Scarlet Vision | Twisted Wonderland

Cater's expression remained stern as he nodded. "Absolutely. Rule 53 is an important rule here. Stolen items must be replaced. We must abide by it to maintain order and fairness in the dorm." (The latter sentence he kept telling himself every day in front of the mirror for the past two years when his dormmates come to him crying under Riddle's rule.)

"Are you serious?" Ace asked, his disbelief evident in his voice. His frustration grew, his brows furrowing. "But it was just a tart."

Cater's gaze softened slightly, understanding Ace's frustration. "I get that, but rules are in place for a reason. It's not just about the tart; it's about the principle of accountability and responsibility."

"....Great, just great," Deuce commented with a frown, clearly frustrated by the situation. "So, there's no way to make an exception? Maybe if Ace apologizes or does something to make up for it? We have class soon and I am sure he might need his magic to complete some lessons."

"No can do." Cater said twisting a piece of his hair, his eyes not meeting his distraught underclassmen. "You must bring a replacement."

Ace turned to [Name], desperation in his eyes. "Can't you make a tart for me? Please?" [Name] lets out an exhausted sigh at Ace's pleading face.

Ace's eyes pleaded with [Name], hoping for a solution to his predicament. [Name] couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and sympathy at Ace's request. They understood his desperation, but they also knew the importance of taking responsibility (and they didn't want to be taken advantage of if they keep fixing his or others' problems).

"I wish I could, Ace," [Name] replied with a sigh. "But making a tart wouldn't solve the underlying issue. It's not just about replacing the stolen item; it's about owning up to your mistakes and facing the consequences."

Deuce nodded in agreement. "Yeah, [Name]'s right. We can't always rely on others to bail us out."

"I guess you're right..." Ace glanced away from his companions, his expression a mix of frustration and realization. He then turned to Cater, his voice filled with a hint of exasperation. "But still, how was I supposed to know that I needed a replacement? Who would memorize all the rules right from the start?"

Cater's response was matter-of-fact, causing Ace to lean away in shock. "Housewarden Riddle did and he did it on the first day."

"Regardless, I admit that I am at fault, but you guys shouldn't expect me to know all the rules right away," Ace asserted, crossing his arms defiantly. "I should be able to meet the Housewarden and ask him to take off this collar!"

"Sorry, no can do!" Cater interjected, his voice filled with a false cheeriness. "Maybe try your luck after classes. Anywho, he's super busy with planning the unbirthday party. Try coming back later, guys. Thanx!" (He really wants to help them, but the mere thought of losing his magic scares him. Some upperclassman he is, huh? He is a coward like his fellow year dormmates.)

Ace's frustration was evident as he muttered to the others, "I... think he's being serious. You guys give it a shot. I'm not getting through to him."

"I'm doing my best here!" [Name] whispered back to Ace, their tone filled with exasperation. Deuce nodded in agreement, his annoyance plain to see.

"You're not really appreciating the efforts we're making, even though this isn't our problem. You dragged us into this mess," Deuce remarked, his patience wearing thin.

[Name] let out a heavy sigh, feeling caught in the midst of the mounting tension. They could empathize with both Ace's desperation and Deuce's frustration. On one hand, Ace's plea for help tugged at their heartstrings, reminding them of their own vulnerabilities and past mistakes. On the other hand, Deuce's perspective resonated with them, reminding them that this predicament was neither their responsibility nor Deuce's burden to bear.