Chapter 20: Basking in Its Splendor

Later that day in the Interior Hallway. Those who aren't part of the committee are doing their daily school routine. Among them are Trey and Rook who are having a conversation.

"I really think it wouldn't hurt to skip Science Club meetings during Halloween Week. Since the next science contest isn't for a while yet, I mean," Trey says.

But Rook says, "Non, non! Curiosite waits for no holiday. I cannot wait to discover what great surprises await us today. Quickly, to the lab room!"

Just then, a man walks up and says, "Excuse me…"

"Bonjour, monsieur. How can we be of service?" Rook replies.

"I'm sorry, but I've gotten lost. You're a student here, right?" The man asks, "Could you tell me how to find the Mirror Chamber?"

"Ah, I take it you're here for Halloween Week? I'd be happy to show you the way. In fact, we'll walk you there ourselves," Trey says.

And with that, Trey and Rook escort the man to the mirror Chamber, where the venue is.

"Here we are: the Mirror Chamber," Trey says.

"Finally," The man says in relief.

And says to the boys, "Thank you so much for your help."

"Every part of this campus is beautiful without expectation… and the Mirror Chamber has an exceptionally solemn atmosphere that permeates the air when you stand within it. It holds a special place in every Night Raven College student's heart from the moment it tells us the qualities of our souls! Take your time basking in its splendor, my friend!" Rook says.

"Uhhh… S-sure. Whatever you say," The man says, sounding skeptical.

Trey then says, "Rook, you're weirding out our visitor."

Soon Rook realizes, "Ah, where are my manners? Pardon my exuberance."

Soon, Trey and Rook hear the crowd's excitement.

"I must say, this is quite the turnout," Rood says, and wonders, "Are all these people here to see the Mirror Chamber?"

"I'd imagine so. It's a top topic on Magicam, so I've been looking forward to seeing it myself," The man says.

"Cater was right. Halloween Week really is making the rounds on social media," Trey says.

Soon, Trey remembers, "Wait, I thought there was no photography allowed in the Mirror Chamber."

"Correct. Entry is being granted as a special privilege just for those who visit in person. Folks are saying you have to see it to believe it," The man says.

"Ah. That explains it," Trey replies.

"It's a wonderful turn of events. Look at all these dozens of people, all enjoying our school," Rook says. "And the Mirror Chamber is the stamp tour spot that Pomefiore chose! I KNEW he had an eye for this sort of thing."

"Who's 'he'?" The man asks.

Suddenly, someone asks, "Pardon me. May I pass?"

"Oh, sorry. Go right ahe-" The man says.

Suddenly, he is faced with a sparkling glow and for some reason, the room begins to sparkle.

Catching the man by surprise, "Whoa, bright! Something's shining…" Soon, the man is surprised, "Wait… what?!"

The one who has entered the room is Vil.

The man is awestruck, "V-Vil Schoenheit?!"

Suddenly, a woman hears it and says in surprise, "No way! The celebrity model himself?!"

Then Vil says, "Happy Halloween, everyone. Are our festivities to your liking?"

"Y-yes!" People answer.

Then another woman says in excitement, "Oh yeah, I DID Vil went to the school at Night Raven College. And I get to meet him in person! I lucked out big time!"

"Mey, could I take a picture with," The man asks, but soon remembers, "Ah, whoops, no photography in the Mirror Chamber."

Then the woman from before says, "Even if there was, supermodels like Vil don't let your average Jill waltz up for a selfie."

Then Vil says, "You'd like a picture, you say? By all means."

"What?!" The people react in surprise.

"Not in the Mirror Chamber, of course. We can take one just outside," Vil says. "Shall we? It's dark so watch your step."

"Y-yes…!" The man says.

Vil and the man leave the Mirror Chamber and enter the Interior Hallway.

"May I see your smartphone?" Vil asks.

The man then hands Vil his phone, "H-h-here you go!"

"Thank you. And…" Vil says, and walks closer, "You'll need to stand closer if you want me to be in the shot. Come."

And Vil pulls the man closer for a picture and he comes closer. One they're seeing on the phone screen, Vil takes the picture.

"Vi-Vi-Vil Schoenheit just opened the door for me and held my phone…" The man says, awestruck. "And he pulled me closer to take a pic with me! I'm never washing my shoulder again!"

Seeing what has happened, the woman says, "I wasn't expecting a top model to be so approachable."

Seeing all the people's reaction, Rook says in surprise, "Goodness, Vil's generous reception has everyone in tears. The Mirror Chamber is beautiful, as is Vil, as are all the people moved by his kindness… My what a beautiful scene they paint together. Wouldn't you agree, Chevalier des Roses?"

"Wow. What a name. Who IS that guy?" The woman asks, noticing Trey. "He's wearing a hat and glasses. Is he one of Vil's celebrity friends in disguise?"

Trey turns to Vil, "You're giving people the wrong idea, Rook. Could you please stop calling me that?"

"Happy Halloween!" Rook happily says, "Come on, Chevalier des Roses, Join in!"

"If you won't stop, at least keep it down when we're around this many people!" Trey says, upsetly.

Just then, Cater walks in and says, "Heya, Chevalier des Roses! What's the haps?"

Trey crosses his arms, "Cater, I'm going to get cross with you."

Cater laughs, "Ha ha ha, I was just joshin' ya! Yeesh, it's a zoo in here."

Then says, "Hey, Vil. Here I was worried you wouldn't want to be part of all the Magicam buzz! You seem surprisingly cool with all this."

"I certainly have no interest in wasting my beauty on Magicam for a fleeting fad," Vil says, "But people who came to see our school deserve at least a small gesture of good faith. They've all spent their time and money coming to Sage's Island. My celebrity status has no bearing whatsoever on common courtesy and validating others' efforts. I am a student of Night Raven College, and the Halloween management committee chairman. Trust that I will do everything in my power to ensure our visitors leave satisfied!"

Just then, someone calls out, "Oh… Oh, Vil!"

The group turns to see the man from before and a few other people.

Then the man says, "I'm an even bigger fan than ever now! I'm gonna buy three copies of every magazine you're featured in!"

Then the woman from before says, "I'm definitely catching your next movie in theaters!"

"I'm gonna buy all your cross-promotional merch!" Another woman says.

"My goodness. Thank you, everyone," Vil says.

"No bearing whatsoever, huh?" Trey replies with his arms crossed, "Seems to me like this has a pretty huge bearing on his PR."

Rook soon takes charge, "Okay, everyone. Could you please stay inside the ropes when you line up? Vil will give each of you an autograph!"

"When did Rook even set that queue up?!" Cater asks.

Everyone soon begins to gather in line in excitement.

Trey then says, "The whole campus is packed with visitors. I think this might be the highest guest count in Halloween Week history. Considering all the prep work the management committee put in, I bet you're happy to see it get this much attention, huh?"

"Sure. Deucey and everybody else are having a field day with this," Cater says.

"Glad to hear it. I know they were all looking forward to this," Trey says.

Then Trey says, "Happy Halloween."

"Yup, same to you!" Cater says.

Then softly says, "Gotta say, though… I'm getting kind of a bad feeling about this."