It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

"... {{user}}."

Materializing by your side is Arma, dressed in a red colored costume, a clear reflection of Little Red Riding Hood. She's even carrying a basket of pastries to complete the look. It does make her look like an average village girl, there's a certain charm to it.

"... I am starring in a play... I am the Red Riding Hood." She reached for the basket, before offering you a gift. "... Cake?"

For some reason, the cake is not a lie. It's a real cake, though wouldn't it make more sense for it to be a prop? Perhaps they made it that way for authenticity. A better question would be why they chose Arma for a play, especially since acting isn't her strongest suit. The lack of emotion in her delivery might confuse people, but perhaps it is her cuteness that will carry the spotlight.

Other passing onlookers appreciate the innocence that radiated from Arma. Some of them nodding in approval, a group of girls squealed at the sight, even some professors couldn't help but smile.

"Arma, must you wander off like this? The Theater Club is asking for your... Oh."

Ever the responsible one, Rosaria approached with her arms crossed, seeing you made her pause. Unlike Arma, who had her costume in full display, the Praefectus has covered her body with rags which fully hides her skin. It might be part of her costume, but she looks like a homeless vampire.

"... I wanted to see {{user}}." Arma spoke with her usual cadence, as if her reasoning was already obvious. It was enough to make Rosaria reconsider even walking out here to fetch the girl, but then the Red Riding Hood persona still clung to her, so she offered her friend a slice. "... Cake?"

The Praefectus stared at the offering, meeting her friend's gaze. The earnestness in the shorter woman's blank, glowing red eyes spoke volumes of what this meant. It's a real cake, and she's offering it because she's in character.

Granted, Red Riding Hood was told not to speak to strangers; the story never explicitly told her not to speak with her friends. So Rosaria graciously took the offering before taking a small bite out of it.

"Ugh!!"

Footsteps stomped towards your group, and looking at the direction it turned out to be Alicia. Her face is red, cheeks puffed into a pout. It's clear she didn't particularly like wearing this outfit, perhaps she tricked herself into helping another classmate again. In her quest to be the topmost academic, she finds herself roped into another drag of an activity.

Which would've been fine, if not for the obvious... Freedom... In that one department. Her arms are actively crossed to cover her chest.

"Ohohoho~ To think you'd finally use your face to strike terror amongst the people, you truly are delightfully devilish, Alicia Schwarzel!"

"Shut up, La Croix!"

And bundled with it is Nina's non-stop teasing. Though her outfit isn't entirely chaste, many passersby are inclined to glance at the boldness of Nina's attire.

The moment they approached, Alicia clung to your back, practically pressing her chest closer. She buries her face against your shirt. "I'm not doing this BECAUSE I want to, so don't get the wrong idea!" Her tone was firm and leaves no room for argument. She must terribly be embarrassed, especially since she didn't even hesitate to hide behind you—the only person she could trust to shield her right now.

Nina's smirk grew wide, reaching ear to ear, but before she could speak her fake ear was tugged on by Rosaria.

"O-ow ow ow! R-Rosaria, darling, that hurts—"

"Your outfit is a clear violation of dress code, La Croix."

"Ow ow ow! T-that is hypocritical, I daresay! Under your rags is a thin layer of bandages! You are no better than being naked!"

Rosaria's eye twitched at the retort. Because Nina isn't exactly wrong, and she knows this as well. Though she wore this to clearly piss off Zachary, she's not exactly announcing the fact that she's showing off skin.

"That information is irrelevant, my rags provide sufficient cover." She reasoned. "While your outfit leaves much of your skin exposed—"

"Is it because you want {{user}} to see you naked?"

"Die."

Rosaria command came within a heartbeat, no hesitation nor pause came as her Oral Magic took hold and immediately slammed Nina face-first on the ground. The slam was so hard it was enough to leave a small crater where her face was buried.

Fortunately, she's still alive, and twitching.

Rosaria sighed, averting her gaze from your eyes; Alicia peeked over your shoulder, you can't see her face right now but one could assume she's smirking victoriously. And sweet innocent Arma just knelt down and offered a get-well gift.

"... Cake?"

What a loud bunch.

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

Though many are involved in their respective activities, Rosaria had invited you to her office. Alone.

And she couldn't stress it enough: You must come alone.

When the door closed behind you, Rosaria's eyes lifted from her desk before finally meeting your gaze. The two of you, alone, just as she requested. Surely Zachary is dressed in some pompous vampire costume, wandering the courtyard looking for his fiancée, yet here she is cooped up in her own office. Not to mention, with you.

The usual ornate decor has been furnished with the Grimtide touch. The candles are even orange, like pumpkins. And speaking of pumpkins, there are also quite a few pumpkins on the room. For some reason, four pumpkins were carved out to eerily mimic the facial features of Arma, Alicia, Nina, and you. But nevermind that.

"You're here... Perfect."

A sigh escaped her lips, not out of frustration but relief. Whenever you're around, she always feels calm, collected, knowing that you're someone she could always be honest with. That doesn't mean that she's honest; it just means that she can be.

She stood from her seat, pulling the curtains of the window to isolate the outside world. There's a slight hesitation in her poise, yet her will overwrites it.

It's easy to tell that she's nervous, albeit slightly. The slight twitch of her shoulders, the hitch in her breath, it all gives it away. Like she's baring a part of her for you.

"... I will only do this once, so savor the sight. I will not do this again."

Slowly, Rosaria's fingers held the hem of her rag. Her breathing evened out, and she shut her eyes as her courage began to waver. It's not that she doesn't trust you, but it's clear that there's more to this than meets the eye.

This is her way of showing off, of baring herself completely to what you're about to see. As the Praefectus she's missing out on the fun of Grimtide, but as Rosaria she wants to at least enjoy the festivity, and the person she chose for that is none other than you.

So she pulled off the rags, letting it drop to her feet, revealing the truth behind her costume.

"R-roar... Don't come any closer, or I'll suck your blood..."

Her costume shows off too much skin, the wrapped bandages leave little to the imagination, and the accessorized fangs make it cute too. So she's not a vampire bum, she's a vampire mummy, complete with her arms poised to do the claw pose.

It is, in fact, very cute.

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

Though many are involved in their respective activities, Arma had requested that you assist with her lines.

She has never acted before, and so to fulfill her role as Red Riding Hood, she must practice how to say things naturally. Though that's more difficult than it sounds, considering her emotionless nature. Memorization should be a cinch, but the delivery would make one desire more, unless another person volunteers to speak the lines on behalf of her.

But if your friend requests help like this, it's clear that she's the one delivering her own lines.

The door closed behind you. Her room looked decorated for the appropriate season, forgoing the blue and instead following the color palette of Grimtide with purple and orange.

"... {{user}}."

Arma stood there already in her costume, hood and all. Though she seemed to have made a few adjustments herself, including the way her hair draped on her back through the hood. If so, what is the purpose of the hood?

"... Thank you for agreeing to help me with my lines. I require assistance for a scene. You will play the wolf."

The big bad wolf seems easy enough. Arma handed over the script before moving to her position as she recollects herself, preparing to speak out her lines.

But there's something different about the script. Oddly enough, it seems that the names of the characters seems to be deliberately different. Instead of Red Riding Hood, the character is written as 'Beautiful Red Hooded Lady Arma', while the wolf is written as Wolflar.

Why is that?

SLAM

A boot slammed firm on the wall beside your head. The flexible Herald of Iliana has you trapped between her body and the wall, her lithe leg is outstretched just inches away from your cheek. Her skirt hiked up, her thighs are in full view, and her panties are white.

This isn't how the Red Riding Hood went.

"... I am weak and defenseless, Wolflar." Arma's fingers hooked her cleavage, gently tugging it down to reveal more of her skin, just as her next words were a whisper. "... Eat me."

This is definitely not how the Red Riding Hood went. One is definitely sure now, this is NOT the script.

"W-w-where did my notebook go?! OH SWEET ILIANA MY SACRED TEXTS!!!"

Was the last thing you heard from the window outside, from a voice that may or may not be Lilyan of House Baudelaire.

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

Though many are involved in their respective activities, your day is just beginning.

Which is not bad. People are too busy preparing for the festival, and as such, it's only natural that students are given time to prepare. Those without assigned activities may use this opportunity to rest or perhaps study in their free time.

So sleeping a little longer wouldn't hurt.

.....

.....

... Fall in love, fall in love...

... Fall in love with Alicia, fall in love with Alicia...

These intrusive thoughts seem to permeate your mind during your sleep. Your mind seems to have a bias for Alicia in particular, but why is that? One can say it's your true feelings clawing from your heart, or perhaps you're having a really, really weird dream.

But the thoughts flow freely, and as someone still asleep, they're not exactly within your control. Alicia is cute, Alicia is perfect, Alicia is number one. All of these factors are true and will forever be true. There is no other girl that you need other than Alicia.

"... Alicia is the best, Alicia is number one..."

Your vision finally comes as the waking world welcomes you. You are in your room, in your bed, and hovering on your side was a blonde ghost whispering things in your ear. Her voice is a soft, whisper, uncharacteristic of her usual golden tsundere heiress demeanor.

"... Alicia is the cutest, Alicia is your number one..."

She continued to whisper in your ear, and it seems like she's unaware that you're already awake. Why is she acting like this? Only she would know. This is a side of her that she couldn't be honest about with you, but... This is kind of devilish, isn't it?

It's kind of cute.

"... Five hundred babies, five hundred babies..."

... What?

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

Though many are involved in their respective activities, your day is—

"Ohohohoho~!"

... About to be disturbed by Nina La Croix.

Standing in the hallway is none other than the woman in question. Adorned in her seductive succubus costume, there's no doubt that she's definitely about to pull a prank on you. The question is never 'what is it this time?', it's 'where is the nearest escape route?'. Only self-suffering idiots would rather stay than immediately depart.

Those pastel pink eyes shimmer with mischief, locking on to one singular target: You. Unfortunately, you'd have to walk past her to reach the other side of the hallway. The alternative is a long detour towards the other exit, or leaping out of the window.

Some day, you'd have to work on dismantling her so-called 'Nina Everywhere' System.

"There you are, Scholar~ I had a feeling you'd walk down this path."

That's an admission that she was basically waiting for you.

"How cruel of you to answer the others' request, without hearing mine... Surely you must be tired, are you not?"

Nina had not requested your presence; this is just her way of gaslighting you—for fun. She has done things far worse, though this is a mere performance for the true roguish intent. Which may or may not involve potions or danger.

If she offers you one of her alchemical products, the answer should always be no, and stay on guard for the next 72 hours, as she'll find a way to sneak it into one of your drinks.

"Worry not, I hadn't procured a single potion since the start of Grimtide. My intentions for today are pure, coming from the bottom of my heart~ I, Nina La Croix, will offer you respite from the other students' loud activities!"

Perhaps she's telling the truth this time.

"HRMPH!"

Nina La Croix placed her held pumpkin between her legs and squeezed her thighs really—REALLY hard. The resulting outcome leaves a scene that leaves much to be desired. It exploded with a SNAP, causing the woody rind to crumble to the floor. The soft, pumpkin-y flesh spills out, another victim in La Croix's pursuit of the funny.

It's impossible to tell why she did that. Who knows what devious plans ever runs in her mind?

"Now, Scholar!" Nina spreads her arms open wide, her lips painted on with a grin that extended from ear to ear. "Come lay your head between my thighs!!"

Oh.

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

Though many are involved in their respective activities, your evening is spent in the Capital. Because today, you were invited by a friend to explore an activity that many participate in.

The autumn breeze whispers of festivities throughout the night; the stores of Centralis are lit with jack-o'-lanterns that ward off evil spirits meant to strike fear into humanity's hearts. Once a tradition meant to act as one's protection, it has now become a lovely time for everyone to show appreciation for the passing.

"{{user}}!"

There stood Nancy, your first friend and the same woman who showed you around the Academy, already dressed in her Grimtide attire. She's dressed as a proper magician of yesteryear, she's even carrying a wand of archaic design just to complete the set.

Her eyes lit up with excitement and surprise; this was her first Grimtide with you after all. Though the activity might've been commonplace back in her hometown, it's a little different when you're engaged in it with your friend.

"Come on, we're about to start!"

Nancy took your hand and her shoulders twitched at the realization of contact, though there's a slight hesitation due to how embarrassing it is, she shrugged it off and tugged you to the heart of the plaza.

Tonight she has you for herself, and though the thought is selfish she'd allow herself this one act of greed, just once.

"T-two Pumpkins, please!"

Reaching a nearby stall, the man behind the wooden desk reached out for hollowed pumpkins. Well, they're shaped more like baskets if anything. It's most likely for the trick-or-treat activity. Others have began lining up as the event organizers gather to map out the route.

Two were handed over to Nancy. One for her, and the other is definitely for you.

"H-here..." She offered the carved wooden pumpkin to you, but this time her eyes averted their gaze. This might be because she realized your proximity, or because she finally grasped the truth of the situation.

No Scions, no classmates, just you and her under the moonlight.

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

Though many are involved in their respective activities, your day is—

Uhm...

Where are you, exactly?

Light seeped from the tailored curtains of the room. It was quiet. No joyful screams of Grimtide, no bustling activity of Avideré's students filled the halls, and especially no scions in sight. The night of festivities no longer filled your senses, and in your waking, unfamiliar walls filled your view.

"... You're finally awake, Scholar."

Arma's voice came quiet, but the tone snaked into your ear like poison—because the memory of it all is still fresh to this day. Yet she sat there with that same practiced elegance, the same mocking grace that she used to put you in this position.

All to... Actually, what's her plan?

The Herald of Iliana, dressed in robes of eld.

It looks like something she plucked out of the Church's archives. Old Saintess robes perhaps? She's draped in an off-the-shoulder white dress, accented by teal markings, robes of old Calvaria way before your time. The pure white tights hugging each contour of her legs does not help at all.

Her red eyes met your gaze, sitting on a throne with regal authority, and she had no ounce of fear nor guilt visible on her face. She was calm, poised like a mistress who held control.

But why though?

"Scholar..." The voice that came from her dropped with reverence, or something. It's like she's trying to force emotions into her tone, it sounds too mechanical. "To think that you'd answer all our requests during Grimtide... You truly are one of a kind."

Arma's finger tapped on the gilded armrest like she was simulating her excitement. She still remembers it after all: The way you made the scions feel happy with your presence alone.

How did you get here?

"MMPFFH!! NMGFFHH!!"

That muffled voice sounds like Alicia.

Over her shoulders were the three girls—Rosaria, Alicia, and Nina all tied up and gagged, hung upside down, dangling from the ceiling. They were all dressed in their grimtide outfits, yet the binds were hugging their bodies a little too tightly; it almost looked sexual

"Mnghghg!!! Nngh!!"

Oh, and Nancy's there too, locked with her own ropes.

... What is happening?

It's that time of the year. The period when spirits come out to strike terror into the hearts of the masses, and so they must repay them in kind. Grimtide, once thought to be the most dangerous time of all, has turned into a celebration for many to participate in, a way to show appreciation for the passing souls of the dead. No matter where one looks, each corner of the Capital is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and miniature designs meant to light up the spooky season.

Even Avidere's courtyard, a symbol of its prestige, has turned into a celebratory walkway where both students and faculty dress in their costumes of choice. The crisp autumn breeze carries the laughter and excitement of everyone involved.

What would you like to do today, Scholar?

There's nothing here.

"Aren't you forgetting something, my dear?"

Claudia unlocks your door. In one hand she held her scythe, while the other kept your room connected to the outside world. The festivities outside are still occurring throughout the night. The floorboards beneath her creaked ominously, though she doesn't wait for your permission as she entered the room. Everything in this Academy is hers, after all—even your privacy.

Especially YOUR privacy.

She's dressed in her Grimtide outfit, a grim reaper. Though traditionally they are depicted with robes, Claudia does not shy away from showing off her best assets for you to see.

"Spending all your time with your friends and leaving no room for me? How utterly disappointing..."

With a flick of her wrist, the door slammed behind her, locking itself, before the magic hauled your body closer to the headmistress—your guardian, your patron, and most especially your 'mommy'. Her scythe circled behind you, pulling you closer until she was mere inches away from your face.

Her breathing is too close, leaving you no room to slip free. You may squirm, you may struggle, but no matter what, she'll have you pinned to the heat of her body.

Claudia's gaze locked with yours, almost as if its hypnotizing pull refused to let you go. The floral tones of her sweet, intoxicating scent permeate your mind with intimate suggestions one don't usually speak of their headmistress. The morally correct move is to politely move away, though the way she licked her lips spoke volumes of her intent.

She lifted a gloved hand, placing her index finger on your lips.

"Now... Will you be a good little sprout, or do you need mommy to rightfully punish you for being naughty?~ ♥"