Chapter 14: Two Qualified Suitors

Soon enough, Briar and the others decide to find any more suitors. They first head to Savanaclaw Dorm to talk to one of them.

After being asked, Ruggie says, "Me, propose to a ghost? After Leona and Jack got captured trying to do it? Absolutely not! Leona will find his way back on his own. No way I'm sticking my neck out for free."

"Ruggie, Leona and Jack really need help," Tanzanite says.

"Sorry kid, no go," Ruggie says.

Then they head to the Scarabia Dorm.

Jamil answers, "No. I'm not going, and neither is Kalim. There would be consequences for my entire family if he were exposed to any danger. And if I went on my own, I guarantee Kalim would go, 'Ooh, that sounds fun!' and tag along. That's all there is to it. I'm afraid you'll have to clean up your mess yourselves."

"I have to agree with you on that," Jasper says.

And lastly, they arrive at the Diasomnia Dorm, and for some reason, Briar isn't too happy about asking one of them to be a suitor for the ghost bride.

"I can't," Silver says, "Now that Fa—er, Lilia and Sebek are absent, I'm the only one left to guard Malleus."

"I don't mind being on my own, you know," Malleus says.

"I'm sure Lilia would share my view were he here, sire. Anyway, that's that. I'm deeply sorry I can't be of assistance," Silver says.

"And I won't be attending it as well," Malleus says. Then turns to Briar, "Considering that I've already had a special someone already.

"Thanks anyway," Briar says, sounding relieved.

"I figured as much considering that Briar and Malleus like each other," Jasper says.

"By the way, Briar, why weren't you too happy to ask Tsunotaro about it?" Grim asks.

"Well uh, you see…" Briar says, blushing.

Grim smirks, "Oh I see, you don't want to get jealous if the ghost bride actually accepts Malleus."

Briar's face turns red and covers her face.

Malleus chuckles with a smile, seeing Briar getting flustered and actually getting upset about coming to him to ask for help with the fake marriage proposal plan.

Later in the night, Briar and the others return to the outside of Mister S's Mystery Shop.

"So we have gathered a grand total of...NOBODY," Crowley says.

This doesn't please Ortho, "Absolutely heartless.'

"Worry not. You have two qualified suitors right here!" Rook says.

Ortho says, "Rook Hunt! Epel Felmier! You'll help my brother?"

'But of course. Helping our fellow man is one of the most beauteous acts," Rook says, "That, and I refuse to let any more mockery of Vil's fair features continue! And you'll find Epel every bit as motived as myself."

"That's right. I'll save our housewarden and make him recognize my strength! If I do that, then maybe…" Epel says.

'So our C Team consists of two people. Well, I suppose I can't blame the others for not wanting to get involved—" Ace says.

But then Riddle steps in, "I'll join you."

Ace is shocked, "Wait, why?! You're not seriously going to rescue Trey and Cater?"

"That's part of it," Riddle says, "A housewarden's job is to make up for the shortcomings of his dorm's students, after all. However, I have an even more critical reason. Aren't you forgetting something important, Ace?"

"Am I?" Ace questions.

"Rule 703: 'Anyone who comes in second in a croquet tournament must serve the queen tea the next day.'" Riddle says.

"Huh?" Sereia and Grim reply, confused.

"What's that got to do with…" Ace is about to ask, but soon realizes, "OH! Oh yeah!"

"Connected the dots, I see," Riddle says.

"Um, what are you talking about?" Briar asks.

Riddle explains, "Cater placed second in yesterday's croquet tournament! He must return to the dorm before tomorrow. He has to serve tea to the queen—that is, to me—sometime today!"

"Dude, this is kinda an emergency, if you haven't noticed. I'll just make you some tea if Cater can't—" Ace says.

But Riddle insists, "Out of the question. You didn't even rank in the top ten yesterday, Ace. In compliance with the rules, I will make certain Cater returns in time."

"Sheesh. Always the stickler…" Ace replies, "Well, it still beats the way you were before. And it's not like any of this is my problem!"

"So the next team of suitors will consist of myself, Rook, Epel…" Riddle lists off and turns to Ace, "...and Ace, making four of us in total."

Ace exclaims in shock, "ME?! How am I a part of this?!"

"Were you planning on sitting out?" Riddle questions.

"Yeah, obviously! No reason to leap onto a trainwreck in progress. I want no part of it," Ace says.

"Fine. Go back to the dorm and tend to the hedgehogs or something. I'll be just fine with Epel here," Riddle says.

"Huh? Why me?" Epel questions.

"Because unlike Ace, you possess actual bravery," Riddle says.

This has Ace offended, "Excuse me?"

Riddle continues, "Pity my dorm's freshmen are such cowards. You have more courage in the tip of your pinky than they have in their entire bodies."

"Ex-CUSE me?" Ace questions, upset.

Riddle continues, "I suppose it's for the best we don't have any of those spineless worms tagging along. They'd just slow the rest of our team down."

This has reached Ace's limits, "EXCUSE ME?! You and Epel wouldn't even get a turn if I was there!"

"Oh, is that so?" Riddle questions.

"You bet your boots," Ace says, "I'll have that bride eating out of my hand with my slick moves. So you just sit back and watch as I dazzle her silly!"

Rook chuckles, "Heh heh heh. Monsieur Heart is endearingly devious."

"Heh. Heartslabyul students must always be prepared to band together like the card soldiers of yore," Riddle says.

Ace says, "For that matter, I'm not convinced the rest of you guys would make the cut anyway. I could possibly see Rook, but you and Epel are shorter than the bride—"

This makes Riddle angry, "Do you want to lose your head, Ace?"

"I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING," Ace cries out.

"Here I thought you were coming together, but you're already bickering. We've only got four hours until midnight," Ortho says with a sigh.

Then turns to Briar, "Please, Briar. Go with them to make sure they don't completely fall apart!"

"Alright," Briar says.

Ortho smiles, "Thank you! I knew you wouldn't let me down."

"I'll go with her," Sereia says.

"Might as well," Jasper says.

"I'll help too," Tanzanite says.

Trinket nods.

But Grim says, "Well, I don't wanna go. Ain't nothin' in it for me!"

'Nobody was askin' you, Grim. We don't need you on the team," Ace says.

And just what do you mean by that?" Grim questions.

And Ortho says, "I concur with his assessment. The odds of the bride choosing you as her groom are... infinitely approaching zero."

This makes Grim angry, "Grrr... Okay, I didn't wanna go at first, but now you've got me fumin'. I'm the charming-iest guy around, and I'll prove it! I'm goin' with you!"

"Ah, how beautiful to see you all so impassioned to win the bride's heart!" Rook says.

Considering how much time's left until the wedding, this will be our last chance. If Operation Proposal fails for a third time… Idia's life will be forfeit," Crowley says.

Everyone gulps in concern.

Crowley then says, "The Ghost Bride censured the A and B Teams for not dressing appropriately. And she was rather taken with Idia's tux. We cannot ignore this vital piece of information. I say we create the Perfect Prince Package!"