Azul and Deuce

Much like Ace, Deuce is also forced to serve Azul in Book 3 after contracting with Azul to receive a study guide but failing to appear in the school’s top 50 highest achievers ranking due to the sheer number of other students who made the same deal.

Azul explains, “Details such as who made a contract with me, what kind of contract it was, and why it was made…that’s all privileged data. Who am I to divulge someone’s personal information to a third party?”

At the end of the story, however, when the characters are shown a photo from Azul’s childhood that he does not wish others to see, Deuce emphasizes with Azul, saying, “I totally get what you’re feeling. Everybody’s got a past they wish they could erase! I saw nothing! Neither did the rest of you, okay?! Never speak of this again!”

After Deuce’s contract is dissolved, he is quick to take Azul up on his next offer: free consultations for those who spend enough money on food and drinks at Mostro Lounge. Deuce asks, “Let’s say I needed help with my studies,” and Azul responds, “That would absolutely fall within my purview.”

Azul is in a group with Deuce and Epel for Glorious Masquerade, At the start of the day he declares, “I would say gustatory, olfactory, and tactile experiences. You can’t get those through books or the internet, after all. I believe cuisine is the most efficient way to understand a local culture since it develops according to the region’s very soul.” When the two younger students are confused he explains, “I’m suggesting we go eat some of the local foods,” and they agree.

Azul lectures them on being more interested in the food than the city itself (“I’m sure Riddle and Vil impressed upon you what a valuable learning opportunity this is”), and begins an explanation with, “This place has wheat in abundance…and you know what that means, don’t you?,” Deuce responds “Nope, I don’t follow.”

Azul observes, “Wow, you’re so honest-maybe TOO honest. Being around you is throwing me off; it’s probably because we don’t run in the same circles…”

Rollo explains financiers by saying, “They say those who eat them will line their pockets with riches” Deuce teases Azul with, “sounds like the perfect treat for you,” but Azul turns it back onto Deuce with an explanation of the difference between luck and chance: “It means there’s no point in crossing your fingers and hoping for good grades on a test if you didn’t bother studying for it,” and when Rollo confirms that there are no treats for improving test scores he observes, “Isn’t that just terrible, Deuce?” (Deuce: “Rgh… I can’t even argue with that…” – Azul: “But if you’re ever truly in need of help, my doors are always open.”)

Deuce is shocked to learn that Azul intends to purchase gifts for the students of Octavinelle, and apologized for assuming others.

After discussing childhood toys and learning that Deuce “always loved playing outside,” Azul says, “Even if I’d been born on land, I doubt our paths would’ve crossed.”

Azul buys pencils for the two younger students as souvenirs, saying there is no catch and he merely purchased them to commemorate the day and Deuce says, “You’re so easy to talk with, Azul. And you’ve got a great sense of humor, too. I actually thought you’d be more intimidating.”

Azul quietly reflects, “To think, one little pencil was all it took to soften them up. My plan was to befriend some trusting freshmen so the next few years at school would be easier…But these two are alarmingly credulous. I can only imagine how rough Vil and Riddle have it.” He tells both students directly, “You two make me fearful for Night Raven College’s future,” and asks them to ponder on why.

After Deuce is injured by a falling chandelier he announces that he will be staying behind so as not to hold the rest of the group back, and Azul requests his unique magic, saying, “I’d have preferred to keep your piece on the board until the endgame, but your injury has scuppered that idea…I’m sure you have misgivings about surrendering your most prized magical possession, but—“ and Deuce agrees immediately.

Azul asks, “Did you even consider I might be scamming you?!,” but Deuce says all he wants is for Azul to hit Rollo where it hurts, adding, “Besides, I’m sure you’ll come up with some clever way to use it that I wouldn’t have thought of.” Azul responds, “If everyone in the world was like you, l’d become a billionaire overnight.”

At the end of the event Azul teases Deuce, pretending to excuse himself from the scene without returning Deuce’s unique magic. Azul ultimately does dissolve the contract, and Deuce admits he had been worried that Azul had intended to keep the spell.

Azul responds, “You should be VERY worried…The next time you sign a contract, do your due diligence and make sure you’re not getting taken for a ride. Of course, I’m ENTIRELY trustworthy. You may sign indiscriminately when it’s one of my contracts.”

Deuce says, “I guess you DID just give me back my spell without any fuss…” and Riddle internets, “You’re letting Azul swindle you already!”

After the performance at the social Deuce and Epel approach Azul to compliment his singing. Azul observes, “Who knew it’d be so satisfying to hear compliments from the two of you? I suppose I could get used to underclassmen looking up at me with awe.”