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| Chapter 67-1-19/PTM-854 | Book 6 • Chapter 67-1-20 | Chapter 67-1-21 |
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Tartarus - Emergency Stairs
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Now that we've handled that... Time to pick up where you left off! |
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Where I left off? What were we talking about again? |
| You can't just casually mention you were in Savanaclaw and NOT elaborate! | You weren't originally assigned to Pomefiore? |
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Oh yes, that! The Dark Mirror chose Savanaclaw for me at my orientation. I've often identified with the King of Beasts' spirit of persistence, myself. So I saw no issue with the assignment. In fact, I found my time in Savanaclaw to be quite fun and rewarding. |
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Huh... Then why'd you transfer to Pomefiore? Seems like kind of a waste... Er, I mean, if it suited you, you didn't really have to transfer, did you? |
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I did so because I wished to gain a deeper understanding of beauty. Granted, I could've continued my pursuit independently in Savanaclaw. But... Transferring to Pomefiore, a dorm honoring the spirit of the Fairest Queen, would help me reach the true depths of beauty all the sooner. That was what my hunter instincts told me, anyway. |
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Bwhaaa?! You made a decision that important based on a gut feeling?! |
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Hahaha! It was more than a mere gut feeling, I assure you. Another reason was my desire to watch Vil hone his own beauty up close. After all, two swordsmiths hammering a blade can give it an even keener edge. I volunteered to swing the second hammer upon Vil's blade of beauty. |
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Sheesh... This boy ain't right... |
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I tried to dissuade him when he first brought up transferring to me. But Rook cares not for the opinions of others once he decides something. Though you two already know that, right? |
| All too well, believe me. | Once his heart's set on something, he never lets go. |
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Before I knew it, the complicated paperwork and ceremonies were complete, and there he was, wearing a Pomefiore uniform. He stood out like a sore thumb, of course. He looked QUITE different back then. |
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What'd he look like? |
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Well, his hair was long, thick, and completely unkempt. Scraggly like you wouldn't believe. Also, he never bothered with sunscreen or skin care, though he's prone to sunburns... So his cheeks and nose were always freckled and bright red. And as for his attire, he only cared if it was easy to move around in. He'd just waltz all over the place in sweatpants with frayed hems or jeans with torn knees, without even bothering to mend them. |
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Say whaaat?! I can't imagine that at all. |
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He would at least put in a modicum of effort with his grooming when going to an opera or concert that had a dress code. |
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Ahh, this takes me back! It's a bit embarrassing having all these old stories dredged up in front of freshmen, I admit. |
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With that grin on your face, you don't look embarrassed at all... What gets me is that you changed dorms to pursue beauty, but didn't put any care into your own appearance. That, and aren't you like, rich? Why were you going around in tattered sweatpants? |
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I suppose back then, the "Beauty" Rook sought didn't encompass his own appearance. But one time, we had an intense discussion about how the audience plays just as large a role as the performers in plays and concerts. A play isn't a play without an audience to watch it. In that sense, the audience itself is a member of the cast. I'm not saying it's wrong to dress casually for a play when there's no dress code. But personally, I prefer to dress in a way that befits the beautiful stage. Of course, there's a chance you'll make your fellow audience members feel underdressed, which would be a bit of a faux pas. But when I coordinate my attire and makeup to fit in as a theoretical part of the show... Well, that's part of the fun of seeing a play, to me. Getting ready to see a show makes me feel so excited... "Pumped," even. At one point after that discussion, Rook told me with much delight that he won a front-row ticket to a play featuring his favorite actor. So I said that since it was a special occasion, he should get dressed up for it. The dress code for the play was smart casual and up, anyway. |
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I had zero interest in dressing up before then. But Vil gave me such wonderful advice. He even coordinated my entire ensemble. I don't think I'll ever forget the exaltation I felt when I set out for that play! I always delight in watching shows. But if I were to quantify my enjoyment and rate my prior experiences at 100... Then that day was easily 120! Perhaps even 200! Ever since then, I've developed an appreciation for personal care. |
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I now know the actor Rook mentioned was Neige. And Neige wouldn't mind a bit if his fans saw him in tattered sweats or patchwork pants. So my advice was entirely unwarranted. |
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Ah... Ahaha.... But if it helped Rook enjoy the play more, then it all worked out for the best...right? |
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Exactly, Epel. Encounters with the unknown are always sublime to me! |
| *a silhouette passes the screen* |
| Grim?! | That black shadow...! |
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Quick, after it! |
| *footsteps* |
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*huff, huff* GRIM! |
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Tartarus has but one way forward. It makes no sense that we lost sight of... |
Phantom |
SHAAAGH! |
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Above us! Everyone, ready yourselves! |
Battle!
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| Chapter 67-1-19/PTM-854 | Book 6 • Chapter 67-1-20 | Chapter 67-1-21 |
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