The Pawn of Ink [Twisted Wonderland Reader Insert]

Prologue [ 9 - 10 ] + Lunch Friends

To start the day, Grim perched on my shoulder and I made our way to Main Street. Lined on either side of the pathway with marble-like statues of seven figures. Each gave off a unique vibe but each were linked with a feeling or eeriness. I did not like the feeling at all, I could even say that something on my neck or chest was burning up. Seeing these effigies, Grim jumped off and soon looked up at one with roses carved at her feet.

"Whoa～ Amazing! So, this is the Main Street. I didn't get a good look yesterday, but what's with these statues? There are seven, and all of them look scary. This auntie, here, looks especially self-important, see?"

"You don't know the Queen of Hearts?"

Upon hearing the new voice, I turned to see a ginger-haired student with a heart make-up patch on his left eye. To be completely honest, I did feel my cheeks heat up for a second. I pulled on the long sleeves of the big school-uniform to calm me down.

"Queen of Hearts? Is she an important person?"

"In the olden days, she was the queen who lived inside the Rose Labyrinth."

He got closer to us, and started to look up at the queen statue, having a glimmer of admiration in his eyes.

"She's a strict person who respects discipline, and she won't forgive any disorder among the Trump Soldiers' advance, or in the roses' color. Even though it's a country full of insane guys, they're all in complete obedience to her. Why, you ask?"

Both Grim and I were so invested and slightly leaned in to hear the answer.

"It's because disobedience to law will get you instantly beheaded!"

Grim hopped back in disbelief, "T-that's scary!"

"Isn't it cool!? I like it. 'Cause, like, nobody will obey a queen that's only kindhearted, right?"

'That's not true...'

"That's true. It's better to have a strong leader. By the way, who are you?" Grim bluntly asked and turned to the stranger. He faced us and gave a bright smile, before introducing himself.

"I'm Ace. A fresh first year student starting from today. Take care of me well ♪"

I wasn't sure exactly why, but that smile was a bit off to me... in fact that guy gave a similar vibe to the statues. I couldn't point it out...

"I am the great Grim! I'm a genius who'll become a great magician! And this dull one is (y/n). My henchman."

"(y/n)? That's an unusual name."

I was snapped out of my thinking space and realized that the Ace guy called my real name, 'Shoot, I should've told Grim to give me an alias, oh well... it's too late anyway. This world's naming scheme is weird anyway, maybe they won't notice.'

I sent a polite bow and introduced myself quite formerly, receiving a cheeking smile from the new guy.

"Honestly, you look and act like a girl with that big uniform, hair, face and all!"

I awkwardly laughed as a response, wasn't the most convincing act but I was luckily saved by Grim.

"Hey, hey, Ace. Then, is that lion with the scar on his eye also a famous guy?"

"Of course!"

I secretly let out a breath, 'Phew... thanks Grim.'

"He's the King of Beasts who ruled over the Savanna. However, he's not a born-king. He's a hard worker who took over the throne with a scrupulous plan he made by himself. After he became King, he proposed to live together with the hyenas, who were hated by everyone, too, without discriminating against them."