Author's notes: Here is the next chapter. They are officially entering Nobel Bell. I hope you enjoy this chapter and that it makes up for the last short chapter.
Chapter 4
The group of 14 stepped out and into a large hall with beautiful gray stone pillars, a black and white checkered floor with some slight steps heading up to another part of the floor encased by beautiful stone railings. Along the tall stone walls were beautifully stained-glass windows allowing in large amounts of light despite the otherwise beautifully dark and gothic decor. This wasn't including beautiful candle chandeliers and wrought iron standing torch holders.
Aster had to take a moment to gather himself after the initial rush of magic swept over him once they stepped into the large space. There was so much magic, nearly as much as Night Raven College, still enough that Aster could feel the warmth spread over him, almost like a physical manifestation of the magic. And there was a nearly overwhelming number of positive emotions filling the area.
Trein sighed. "Let's see, one, two, three..." Trein did a head count. "Yes, it looks like all 13 of you made it safely." He confirmed for their group to hear. 'Well, it's a good start to the trip at least.' Trein thought to himself.
"So, this is Nobel Bell College!" Grim cried, taking in the beautiful sight.
"What grand and beautiful stained-glass windows. This place feels... pure, in a sense." Rook observed. Aster had to agree. It resembled a monastery, he felt.
Which, did Twisted Wonderland have monasteries? He wondered. Then he shook his head. Not that he was aware of though there were temples, if he remembered right.
"Yeah. Even though we're in a big, cavernous hall, the light coming through the windows is so bright!" Epel agreed with his fellow dorm mate.
"Let us go and greet our hosts." Trein told them, pleased at how they were already taking in the sight of the academy.
"I've been expecting you." A voice said, causing them to glance over to see who had arrived.
It was a tall, older student with pale hair and dark green-blue eyes. His uniform was most likely the one for Nobel Bell College. A long black robe over a white button up with slightly long, flowing sleeves that had golden decal. In the center of the robe was a golden bell decoration that stood out as the Nobel Bell College's symbol. On his head was a large hat of purple, black, and red with a red ribbon that matched the outward shoulder pads on the robe. On his right middle finger was a ruby diamond ring.
"Esteemed guests from Night Raven College, welcome to Nobel Bell College." The student told them. Aster blinked from his place next to Trein. The boy wasn't much older than his immediate upper classmen. The boy had powerful magic, but there was something else there. Aster pulled himself back before he could delve too deep into what was coming from the boy. It wasn't nice, and now that he had better control over his gift, he refused to invade another's privacy like that.
"Judging by your uniform, you must be the student the head mage mentioned." Trein noted.
"That's right. My name is Rollo Flamme." He introduced himself. "I serve as student council president here."
"Oh, interesting." Riddle said, already noticing a difference in how things were between their academies. "Our school doesn't have an independent student council, but it sounds like you all do."
"Indeed. And while it may sound presumptuous, one could call it the face of our school. Pleased to make your acquaintance." he said, as two others in similar uniforms- only more marron capes over their robes, unlike Rollo's- joined them.
Idia couldn't help his startled noise at their arrival. "Immediate encounter with strangers!" He yelped.
Azul looked at Idia with exasperation. "Isn't the whole point of this social to meet strangers?" Azul asked with a sigh.
"This human named Rollo... There's something about his presence." Sebek murmured to Silver from their place near the back of the group.
"He's not smiling at all... Is he angry about something?" Epel asked just as quietly.
"This is our vice president," Rollo informed the group, oblivious to the conversation at the back of the visitor's group. "And this is our aide. When they heard they could meet with such and esteemed group, they dropped everything and came running. The entirety of Nobel Bell College welcomes you." Rollo told them all sincerely.
"Our school is small compared to yours, and you may find it lacking in some ways, but we beg your indulgence." Rollo implored them.
"How courteous. You have impeccable manners for someone so young." Trein said with approval.
"Huh, guess he just has resting deadpan face. But he's actually nice!" Deuce realized with the rest of them at the back of the group.
"Yeah. I'm glad we weren't doing anything to offend him." Silver agreed with quiet relief.
"We couldn't allow you to keep hauling your luggage around, of course. Let me show you to your rooms. I'm afraid it's a bit of a walk. We can use it as an opportunity to get better acquainted, though." Rollo told them pleasantly.
"Here we go with the guy who always wants to break the ice before getting to the main event..." Idia groaned. "You can't expect me to chat up a total stranger." He stated. Aster thinks it was supposed to be to himself, as he tended to talk out loud to himself a lot, but they all heard him. He sighed. He and Ortho would need to work on that with him it seemed. Even if Aster did consider it one of his dear friend's charms.
Everyone else, however, did not share Aster's sentiment. Least of all Riddle who turned to Trein and asked: "Why is he even here?"
Trein sighed himself. "Not the most promising start." he admitted. Even if it was an extreme introvert such as Idia who needed this experience most. His hope was that Aster could get him to be more open to it before the day was out.
The group was led through the hall and out towards the Courtyard as they made their way to the visitor's dorms. "It's rather pretty here." Aster mused to himself, enjoying the light and simplicity of the courtyard while his fellows continued their conversations.
"Ah, so you're a junior." Azul said, having chosen to talk with Rollo. "I imagine it's quite an honor being student council president, considering there can only be one in the whole school." he said with a grin. "I'm sure your academic performance is also superb and will guarantee you a promising future." He mused.
"Nobel Bell simply had a smaller student body. I can hardly compare to those of you from the great Night Raven College." Rollo denied modestly.
"Please, you needn't be so humble or formal." Azul insisted. "Why you're practically my upper classman. Everyone at my school would be overjoyed to be acquainted with such a fine individual." Azul insisted.
"Hm... Alright, as you wish. I won't stand on ceremony so much." Rollo conceded.
"He's laying it on thick!" Idia whispered, already feeling secondhand embarrassment. He crept up to Azul and whispered just loud enough for Azul to hear him. "Uh, hey, excuse me, Azul..."
"What? Can't you see I'm busy?" Azul asked quietly, giving the other an annoyed look.
"Dude, why're you cozying up extreme- style?" Idia asked. "It's making me nervous. I know whenever you're that friendly, it means you're up to no good."
"Despite his modesty, he occupies a position equal to us house wardens. There's no question he's an exceptional mage." Azul explained before smiling what was supposed to be reassuringly to the other boy. "Hence, it only makes sense to build a rapport with him while we can. For the sake of future interest!" he spoke.
That was when Malleus stepped up behind the two of them. "I've been observing Ashengrotto for a while. Is that how one expands their social circle?" Malleus asked, genuinely curious. "Perhaps I should take a leaf from his book." Malleus said with a grin, making Azul smile as well. Idia stepped back a little horrified.
"The damage is spreading...!" He said, slightly louder than he meant to. Rollo looked on, face blank. It was belatedly that they realized they had never done their own introductions.
"Ah, but where are my manners? I've gotten ahead of myself. Apologies for the belated introduction. I'm-" Azul began, only for Rollo to speak up.
"Introductions won't be necessary. I already know who all of you are." He assured. Azul suddenly looked uneasy. "You're Azul Ashengrotto, house warden of Octavinelle and a merman from the Coral Sea."
"My, my. Where did you get that information?" Azul wondered out loud, on edge. It wasn't that easy to get such personal information.
"And you're Idia Shroud, house warden of Ignihyde and affiliated somehow with the Shroud family." Idia looked startled, despite his name being a giveaway to his affiliations. "And you..." Rollo turned to face Malleus. "You are Malleus Draconia, scion of the ruling fae of Briar Valley and one of the top five mages in the world. Correct?" Rollo asked.
"Indeed, I am Malleus Draconia." Malleus smiled.
"Of course, the great Malleus would be known even in such a tiny burg!" Sebek exclaimed in pride.
"You are Sebek Zigvolt, and you hail from the same land as Malleus. The one next to you is Silver." Rollo added, startling the duo. "And over there chatting with our vice president is Riddle Rosehearts, house warden of Heartslabyul. Rook hunt, vice house warden of Pomefiore. Jamil Viper, vice house warden of Scarabia. Ruggie Bucchi, vice housewarden of Savanaclaw, Deuce Spade, and Epel Felmier, freshly turned sophomores." Rollo continued, indicating each of the students who were busy either socializing with the students of Nobel Bell or each other.
Rollo turned his attention back to the ones he was conversing with. "I thoroughly perused the documents Mr. Crowley so kindly sent; you see." he revealed the source of his knowledge.
"It's like privacy's a foreign concept to that man..." Azul trailed off, clearly disapproving of their head mage even more.
"That could get you sued in this day and age." Idia grumbled darkly.
"You must have a very good memory, to recall so many different names." Silver said, clearly on edge.
"It's simply because I was eager to meet such talented mages." Rollo assured, before his gaze found the only two whose names hadn't been provided. He hadn't even received a file for the two of them, Crowley had just informed him about them being student attendants. Letting him know how one of them couldn't use magic but was a beast master.
He noticed the fiery, feline dire beast that was most definitely the other's familiar. Said nameless student whose golden eyes were wide and taking in the beauty of Nobel Bell's courtyard and the front square they were approaching. The same student who didn't use magic but attended a magical school. Due most likely to some undisclosed circumstances and his status as a beast master. Rollo could admit he was the most curious about this student.
"... But who do we have here?" He asked, getting their attention at his words as he approached them. "You two there. May I ask you names?" Grim grinned smugly.
"I'm the great Grim, future great mage!" Grim exclaimed, having successfully gained the rest of the groups' attention. Rollo turned his gaze to the boy who was... nearly a foot shorter than him. Was this boy actually a student?
Big golden eyes bore into his own as he smiled and held out a hand. "I'm Aster Merel. It's a pleasure to meet you, President Rollo." The boy said genuinely. Rollo found himself shaking the others hand. Even the aide and vice president were surprised by that as Rollo wasn't a fan of physical contact, even on good days.
"Ah, you must be the student attendants Mr. Crowley mentioned." He said, though his gaze was on Aster. "He did mention you couldn't use magic. Though I certainly hadn't expected the other student he mentioned to be a feline dire beast, let alone your familiar." Rollo admitted.
"A familiar...?" Grim asked confused before getting upset. "Wait, are you talking about me?! It's the other way around! I'm the boss, and Aster is my henchman." the feline growled offended. Rollo couldn't help the amused smirk on his face as he replied.
"Heh, what a dependable companion you have." he mused, glancing at Aster who just shook his head in acceptance of the situation. Clearly the boy knew it was opposite of what Grim thought but was amused and cared enough to allow him to believe it.
"Aster, I imagine it must be taxing living among mages all the time." Rollo said to the boy who gave him a look that said he appreciated the sentiment, even if Rollo didn't know the half of it. It had Rollo wondering just how bad it could be for the boy. "I entreat you to forget about school while you're here and enjoy a moment of respite in Fleur City." Rollo implored the small boy who smiled thankfully.
"I believe I'll do just that. I truly appreciate it, President Rollo." Aster said earnestly.
"Just Rollo is fine." Rollo insisted before turning to the rest of the group who had a wide range of emotions on their faces. 'Hmm... Interesting. I'll have to look into that later.' Rollo mused before addressing them. "And I hope the rest of you will enjoy the social." he told them.
"I'm truly grateful for your hospitality." Malleus said for them all.
Rollo hummed thoughtfully. "Think nothing of it. Ah, but look here. This is our front square. It's something of a symbol for our school." Rollo informed them, realizing they had arrived there.
It was beautiful, with tall trees, a clear view of the front of the school, beautiful topiary along the dark gray and white stones. And in the center of it all, a tall, dark statue of a tall, stern, regal man on a rearing horse. Aster's eyes widened at the sight of the statue. Something about it was familiar to him. Not the statue itself, but who it was.
"It has an altogether different feel from Night Raven College." Azul commented.
"Yes. There's a certain dignity about it. It makes me feel like I should straighten up or something." Silver admitted.
"There isn't a single fallen leaf on the flagstone. They keep this place spotless." Sebek approved. "When I heard it was a small school, I feared it may not be fitting for my liege... But this seems quite suitable indeed." He said with a pleased grin.
"The students at our school are firm proponents of cleanliness. They're fastidious about maintaining a pristine environment." Rollo explained to the visiting group.
"Yes, this place does possess a certain immaculate beauty." Malleus agreed.
"Ah, I see you appreciate it. Nobel Bell's core tenets are purity and integrity." Rollo said, pleased at the appreciation coming from the students.
"For my part, I prefer places that are a bit older and decrepit. Ones people tend to avoid." Malleus mused; Rollo blinked at that.
What strange tastes.
"Uh, yeah, those are called ruins..." Idia said, just as disbelieving as their host.
"What kind of school would it be if people avoided it, anyway?" Azul asked just as concerned.
"Well, ah, be that as it may..." Rollo said. "How does it strike the rest of you?" Rollo asked curiously.
"It's amazing! It really drives home that we're at a totally different school." Epel admitted. "I've never visited another arcane academy before."
"Yeah, same. I'm kind of nervous about it, to be honest." Deuce said.
"What about you, Aster?" Riddle asked their youngest.
Aster closed his eyes for a moment. "It feels... solemn to me. It has a deep sincerity about it." Aster said.
"I couldn't agree more." Rollo mused.
"It does have some similarities though. Like, we have statues on Main Street." Epel added.
"Oh yeah, totally. That one reminds me of the statue of that one scary lady." Grim confessed, indicating the statue before them.
"You mean the Queen of Hearts statue that you and Ace burned." Deuce teased Grim who was being glared at dangerously by Riddle. Grim edged away from the housewarden who looked like he was going to collar Grim there and then.
"Oh, uh, funny. I totally forgot about that!" Grim said, darting to Aster's side, knowing Riddle wouldn't act if Aster had a chance of being caught in the crossfires.
"Burned?" the vice president asked in disbelief looking at the feline.
"Indeed. It was before Grim, and I were officially accepted as students at Night Raven." Aster explained sheepishly. "Ace was explaining who the great Seven our school honors was as neither of us knew them, then proceeded to make fun of us for the fracas that happened during our orientation." Aster shook his head. "It started a magical fight between the two and the statue was damaged in the process."
"Only because you ran in between mine and Ace's spells." Grim argued. That got more incredulous looks, including from those who hadn't known about that particular part.
"Aster, your concerning lack of self-preservation continues to alarm me." Jamil told the boy who blushed and looked away.
"So, they got the one statue, huh?" Ruggie mused, changing the topic for Aster who smiled gratefully at the hyena beast man. "That guy on the horse looks like he'd yell at me if I sneezed wrong." Ruggie said, a little intimidated by the statue.
"I thought he was a king at first, but he's not really dressed like royalty. In fact, I'd wager he wasn't all that rich." Ruggie looked at Rollo for clarification.
"That is the Righteous Judge." Rollo explained, accepting the topic change as he put what he learned to the back of his mind.
"The Righteous... Judge?" Grim asked.
"Oh, you've not heard of him?" Riddle asked. "He's a great individual; all the history books say so."
"Ah yes. It's discussed in your sophomore history class. We haven't reached it quite yet." Trein realized.
"Of course, I remember that class." Azul said pleased with himself. Ruggie blinked.
"Er, I must have been sick that lesson." he grinned sheepishly.
Trein let out a heavy sigh. "A remedial lesson it is, then." he stated, before glancing at Aster. They did cover him in their extra lessons. Aster saw his look before nodding.
"The Righteous Judge is a prominent figure in Fleur City's history. He was known to be highly impartial and always delivered appropriate verdicts. He's a notable historical figure, on par with the Great Seven themselves." Aster told the gathered students,
"Precisely." Rollo said in approval. "The story goes that his fair judgement brought peace to the city when scoundrels threw it into turmoil."
"Wow, what a cool legend." Deuce exclaimed.
"Everyone in Fleur City holds him in high esteem. The students of Nobel Bell College, likewise, seek to emulate his honorable conduct." Rollo told them.
Before anyone could say anything more, the sound of a bell ringing loudly filled the air. The students startled and Aster took a deep breath as magic surged and spread throughout the entirety of the air around them.
Idia himself had given a startled cry and latched onto Aster as a result. "What the what?!"
"Was that... a bell?" Malleus asked Rollo with wide eyes.
"It was rather loud." Azul murmured.
"Yes, that was the Bell of Solace." Rollo answered.
"Talk about a grandiose name..." Idia muttered.
"Oh, it's most deserved." Rollo assured the boy who was still clinging to Aster's arm. "The bell is an incredibly unique and valuable magical artifact that's been a part of our school for generations." Rollo explained.
"You all must treasure it. Is it comparable to the Dark Mirror at Night Raven College?" Malleus asked.
"Mm, yes. Many arcane academies possess magical artifacts that become emblematic of their school. It's been many years since I've heard the Bell of Solace, myself." Trein told them.
"Oh? Have you been here before?" Azul asked.
"Decades ago, yes. I came here on my honeymoon. We never got to actually see the bell- it's very rare and valuable, you understand- but my wife was quite taken with its beautiful tones." Trein told the students.
"Would you like to see it now?" Rollo asked.
"May we truly?" Trein asked in surprise.
Rollo had a genuine smile on his face. "Certainly. The whole purpose of this social is to gain a better understanding of one another." Rollo assured the other.
"I hope you all appreciate how lucky you are." Trein told his students. "You will not get many occasions to view another school's magical artifact in person." he told them.
"A rare bell, huh... I bet it's all shiny and made of pure gold!" Ruggie crowed in excited glee.
"What an object of beauty it must be. I can hardly contain my excitement!" Rook said just as thrilled.
"That tall edifice there is the bell tower." Rollo told them, indicating a tall building father away across campus. "You'll find the bell on the top floor." he indicated, leading the way.
Author's Notes: And there we have it. Until the next one. Which should be soon.