Behavior problems...

Golden Threads...

"And me?" Epel piped up, looking a little unsure.

"You'll stay here with Grim and help hold down the fort," Yuu said. "I need someone I trust to keep things steady while we're out."

Epel puffed out his chest, trying to look confident. "Got it. We'll make sure this place doesn't fall apart while you're gone."

Sebek stepped forward, his expression intense. "And what of us? We are ready to act whenever you give the word!"

Yuu hesitated. She still wasn't entirely sure how to handle the fae trio. "For now... stay here. We'll regroup once we've got everyone on board."

Lilia smiled knowingly. "As you wish. We'll make ourselves at home, then."

-Hours later: Pomefiore dorm.

Yuu and Vil stood outside Rook's room, the elegant halls of Pomefiore eerily quiet. Yuu fidgeted nervously as Vil knocked on the door, his movements precise and graceful as always.

"Come in!" came Rook's melodic voice from inside.

Vil opened the door, stepping in with Yuu close behind. The sight of Rook perched at his desk, polishing his bow, immediately made Yuu feel like they were interrupting something important.

"Roi du Poison! Ma chère Yuu!" Rook exclaimed, standing and spreading his arms theatrically. "What a delightful surprise!"

"We need to talk," Vil said, cutting straight to the point.

Rook's smile didn't falter, but his eyes sharpened with curiosity. "Oh? About what, mon ami?"

Yuu stepped forward, her hands clenched at her sides. "We're going to Briar Valley. And we need your help."

Rook tilted his head, his green eyes gleaming with excitement. "Briar Valley, you say? How thrilling! But why would you embark on such a perilous journey?"

Vil and Yuu exchanged a glance before Yuu launched into an explanation. She told Rook everything—the glowing mirror, the dark claws, Malleus's possession, and the desperate need to find answers before it was too late.

When she finished, Rook was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face. "Magnifique. How could I refuse such a grand adventure?"

Yuu blinked. "So... you'll come?"

"Of course!" Rook said, bowing deeply. "To protect Roi du Dragon and witness the wonders of Briar Valley firsthand—what an opportunity!"

Vil sighed, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Good. Be ready by tomorrow morning. We don't have time to waste."

Meanwhile, in Scarabia,

 Leona and the others stood in Jamil's room, the Scarabian vice dorm leader eyeing them suspiciously.

"You want me to go to Briar Valley?" Jamil repeated, crossing his arms. "And why, exactly, would I agree to that?"

Leona stepped forward, his green eyes sharp. "Because you're not stupid, Jamil. You know how dangerous this is, and you know we need someone like you to survive it."

Jamil frowned, clearly weighing his options. "And Kalim? You know he'll insist on coming if I go."

"That's fine," Leona said. "The more hands, the better."

Jamil's gaze flickered to Ace and Deuce, who nodded in silent agreement. Finally, he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't expect me to babysit anyone."