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Scene: COURTYARD → CAFETERIA(Name) Bellwool, Yuu, Grim, Ace, and Deuce are present)

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[COURTYARD – LUNCH PERIOD]

Grim dragged his paws across the cobblestones, his tail lashing side to side like a metronome of rage.

Grim: "Mrrah! I've had it with these boring classes!"

Yuu sighed while flipping open a schedule.Yuu: "Then you'll never become a great mage at this rate, Grim."

(Name) turned, brushing crumbs off his blazer with delicate fingers. His white locs were pinned back today with soft blue clips shaped like little bells, his sheep ears twitching at the sharpness in Yuu's voice.

(Name): "You're making a scene..."His voice was as gentle as always, like a whisper carried on wind through spring fields. But the warning was there, tucked in his fluttering lashes.

Grim: "Ugh! When did YOU get all bossy?!"

The sound of the lunch bell echoed like salvation.

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[CAFETERIA – BUFFET LINE]

Grim: "Wooo! Lunchtime at last!"His eyes sparkled like he'd stumbled into a treasure vault.

Grim: "Whoa! drool They got some good-lookin' grub! Ooh, grilled chicken! And a bacon-and-egg tart!"

(Name) stepped softly behind him, holding a tray with both hands like it might float away. The warmth of the cafeteria made his cheeks pinken, and a stray loc curled in front of one of his pastel-pink-touched eyes.

(Name): "Can you even eat squid and onions, Grim?"

Grim: "Look how FLUFFY those omelets are! [Name], grab me the grilled chicken! There's only one left! And the omelet too! And that jelly-filled bread—just fill your tray!"

Ace (hissing): "Shhh! Dude, inside voices! Where was this energy earlier today?"

Suddenly—BUMP!

(Name) stumbled slightly, his tray wobbling dangerously.A taller student had shoulder-checked him hard. Pasta slid off a plate and splatted across the floor. A delicate yolk burst like a war crime.

Delinquent A (snapping): "Hey! Watch where you're goin'!"

Delinquent B (mock gasping): "My carbonara! You broke the yolk!"

Delinquent A: "You better make this right, pal!"

(Name) looked up slowly, eyes wide in confusion, ears trembling like he'd just been scolded by the wind itself.

(Name): "I—I didn't mean to... I'll clean it, I promise—"

Delinquent A (grinning): "Then I'm gonna need that grilled chicken of yours as compensation."

Grim (growling): "MYAH?! No way! Hands off the bird, chump! I need my protein, 'cause I am HANGRY!"

The two upperclassmen bristled.

Delinquent B: "That's no way to talk to an upperclassman! Catch me outside and I'll teach you some respect!"

Deuce (firmly): "Um, excuse me, sir, but it said in the handbook that fighting with magic is prohibited..."

Delinquent A (smirking): "Fighting? Nah. This is just some friendly encouragement. Helpin' freshmen learn their place."

Delinquent B: "Now, let's see just how many ways there are to skin a cat."He cracked his knuckles.

(Name) instinctively stepped back, pressing a hand over his chest. His soft tail fluffed up, eyes glossy with unease. He hadn't expected this. He didn't want this.

But then...

A familiar voice cut through the tension like a scalpel wrapped in silk.

??? (offscreen): "Touch a single lock on his head... and you'll be the next omelet cracked across the floor."

—CAFETERIA – DAYTIME BUZZ

The clatter of trays and chatter of students filled the room like background music. (Name) sat nestled beside Yuu, their trays loaded with food—though Grim's was double-stacked thanks to his outrageous appetite.

Grim: "Wooo! Lunchtime at last! Whoa! drool They got some good-lookin' grub!"

Yuu (raising a brow): "Can you even eat squid and onions, Grim?"

Grim: "Look how fluffy those omelets are! Ooh, grilled chicken! And a bacon-and-egg tart!"

Ace (grumbling): "Shhh! Dude, inside voices! Where was this energy earlier today?"

Grim: "[Name], grab me the grilled chicken! There's only one left! And an omelet too. And that jelly-filled bread! Just fill your whole tray with 'em!"

Suddenly, a shoulder bumped hard into (Name), causing a bit of his tray to wobble.

Delinquent A (snarling): "Hey! Watch where you're goin'!"Delinquent B: "M-my carbonara! You broke the yolk!"

Delinquent A: "You better make this right, pal! Gimme that grilled chicken as compensation."

Grim (hissing): "Myah?! No way! Hands off the bird, chump! I need my protein, because I am HANGRY!"

Delinquent B: "That's no way to speak to an upperclassman! Catch me outside and I'll teach you some respect!"

Deuce (stepping in): "Um, excuse me, sir, but it said in the handbook that fighting with magic was prohibited..."

Delinquent A (smirking): "Fighting? Nah. This is just... educating a clueless freshman on how things work around here."

Delinquent B: "Now, let's see just how many ways there are to skin a cat, heh!"

Before things could escalate further, (Name) stood, placing a gentle hand on Grim's back, his expression soft—but his eyes? Just the slightest glint of steel.

(Name): "Let's not cause trouble on our second day... Grim, stay close."

But Grim was already fuming.

Grim: "Grrr... You picked the wrong day to test me!"

Just as sparks started to fly—

Delinquent A (blinking): "...Whoa. Didn't know you had that in you..."Delinquent B (backing off slightly): "Tch. Fine. I'm gonna let you off the hook, but only 'cuz I don't want my pasta gettin' cold."

They slinked off, still mumbling.

Grim (puffing up): "Pffft! I knew you were all talk! You better hope I never see you again!"

Yuu (sighing beside (Name)): "What happened to 'no more incidents'?"(Name) (offering a sheepish smile): "I guess this is our life now..."

Ace (plopping down with a tray): "Can we just eat now? I missed breakfast, and I'm about to pass out."

Deuce (grimacing): "Textbook bullies at an elite mage academy. Ridiculous..."

Grim (mouth already full): "Aw, get over it already. It's time to chow like the wind! munch munch This omelet is as fluffy as a cloud and practically burstin' with cheese!"

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Cater (suddenly appearing with a cheerful wave): "Yo, yo~! Mind if I join ya?"

Ace: "Bwah! You're that guy from this morning!"Grim: "You tricked us into paintin' those dumb roses!"

Cater (grinning): "'Tricked' is such an ugly word. I was just following Heartslabyul dorm policy, y'know? Totally out of my hands."

Deuce: "And grinning like a maniac the whole time."

Cater: "Hey, outside the dorm? I'm just your friendly senpai! Here to mentor and vibe. Promise!"

Deuce (frowning): "Please don't call me Deucey."

Trey (joining them with practiced calm): "Ahaha. That's just Cater's way of showing affection."

Ace (suspicious): "And who're you?"

Trey: "Trey Clover. Also from Heartslabyul. And you must be (Name), right? The Promeire darling everyone keeps talking about?"

(Name): "I... That's me, yeah."(His sheep ears twitched nervously. He wasn't used to being recognized so suddenly.)

Trey: "Word travels fast when someone that pretty walks through the gates. Especially when they're not in Heartslabyul. chuckle"

Cater: "Speaking of, do you not have a phone?! I was tryna add you and [Yuu], but you're off the grid!"

(Name) (awkward): "I, um... don't really use one often..."

Cater: "Whaaat?! I've only ever read about people like you! We gotta fix that ASAP. You, me—phone shopping date! I know all the hot spots."

Yuu (protectively edging in front of (Name)): "Maybe give him space first."

Trey (sighing): "Cater. Down boy. You're freaking them out."

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Cater (laughing): "Aight, my bad, my bad! Let's get back on track—dorm 101!"

And with that, the table began to settle as the upperclassmen launched into tales of rules, dorms, and dorm leaders... while Yuu, ever watchful, stayed close to (Name), their gentle smile never straying far from the Blasian beauty at their side.:♡.•♬✧⁽⁽ଘ( ˊᵕˋ )ଓ⁾⁾*+:•*∴CAFETERIA – LUNCH CONTINUES

Grim (with mouth still full):"So what are the other dorms like, then?"

Trey (adjusting his glasses with a small smile):"As Cater mentioned earlier, the dorms of this school are themed after the Great Seven.We have our dorm, Heartslabyul, modeled after the strictness of the Queen of Hearts.To run down the rest of them, we've got..."

He began ticking them off with his fingers.

Trey:"Savanaclaw, based on the persistent spirit of the King of Beasts.Octavinelle, based on the benevolent heart of the Sea Witch.Scarabia, based on the mindful personality of the Sorcerer of the Sands.Pomefiore, based on the tenacity of the Fairest Queen.Ignihyde, based on the diligence of the King of the Underworld.And finally..."

Grim (tail flicking):"Let me guess... the fancy one with the dramatic green-black fit?"

Trey (nodding):"Diasomnia. That one's based on the noble spirit of the Thorn Fairy."

Yuu:"...That's a lot to take in."

(Name) leaned slightly toward Yuu, his fluffy sheep ears twitching.

(Name) (softly):"It's okay. I mixed up Scarabia with Scarface once. You'll learn it fast."

Grim:"All those names are way too long! How's anyone supposed to remember 'em?"

Cater (winking):"Ah ha ha! Well, you get the idea. Want to or not, you'll learn 'em soon enough."

Trey:"At orientation, the Dark Mirror picks a dorm for you based on the essence of your being.Each dorm ends up with a distinct sort of... flavor, let's say."

Deuce (confused):"Flavor, huh...?"

Trey:"For example, see that guy over there?"(He gestures toward a towering student with wolfish ears.)"That rough-and-tumble look has Savanaclaw written all over it."

Cater:"Definitely! That dorm's all brawn, grit, and big bro energy.You see someone flexing during lunch? They're probably from Savanaclaw."

Grim:"Huh. What about that guy with the gray and purple cords?"

Trey:"That's Octavinelle House. You'll find those students tucked away behind contracts and tea cups."

Cater:"Oho! And that student with the red-and-gold band? Classic Scarabia."

Ace:"Don't let the fancy colors fool you. Cater said their housewarden's a bit of a clown."

Cater (laughing):"Hey, I didn't say that. Just maybe not the studious type."

Trey (smiling):"Now, the one with the dramatic purple-red armband—that's Pomefiore."

Grim:"Ooh! I like that one! The one reading potion books. She's so pretty!"

Deuce (tilting his head):"Wait... What's she doing in a boys' school?!"

Ace:"You two are such morons. There aren't girls officially enrolled here."

Grim & Deuce:"WHAAAT?!"

(Name) (muttering, eyes wide):"...She looked so elegant, though."

Epel, seated quietly nearby, stiffened slightly but didn't speak—his eyes locked onto (Name) just a little too long.

Cater (grinning):"If you're into portraits, there's this one in the west hall—Rosaria. Real beauty. Wanna meet her?"

Ace:"She's a painting, bro. I don't care how hot she is in 2D!"

Cater (laughing):"Their housewarden has 5 million Magicam followers. It's basically a dorm full of models."

Trey:"Don't be fooled, though. Pomefiore students are top-tier at potions and curses."

Grim:"Pretty and deadly. Got it."

Cater:"Ignihyde's next—but they're kinda reclusive. Blue and black armbands, but you won't see 'em much."

Trey:"They're into tech and magical engineering. Not gloomy—just... focused."

Deuce:"...And that just leaves... Diahonyalara?"

Ace (facepalming):"You were so close—it's Diasomnia."

Cater:"There they are. Look to the back corner, all dressed in black and green.Even I get nervous going near 'em. They've got this aura, y'know?"

Ace:"There's a kid in that group!"

Trey (chuckling):"That's no kid. He's a junior, same as us. Name's—"

??? (suddenly appearing behind them):"Lilia. Lilia Vanrouge."

Everyone:"BWAH?!"

Grim (nearly falling off the bench):"H-he just teleported!"

Lilia (smiling sweetly):"I understand my appearance confused you.Despite my youthful glow, I'm no child."

Trey (dryly):"'Fresh-faced,' he says..."

Lilia:"Don't gawk from afar. We're schoolmates, are we not?Feel free to speak to us anytime. Diasomnia welcomes you without reservation."

Silver:"......"

Sebek:"......"

Deuce (awkward):"Those guys aren't exactly throwing a welcome party..."

Lilia (hovering up with a chuckle):"Forgive me for towering above you during your meal.I look forward to chatting again~"

He vanished just as suddenly.

Ace:"That table is, like, twenty yards away. And they still heard everything? That's WAY creepy!"

Trey:"Diasomnia students tend to be exceptionally powerful mages."

Cater:"And their housewarden? Malleus Draconia. Dude's on a totally different level."

Grim (sweating):"A-aren't dragons supposed to be extinct?!"

Ace:"He gives me the creeps... But y'know who creeps me out more?"

He points dramatically.

Ace:"Riddle. Collared me just for eating one slice of tart!"

Riddle (suddenly behind him, smiling without warmth):"My 'rule obsession' is 'out of control,' is it?"

Ace:"Bwah?! Housewarden!"꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚૮꒰˵•ᵜ•˵꒱ა‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷

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CAFETERIA – Riddle Arrives

Ace:"Bwah?! Housewarden!"

Cater (nervously flashing a peace sign):"Hey, Riddle! What's shakin', pal? You're lookin' adorbs, as always!"

Riddle (coldly):"Hmph. Cater, keep running that mouth and you'll lose it—along with the rest of your head."

Cater:"Sorry, sorry! My bad!"

Grim (fluffing up in fear):"Myah?! You're the guy who put that stupid collar on me at orientation!"

Riddle:"And you're the new students who were nearly expelled yesterday.I'll ask that you not refer to my signature spell as a 'stupid collar.'The headmage's habit of tolerating rulebreakers like you is going to send this entire campus spiraling into chaos.Those who break the rules should have their heads removed immediately. Without exception."

Ace (to Yuu under his breath):"Dude, seriously? This guy looks like a pushover, but he talks like a final boss."

Riddle (to Ace):"The headmage may have forgiven you, but I will not be so lenient if you violate any more rules."

Ace (nervously sweating):"So, uh, listen... Housewarden, sir... Any chance you could, y'know, take this collar off me?"

Riddle:"I had intended to... once you'd demonstrated remorse.But given the nonsense I've heard today, I believe you should keep it a while longer.Thankfully, the freshman curriculum leans heavily on theory rather than practice.And your inability to use magic will help prevent another disaster."

His eyes briefly flicked to (Name), who was quietly sipping his tea with Yuu. For a fraction of a second, Riddle's expression softened... then snapped back into place.

Riddle:"Now, if you've finished eating, go prepare for your next class.Rule 271 is clear: 'One must leave the table within fifteen minutes of finishing lunch.'You understand what happens to rulebreakers, don't you?"

Ace:"Sigh... More insane rules..."

Riddle:*"I believe you meant to say: 'Yes, Housewarden.'"

Deuce & Ace (in unison):"Yes, Housewarden!"

Riddle (with a nod):"Very well."

Trey:"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them."

Riddle (his voice dropping just a touch lower):"As vice housewarden, I trust you'll refrain from indulging any more... unrefined commentary.Now, as per rule 339: 'The post-meal beverage is to be lemon tea with two sugar cubes.'And I must get my sugar cubes. Farewell."

He turned to go but not before giving (Name) a final glance, his lips twitching—not into a smile, but something unreadable. Then he was gone.

Cater (visibly relaxing):"Yeesh! That was terrifying."

Grim:"That guy's got serious issues."

Deuce (firmly):"Hey, don't disrespect him!"

Heartslabyul Student A (peeking over):"Is the housewarden gone?"

Heartslabyul Student B:"I totally just broke rule 186: 'Never eat a hamburger on Tuesday.'I don't know what I would've done if he saw me!"

Student A:"Ugh... I wish he'd skip lunch once in a while so we could eat in peace."

Cater & Trey (both):"......"

Trey (sighing):"Riddle managed to become housewarden before the end of his first week.He means well... Everything he does is for Heartslabyul's future."

Grim (arms crossed):"Would a 'good guy' slap collars on people like that?!"

Cater:"Heh. That was your fault, furball."

Yuu (to (Name)):"I don't think I've ever seen anyone rattle a whole cafeteria just by existing."

(Name) (lightheartedly):"Riddle's like a blender with too many buttons. Intense, but... effective?"

Cater (grinning):"You're curious about his spell, huh?"

Deuce:"So a signature spell is something only the caster can use, right?"

Trey:"More or less. Everyone's is different. You'll learn about them in class."

Cater:"Riddle's spell can seal another mage's magic completely. It's called—"

Riddle (from the hallway):"Off With Your Head!"

Grim (yelping):"Even the name is psycho!"

Cater:"To a mage, losing magic is like... losing your head. So, yeah, nobody wants to trigger him."

Trey:"As long as you follow the rules, though, he's not that scary."

Ace:"Speaking of rules... Cater, are you still not gonna let me into the dorm unless I bring a tart?"

Cater:"Hey, I don't make the rules, I just enforce 'em. Rule 53: 'No entry without a tart.'"

Deuce:"Wait, so Riddle actually looks forward to a slice of tart that much?"

Cater:"He gets the first slice. If you want forgiveness, you better bring the whole thing."

Ace:"This school is insane."

Cater:"Then bake one! Trey made the ones we had today. Didn't you?"

Trey:"Yeah. But I'll need something from you in return."

Ace:"What kind of mafia logic—?!"

Trey:"No money. I need chestnuts. Riddle wants a chestnut tart."

Ace:"How many are we talking about...?"

Trey:"Two or three hundred. Boiled, shelled, and pureed."

Grim:"Nope. I'm out."

Deuce:"Same."

Ace:"YOU HEARTLESS COWARDS!"

Cater (winking at (Name)):"Food tastes better when you make it with friends~ Plus, it's totally selfie-worthy."

Trey:"Chestnut tarts are best right out of the oven. And only the bakers get that luxury."

Grim (reluctantly excited):"Ugh... fine! Where are we getting chestnuts?"

Trey:"There's a grove behind the botanical garden. Lots of trees there."

Ace:"Cool. Meet after last period?"

Grim:"We're gonna be drowning in chestnuts!"