Chapter 2 • The Headmage's Cheer

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Mirror Chamber

murmur*

Deuce

Wow, it's already packed with students going home.

Ace	Hah, they all look so antsy. Now then, where's that headmage?

Crowley

All right, everyone. Announce your destination to the Dark Mirror and keep a tight hold on your belongings. If you let go for any reason while in transit, your luggage will get spirited away elsewhere. If you have any possessions you absolutely cannot afford to risk losing, send them by post from the school store.

Everyone

He's in total party mode!

Ace	Wearing an aloha shirt in the middle of winter?! He's obviously ready to go on a tropical vacation!

Deuce

He's not even trying to hide it.

Grim	Hey, Headmage! We gotta talk!

Crowley

Why, hello. What brings your merry little band here?

Are you actually trying to find a way home for me?

Have you planned for our food situation over the break?

Crowley Ah... Ahhh! Ahhh, yes! Of course! A way home for you! Ha ha ha! Why, I'm expending every effort! In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've never visited before.

Crowley Ah... Ahhh! Ahhh, yes! Of course I've planned for it! What kind of headmage would I be otherwise? Why, I was just about to make arrangements online to have food delivered to you! Grim In other words, you were gonna leave us to starve. I'm guessin' you ain't even tryin' to find a way home for [MC], either. Crowley How rude. I most certainly am. In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've never visited before.

Crowley

That's how deeply my diligent streak runs.

Ace	You don't look dressed for an investigation to me.

Grim	What he said! You look ready to go soak up the sun!

Crowley

How could you suggest that? I've only clad myself in appropriate attire for my venture. When in a foreign land, do as the locals do. Escaping winter's frigid bite to kick back in a hammock and sip coconut juice while gazing at the tranquil ocean waves... I have NO such refined and indulgent vacation plans whatsoever, I assure you.

Deuce

What an incredibly specific denial...

Grim	It ain't fair for you to have all the fun! I wanna go on a tropical vacation too. Take us with you!

Crowley

What? But that would spoil my delightful getaway from—ah, ahem! This investigation will be dangerous. Yes, very dangerous. Best that I handle it alone. Besides, I'd much prefer if you stayed on campus. I have a critical job for you, as a matter of fact. It's so critical, the very survival of Night Raven College hinges upon it.

Oh boy, here we go.

The school's survival? Really?

Crowley Should you take on this job, your holiday provisions will be provided in full. I'll even arrange for a holiday feast.Roast turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head… In fact, I'll throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten—er, salt?—the deal. What do you say? Grim Mrah! Sounds like a one-way ticket to a food coma! H-hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least. Ace Dude, you are a born sucker. Crowley Ahem. The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are all furnished via fire fairy magic. They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years... But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter. Deuce You know, I've wondered how the school stays so warm without central air. Ace So it was magic. Kinda obvious in hindsight. Crowley Normally, our kitchen ghost takes over fire duty during extended school breaks... But this year, his daughter had a baby, so he's visiting the netherworld to see his first grandchild. Thus, I would like you two to handle things in his absence.

Crowley Ahem. The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are all furnished via fire fairy magic. They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years... But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter. You can see how the school's survival would be at stake. Deuce You know, I've wondered how the school stays so warm without central air. Ace So it was magic. Kinda obvious in hindsight. Crowley Normally, our kitchen ghost takes over fire duty during extended school breaks... But this year, his daughter had a baby, so he's visiting the netherworld to see his first grandchild. Thus, I would like you two to handle things in his absence. Should you take on this job, your holiday provisions will be provided in full. I'll even arrange for a holiday feast.Roast turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head… In fact, I'll throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten—er, salt?—the deal. What do you say? Grim Mrah! Sounds like a one-way ticket to a food coma! H-hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least. Ace Dude, you are a born sucker.

Ghosts can have grandchildren?

If that's what it takes to get our meals...

Crowley Look, it was a miracle of love, okay? Don't sweat the details. More to the point, someone needs to handle fire duty if you want to stay warm over the holidays.

Crowley Yes indeed. Plus, someone needs to handle fire duty if you want to stay warm over the holidays.

Crowley

Just by throwing firewood into the fireplace every day, you'll stay both warm AND well-fed. That is, as we say, two birds with one stone. Oh, what a generous deal!

Grim	Y'know, this does sound like kind of a gimme compared to the usual messes you dump in our laps.

Crowley

Doesn't it, though? You would be surprised at just how kind I can be. Oh yes, and since I'll be out for a while, I'd like to give this to you.

Ace	Ooh, a smartphone?

Crowley

You can use this to call me in the event of any emergency. It is to be used ONLY for emergencies, mind you. Do try not to burn through its data cap browsing Magicam or the like. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have many students to transport home to their families. I'll leave the rest in your capable hands. Ah, I'd better make certain to peruse some tourist pamphlets before I set out. Goodness gracious, I'm so very busy...

Grim	Myah ha ha! Now I get to chow down on a fancy feast over the holidays!

Ace	I still get the feeling you just took a sucker's deal, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

Ruggie

Hey, guys! You can stop standing in the middle of the hall and blocking traffic now!

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