Book 4 - Schemer of the Scalding Sands: Chapter 2; The Headmage's Cheer

The screen turns on as the book opening plays "Book 4 - Schemer of the Scalding Sands" before the chapter title plays "Chapter - 2; The Headmage's Cheer".

The first-year group minus Jack had just walked into the Mirror chamber as all of the students were chatting while waiting their turn to go through the mirror and home.

Deuce looks around slightly surprised as he says "Wow, it's already packed with students going home." Meanwhile Ace jokingly makes fun of all of them "Hah, they all look so antsy."

But they quickly move on from the students as Yuu is looking through the crowd for the headmage, with Ace quickly joining her asking "Now then, where's that headmage?"

The Headmage is then heard next to the Dark Mirror saying "All right, everyone. Announce your destination to the Dark Mirror and keep a tight hold on your belongings. If you let go for any reason while in transit, your luggage will get spirited away elsewhere. If you have any possessions you absolutely cannot afford to risk losing, send them by post from the school store."

But he wasn't seen as random student's heads were blocking the way, so the first-years couldn't get a clear look at him.

Now once the line had passed and they saw how he was dressed and they all shouted "He's in total party mode!" Crowley is then shown.

He still has his bird mask on but his hat is now a white fedora with a black ribbon. He has no socks on while wearing business shoes and has white shorts on. He is also wearing what seems to be a mostly yellow Hawaiian shirt with apples and leaves being the main pattern, although there is a random crow design over the right side of his chest. He also has black gloves on with gold claws, and not just a gold design claw but literal claws.

Ace then shouts out "Wearing an aloha shirt in the middle of winter?! He's obviously ready to go on a tropical vacation!" Deuce puts his head down as he shakes his head saying "He's not even trying to hide it."

But Grim gets straight to business as he shouts "Hey, Headmage! We gotta talk!" at him.

Crowley then spots them and walks over asking "Why, hello. What brings your merry little band here?"

Yuu thought about asking him if he's actually looking for a way to send her home, but decides to go with the much more pressing question "Have you planned for our food situation over the break?" As unless he had found her a way home, having food is much more important.

He thinks about her question, wondering if he had done so or possibly even just now realizing this could be an issue or something he had to deal with as he says "Ahhh, yes! Of course I've planned for it! What kind of headmage would I be otherwise?"

All of the human first-years share a knowing slightly annoyed look.

But they look back as Crowley tells the Ramshackle duo "Why, I was just about to make arrangements online to have food delivered to you!" As he meanwhile quickly tapped away on his phone to make the arrangements.

Luckily Grim seems to have at least kinda gotten smarter as he states "In other words, you were gonna leave us to starve." Yuu looks at him like a proud mother, as he says that to the headmage, while Ace and Deuce just look at Yuu strangely. Yuu then gets even more proud, as she had told him about her being from another world situation, Grim sasses the headmage "I'm guessin' you ain't even tryin' to find a way home for Yuu, either."

Crowley crosses his arms and his yellow glowing eyes also turn into semi circles, probably representing the narrowing of his eyes, as he tells Grim "How rude. I most certainly am. In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've ever visited before. That's how deeply my diligent streak runs." His eye orbs perk up as he smiles happily while doing his boasting.

Ace shakes his head and says "You don't look dressed for an investigation to me." Grim shouts at the headmage "What he said! You look ready to go soak up in the sun!"

Crowley puts his hands on his hips as he offendedly defends "How could you suggest that? I've only clad myself in appropriate attire for my venture. When in a foreign land, do as the locals do."

He then accidentally reveals the real reason for why as he says "Escaping winter's frigid bit to kick back in a hammock and sip 'coconut juice' while gazing at the tranquil ocean waves… I have NO such refined and indulgent vacation plans whatsoever, I assure you."

Yuu facepalms and shakes her head as his essential confession. Deuce takes a step back in shock as he says "What an incredibly specific denial…" Grim shouts at him "It ain't fair for you to have all the fun! I wanna go on a tropical vacation too. Take us with you!"

Crowley seems appalled by even the idea as he says "What? But that would spoil my delightful getaway from–" But quickly fakes a cough as he realizes he's spilled too much.

He then makes up a lie telling Grim, and kinda Yuu "This investigation will be dangerous. Yes, very dangerous. Best that I handle it alone."

Yuu rolls her eyes as he continues "Besides, I'd much prefer if you stayed on campus. I have a critical job for you, as a matter of face. It's so critical, the very survival of Night Raven College hinges upon it."

Yuu sighs, rolls her eyes again, and crosses her arms as she whispers "Oh boy, here we go again." before asking him "The school's survival? Really?" with a 'that's the best you could come up with really?' look.

He coughs as he explains to them "The fires in our campus cafeteria and the fireplaces all around campus are all furnished via fire fairy magic. They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years… But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter. You can see how the school's survival would be at stake."

Yuu rolls her eyes again and thinks 'If so why didn't you give any to us in Ramshackle, I truly doubt it's as important as your saying.'

But Deuce puts a hand to his chin as he says "You know, I've wondered how the school stays so warm without central air." Ace also didn't realize as he finished Deuce's statement "So it was magic. Kinda obvious in hindsight."

Crowley then explains to them why he's asking them to do it this year "Normally, our kitchen ghost takes over the fire duty during extended school breaks… But this year, his daughter had a baby, so he's visiting the netherworld to see his first grandchild. Thus, I would like you two to handle things in his absence."

He then explains what would happen if they accept the task "Should you take on this job, your holiday provisions will be provided in full. I'll even arrange for a holiday feast. Roast turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head… In fact, I'll even throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten – er, salten? –the deal. What do you say?"

Grim is distracted by his gluttonous nature as he exclaims "Mrah! Sounds like a one-way ticket to a food coma! H-hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least."

Yuu facepalms again at Grim just accepting the deal, and even Ace shakes his head at him telling Grim "Dude, you are a born sucker." in one of the most monotone voices.

Yuu thinks and was about to tell the headmage 'If that's what it takes to get our meals…' but as she's thinking back on the conversation she gets confused and instead asks "Wait, ghosts can have children?" Crowley crosses his arms and tells her "Look, it was a miracle of love, okay? Don't sweat the details." But this just leaves her still questioning, but she stays silent.

The headmage fakes a cough to bring them all back and tells them "More to the point, someone needs to handle fire duty if you want to stay warm over the holidays. Just by throwing firewood into the fireplace every day, you'll stay both warm AND well-fed. That is, as we say, two birds with one stone. Oh, what a generous deal!"

Grim once again shows he's gained some intelligence about the headmage's deals as he comments "Y'know, this does sound like a kind of gimme compared to the usual messes you dump in our laps."

Crowley then brags "Doesn't it, though? You would be surprised at just how kind I can be."

He then turns to Yuu and tells her "Oh yes, and since I'll be out for a while, I'd like to give this to you." He then hands her a cellphone.

Ace looks over her shoulder and says "Ooh, a smartphone?"

The headmage explains to her "You can use this to call me in the event of any emergency. It is to be used ONLY for emergencies, mind you. Do try not to burn through its data cap browsing Magicam or the like."

Yuu takes it, and due to him actually giving it to her she decides not to comment on the gut feeling she has, that he won't pick up even if it is an emergency.

He then tells them "Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have many students to transport home to their families. I'll leave the rest in your capable hands." Though he is then overheard saying "Ah, I'd better make certain to peruse some tourist pamphlets before I set out. Goodness gracious, I'm so very busy…"

Yuu tightens her fist as she seems to be the only one to overhear.

Meanwhile Grim is cheering "Myah ha ha! Now I get to chow down on a fancy feast over the holidays!" Ace crosses his arms as he tells Grim "I still get the feeling you just took a sucker's deal, but hey, whatever floats your boat."

A student is then heard rushing up. It is then seen to be Ruggie as he shouts "Hey, guys! You can stop standing in the middle of the hall and blocking traffic now!"

The screen then fades to black as "To be continued" plays before it fully turns off.