even now I must think of a solution for a horrible issue that would put at stake the survival of our very school!" He shook his partially lowered head, holding a hand to his chest for emphasis and then falling quiet.

"..." You simply looked at him and he glanced back... hopefully, you suppose. You would almost say he was giving you puppy dog eyes if you could actually see them fully.

You exhaled in resignation and put on a wry smile. "... Which happens to be?" You asked softly, tilting your head, and the man brightened up immediately.

"Oh, I'm so delighted you've asked, esteemed professor! Your compassion knows no bounds!" The masked headmage spoke gleefully, briefly bowing his head to you.

"Ahem. The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are all furnished via fire fairy magic." He swiftly cleared his throat and began explaining.

"They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years... But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away." Crowley informed both you and the freshmen there.

"Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter." He looked down at his palms as if in great sorrow and desperation.