Twisted Wonderland: The Phantom Bride - Love at First Fright

Chapter 7: A Myriad of Qualities

And with that, Briar rounds out the students Crowley has listed, and has them brought to the shop.

Crolwey announces, "Time for roll call! Trey Clover. Jack Howl. Jade Leech. Floyd Leech. Kingscholar. Schoenheit. Zigvolt."

"Those ghosts were chasing me everywhere. So this is where you all escaped to," Trey says.

"I'm quite relieved we could meet up with you," Jade says.

Vil asks, "Headmage, may I ask what you want with the seven of us?"

"I want you to ask for the Ghost Bride's hand in marriage," Crowley says.

That leave the group of boys dumbfounded.

"Scuse me?! Just what are you on about?!" Jack asks, shocked.

Then Riddle says, "Pardon me. It would be a dereliction of my duty to dispatch my vice housewarden while I sit on the sidelines. Allow me to join them, Headmage!"

"Unfortunately I can't, Rosehearts," Crowley declines.

"Whyever not?" Riddle asks.

Crowley answers, "You must ask what these seven students have in common. The answer is simple... THEY'RE ALL OVER 180 CENTIMETERS TALL."

And soon, Riddle becomes offended, "... Are..." and angrily says, "Are you calling me SHORT?!"

"Oh man, you can't reach the 'You must be this tall' sign?" Floyd says, and begins teasing Riddle, "Wanna stand on my tailfin? Might give you some extra height."

And Riddle says, "Not in the least. She's choosing a husband based on height? So she'd prefer a slippery scoundrel like Floyd because he happens to be tall? That's ridiculous."

Trey tries to calm Riddle down, "Now, now, Riddle. Everyone has their quirks."

"Yes, I know, there's no accounting for taste," Riddle says.

And Floyd says, "That's the spirit! Besides, bein' small's got its own charm..." But suddenly says, "Wait. Where's Goldfishie? Did he just disappear?"

"What are you talking about, Floyd? I'm right—" Riddle questions.

And Floyd says, "Oh, THERE you are! I couldn't see you from up here!"

This makes Riddle furious that his face turns red, "YEEEAAARGH!"

"Riddle, he's just goading you again, "Trey quickly says.

And Crolwey says, "The Ghost Bride has spent years searching for her perfect companion. She'll be unwilling to compromise. She seeks a myriad of qualities in a groom, from a particular countenance to physique... but most of those qualities are vague at best. However, the one quality that is unambiguous is height. As much as I applaud your dedication, Rosehearts, I must ask you to defer this job to ensure a successful operation."

"Doesn't Malleus also meet the height requirement? Why have you not called him?" Vil asks.

And Lilia says, "It is true Malleus is a literal prince. Were he to propose, I'm sure she would welcome him with open arms. But it wouldn't do for Briar Valley's heir apparent to propose to a random ghost, even if—nay, ESPECIALLY IF—that proposal is a lie. Simply proposing could set off an international incident. Sebek's offering his services in Malleus's stead."

"I could ask for no greater honor than to act on our lord's behalf!" Sebek says.

Leona scoffs, "Hmph. 'Open arms'? Whatever. You got no clue if she'd choose Malleus."

"Heh. Malleus possesses a singular beauty. If he were here, he'd be selected as a matter of course! THE REST OF YOU ARE BUT SPECKS OF DUST ON HIS IMMACULATE BOOTS!" Sebek says with a loud voice.

"Hah. What a mouth," Leona says.

"Please. You're all a bunch of unwashed, over ripened vegetables," Vil says.

And Leona says, "Who needs Malleus when I'm on the job?"

"It might be an impossible task for most, but for me?" Vil says.

Vil & Leona soon say, "Operation Proposal is as good as done."

"Marvelous! It's wonderful to see two housewardens so eager to step up," Crowley says.

Ortho says, "I'll put up the surveillance feeds so that the rest of us can monitor your progress."

"I'm positively certain she'll choose Vil! You couldn't find a fairer groom if you tried," Rook says and turns to Epel, "Wouldn't you agree, Epel?"

"Huh? Oh, uhh..." Epel says, sounding unsure, "If I had to propose to a lady all fancy-like and spout a buncha sappy lines, I'd cringe so hard my soul'd leave my body... But I'm sure Vil can pull it off!"

"I heard all of that, you know," Vil responds with a frown.

"We'll make sure to catch every moment of your shining beauty, Vil!" Rook says.

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria...

The entire cafeteria has turned into a wedding venue. The cafeteria is decorated with curtains, lights, and such. The tables are covered with white table clothes, the chairs are decorated like tombstones, and everything is costly and deadly.

The bride giggles, "Tee hee hee... Ooh, what a lovely day this is! I haven't felt so alive since...well, when I was alive! Finally, at long last... I've found you, my perfect prince!" And turns to see Idia, being held by the ghosts.

Idia cries out, "SOMEBODY, GET ME OUT OF HEEERE!"