Chapter Text
Hayu sighs with relief once the ghosts leave.
“That was sc—” Grim says but stops himself. “No, I wasn’t scared at all! This is nothing for the Great Grim!”
“Yeah right!” Ace says. “We all heard that scream.”
Leona’s eyebrow twitches a bit. He is already hating this.
“Just what is going on around here!” a loud cry comes from behind them, startling both Hayu and Grim.
“The headmaster?” Epel asks, recognizing the voice projected.
“It seems their scuffle with the ghosts caused a commotion,” Rook says with a smile.
Hayu turns and sees Headmaster Crowley. “I heard there was a huge commotion happening here, so I came to check,” Crowley says before he notices Grim. “You! You’re that chaotic monster from earlier! What are you doing here again?”
“Exterminating ghosts,” Grim says casually.
Some of the students snort at Grim’s casual tone.
“Come again?” Crowley asks, perplexed.
“Allow me to explain,” Hayu intercedes and quickly explains the situation to the headmaster.
“I see…” Crowley says. “So the ruckus from earlier were from the ghosts. Now that I think about it, I do recall that the reason why this place is abandoned is because of some mischievous ghosts. Must have slipped my mind!”
“Slipped his mind!?” All the freshmen except Ortho says with a look of disbelief.
“How the heck does information like that slip your mind?” Jack exclaims.
“It’s a horrible thing to slip your mind on!” Deuce adds.
“I’m afraid it comes with the Headmaster’s character,” Cater says with a weary smile.
That’s a horrible thing to slip your mind on! Hayu mentally screams.
“Yu-kun’s got more restraint than me,” Ruggie says. “I would have screamed at his face if I were them.”
Especially considering the fact that you shoved a lost and penniless teenager into said haunted house! What if something horrible happened to me!?
Hayu, being the polite Canadian that they are,
“What’s that?” Some of the students ask.
Canadian: A native or inhabitant of Canada. The screen projects.
raises their concern in a more courteous manner.
Leona interrupts himself to snort. Some of the other boys found the statement amusing as well.
Crowley laughs. “Oh I wouldn’t worry too much about that,” he says. “It’s just an old ghost joke.”
“That was a joke,” Sebek asks blankly.
Lilia gives his signature laugh. “But of course it was,” he says. “And with such wonderful reactions, I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried it again.”
“I.. I see,” is all Sebek manages to say. Meanwhile Ace, Deuce, Epel and Jack wonder if they should stay away from Lilia as well.
He looks at Grim. “Still, I must admit, I’m surprised that such a wild beast would be willing to cooperate with you.”
“I’m not going to ignore that ‘corporate’ comment,” Grim says with his hands on his hips. “They were just being a waste of space.
“Wow, ungrateful?” Epel says. “He kept on missing before Yu-san’s instruction.”
“Not to mention he would have burned the dorm down if it wasn’t for Yu,” Ortho adds.
And I did all that for a tuna can which I still haven’t gotten!”
Crowley sighs. “Like I said, a wild beast.”
Hayu decides to ask the question burning their mind. “So any progress on your research?”
After a thoughtful pause, Crowley says, “I extended my research to beyond the library. Such as asking other teachers and looking online… and as expected, Canada is nowhere to be found in the recorded history of Twisted Wonderland.”
Hayu sighs. “I guess that confirms it.
“Yes, you are indeed from another world,” Crowley confirms. “This is the first time I have witnessed such a thing in the century since I’ve been a headmaster.
“How old is the Headmaster?” Deuce can’t help but ask.
“Old enough,” Leona says before continuing reading.
And since there is no precedent cases like this, I do not have a solution to this dilemma”
The more Crowley speaks, the more Hayu despairs.
“If I may,” Crowley says after a slight pause.
Hayu looks at him.
Crowley clears his throat. “You see, aside from the faculty, everyone employed at the school is a ghost,” he says with a twitch of a smile.
“Now that he mentions it…” Ace says. “Why?”
“Ghosts are more convenient to employ,” Azul answers. “You don’t have to worry about labour laws when it comes to them.”
“Why am I not surprised that you know this?” Riddle says to Azul with a blank look.
Jamil is mentally thinking the same thing as Riddle.
“I would personally find it a great help if you were to do odd jobs on campus while I attempt to find a way back to your original world. Of course, you will be paid well depending on how well you perform. What do you think?”
“Is he… asking a magicless teenager to be a caretaker?” Vil asks in disbelief.
Hayu thinks. They would have food and at least somewhat of a roof.
“Are they actually considering it based on that?” Jack asks with wide eyes.
“Beggers can't be choosers,” Ruggie says.
“If they are going to be on campus, I should go say hi,” Floyd laughs.
“I’ll join you,” Jade says with his signature smile. “Perhaps we can offer our assistance.”
“That is a great idea, Jade,” Azul says.
Some of the second and third years couldn’t help but feel bad for Hayu.
“Deal!” they say.
“Good! Good,” Crowley says. “Ah, but there is a condition.”
“Another one?” Hayu asks.
“You have to look after Grim,” Crowley says.
“Huh?” Some of the students couldn’t help but ask.
“Grim?/ Me!?” Hayu and Grim speak simultaneously.
“Yes,” Crowley says. “Given that you can’t use magic, it would be unwise to leave you alone on campus, Yuu. But with Grim by your side, you should be able to handle anything.”
“I think the Headmaster is sleep deprived,” Ace says with a bemused smile. “He’s asking an alien who can’t use magic to be a janitor and now asking them to corporate and watch a beast that caused pandemonium during the opening ceremony?”
“I’m sure the Headmaster has thought things through thoroughly,” Trey says.
“I doubt it,” Cater whispers to himself.
“He probably doesn’t want to deal with Grim-kun’s stubbornness and so he shoved him to Yu-kun,” Ruggie says with a shrug.
Why does it feel like Crowley just wants to shove the nuisance that is Grim to them, Hayu thinks.
Because that’s exactly what it is, is what almost everyone in the room thinks.
Before Hayu can call him out, Grim interrupts. “Wait, so I can enter this school!!?”
“No,” Crowley says. “Like I said, you will be doing odd jobs such as cleaning and maintaining the facilities.”
“Cleaning?” Grim exclaims, clearly unhappy with the idea. “I don’t want to sweep up people’s junk.”
Crowley narrows his eyes and Hayu feels a sudden chill.
“Oh, looks like the raccoon finally made the bird angry,” Leona interrupts himself to say.
Worried that Crowley may rescind his offer because of Grim’s attitude. They quickly grab Grim and whisper. “Stop it. Otherwise they are just going to kick you out.”
“But I don’t want to be a janitor!” Grim complains.
“Think about this for a minute,” Hayu insists. “If you refuse, you’ll get kicked out. Then you’ll sneak back in only for the cycle to repeat again.”
Grim says nothing, so Hayu continues. “But if you accept, you’ll have a roof to protect you from the rain plus food.”
“Food,” Grim says fondly. “Does that mean I can have a tuna can whenever I want?”
“If Seelie likes tuna so much,” Floyd says. “He should come to our dorm. We'll play all day.” The freshmen, aside from Ortho, have goosebumps from how he said the last sentence.
“Yep!” Hayu concurs. For someone claiming to not be a cat, he sure is food motivated like one.
Some of the students’ lips twitch.
“Fine,” Grim says, realizing the advantage. “I’ll stay and work. For now.”
“Decent negotiation skills,” Azul says. “Though, I'm afraid that level only works with simpletons.”
“Ooo… It still impressive they got a compliment from you Azul,” Kalim points out.
Azul clears his throat. “I’m just stating an observation Kalim-san,”
“Wonderful!” Crowley says with a smile. “Once you’ve finished your duties, you are welcome to use the library and other facilities as you please.
Idia takes out his tablet. “This issue requires more time and effort than I expected. Which I don't have. Therefore I require you to help me solve your problem.”
For a second no one says anything. “I'm afraid that thought does fall into the Headmaster’s character,” Vil sighs.
“Aren't we supposed to respect the Headmaster?” Epel whispers to Jack, Ace and Deuce. “We're like 5+ chapters into this and so far, my opinion isn't that high…”
“Maybe we'll see him change as this thing progresses…” Deuce says, trying to stay optimistic.
After all, I’m sure you would like to do your own research as well, Yuu-kun.”
Crowley also gives Hayu the key to the dorm. Grim on the other hand is more interested in the white bag Crowley is carrying. “Something smells good,” he remarks.
“The Headmaster must have bought them food,” Trey says. “That’s good. They must be hungry after such a stressful day. Ah… but do the appliances in that du… dorm even work?”
“Save those questions for the herbivore when you see them,” Leona says before he continues reading.
“Ah, yes!” Crowley exclaims with a delightful smile. “There is warm soup. I figured you would be hungry.”
“That’s it?” Trey, Jamil and Vil speak at the same time.
“While I admit soups can be very nutritious it is hardly a filling meal,” Vil says. “After a stressful day like that, they should eat something more hearty and filling.”
Leona never thought he would agree with Vil when it comes to food.
Now that he mentioned it, Hayu did indeed feel hungry. They try to recall what they were doing before the horse drawn carriage approached them but their mind is drawing a blank. Oh well, they think. Maybe I am just too tired to think.
“Even I’m starting to think they need to visit the doctors,” Jamil says with a sigh.
Grim looks like he was going to drink all the soup before Crowley moves the bag away. “Now, now, this meal is meant for both of you,” he says.
“So stingy!” Some of the boys say.
“The two of you are one after all. From now on, learn to share.”
“That’s a b.s reason if I ever heard,” Ruggie frowns.
Crowley also gives another package to Hayu. “Although I know our robes are comfortable and easy to move in,” he says. “I’m sure you would like a change of clothes. There is a pajama set and an old uniform for you to use tomorrow, though I’m afraid it might be a bit loose on you.”
Hayu graciously accepts the package.
“Be sure to eat and sleep properly now,” Crowley says.
“An ironic thing to say considering he brought them just soup,” Ruggie grumbles.
Jack cant help but note how his senior seems very passionate when it came to food.
He quickly leaves them be.
“Hey,” Grim calls out to Hayu.
Hayu looks at him. “What?”
“What’s your name?” Grim asks.
“Hayu,” they answer.
“Ha… yu…” Grim frowns. “That’s confusing. I’m just gonna call you Yu.”
“Oiya,” Jade says. “It seems the Headmaster and Grim-san has the same line of thought.”
He puffs up his chest. “Rejoice human! The Great Grim has made you his hench-human!”
‘I’m sure Yu is thrilled by the promotion,’ Jamil thinks to himself.
Hayu simply laughs in exasperation. I guess I am a cat-parent now.
Trey, Ruggie, Azul, Jamil, Vil and Sebek (with some reluctance), can’t help but symphatize for Yu.
“Now, how about you hand over the food?” Grim says with a laugh.
“Best of luck Yu,” Deuce says with weary look.
“They’re gonna need more than luck to handle Grim,” Riddle says with an unamused expression. “Personally I do not see this ending positively anyway whatsoever.”
As soon as his chapter ended, Leona tosses the book to Jack (who is next in line to read).
Jack’s quick reflex catches the book despite being surprised by the throw and with a sigh opens to the next chapter.