Azul and Debt

Azul has multiple lines on how he makes it a point to never incur debts, and we have received many examples of this in game: he refuses to accept gifts on his birthday, accepting only birthday cards as a form of networking.

We see an early example of this in Azul’s gym wear vignette when he refuses to accept Jamil’s assistance in flight class (despite Vargas refusing to let either of them leave until Azul is able to fly) due to not wanting to be in Jamil’s debt: “So you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart? You truly want nothing? As if I could buy such a blatant lie. I have no wish to be in debt to you. I can only imagine what ridiculous demand you’ll make of me when this is over!”

Jamil ultimately asks for a study guide for their next exam in exchange.

During Beanfest Azul reveals that Riddle inadvertently saved his strategy to win the game after Vargas tries to remove a key piece of equipment, and Riddle argues against it.

Despite how Riddle had had no intention of aiding Azul in his plans, Azul still sacrifices an opportunity to capture both him and Deuce during the game so as not to be indebted to Riddle (he then immediately orders Jack to capture them instead).

Azul picks up souvenir necklaces for Jade and Floyd during Glorious Masquerade, explaining that they are “compensation for minding the dorm while (he is) out.”

When the twins invite Azul to Playfulland he suspects Fellow’s motives, saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch. That manager is working an angle…Even indulging the ridiculous notion that this was done out of pure goodwill, I don’t like being indebted to strangers.” Floyd says, “You don’t like bein’ indebted to others period. Bein’ strangers has nothin’ to do with it,” to which Azul responds, “Precisely. You know me so well.”

After Royal Sword Academy students fall to the firelotuses of Glorious Masquerade Azul says that, while he does not care about them, he cannot stand the notion of leaving a debt unpaid (“The last thing I need is them invoicing us for medical expenses because they saved us”).

When Jamil and Ruggie become caught by the fierlotuses themselves, Azul insists that they promise in front of everyone that they will not demand recompense at a later time.

When Vil presents specially ordered suits for the Tapis Rouge group to wear during the event Azul refuses it outright, saying, “I cannot accept something this extravagant free of charge. Luxury gifts like this only create a debt that must eventually be repaid. Who knows what we will be asked to do later, by Vil or these others? No, I could never willingly assume such a weak position. I refuse!” (Shop Manager: “I never imagined I’d see someone turn down couture clothing from us…”

Jamil says that Azul should consider the bigger picture (“Think of someone besides yourself for once!”) but Azul responds, “What sense is there in thinking of others if it leads me to my ruin? I’m afraid there’s no budging on this point for me.”

Vil then reveals that he had already been planning to receive proper compensation for the luxury gifts. The rest of the group looks shocked while Azul observes, “As I said,” and, “I’m sure it’s not MONEY Vil is after. Isn’t that right?,” to which Vil responds, “Not much gets past you, Azul,” and details the various duties he will require of the group. Azul accepts the suit in exchange for assisting Vil on the red carpet.

Azul explains that his grandmother “impressed upon (him) the importance of always getting your money’s worth.”

After the prefect and Grim escape Scarabia in Book 4 by crash landing in Octavinelle, Jade and Floyd physically evict the Scarabia students who pursue them. While Grim celebrates their freedom Azul interjects with, “I’m afraid we’ll have to bill you for repair fees for the tables and chairs damaged in that fight. Not to mention our own labor rates, since we were dragged into this affair.”

He also mentions receiving compensation from the prefect in a chat, and saying he expects “suitable compensation” for helping them during the Stitch event.

When Vil guesses that Idia’s family is “just as wealthy as Kalim’s,” to everyone’s surprise, Azul’s responds, “Oh, if only l’d known sooner…I would have tried harder to get him in my debt!”

During Book 6 Azul bemoans the lack of valuable items in the cages of Tartarus (“Antique dishware or coins would do as well. Oh, and jewelry…”).

Riddle points out that, even if there were valuable items to be had Azul would not be able to claim any, but Azul responds, “If I used this entire mess as leverage…I’m confident I could wrangle the acting director into some kind of negotiation.”

Azul is not pleased when Riddle decides that he and Azul will stand against Idia to buy time for the other students: “Did you seriously volunteer us for the most dangerous assignment without even discussing compensation?”

Riddle refuses Azul’s offer of help in Book 5 on the basis of not wanting to incur “any special debts” to him, and after fighting his way through Leona’s dream of Book 7 Azul tells him, “I expect you to properly reciprocate.”

When Kalim brings his tsum and Jamil to the kitchen during Tsumsted and reveals he wants Jamil to cook, Azul offers use of ingredients that he has bought in exchange for Jamil cooking for him, Floyd and the tsum, as well.

After Kalim spills water on his group’s firewood during Vargas Camp Azul volunteers to help him replace it, to the surprise of his fellow club members (“Azul, helping another club for free? At first I thought I was so tired I was seeing things…”)

Afterwards Azul encourages Kalim to tell his parents about the “delightful time (they) shared gathering wood…My timely arrival in your moment of need, the breadth of my knowledge…And, of course, my willingness to haul heavy firewood at my own peril. You WILL convey all that to your family, won’t you?,” reflecting, “It’s the perfect plan. This should get my foot in the door to make future business connections with the Asims…”

Kalim’s response, however, is that he will be telling his parents about everyone, including Lilia, Cater and Jade.

Azul promises Vil skin toner in a vignette where asks for ten, rare poisonous plants in exchange for his services.

During Halloween Azul attempts to teach Silver how to be respected as a leader. The lesson is not entirely successful, but Azul says it does not matter: “Silver is now indebted to me, which means I accomplished my true goal.”

At the start of the NBC event the group watches several of the students fall through the door to Halloweentown, and Vil asks if they should ignore them. Azul responds, “No, I say we go to their aid and place them in our debt.”

Jack Skellington offers to help them find a way home after Halloween has ended, and Azul agrees: “We receive his help going back, and he receives our labor in return. A perfectly reasonable contract, in my opinion.”

During the NBC event Azul hurries to move a basket to aid Sebek, who is not pleased by the favor, saying, “Now I’m indebted to him. I’ll never live this down…!” (Azul: “Indebted? Please. All I’d expect in return is something of equivalent value.”)

In exchange, Azul asks to be allowed to “the honor” of delivering the basket to Sally, and Sebek agrees (“I’m loath to remain in your debt”), on the condition that he goes along as well: “Someone should keep an eye out and ensure you’re not plotting anything.”

After RSA students sacrifice themselves to save the NRC students from firelotuses during Glorious Masquerade, Azul agrees to go to their aid, saying, “We could have a whole BEVY of mages in our debt!”

Idia says, “Here we go with Azul’s bizarre idea that it’s okay to take an L if you get some kinda dub out of it,” and Azul responds, “Bizarre? I resent that. I only do this sort of thing when I expect an ample return. It’s called an investment.”

Azul offers Jade and Floyd’s talents to the Lantern of Wishes group, saying, “I can place all four of you in my debt for virtually no overhead. How could I NOT offer my assistance?”

Deuce and Epel are both surprised to learn that Azul intends to purchase gifts for the students of Octavinelle in Fleur City, (“You’re going to actually give them away… for FREE?!”) to which Azul responds, “I’m capable of caring for my fellow Octavinelles. This is a fine chance to convey my gratitude to them. Though I never said I wouldn’t expect anything in return…”

Azul is not pleased by the amount of darkness that they are forced to battle in Book 7 on their way to Malleus, saying, “There’s no sense whatsoever in battling in a dream. We don’t get paid. The teachers don’t give us extra credit… There’s nothing in it for us at all!”

When Idia comments on Crowley’s hidden agenda of wanting to bring Malleus back to NRC post Book-7 for “that sweet, sweet funding” (Crowley: “It’s low-risk, high-return —ahem!,”), Azul responds, “Headmage! I, for one, am DEEPLY moved by your principles and determination…so, how much incentive will there be for us in the event that Malleus comes back to school?”