Author's Notes: Here's the next chapter. I do believe at this point all of the misspelled 'Noble Bells' have been corrected along with some add-ons here and there. Nothing important. So, this chapter is the beginning of the field work and exploring the different groups are doing. I'll try to give them enough of their own variances while not being to completely identical to the actual story.
Our main one here will be Group 1: Malleus, Sebek, Jamil, and Riddle. Depending on how long they get the next chapter or two will be Group A: Azul, Epel, and Deuce. And Team Star: Idia, Rook, Ruggie, and Silver.
After all of them, there will be an original chapter revolving around Aster, Trein, and Grim's own trip. Then it'll be time for the Topsy-Turvy Festival. I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's nice and long. Until the next one.
Chapter 6
"Alright, as we've already established, you are to split into three groups for your fieldwork. Do you all remember your groups?" Trein asked them.
"Yes, Group A." Azul said, dragging Epel and Deuce to his side.
"Team Star..." Idia trailed off as Rook, Ruggie, and Silver joined him.
"Group 1" Malleus said confidently as Sebek, Riddle, and Jamil joined him. The students officially split into three groups with Aster and Grim off to the side by Trein.
Silence as Rollo and Aster stared blankly at them. "The inconsistent nomenclature is most distressing." Rollo said. Aster nodded.
Trein sighed in agreement. "They spent a whole meeting arguing about which group should be considered most important, and none of them were willing to compromise." Trein rubbed his temples.
"Ah, I see..." Rollo murmured. "But what will Aster be doing?" He asked glancing at the interesting boy.
"Aster and Grim are to accompany me. I'm not worried about those two, but the others... Hm" Trein trailed off. "Alright gentlemen, I know we've been through this multiple times, but I'm going over it again. There is not to be any, and I mean any trouble in town involving the use of magic." Trein told them sternly.
"There won't be, rest assured." Azul told the man. "We're the last people who would ever resort to violence- ah, I mean, minor disputes- in a field trip abroad."
"Oh yeah." Idia grinned. "Mild-mannered, good-hearted, sensible. That's us."
"Do we look like the kind of miscreants who would act rudely to strangers?" Malleus asked with an amused smile.
Trein grunted. "Those smiles only increase my anxiety." The man said. "Aster." He motioned to the youngest of the group who stepped up in front of Trein and gave each of the 11 students before him a stern look. Rollo noticed the shift they all went through, intrigued even more.
"Behave, all of you." Aster said. "I will know if you cause any problems. If you misbehave, I will inform them of the situation. And they will be sure to take care of you. Am I clear?" he asked, voice stern in warning.
The 11 boys shivered, each knowing exactly who the boy was referring too. "Clear as crystal." they all assured.
Aster beamed, setting them a bit more at ease. "Wonderful. I'll be holding you to that." He allowed Trein to come forward once more, all of them much more sincere in their promises to behave now.
"I know this is one of the most peaceful cities in the Shaftlands, but I still worry about letting young students travel unaccompanied. There's no telling what could happen to them..." He grimaced.
"Or more to the point, what could happen to the townspeople." He sighed. "We'll be making rounds and meeting up as necessary. Inform me immediately if you have any issues. My cell phone number is listed at the bottom of your itinerary. I expect all of you to add it to your contacts." he told them.
"Yeah, sure. I'll do it later." Ruggie said playfully.
"No, you will do it now." Trein ordered.
"Yes sir." they all replied, doing so under his and Aster's watch.
"You're quite strict, Professor." Rollo said. "I have to meet with the other visiting schools, so I'm afraid I won't be able to keep you company the whole time." Rollo apologized. "But I'll head into town once I've got things sorted out. I'd be happy to guide you where I can." Rollo told him.
"That's reassuring. All right, gentlemen. Be careful out there." Trein told them.
"Yes, sir!" They saluted.
"Thank you, Rollo. I really do appreciate all that you've done." Aster told the president who nodded firmly before making his way back into the school. Aster, Trein, and Grim watched as Group A and Team Star headed off.
The Glorious Masquerade
"Group 1! Assemble!" Sebek ordered.
"You don't have to shout at the top of your lungs. We can hear you." Jamil scolded.
"We must not keep Malleus waiting." Sebek insisted, though much quieter.
"So, Group 1 is me, Sebek, Rosehearts, and Viper." Malleus mused. "I hope we'll have an enjoyable time." he told his group.
"So do I, Malleus." Riddle agreed.
"I was worried when Sebek insisted that he join Malleus's team, but honestly, I'm glad he has a proper guard." Jamil said. Despite Sebek's loud brashness, his skills were not anything to laugh at.
"Heh. Of course. Malleus's safety shall always be my first priority." Sebek swore.
"For my part, I'm interested in broadening my horizons by learning more of the city's history. I did some reading prior to our departure, but that's no substitute for experiencing a place firsthand." Malleus told his group. "What of the rest of you?" he asked.
"I certainly have no objections!" Sebek agreed.
"I think that's a wonderful approach." Riddle agreed. "I was hoping to learn more about the city."
"Agreed. I'd like to see the sights and get the real Fleur City experience." Jamil agreed.
"Ah, so you're all interested in learning more history. I applaud your mindset." Trein told the remaining group.
"Geez Louise. I thought this was Group 1, not Group Boring." Grim grumbled, only to start struggling when Aster picked him up by his ribbon rather than under his arms like normal and looked sternly into his big blue eyes.
"You could learn something from them Grim! You're causing our history grade to drop despite my best efforts to keep it up." Aster scolded the cat. "I respect your attitudes towards history." he told the group as Grim broke free and climbed on the other's shoulder.
"Are you interested as well, Aster?" Trein asked.
"Yes. This place... I know it. And learning more about it might help me understand why." Aster confided to his guardian.
"Hm. There are some spots I could recommend." Trein decided. "They impressed me greatly when I saw them years back. They're not for tourists, though, so you won't find them on your maps. Would you like me to show you around?" He asked the group.
"You don't mind?" Riddle asked. "I'd be happy to have you, Professor." Riddle agreed.
"Then I believe we have a place to start. Shall we get going?" Malleus asked them.
It was sometime later that the group found themselves in the waterways. "Here we are." Trein told them.
"I believe we're under one of the bridges that connects the city to Noble Bell College." Malleus observed.
"I didn't even notice at first that there was a pathway when we were on the bridge." Jamil noted.
"This is the entrance to an underground waterway." Tein explained. "As Flamme mentioned, the Bell of Solace is the heart of Fleur City. But it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say these waterways are its nervous system- they developed alongside the city itself." Tein informed them.
"Ah, so there are the waterways that run throughout the city. They're all made of stone, just as I read." Malleus
"They look rather old." Sebek noted.
"Oh, yes. It's a complex so vast, not even the locals know its entirety." Trein added.
"I've read about them as well. They were built so the whole city could use the water from the Soleil." Riddle stated.
"Yes, though that's not their only function. Here's a question for the class- what other historic purpose did these waterways serve?" Trein asked.
"I can answer that-" Riddle began, only for Jamil to shush him.
"Sh. Don't spoil the fun now. Not everyone did research beforehand, remember?" Jamil asked the other.
"Good point. Sebek, what do you think the answer is?" Malleus asked.
Sebek looked startled. "You're asking me? I'm in my liege's presence, I absolutely have to get this right...!" Sebek began to immediately freak out. "Professor! I request a hint!" Sebek cried.
"How gallant." Jamil said with a sigh.
"Very well. This isn't the only entrance. There are many hidden throughout the city." Trein conceded.
Sebek's brows furrowed as he repeated the hint a few times. "Sebek, the waterways are right in front of you. Enter them and look around for yourself." Malleus suggested.
"Yes sir!" Sebek cried, entering one of them. "Hm. It's pleasantly cool. Wide enough pathways to walk down on both sides of the water. Too dark to see much. They continue for a while. Judging from the wind, there are side passages as well." he muttered, thinking through the situation.
"Ugh, it's no use. I feel close, but the answer still eludes me." Sebek cried.
"Okay, bored now. How about you give up and we can move on." Grim grumbled.
"It's been mere minutes! Give me a little longer!" Sebek cried.
"Here's another hint." Jamil said, taking pity on the younger boy. "What would you do if your liege tried to take a walk through here alone?" He asked.
"My liege, alone?" Sebek sounded horrified at that. "Why, I would insist on accompanying him, of course! Who knows what manner of miscreant could be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike- Aha, I have it!" Sebek cried as he had an epiphany. "Did people used to hide down here?" Sebek asked.
"Correct, Sebek. Many tales claim that this place served as a hideout for some residents. Not even I know what sorts of people would stay here..." Malleus trailed off. "But it's quiet and cool down here. Perhaps it was actually comfortable." he mused.
"The literature I read said that some residents even referred to the hideouts as 'court'. It's fascinating." Riddle mused.
"Well done, Zigvolt. That little hint spurred your imagination and led you to the correct answer." Trein praised the boy.
Sebek laughed. "'Tis a simple question indeed for a proud guardian of the great Malleus." he crowed.
"Uh-huh, whatever. Even I knew it." Grim said with smug look.
"Oh really?" Sebek challenged.
"Yes, because Aster forced me to attend his and Trein's history lesson where it was covered." Grim said with his arms crossed.
"Even now, these waterways mark the lives of the people who are often made invisible by Fleur City's outward prosperity." Trein told them, none of the group noticing as first Grim, then Aster, found themselves wandering off for very different reasons. "They're a great way to learn about the area's history." Trein told them.
"Yes, and I much prefer the quiet here to noisier sections of town. I could spend a rather long while here." Malleus mused.
"Yes, they're not exactly a tourist attraction. The most foot traffic they get is from the occasional local out for a stroll. I happened upon this place when I vacationed here years ago, and it was quiet then. It was a great spot to relax after many hours of tiring sightseeing." Trein said.
"So, this place is really more of a memorable date spot for you and your wife." Jamil said with a sly smirk.
"... My own history is hardly a topic of interest, I assure you." Trein deflected.
"Hm. Where did you rest exactly? I'd like to see it myself. I'm interested to hear more about your travel adventures with your wife." Malleus said.
"This discussion is over." Trein said.
"For what reason? Malleus just asked you a question. You owe him a proper answer!" Sebek cried.
"True, it could give us a deeper understanding of this place's history. By all means, tell us more." Riddle insisted.
"I said, the discussion is over!" Trein said with such force they were actually startled.
"I apologize. I was only engaging in some light banter. I had no idea those three would show such an interest in the topic." Jamil apologized.
Trein sighed. "Really, now... You should know better than to tease your teachers, Viper. Though in the others' case, they all appear entirely earnest. At any rate, let's go back up top. I apologize for making you listen to an old man reminiscing." Trein told them.
"An apology is hardly warranted." Malleus assured. "This was quite the novel experience."
"You know, I just realized that we're two members short." Riddle said, sounding alarmed as he realized the Ramshackle duo weren't present.
"They're not. When did they leave?" Jamil asked in concern, as the group began looking around.
"Look! There's Grim on the other side of the bridge. He's standing stock still in front of a building." Malleus said.
"But where is Aster?" Sebek asked in deep concern for the only human other than Silver that he tolerated.
"Wait, down there!" Riddle said, relief heavy as they spotted the missing prefect further down the walk path on the way to the bridge.
"Let's go collect them. And here I thought those two would be the least problematic." Trein sighed. They approached the boy only to stop as they took in the scene. Aster's eyes were heavily focused on the wall before him, his hands pressed up against the old stone. "Aster?" Trein asked with some concern. The boy didn't react.
"Human!" Sebek said, going up and touching his shoulder to get his attention. Only to find himself firmly twisted and pinned to the wall by Aster who had moved much quicker than they could keep up with. Panic and surprise flaring through the bond.
No one moved as they took the scene in. "That was unexpected." Jamil said, only to get distracted by their phones buzzing. It was the group chat all of Aster's bonded were a part of. They were all demanding to know what happened to cause the panic and if Aster was okay. Even the ones back in school. Ugh, they were all going to get lectured by those who remained at this point.
"I'll take care of this; you go take care of that." Riddle told the vice housewarden who nodded and stepped forward as Aster began to freak out, asking if Sebek was okay and apologizing profusely.
Once everyone was calmed down, Trein turned to his charge. "Aster, what happened? Why did you wander off?" He asked.
"Um... I'm not sure?" Aster looked back at the wall. "I sensed magic. It wasn't normal, either. But it's gone now. But it was... Entrancing." he winced. "Sorry. Um. Where's Grim?" He asked looking around.
"It's fine, let's just try to keep it from happening again, alright. And Grim is over there." Trein indicated across the bridge.
The group soon arrived next to the store beast. "Hey Grim, what're you looking at?" Aster asked.
"Red, white, red, white..." Grim was muttering, getting a curious look from the rest.
"He's not even blinking." Jamil said in surprise.
"Red, white, red, white, red, white, re-whi-re-whi-reh... MRAAAH! I can't stop watching' this spinny thing... It's making' me dizzy!" the group looked at what Grim was and realized it was an old-fashioned barber chair and post.
"Are you referring to this post here?" Riddle asked in amusement.
"That's a barber pole. They typically indicate a barber shop." Trein told the cat.
"I can see the staff in white uniforms standing next to old, fancy red chairs inside. With all that on top of using a barber's pole in this day and age, it must be pretty old-fashioned operation." Jamil noted.
"You think so? Barber shops in Briar Valley all look similar to this one. Seeing it rather takes me back... I wonder if my old barber is still faring well. I used to go in twice a month." Sebek mused.
"Twice a month? That's a lot of barber visits. My sister only goes once a month for a trim." Jamil said in disbelief as he took in the younger student's short hair.
"A proper guard of Malleus must always be properly groomed!" Sebek said firmly.
"I approve of how immaculate your hair always is, Zigvolt. Many of our students could learn from your example." Trein praised the boy. Sebek preened.
"It's the least I could do in service to such a noble figure!How often did you get your haircut back home, Jamil?" Sebek asked curiously.
"I've been growing my hair out since middle school, so I didn't visit the barber too often. I'd get the ends evened out once every few months at most. It's more work to take care of my hair, though." Jamil admitted.
"If anyone here is stringent about their appearance, it's Riddle. What would you do about your hair in the Queendom of Roses?" he asked the red-haired house warden.
"I would go to the barber's once a month. My mother scheduled my appointments for me. It was always at the same time, with the same person, and the same cut and style. It's important for everything to look neat and trim." Riddle informed them. "That's why I keep my hair short. I cut it myself when I first came to our school."
"Truly? Do you still do so?" Sebek asked.
"Cater didn't want me doing it for some reason... So now I go to a barber in town, just like everyone else." Riddle said with a pout. Aster chose not to mention the pictures Cater had sent him of Riddle's uneven hair when he did it himself. Best not to embarrass his friend.
"You should probably thank Cater for that." Jamil told the boy, remembering those early days. "What about you Malleus?"
"I would summon my personal hairdresser to the castle." Malleus said without a hint of hesitation.
"My, that's royalty for you..." Riddle trailed off.
"But I grew tired of how much of a production it was each time. Sometimes I'd ask Lilia to cut my hair while he was doing Silver's..." Malleus admitted.
"What about you Aster? What do you do for your hair? It is rather curly. I was surprised when I first saw it." Riddle asked their youngest. Aster blinked before answering.
"Well, it's a lot of work to keep up with. Curly hair requires specialized shampoos and conditioners due to its nature. I know back with my brothers, who did my hair changed depending on the event: Special occasions, business parties, photo shoots I would get dragged too, cosplay conventions... events like that. Right now, Divus helps me with my hair, trimming it and straightening it." Aster answered before sighing. "I didn't have a chance to straighten it out this morning, so this is what it is for the trip." he conceded.
"I like it." Jamil told him.
"You do?" he asked.
"Yes, it really suits you." Sebek assured the human who blushed a little and smiled.
"I agree with Sebek. This soft, curly mass truly suits you, Aster." Malleus agreed.
"Thanks, you guys. Hm. Maybe I'll go ahead and keep it like this for now then. Hopefully Vil agrees and doesn't pounce on me when he sees it." Aster muttered.
"Anyways, they're really into haircuts. I should totally...hm?" Grim said. "The shop's got a poster. What does it say...? 'Elevate your trip by trying a traditional Fleur City hairstyle!'" He read off.
"Ah, so this shop offers traditional hair styling for tourists to try. I've seen businesses like that in the Scalding Sands." Jamil stated.
"Oh, really? Can I try one!" Grim asked.
"It does say anyone is welcome. So, it's possible according to the sign, at least. What would constitute a traditional Fleur City hairstyle, though?" Riddle asked in curiosity.
"Hm. Weren't tall wigs popular in the Shaftlands years ago?" Malleus asked Trein.
"Yes, they were fashionable among the aristocracy, along with faux moles on your face. I believe the townspeople admired the styles and all donned similar wigs on festival days." Trein explained.
"I don't think that was isolated to just Fleur City. I'm pretty sure that was popular in many places." Malleus mused.
"Grim I just talked to the staff." Jamil said with an amused smile. "They told me this hairstyle was especially popular in Fleur City back in the day." Jamil told the cat as he held out a handful of...
"What is that?" Grim asked, not sure.
"Wood shavings." Jamil answered. "In the old days, they would shape these to look like hair and affix them to people's head. Want to try it?" he asked with a mischievous smirk.
"Yeah right!" Grim laughed. "I ain't that dumb. I know people didn't use to wear wood shavings on their heads." He told Jamil.
"I think you'd look good with them." Aster teased his familiar.
"Then you wear them. I'll even put them in for you!" Grim cried swiping up the shavings from Jamil so quick that the boy took a step back. They watched for a bit as Grim tried, unsuccessfully, to get the wood shavings in the small boy's hair.
"Ah, Grim! I told you curls are tricky. If you put those in my hair they're going to get lost in it forever." Aster yelped, trying to keep his familiar from reaching his hair.
"Come now, it's rude to cause such a commotion in public! If you sophomores don't rein yourselves in, it'll be off with your heads!" Riddle called, failing to get their attention.
"Pardon the segue, but speaking of commotions..." Jamil trailed off, before speaking even lower next to Riddle's ear. "For all the people here, no one seems to realize that the Malleus Draconia is with us. I wonder if that's due to his hat camouflaging his horns."
Riddle realized the other was right. "Plenty of people are dressed in much flashier ensembles. Maybe they think the horns are part of his costume. It's good that they don't recognize him, though. I was worried we might draw too many crowds, and then we'd have trouble walking around." Riddle admitted softly.
"Agreed. After all, we can hardly use wood shavings to conceal his horns..." Jamil snickered a little at the image.
"Were you just discussing my horns?" Malleus asked from right behind the duo who yelped in surprise.
"No! Never!" the shouted.
Trein sighed at the behavior. "Grim's pitching a fit. I think that's our cue to move on. We should check on the other groups anyway. What will your group be doing next?" he asked the students.
"I was thinking of walking around and learning a bit more about the local culture. Would that be acceptable to everyone?" Malleus asked the others in his group.
"Absolutely!" Sebek agreed passionately. The others nodded.
"What eager students you all are. I'm truly proud.I'm sure I don't need to worry about any of you but do be careful exploring." Trein told them.
"Yes, Professor! Thank you for joining us!" Riddle said.
"Our time together was most enjoyable. And Aster, Grim, I will see you later." Malleus told them.
"Alright, we'll head off. Have fun guys!" Aster said as he followed his guardian and familiar off.
The Glorious Masquerade
"So, what shall we do next?" Malleus asked his group after their teacher and friends disappeared. "According to the map, the shopping district is right up ahead."
Before any of the others could answer, they were interrupted by the baying of a goat. They looked around before spotting the little white goat that was happily jumping around, before cozying up to Malleus.
"Huh, a goat in the middle of town. It doesn't seem to have a collar either. Does that mean it's wild?" Riddle asked curious.
"Look again- it has a golden earing. It doesn't appear to be wild." Malleus observed.
"Oh, you're right!" Riddle exclaimed, smiling when the goat butted his leg gently and accepted his pets. "It's friendly, too. It's clearly used to being around people." Riddle mused as the goat returned to Malleus's side and was insisting on being petted.
"Do not cozy up to Malleus, goat!" Sebek cried.
"Now you're jealous of a goat? This is too pathetic to watch." Jamil groaned. "I wonder if it ran from its owner. Though a goat is an unusual choice for a pet..." He trailed off in thought.
"That is no pet goat." A voice told him. The group turned to see Rollo approaching them. "It's not wild either, mind you." he added.
"Oh, hello there Rollo. Are you making your rounds?" Riddle asked.
"Just so. I was slightly concerned about how you all were faring." Rollo informed them.
"If this goat isn't a pet, and it isn't wild, then what is it?" Malleus asked Rollo.
"It's cared for by the whole city. You might call it a community goat." Rollo admitted. "We consider goats to be bringers of good luck here in Fleur City. We treat them with care. They say if you're kind to one, it will come running to your aid when you're in trouble." He explained to them.
"Interesting... That fact wasn't in any of the books I read before coming here." Riddle mused, wondering if Aster would have known that fact. Now he wished the boy was in their group so he could ask.
"They're considered ordinary animals here, the same as cats and dogs. It hardly merits writing about." Rollo explained.
"If they're highly regarded here, then we must be careful in how we treat them." Malleus stated, the goat still right next to the prince of Briar Valley.
"It seems to have taken a shine to you, Malleus." Riddle chuckled. "Look at the way it follows you around."
"How unusual. Most animals tend to be scared of me. You must be quite fearless, little one." Malleus told the little thing.
Jamil watched to duo before something occurred to him. "Ah... Wait a minute." Jamil broke off abruptly, gaining the group's attention.
"What is it, Jamil?" Sebek asked. Jamil shook his head.
"It's nothing..." Jamil trailed off.
"You clearly stopped yourself from saying something. It makes me wonder what you're hiding." Sebek accused, suspicious. Jamil sighed, knowing the younger wasn't going to let it go.
"I was just thinking... maybe the goat saw Malleus's horns and thinks he's one of them." Jamil said, a bit embarrassed by his thought process.
"Wretched goat! How dare you!" Sebek roared. "You presume to treat my liege as one of your brethren?! Your piddly horns are nothing compared to his." Sebek shouted. The goat looked Sebek dead in the eyes and let out a 'Bah!' at him before leaping and bounding around, teasing Sebek who started chasing it around.
"Get back here. You shall pay for your insolence." Sebek roared.
Rollo scowled. "Don't chase it!" he said exasperated. "What part of 'we treat them with care' did you not understand?" the Council President asked.
"I apologize for his appalling lack of manners." Riddle apologized. Jamil snickered.
"Look. The goat's hopping just out of Sebek's reach. Is it teasing him?" Jamil asked Rollo who sighed before nodded.
"Yes, our city goats are rather clever. They also sometimes help local businesses hauling goods. The smarter they are, the more mischievous they can be... But we love them all the same." Rollo conceded.
"It doesn't fear me at all." Malleus mused. "Reminds me of Aster when we first met. What an amusing creature. I like it."
'Are you calling Aster an amusing creature?' Jamil and Riddle wondered, shaking their heads. And it made sense that Aster hadn't been afraid of Malleus when they first met. For crying out loud, Aster still called Malleus Draconia, Scion of Briar Valley, Hornton.
"Wretched goat. You must learn your place." Sebek cried, missing the conversation between his upper classmen.
"Again, you're not competing with the goat..." Jamil groaned.
Finally, they got Sebek away from the goat, which ended up being more of an ordeal than expected due to the goat's enjoyment of teasing Sebek and his ability to fall for it each time. But they were finally back on track with not much time left before the rendezvous that had been agreed on.
"I'm curious to see what kind of souvenirs they have here... but we don't have much time before the meet-up." Jamil sighed.
"Yes, we can't be late. Tardiness would be entirely unacceptable." Malleus stated firmly.
"You sound empathetic about that." Jamil mused.
"Then perhaps you should head to the rendezvous point soon. You'll find plenty of souvenirs in the festival square." Rollo told them. "Is there anything else you'd like to see before you go?"
"Sebek, what do you want to do?" Malleus asked his dorm student who looked startled at the addressment. Still a little embarrassed by the display with the goat earlier.
"I wouldn't dream of asking you to indulge any requests of mine." Sebek denied.
"I don't mind." Malleus said in amusement. "I was discussing this with Rosehearts and Viper while you were chasing the goat." Malleus said.
"You're a sophomore, and the youngest of our group. I'm willing to humor a little self-indulgence on your part." Riddle said with a smile.
"Agreed." Jamil stated, in a good mood from watching the younger chase the goat around. "So go on, don't be shy. I can tell by the look on your face you have something in mind."
"Not at all!" Sebek denied." My interests are the same as all of yours, studying history and-" he was interrupted by the very loud rumbling of his stomach, sending the group into a momentary silence.
"That was..." Riddle said in amusement.
"Ah, now I see. You're hungry." Jamil chuckled. Sebek tried to deny it, but Jamil continued. "It's alright, you know. I'm interested in trying some local foods, myself." Jamil assured the boy.
"Yes, it might be nice to experience some of Fleur City's culinary offerings." Malleus agreed. "Flamme, are there any good eateries in the area you would recommend?" Malleus asked.
Rollo tilted his head a moment. "Very well. Come with me." He said.
"Sorry about this, human." Sebek apologized in embarrassment.
"That's Rollo Flamme to you." Rollo corrected the other before leading them to a beautiful and bright building. "This place is good for simple, local fair." Rollo told them.
"Is it a cafe?" Jamil asked curiously. "There's a lot of outdoor seating too."
"It's actually a fromagerie- a store that specializes in cheese." Rollo explained.
"Oho. I can see an array of different cheeses inside." Malleus mused, interested.
"I read about this. Fleur City is famous for its cheese. Is this a well-known store, Rollo?" Riddle asked excitedly.
"One of the better-known ones, yes. Our city has a great many fromageries. Bread and cheese have always been staples of ours for a long while. And nowadays, we produce many different types of cheese. This particular establishment also runs a cafe, and their menu is themed around their cheeses." Rollo said.
"Well, now that I've gotten you here, I'll be taking my leave." Rollo told them.
"Sorry for the extra trouble, Flamme." Malleus told the president who waved it off.
"You have my gratitude, human!" Sebek cried.
"Once again, my name is Rollo. Rollo Flamme." Rollo paused before sighing and giving up. "Do enjoy your time in Fleur City." He told the others before making his way to check on other students.
"I'll put in our orders! Malleus, you and everyone else are welcome to have a seat and wait." Sebek said excitedly before running off to do just that. The other three shared amused looks before finding an empty table outside to sit at and wait.
"Alright! I have our snacks!" Sebek said, returning a little while later as he set the platter of food and drinks down.
"Wow... It smells amazing." Riddle commented, his own stomach growly a little as he took in the many sandwiches, each cut into four pieces so each of them could try each one.
"A fresh baked baguette sandwich with ham and cheese- so much cheese, in fact, it's spilling out of the sides." Jamil mused, loving the smell.
"I'll have this one." Malleus said, taking up one of the items on the plate. "I enjoy the richness of the cheese." Malleus said with wide eyes.
"They said it was made with goat cheese." Sebek stated excitedly. "There were too many kinds to choose from, so I just ordered the most popular items on the menu." he explained to the others.
The group enthusiastically discussed the different foods they were trying and the tastes in each of them. "Oh, this sandwich has cheese made from cow's milk, as well as a grape compote. By all means try it." Sebek suggested to Malleus, taking the piece of the sandwich and placing it on Malleus's plate.
"Certainly, just as soon as I have a drink." Malleus assured his overexcited dorm student as he took a drink of the coffee offered to him. His eyes widened as he studied the cup, getting curious looks from the others. "The coffee you gave me is rather sweet. It has milk in it as well." Malleus said in amusement before glancing at the younger. "Did you perhaps...?" He wondered just as Sebek had taken a sip of his own coffee.
Only to cough and splutter. "Ech! Bitter!" Sebek cried, placing the cup down in some disgust.
"Yes. I must have your coffee." Malleus mused, chuckling at the youngest alongside Jamil and Riddle. "I assume you accidently switched them."
"My apologies, sir..." Sebek looked like his soul had left his body. "That was almost as bad as what Aster drinks." The boy whimpered.
"How bad is Aster's coffee?" Jamil asked curiously, thinking the other was exaggerating a bit.
"I think when I heard him out an order in once in the cafeteria it was with ten shots of espresso, maybe more." Sebek admitted, handing Malleus's over and accepting his own and drinking it to remove the worst of the bitterness. The others looked horrified.
"So, you take your coffee with sugar and milk, Sebek?" Riddle observed, deciding he didn't want to think on Aster's coffee tastes.
"I... merely happened to be in the mood for it, is all." Sebek tried to deny. "It's not like I can't stand black coffee or Aster's abomination, or anything!" He denied.
"Why are you so defensive?" Riddle asked with a warm chuckle at the younger student's eccentricity. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about. People have different tastes, you know." Riddle assured the younger. "And I don't think even Cater, known for disliking sweets, could handle Aster's abomination."
"But..." Sebek trailed off, unsure.
"You get hung up about the strangest things. Not everything has to be a point of pride." Jamil told him.
"Jamil's right. In fact, there was an incident just recently where you dug your heels in over a matter of personal pride during a club meeting and-" Riddle was saying.
"I would prefer if you refrained from discussing my blunders in Malleus's presence!" Sebek cried in mortification.
"Actually, I'd like to hear this, Rosehearts." Malleus said in genuine curiosity. "I'm most curious to know what Sebek is normally like." He grinned teasingly.
"You... You have it all wrong, my liege!" Sebek nearly whined. Like a kicked puppy. "I always comport myself in a way that benefits my status as your guard." he insisted.
Malleus chuckled before giving in. "I'll content myself with knowing that you're bonding with people from outside Briar Valley. It's reassuring." Malleus settled on.
"Oh... Malleus... Such kind words!" Sebek cried tearfully.
"Are you crying?" Riddle asked in disbelief. He swears Sebek was one of the biggest criers he knew.
"This cheese is unusually salty." Sebek denied, getting small, amused sighs from the others.
"Those are your tears." Jamil said with a small smile.
"Let's finish up and move on, shall we?" Malleus asked, taking the attention from the crying sophomore who was trying to wipe away his tears of gratitude and joy. "We still have more of the city to enjoy." he said.
Author's Notes: And there we go. Until out next chapter.