Part 2: Crashing the Wedding

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The stars twinkled above the night sky as glittering diamonds. Everyone made it back to the mystery shop, where Sam was awaiting for them. "I have lots of items to have you catch your important person's heart! And to think you'd buy all of if. Thank you, Headmaster!"

"Ugh....another payment..." Crowley sighed, seeing any expenses going down the drain.

"But I'll guarantee the effect as high as the pay. They're items perfect to get the bride's heart!" Sam smiles. For example, the outfits the little demons are changing into now..."

In the back rooms, the four were trying to prepare as fast and efficiently as possible.

"Where should I put this brooch?" Epel asked.

"It goes on your collar. Let me... okay." Riddle helped.

"I'm getting confused as well. There's so many little things, am I putting them right?!" Ace sputtered.

"Your albert chain and rosette is perfect!" Rook answered.

"Please step out if you're done changing!" Ortho pleads.

One by one, they each stepped out in their suits.

Riddle dons a white collared shirt, black vest with gold detailing and buttons, and a red coat with pure white gloves and a gold cravat. His hair pushed back.

"Apologies for waiting."

"You look so dignified, Roi de Rose. Such beaut!"

"Thank you.

Rook has a collared shirt as well, pin-striped vest and royal purple jacket with gold buttons and pants, and a red bow tie with white gloves.

"As expected of a third year, Rook. You have a calm atmosphere." Riddle compliments back.

"Merci!"

"Yea. Well, you two look good but...I'm not normally used to wearing these kind of clothes, and it's difficult breathing as is." Ace tugs at the collar of his outfit. His suit was black and red plaid with a simple black vest and bow tie, hair gelled back, almost reminiscent of Cater's hair. And a ribbon that said "The Best Groom" pinned on the side.

"I don't look weird, right?" Epel mumbled. He had a purple plaid vest layered with a black dress shirt, white jacket and black dress pants, a small gold bowtie and a white rose pinned by the collar.

"Nonsense! It makes both your cuteness and coolness stand out!"

"I don't really trust his words....what about you, Charlie? Do I look cool?" Ace waited for the female to answer but got nothing. "Charlie?!"

"I'm over here!" She whispered. Ace turned to see her peeking out from one of the fitting rooms, and went to

Ask, but made no effort.

"You look like you belong in a spy movie." She giggled.

"Well, I guess I'll trust your words, then." He smiled sheepishly. "Hey, c'mon! Show us what you're in."

"Yea, uh I don't know about this..." she shook her head.

"Charlie, it can't be that bad!" He gave a reassuring smile.

"Okay...." She mumbled, and stepped out with all eyes on her.

Layers of baby blue and white embroidered lace swayed as she walked out. The sleeves of the same material, drifted down her arms into open bell sleeves, moving like butterfly's wings. Her shoulders were exposed, as locks of dark chocolate, curled romantically breezed in the wind in a perfect side swept style. Small diamonds dropped from her ears and neck. And feet.

"So....what do you think?" She smiled shyly.

"Whoa....."

"My god....Charlotte....you look-"

"Tres Magnifique! Such a Gem of light braving the dark skies of tragedy! With you at our side, Milady, this wedding will be triumphant!" Rook sang, hearing the girl laugh.

"Thank you..." she smiled.

"Charlie, you look magnificent....uh, wonderful! I-I mean...I mean, uh...." Epel was at a loss for words. But Charlie smiled and patted his head.

"It's okay, I know what you mean." She giggled. A small blush dusted the young boy's face.

"What you're wearing is 'the Tuxedo of Courtship' that still has old magic in them! Some say the one who wears it looks very charming for the ghosts~! And for the ones who bought "the Tuxedo of Courtship" will get a special item as a gift. 'Bouquets of comfort'!"

Two bouquets of white and red roses tied by blue and gold ribbons were handed to the group.

"Ooh. Its colors are so beautiful!"

"These are special bouquets. They'll bloom by absorbing negative energy by the 'sadness' or 'resentment' as the ghost's source of power. You can gift it, or you can use it. It's an item that kills two birds with one stone for you little demons! But for you, Lotte-" Sam turned to Charlotte, "This dress you have is 'The Gown of Promise'. The promise you make when you don this dress can never unleash it's true power until that promise has been made, which you've already done. So it shall protect you from the ghosts that try and harm you. And for protection: I've added a little something to the list of the expenses! 'Swords of Fate'!

He hands her a set of dual rapier swords.

"Wow...." she breathes, holding them in her hand.

"They're defensive and offensive swords. They have plenty of magic hidden, but you can't control it. It controls you. You need to let the swords guide you or else it'll not work in your favor."

She nods. "I understand". She attached them to the side holster.

"Of course, we'll get the bride's heart with this much equipment!" Ace cheers.

"But don't forget, little demons: We can only send the bride ghost to the other world only with the "Ring of Dissonance " I gave before. It all depends on whether you succeed on putting the ring on her or not." Sam reminds the five.

"Since the wedding ceremony is finally approaching, the other ghosts are going to be very cautious, too. If you can't appeal that you're the "Ideal Prince", then I bet you won't be going in the hall." Crowley adds.

"No problem. We'll use the remaining time, and act like a prince...and prove that we're the worthy ones to be the groom!"

"I too, shall give all my words of love. If I say it earnestly, my feelings shall pierce through!"

"I'll surely get a hold of the bride's feelings!"

"Yeah! We'll succeed in the proposal in a flash!"

"Who feels like crashing a wedding?!"

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Riddle taps his foot impatiently. "Epel is late. It's almost time to gather..."

"Don't tell me he got scared?"

"Non non. Monsieur Apple Princess is not a weak one." Rook assured.

"Wait....what in the world-?!" Charlie gaped in the distance, hearing hoofbeats.

"Guys! Sorry!" Epel called.

"What the-?!"

"What's that noise?!" The sound of hoofbeats drew closer.

"Sorry for the wait, everyone! It took me a while to prepare." Epel apologized, as he came in riding a horse, with a man as pure and clean as fallen snow. He tugged the reins to slow the mare down. It snorted and whinnied as a result.

"Why are you riding a horse!!??"

"Well, Aren't princes supposed to appear on a horse...?"

"Why would there be a prince riding a horse nowadays!? What about you guys?!"

Charlie stood there in awe. He took the prince thing literally! That's so cute!!!

"Epel, that imagination, hard work, action, and resolution! Everything is très bien!"

"And you tamed the most difficult horse from the rest in the horse-riding club?

You are a force to be reckoned with."

The small first year blushed. "Hehe. Thank you so much."

"No way! Even when we said we'll be a prince, that's too-" but a smack to the back of head sent him wincing.

"Shut up. He's trying his best." Charlie scolded.

"How long will you protest?" Riddle joined.

"There's only 3 hours before the wedding ceremony. Too bad, but let's have fun talking later!" Rook reminds.

"Excuse me, since when is it my fault!?"

"Okay... let's go! Pardon me!" Epel led the way.

The guard looks up.

"Good evening. We came here wanting to be chosen by the bride."

"Four more courtiers... the princess is upset because everyone that came before were all rude! She ordered me not to let anyone in! Leave!" The guard griped.

"Are you sure? ...You'll regret it if you send me off~!" Epel smirked.

"Oh? It seems like you have much confidence. Very well, then I'll be the judge. Propose to me like you would to the princess! I'll let you pass if I know you're serious about the princess!"

Charlie raised a finger to her lips as she snuck in front of the guard. The four were aware that she had casted her invisibility spell before they met up. But with a few tweaks: only they could see her and not the ghosts, unless the enchantment was lifted.

"Seems like we should follow if we want access."

"Right. We'll fail the mission if we'll get turned away."

"I'll go first then..." Epel nods.

"Sure. Let me see you propose seriously!" The guard challenged.

Epel looked at Charlie and she gave an encouraging smile. "Just focus on me." She mouths.

l... I'll surely make the bride happy. Because I'm the white knight, who'd come over if my loved ones in a pinch! I won't give up, no matter what obstacles block me on the way. I'll protect you from anything that can hurt you. I'm the prince worthy of the princess! So...Please marry me!" He smiled at his growing confidence. Charlie felt herself smile at his proud display.

"Such a serious face he's makes....and that white horse he's on! How princely!" The horse snorts as a thank you.

"Okay, was I really in the wrong?!"

"And what about you? The prince's servant?" The ghost eyed Ace next.

"Servant? Me? How dare you say that. I'm way different from that goody two-shoes of a country bumpkin!"

"Ugh, so you're another courter? Fine. Let's see how you propose."

"If you marry me, I'm sure you'll spend every day with a smile!" Ace makes eye contact with Charlie. "And yes, we'll probably fight once in a while... when that happens, I'll make sure to apologize first. But I'll be there when you're sad or hurt, and I'll make you smile. I'm the prince worthy of the princess. So don't look at him! Please marry me!"

"I....I can feel how he's thinking to make her happy! I think his feelings are real. I apologize, saying that you were a servant." The ghost bowed.

"Nice job, indeed." Riddle smiles.

"Wait, are you being honest? I'm just acting!" Ace held his hands up.

"You're just saying that, but you really thought it over right?" The redhead teased.

"Hey, Ace! You're blushing!" Grim cheers.

"Shut-up, you!"

"I applaud him. But the one who's going to be chosen by the princess is me!" Riddle declared.

"Right, you're next. Come now!" The guard beckoned.

"I swear with all my sincerity! I promise not to doubt and hurt my loved ones at any time. I'll do anything for my partner the best as I can manage. Wouldn't you choose me as your marriage partner?"

At this point, Charlie felt herself blushing.

"Unbelievable....He seems so dependable... my heart even fluttered."

"He's right..." Epel murmured.

"Uh.....Aren't you taking it too seriously?" Ace asked.

"No, not really." Was Riddle's curt reply,

"You were amazing, you three. Time for me to shine!" Rook steps forward.

"The bar has been raised. You won't succeed with a half-hearted proposal!"

The blonde started speaking,

Cue the speechless glances.

"......whoa."

"Uh... just listening to it makes me embarrassed, no, cringey....."

"No, Everyone! Read his song vertically!" Riddle commands.

" 'Vertical'?"

"Yea, Even if you say so, I don't remember it...." Grim looked unimpressed.

"You just have to read the song as a poem! If you read Rook-senpai's song just now in vertical...taking the first letter of each sentence: It'll become "I LOVE YOU"!!!

"Huh?!" The first years look confused.

Charlie's eyes lit up in realization, and she sighs. "Bella..."

"Of course, Roi de Rose."

"I've found my way through crosswords." The second year smiled.

"What's this got anything with crosswords!?" Ace stares at his lead.

"Everyone's strange in Pomefiore..." Grim gave a wary glance. First to Rook, then Epel.

"D-don't look at me like that! I'm not the same as him!" The first year defends.

"Hm? Not good enough? Then I shall offer you another song! 'I feel regretful with my each breath. My heart was stolen by you, like a moon! Time can't be turned back-"

"No, no! That's all! I completely understand your passion!" The guard stopped him. "...I agree that you all are different from the courts that have no resolutions..."

"So we passed the test. Can you please let us in quickly?" Riddle asked.

"Just one thing....you..." the ghost looked at Riddle. "Your height...Aren't you....too short?"

It became so quiet at that point, someone could hear a pin drop.

Riddle's face started slowly turning to deep scarlet.

"R-Riddle, calm down!" Ace tried to stop him before hell broke loose.

"...you...."

"He didn't really mean it! Honestly!"

"How dare you...How dare you say those things to me!!" Riddle screeched, "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!!!!"

The anti-magic collar snapped around the ghost's neck. "Huh?!"

"Fire! Roast this rude man to ashes!!" Riddle swung his bouquet forward, sending red hot flames circling the ghost.

"Hot hot HOT!!!!!" The guard screamed and was sent flying like a torpedo up into the sky.

"Every single of them...They say a normal male can grow to their height until they are 18! I still have 1 year to grow!" Riddle fumed.

"Eh, you searched it up... did it bother you that much?" Ace asked.

"No it didn't bother me! I just can't forgive someone who judges others by their looks!" The ginger spat.

"Well, Yea, but if you use that much magic causing a scene, you're gonna-"

"What's going on over there?!" A new voice shouted.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Shit! We got company!!!" Charlie frets.

"Get them!" The guard shouts as they swung their swords. But Charlie was ready. Ditching the invisibility enchantment, she casts a new one.

"Contego!" A large blue shield halted the attacks and fired them right back at the guards.

"Whoa! Nice save, Charlie!" Grim smiled shakily.