Azul and Malleus

Upon seeing a troubled Silver in the school store, Azul’s first thought is to take advantage of the opportunity to gain access to Malleus: “Silver is one of Housewarden Malleus’s bodyguards…Becoming directly acquainted with Malleus is next to impossible. Which is why I must first make his underlings indebted to me, to help pave the way.”

After hearing of Silver’s struggles with being seen as a leader at Diasomnia Azul offers to teach him how to better “manage” his students. After his lesson Azul tells Silver, “Do give Malleus and Lilia my most heartfelt regards,” but it is maybe unconfirmed if his message was ever received.

Azul also approaches Sebek with the intent of using him “to make inroads toward building a base of high-brow Diasomnia clientele,” but, he acknowledges, “Diasomnia is also home to a number of people whose wrath we’d be unwise to incur.I expect they’ll be a tough nut to crack.”

After Sebek returns to Diasomnia with Malleus’ labcoat, freshly cleaned with special detergent purchased from Azul, Lilia says that he is not worried about Azul taking advantage of him: “A schemer he may be, but he knows better than to make an enemy out of Diasomnia.”

Prior to Glorious Masquerade Lilia tells Azul that Malleus, Sebek and Silver “aren’t exactly seasoned travelers. I hope you’ll show them the ropes!” Azul responds, “I’ll assist in any way I can.”

Much like the rest of the housewardens, Azul seems unafraid of Malleus: when an important magestone disappears during Fairy Gala Azul seems to suggest that it was taken by Malleus, but when Malleus asks, “Are you suggesting that I, the heir apparent of Briar Valley, would stoop to common thievery?,” he denies it.

Much like Vil, Riddle, Leona and Idia, Azul expresses displeasure at how Malleus can never manage to attend housewarden meetings: “Being snubbed isn’t exactly the best feeling, it’s true. He hardly ever shows up-and on the rare times he does, he’s always late. It’s like he has no respect for these meetings at all.”

When Kalim says he wishes he could help Azul responds, “What are we supposed to do, begin every meeting by searching for Malleus? This is HIS problem.”

Much like the other hosuewardens Azul is displeased when Malleus tries to solve his attendance problem by unilaterally decided to bring the meeting to Diasomnia without anyone’s consent, saying to Malleus’ face, “I never dreamed you could have such appalling manners. I am insulted!,” and scolding Sebek for daring to criticize them after what happened.

When Malleus says that “decorations should be festive in nature. A single color would hardly suffice” during the NBC event Azul comments, “Such words carry even more weight coming from someone living in a practically colorless, prison-like dorm.”

Early on in the Glorious Masquerade event Azul believes he sees a gargoyle physically move on its own, earning him mockery from both Malleus (“You must be sorely exhausted from the climb up here. You should take a long rest.”) and Idia (“Are you sure you’re not delirious, Azul?”).

Azul insists that he knew what he saw, and at the end of the event he is proven correct, telling them both, “There, you see? I was right, and you were wrong.”

While on their way to confront Rollo, Malleus emphasizes the importance of their mission to Azul and Idia, telling them, “You must press onward, even if you have to grit your teeth so hard they break,” and Azul responds, “While our backgrounds and skillsets differ, we stand as equals at Night Raven College. Yes, you have power far beyond anything we’re capable of. But nonetheless, I have my pride as a fellow housewarden, and I will not be looked down upon.” Malleus says that he is glad to see that Azul is “still as fast-talking as ever.”

When Malleus considers revealing their performance—planned for the social—during the festival in Fleur City Azul stops him, successfully convincing Malleus to hold back. (“I will take your advice, Ashengrotto.”)

It is Azul who approaches Rollo at the start of the social to set the stage for their performance, telling Malleus where to stand and, “Remember, it’s important to maintain a tight grip once you’ve hooked them. Make this count.”

The performance at the social itself was Azul’s idea: prior to the trip he goes to Diasomnia alone, and offers a consultation upon nothing that Malleus and the others “all look rather pensive.”

It is Azul who suggests a song as a gift for NBC, telling Malleus, “If you’d see it as trivial, then you clearly don’t appreciate your own value. Think about it. A mage as renowned as yourself singing a heartfelt tune at the social…there could be no greater honor for the host school.”

Malleus proves to be strict during practices (“Ashengrotto, you were half a beat off joining in just now. Also, when I listened to the recording of us singing the chorus, your voice wasn’t blending with mine”), impressing Azul, who says, “His initiative is mind-boggling… I didn’t think Malleus would be so motivated!” Azul reacts to the revelation of Malleus’ high standards (and impressive singing talent) by deciding to “push even harder” in order to match his vocal prowess.

Following their successful performance Azul tells Malleus, “I told you a song was the way to go.”

Malleus’ opinion of Azul is perhaps a little unclear: upon learning that Azul has evicted the prefect and Grim from Ramshackle he automatically assumes the prefect will fail in taking it back. He tells them, “Sometimes, what you see with your eyes is the complete opposite of the truth,” and the prefect later thanks him for the advice which indirectly led to taking down Azul, but Malleus says he did not intentionally try to offer a cryptic clue.

Upon learning that the prefect succeeded in taking back Ramshackle Malleus says, “Ashengrotto’s calm features contorting in frustration must have been quite the sight. Would that I could have been a fly on the wall.”