In a vignette we see Deuce struggling with math, and when Riddle appears (saying “that’s as basic as basic gets”) Deuce begins to panic, saying that he is trying his best and begging not to be collared by Riddle’s unique magic.
Instead Riddle gifts him with a reference book and even reviews it with him, leading to Deuce deciding that, one day, he will be an honor student just like Riddle.
While talking to a school-hating Riddle in Book 7 Deuce explains that he, too, used to hate studying and school, but it was only because he cut so much class that he couldn’t understand the material, so he found it all “boring and stifling.”
Deuce explains that, since enrolling at NRC, Riddle has been tutoring him and now he is slowly understanding the material, enjoys school and has come to believe that studying is “really worthwhile.”
Ortho says he has often seen Riddle tutoring Deuce in the library, and Deuce says that Riddle gifted him with a book of crossword puzzles (he says he has solved six out of 50).
Deuce saves Riddle from elimination twice during Beanfest (Azul: “What a touching display of loyalty for one’s housewarden!”), sacrificing himself the second time.
When he sees Riddle with multiple books in the library Deuce volunteers to carry them for him, and when Riddle volunteers to serve as bait for firelotuses during Glorious Masquerade Deuce insists on staying behind with him.
Riddle refuses to allow this, saying, “The last thing I need is an inexperienced, easily-distracted flier slowing me down. Your ‘help’ isn’t wanted. I expect you to do honor to Heartslabyul in a place more befitting your talents. Is that clear?,” and Deuce concedes. (Jamil: “I’m guessing it’s a Heartslabyul thing. Must be Riddle’s idea of a pep talk.” – Idia: “Yikes… Heartslabyul must be a horror show…”)
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 