Twisted Wonderland Book 5: A Beauitful Tyrant

Just then, Azul walks into the gym and says, "Ah, excellent. There you are, Jamil."

"What do YOU want, Azul?" Jamil questions with a frown.

"Why, what EVER could I have done to earn your ire?" Azul questions with a smile.

And says, "And here I thought we were the closest of classmates! More to the point: you're on class duty, correct? Our afternoon Magic History period is going to be a study hall today. Professor Trein wants you to come and get the classwork printouts from the faculty office."

"Fine. I'll be right there," Jamil says.

By the time everyone else returns with the mops, they see Azul and Jamil talking.

Grim whispers to Briar, "Say, didn't Azul stream Jamil's whole diabolical plan to the world?"

"Uh yeah... I wonder how that goes over?" Briar asks, a little concern.

However, Azul says, "Please. It's like you've never heard of a bluff before. That was obviously a ploy to convince him there was no talking his way out of it."

"Mrah?!" Grim yelps in surprise.

"I can't believe you thought that I, the very soul of benevolence, would willingly destroy a classmate's reputation and social standing!" Azul says.

"...You absolutely would," Jamil says.

Briar giggles and says, "Well, at least it's a relief you didn't go through with it."

Grim says with narrow eyes, "A real nice guy wouldn't tell such a nasty lie in the first place."

Azul chuckles, "Heh heh heh. All I did that day was put my smartphone on a speaker call with Jade. Unlike Leona, I don't torment others for sport. I never do more than what is strictly necessary. I obtained some perfectly good intel from the experience. I would never dream of devaluing my own assets!"

Jamil sighs, "Whatever you say. But you know what? I'll grudgingly admit that thanks to Azul's 'benevolence...' My parents and the Asim family still don't know the real reason I overblotted. As for the students..."

"Yeah. The students at the dorm know about what happened," Briar says.

"Yes. They were..." Jamil says.

Flashback:

A few days after the Overblot situation, Briar and her friends return to their dorm. Kalim is talking to some of the students in the dorm.

One Scarabia student asks, "Housewarden Kalim, I don't understand! Why aren't you replacing Jamil as vice housewarden?"

Another student says, "He's been deceiving us all for ages, yourself included!"

"He might still be plotting something. He needs to be dismissed!" The third student adds.

"Wow, you're all so worried about me! Thanks. That's really nice of you," Kalim happily says.

Then explains, "Here's the thing, though... He's not the only one at fault for this mess. I share some of the blame. Besides, I would bet there isn't a single person in Scarabia who hasn't gotten help from Jamil at some point. Am I right?"

"W-well..." The first student replies, and thinks about it.

Then the second student says, "I guess he's given me advice before..."

"See? There you go," Kalim says, "He's been a model vice housewarden. In fact, he's put me to shame. He let dark thoughts get the better of him for a brief time. Other than that, he's a perfectly capable guy. It's true that he used you all to try and kick me out... But Jamil never once hurt me before the holiday incident. And believe me, he could have. He's had every possible opportunity to do far worse things. But he never did. Not once in seventeen years. I know I can't exactly call him a good guy, but still."

"Housewarden..." The third student says, surprised and yet touched by Kalim's words.

Kalim continues, "It's frustrating not being able to explain myself better, but...could you give us just a little more time to sort this out?"

"If that's what you want...then I guess so," The third student replies.

Unknown to them, Jamil has been listening to the entire conversation and doesn't really know what to say about it.

Flashback Ends:

Jamil explains, "We've been more or less treading water ever since. Scarabia emphasizes mindfulness and forethought. Our students are trying to avoid jumping to conclusions. They're watching and waiting to see who's more beneficial to side with. Myself and Kalim included.

"Heh. Classic Scarabia," Azul replies, and says, "Astoundingly shameless, one and all. I'm impressed the two of you would even dance together after everything that transpired.

Jamil scoffs, "Hmph. Say what you will. In my case, the overblot incident has caused my reputation at school to plummet. It makes sense for me to fall in line with Kalim for a while, in the interest of improving my position both within Scarabia and without.

Azul then says, "Heh. The students must be circling you like sharks, waiting for the first sign of blood so they can challenge you for your seat. If not for your clashing idiosyncrasies, it would be hard to imagine a more appealing person to serve than Kalim. He's eventually going to inherit an entire trove of treasure. In our modern society, that wealth represents a power magnitudes greater than any magic. Why, it borders on omnipotence."

"Look. My holiday plot was a once-in-a-lifetime gambit. I thought that if I failed, my life would effectively be over," Jamil says, "But in the end, things aren't all that different now... Thankfully. As long as Kalim doesn't dismiss me, I'll continue to be his aid. I'll continue to prove myself to those around me. That includes Kalim, my dormmates, my parents, the Asim family...and all of you."

"Man, Jamil. You've gone from one person before the holidays to a whole other person after 'em. It's nuts," Grim says.

"Heh. I much prefer it this way. If Kalim ever does sack you, Octavinelle's doors are always open to you. We would gladly welcome someone with your pedigree," Azul says with a smile.

However, Jamil says, "Thank you, but not in a million years. Octavinelle is the last dorm I would ever transfer to."

Just then, Kalim calls out, "Hey, guys! We're gonna be late to class if we don't hustle!"

"Look at Kalim keeping US on track, instead of the other way around! Heh. I never thought I'd see the day. He's right, of course," Azul says.

"I shouldn't have stood around chatting with you anyway. I'd better go get those printouts," Jamil says.

Suddenly, Ace realizes, "Gah! Our next period is in the west building! That's a long walk.

"C'mon, Briar! Grim! Let's beat feet!" Deuce says.

Briar calls out, "Sereia! Tanzanite! Jasper! Trinket! It's time to go!"

"Okay!" Jasper says.

Then everyone gathers their things and hurries off to class.

"Myah! Wait for meee!" Grim cries out and runs after them.