Azul and Epel

Meeting Epel by chance the day before his birthday, Azul invites him to Mostro Lounge for a special promotion. Epel says, “I’ll definitely be there!,” and Azul encourages him to bring his friends, with special emphasis on “the upperclassmen from (his) dorm.”

Later, it is revealed that Azul is possibly trying to use Epel to gain access to Vil: “Once Vil orders something, I can market it as ‘Vil Schoenheit’s favorite menu item.’ That would bring in more customers than ever. It’s a golden opportunity to reach new clientele!”

It is never revealed if Vil visited Mostro Lounge on Azul’s birthday, but Azul says, “Not only did Epel wish me a happy birthday before school, but he came all the way to our dorm’s lounge to do it…” calling him a model first-year student.

Epel is in a group with Azul and Deuce for Glorious Masquerade and, when asked what he would liked to do, says, “I guess I’d like to do something you can only do here.”

Azul responds, “Rather vague answers, but not unexpected ones. I had a feeling you wouldn’t have any specific ideas,” and reveals that he has done preemptive research and formulated pans in advance. 

Despite being the one who suggests that they try local cuisine, Azul scolds the two younger students when they are more interested in food than Fleur city itself.

When Azul asks, “This place has wheat in abundance…and you know what that means, don’t you?,” Epel responds, “Go on and tell us.” 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…”

Epel is surprised when Azul shares his intent to purchase gifts for students of Octavinelle, saying, “Vil said you were greedy and told me to be careful around you, but you’re a caring housewarden!”

After discussing childhood toys and learning that Epel “was always big on sledding and climbing trees. Lots of outdoor stuff,” Azul says, “Even if I’d been born on land, I doubt our paths would’ve crossed.”

Azul presents Epel with a pencil as a gift and Epel’s first response is, “What’s the catch?,” but after Azul assures him the he “bought them to commemorate this day” Epel responds, “That’s so nice of you. I feel like since you got it for me, it’ll help me study better!”

Azul 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 them both, “You two make me fearful for Night Raven College’s future,” and asks them to ponder on why.

After the performance at the social Deuce and Epel compliment Azul on his singing, with Epel saying, “You should perform again once we get back to school. I bet Vil would be floored if he heard you.”

Azul responds, “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.”