Chapter 3-2: Let Me Sit in Your Lap!
The Night Raven Students walk over to see the many different crowds of people.
"Hm? I see some familiar faces over by that tent there. Those are Royal Sword Academy students, if I'm not mistaken?" Azul says.
Epel soon notices one of them, "Ack, you're right. There's Neige, and he's surrounded by a bunch of townsfolk!"
And Riddle notices, "I see Chenya as well. I wasn't expecting to run into him here."
"There are more of them, too... The whole area's crawling with sparkly Royal Sword Academy prince archetypes!" Idia says, looking uneasy.
"I guess all the preppies turned up for the social too, huh?" Ruggie says.
"Mm. They stand out even in these vast crowds. That's Royal Sword Academy for you, I suppose," Trein says, "I see some other people I know as well. I guess a lot of arcane academies came for the social."
"This show is supposed to be the centerpiece of the festival. I'm sure it's on every school's itinerary," Jamil says.
Then Grim notices something, "Hey, someone's come out on the center stage!"
"Looks like the festivities are starting. Everyone, have a seat at the tables," Trein says.
Azul notices the benches, "With the bench seating, there's enough room for six people at each table. I'll sit with Professor Trein. I'm sure it will be quite educational."
"Yeah, uh, I'll sit at that table, too... That way I don't get stuck as the odd guy out," Idia says.
"Very well," Trein says and turns to Briar, "Briar, come join us. You could stand to learn more about this world."
"Okay," Briar says.
"Then I shall join your table as well. I'd like to hear Briar's thoughts on everything," Malleus says.
But then Grim says, "Hey, I'm sittin' next to my hench-human! Someone's gotta look after 'em."
"Why does Briar need looking after?" Tanzanite asks.
"Is that right? Then I shall sit next to you, Grim. I trust you won't mind," Malleus says
"I GUESS, if you insist," Grim says.
But then Sebek says, "Now hold on! I would also like to sit at my liege's table and hear his insights! Sit elsewhere, Grim, and I shall take your place. That will make six."
But Grim refuses, "You're not the boss of me. I don't really care where I sit, but I don't like your tone, so NAH! I ain't movin'!"
"Have you no appreciation for what an honor it is to sit next to the great Malleus? That seat is wasted on you!" Sebek argues back.
"Yikes, here we go... Another endless circular argument over something completely trivial… If someone doesn't step in here, we're never gonna get the seating figured out," Idia yelps.
"How about you two settle with rock-paper-scissors or something?" Jasper says.
"Oho, a simple and straightforward approach. Very well, Grim—TO BATTLE!" Sebek says.
Soon, the two begin to play the game to settle the disagreement.
Sebek & Grim shout, "One, two, three, SHOOT!"
And each presents their playing hand. Grim chooses paper and Sebek chooses rock. Paper beats Rock, Grim wins.
"...What?!" Sebek exclaims, shocked.
Grim cheers, "Woo-hoo! I win!'
Sebek gruants in defeat, "Rgh... How bitter defeat tastes…"
"That's what you get for leaving your fate up to chance. If you don't want to lose, you should be better prepared," Azul says.
Just then, Rollo arrives, "Ah, so this is where the Night Raven College students are sitting."
Everyone turns to see Rollo walking over to him.
Professor Trein says, "Hello, Flamme. Are you touring the festival as well?"
"Yes. It's part of my duties as student council president, since I invited all the schools,' Rollo answers, "Might I join your table? I'd enjoy the chance to chit chat with you all."
"By all means! You're more than welcome," Azul says.
"There's not enough space, however," Malleus points out.
Then Azul says, "Oh, that's an easy solve. Grim can sit in Briar's lap."
That's when the realization hits Sebek. Grim could have sat on Briar's lap because he's so small.
And Trein says, "Ah, of course. Any opportunity to chat with a Noble Bell College student is an honor. I'd be glad to have you join us."
"Aww, man. I don't wanna be stuck on someone's lap," Grim complains.
"Well, uh... Whee hee... You could always sit with me... Whee hee!" Idia says with an evil smile.
Grim panics, "That grin's givin' me the heebie-jeebies. Sounds like an even worse option…" And scoots away, "Briar, scoot back and make extra room for me to sit!"
But then, Rollo says, "Apologies for the trouble, but thank you for having me all the same."
"My word... I hadn't even thought of that option," Sebek says, shocked and turns to Azul, "Azul, why didn't you speak up when I wanted that seat?!"
"'Cuz he wanted to preserve his hearing, obvs," Idia says.
Sebek shouts, "I DEMAND THAT SOMEONE OTHER THAN MALLEUS LET ME SIT IN THEIR LAP!"
"Are you aware of how tall you are?" Azul asks.
"Hm. I suppose you have a point there…" Sebek says, "Then you can sit in MY lap, Azul!"
"How desperate are you? Absolutely not," Azul says, shocked.
"Well if you're that desperate, I have a better solution," Grim says.
"What's that?" Briar asks.
"Easy, you sit on Tsunotaro's lap," Grim says.
"WHAT?!" Briar exclaims, blushing red, even Sebek is shocked.
"Yeah. You can sit on his lap. You're pretty small, so it will work. Besides, I'm sure Mal will love to chat with you that way," Grim says and lets out a snicker.
Sebek angrily shouts, "You're really insisting on that! Having Briar sit on Malleus' lap is strictly out of the question. I understand they have a strong bond, but this is not acceptable! I'm not that desperate to have her sit on Malleus' lap in public!"
Then Malleus says, "Sebek, don't pester them. You lost the contest, and now you must accept the outcome with grace."
"I... I beg your pardon, sir! My sincerest apologies!" Sebek says, calmly, and begins moping over it, "Rgh…"
Then Riddle says, "Come now, there's no need to mope. You can sit at the next table over. There's hardly any difference."
"Go on and sit down. The show's starting," Silver adds.