Shocked, Rollo grumbled in disbelief, "Why... This is one of Fleur City's traditional songs! It's been passed down since olden times. It was supposedly sung by the Kindly Bell Ringer to express his hopes for a brighter tomorrow... But how did they even come to sing it...?"
"Curious, are you?"
Surprised by the familiar voice, Rollo turned around only to find Trein standing next to him. He muttered hesitantly, "...Professor Trein."
"It's fine, you can relax." Trein reassured him calmly, "The song was Draconia's idea. He proposed that the group arrange a gift for you all."
"Malleus orchestrated this...?" Rollo couldn't hide the surprise on his face as he heard this.
"Yes. He was quite pleased to have been invited to the social. This was a token of his appreciation." Trein nodded seemingly pleased to see the student surprised.
"A token of appreciation...?" Rollo raised a brow in confusion, "Is THAT why he insisted on having the ball, despite everything?"
Watching the fae singing with the others, Rollo grumbled, "...Hmph. Ridiculous."
However, as they continued singing, a memory resurfaced in his mind in the form of a long forgotten voice, "...Wanna know why I love magic so much? 'Cuz you have so much fun when I use it! I want us to have lots of fun together, always! Promise me we will, Rollo!"
"Utterly...ridiculous..." He repeatedly softly, "Utterly..."
Once the song was over, Rollo clapped his hand and took the spot light as he walked up front of the stage once again, "Yes, that was a fine gift indeed... Let's have a big round of applause for the promising young mages from Night Raven College."
A thunderous applause sounded as everyone cheered.
"Their applause is positively thunderous." Malleus smiled, "I can tell everyone enjoyed our song immensely. What a fulfilling feeling."
"I told you a song was the way to go." Azul smiled and waved.
"That used up a whole lifetime's worth of nerves..." Idia fidgeted nervously as he made sure a few times that his mask was still on yet still wanting to hide behind the guys. As if granting his wish, they descended from the stage as Grim and Yuu ran up to them.
"Hey, when did you guys find time to practice a whole song?!"Grim exclaimed in disbelief as he jumped onto Deuce's shoulder without warning.
"I knew something was up!" Yuu was shocked, "But, I had no idea that was happening!"
Grim looked to Yuu in disbelief, "You knew they were settin' somethin' up? You coulda told me!"
"I wasn't certain what they were planning exactly." Yuu explained.
Throwing Grim wrapped under his arm instead, Deuce said apologetically, "We would've asked you to join if we'd known you were coming on the trip sooner."
"After discussing it with the others in my dorm and Ashengrotto, we decided there could be no better gift." Malleus explained, "That song is about the Bell Ringer's hopes. The lyrics evoke feelings of connecting with others and beginning anew. It's often sung in Fleur City to mark festivals and fresh starts. Lilia taught it to me. Wouldn't you agree it's the most fitting song for a social such as this?"
"Absolutely! I couldn't be more grateful for the gracious gift you've given every mage here!" Sebek praised him unconditionally once again. '
"Well, well." Trein walked over to them with a sigh of disappointment, "You all went behind my back and threw a party while I was resting."
"Ack! Professor Trein!" Deuce gasped in horror.
Caught red handed with everyone, Epel stammered, "It's not... Um..."
Trein wore a small smile in defeat, "...You boys don't need to worry about anything. I'll discreetly get in touch with the faculty here and make sure Flamme is looked after. While he may not go to our school, he's still a promising young mage. Now, as for your performance... I'd heard about it from the headmage, but I'm still surprised you rehearsed a whole song. I never dreamed you'd arrange such a wonderful thank-you gift... Your thoughtfulness and tact do justice to Night Raven College's name! Yuu, might I ask you to capture this moment on film? We must share it with the headmage and the other students. I'm sure everyone will love it...and also be horribly jealous they couldn't be here in person."
"Oh! In that case, make certain Malleus, Idia, and Azul are front and center." Rook declared ecstatically as he explained everything, "We borrowed the headmage's magical raffle box to determine our three lead vocalists... But what wondrous serendipity brought them together. Their dulcet tones harmonized perfectly to make for a superb song!"
Idia jumped in with eyes of pure disbelief and disdain, "How do three housewardens just "coincidentally" get drawn in a raffle? I'm telling you guys, that box is rigged. We should bust it up!"
"I was honored to be chosen as a lead vocalist." Azul declared with pride, "Did you all enjoy my singing?"
Folding his arms in dismay, Riddle frowned, "You hardly need our validation. I'm sure you're very aware of how well you did."
"Way to be a sore winner. Very classy." Jamil sighed.
"I'll take that as the highest of compliments." Azul sighed in satisfaction, "Ahh, I'm so glad I won that draw."
"Your singing was amazing, Azul!" Deuce praised enthusiastically with pure honesty.
"Yeah, you should perform again once we get back to school. I bet Vil would be floored if he heard you." Epel added excitedly.
Hearing praises after praises, Azul's smile widen, "Who knew it'd be so satisfying to hear compliments from the two of you? Heh, I suppose I could get used to underclassmen looking up at me with awe."
"Come out, Idia. No need to hide behind a pillar! You sang beautifully!" Rook taunted as he dragged Idia away from the pillar.
"Nooo, stop! Don't rub salt in the wound!" Idia cried as he was pried away from his pillar.
Confused, Silver complimented with his usual honesty, "You sang incredibly well, though. You deserve the compliment."
"Agreed. You did a fine job bolstering my liege's magnificent voice." Sebek declared with a compliment of his own.
"You must have put in a great deal of practice. I could listen to your melodious voice for hours, you know." Rook added.
"I didn't practice willingly, believe me. I was just scared that a certain housewarden would give me a thundering death glare if I bailed..." Idia shuddered as Rook dragged him to the group for a picture.
"Whatever. You can whine about getting picked all you want, but you still went through with the fun part." Ruggie snickered, "Way to steal the spotlight, Idia!"
"It's not like that!" Idia cried in remorse, "I mean, yeah, OF COURSE I can sing when I actually try. But it's not like that at all!"
"So you're not even trying for modesty..." Ruggie sighed in disappointment.
"Must be nice. Wish I could be the center of attention like those three." Grim grumbled.
Hearing this, Yuu suggested, "Wanna sing too, Grim? How about dancing? That'll get some attention."
"Wait a minute..." It suddenly dawned on him as Grim jumped into the air, "You're right. All I gotta do is put on an even better show than they did!"
"Hey, you three!" Grim pointed to the three dorm leaders and demanded, "Sing the song again! And this time do it behind me!"
"WUT." Idia looked to him in disbelief, "I just lived through pure cringe and you want me to relive it?! Hard nope. Not even for you, Grim!"
"What will you pay me for being your backup singer?" Azul smirked.
"I dunno. When I dance with you, I gotta hop up and down to match your height." Grim grumbled in thought before he thought of something weird again, "Ooo, I know. I'll sing a little ditty, and you can be my backup dancer! Hey, Idia! Azul! Malleus! Come dance around me with Yuu!"
While Yuu was uncertain how to calm Grim, Idia shrugged, "What makes you think I can dance?! I was just pure cringe out there, and now you want me to be even CRINGIER?!"
"I'd be willing to dance with just Yuu, but I'll charge a fee if you rope me into your spectacle." Azul sighed.
"Hm?" Sebek looked around before fear suddenly set in, "Where's my liege? It's not a party without Malleus!"
Having ignored the last line, Silver agreed as he begun looking around too, "You're right, I don't see him. Did he get lost in the crowd? We'd better find him, and fast."
"Sheesh..." Grim grumbled in disappointment, "Hornton got himself lost? That guy's a real handful."
"Did he decide to go explore again?"
They turned around to find Peony approaching them much to their surprise.
"You again?!" Grim exclaimed in surprise.
"Uh, is it really okay for you to be here?" Ruggie pointed out hesitantly.
Peony smiled, "Well, I needed to see rather Rollo succeeded in his task or not. I certainly did not expect to see you start performing and singing Make A Wish out of the blue. My master was quite pleased with your performance and wished to express his sincere gratitude. Not just for the song, but for everything."
"If he all right?" Trein hesitated.
Peony nodded, "When you left, Axel Trill went to see him. The president hid the fact he had awakened using magic."
"How is he feeling?" Rook questioned.
"Much better physically. However, regarding the more political matter... Let's actually not talk about it. Things are quite delicate on his heart right now." She shook her head sadly.
"What do you mean?" Grim tilted his head in confusion.
She shook her head again, "Anyway-"
She paused as Crystal told her something and she frowned, "Seriously?!"
Surprised by her outburst, Riddle questioned in confusion, "What happened?"
She took out her phone and began making her call quickly, "Old man, get him on the phone- No, keep him there-!"
She heaved a loud sigh before she grumbled onto the phone and turned around before handing the phone to Riddle, "It's my master. He wants to talk to you."
Riddle took the phone as a deep slow voice began, "Representatives of Night Raven College. As the headmage of this school, I would like to express my greatest gratitude to you for protecting this city and saving my student, Rollo Flamme. Though I am ashamed that I cannot express how grateful I am to you in person. Please excuse my rudeness."
"There's no need for apologies. We understand that there are some circumstances." Trein responded despite the surprised look across his face.
"Thank you again. I understand this child has caused a huge mess last night and endangered the city. Despite everything, you've decided to allow him to bear the burdens of his responsibilities on his own in silence."
"Was that what happened?" Riddle looked to Azul in surprise.
"That's what happened, but..." Azul hesitated.
"My master's recuperation was located within a hidden room in the tower." Peony explained, "When the swarm happened, they went to shield my master from the flowers."
"Rollo has had a complicated past growing up. Some of which he could no longer remember. However, that does not exclude him from the punishment he should bare. So, to devise such a method for him to bear his punishment while also living out his life properly is quite clever. Your school is quite fortunate to have you individuals as its student. Your teachers much be very proud."
"Thank you very much, headmage." Trein replied with a wide smile.
"This must be the chaperone who came with you." Trill noted with a chuckle, "I hope you can please forgive us for allowing this party to occur unsupervised. After hearing what happened, I couldn't find it in my heart to have my student come and discourage your students from having this banquet. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to speak again in the near future."