Riddle and Floyd

During Beanfest Vil mentions that Riddle and Floyd have “been at each other’s throats ever since orientation,” and in Book 7 Silver explains that, during the ceremony, he “heard an explosion nearby, then I saw (Floyd) on fire, flying through the air.”

Jamil says that Riddle was “furiously trying to chase after (Floyd) while the faculty desperately held him back” and Silver explains, “the way (Riddle) explained it to me afterward, (Floyd) suddenly grabbed his hair and remarked, ‘It’s red, but it ain’t hot.’”

Riddle is not fond of Floyd’s nickname for him of “Goldfish-chan,” calling it “derogatory.” After explaining to Floyd’s mother that Floyd has told him the name is from Riddle being “tiny and red” she responds, “You’ll have to forgive his lack of manners,” but then follows with, “The goldfish people keep in their homes are small, but when they’re left to grow in the wild, I hear some can grow into giants,” which seems to interest Riddle (“So goldfish have room to grow…”).

While Floyd does say that he gave Riddle the name for being “red and tiny” in Book 2, in a voiceline he adds that 食べるとこなさそう、close in English to “there is no meat/there is nothing to eat on him.”

In an early vignette possibly timed before the opening ceremonies for their second year Riddle goes to Jade, asking him to “Please do something about Floyd,” who is “interfering with Heartslabyul’s welcome party preparations.” After Riddle leaves Floyd joins the scene, saying, “Have you seen Goldfishie? We were having such a great time together, but then he up and vanished.”

Later Trey comments that he has “noticed Floyd following (Riddle) around a lot lately, with that big grin on his face.” Riddle says, “Just thinking about Floyd irritates me.

When investigating potential targets in Book 2 Riddle says that, if he were the culprit, he would save Jade and Floyd for last: “Just look at those two. I wouldn’t want to get anywhere near them—especially Floyd.”

After running away to escape the twins Grim asks, “What is the deal with those guys?!,” and Riddle responds, “I’m not the one to ask. Those two have baffled me since we were freshmen together.”

Riddle responds to a greeting from Lilia in the library only to discover that he is with Azul and Floyd and, says quietly, “I wouldn’t have bothered to respond if I’d known that.”

During the Stitch event Riddle says, “Floyd on his own is aggravating enough, but having to deal with Lilia’s unpredictable behavior on top of his…they’re the worst possible pair to be stuck with during an emergency!”

When the students draw lots to split into two groups, Riddle is sorted into Floyd’s team, and says, “I’d better keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t cause any trouble.” When Riddle declares, “We must reduce this sleep deficiency and live a properly regulated life,” Floyd responds, “It won’t kill ya to cut loose a little on a tropical island, y know. I’ll chip in and make sure we have plenty of fun today, don’t you worry.”

When Silver falls asleep in a vignette Floyd goads Riddle with, “They’ve even put Jellyfish to sleep. Do something funny, Goldfishie,” and Riddle is not amused (“Why am I required to entertain you?! Just go somewhere else if you’re so bored”).

We see another example of Floyd going to Riddle for entertainment in a vignette where he becomes bored while writing an essay and asks, “Isn’t there anything better to do around here?” Upon seeing Riddle he says, “He’ll work.”

Floyd approaches Riddle, who responds, “Floyd! Oh, anyone but him…” and refuses to engage in conversation, even talking himself down from becoming angry, telling himself, “Don’t fall for it, Riddle. He takes far too much delight in dragging you down to his level. Well, not this time!”

Floyd reveals that he knows the location of a book that Riddle needs and forcibly drags him to the shelf, despite Riddle’s protests (“Excu—don’t you pull on me, you brute!”).

Riddle is suspicious of Floyd’s supposed helpfulness, and Floyd reveals that he put the book back on the highest shelf, out of Riddle’s reach (“You only wanted to watch me squirm, didn’t you? How utterly juvenile!”).

Floyd offers to get the book for him and Riddle refuses his help, but Floyd blocks Riddle with his arm when Riddle tries to fetch a step stool (“So you’re deliberately impeding my progress for your entertainment. Fine. Do as you wish. I can simply use magic to retrieve it”).

When Riddle decides to magically fetch the book, Floyd takes it for himself. When Riddle threatens him with a beheading Floyd takes the book and runs, encouraging Riddle to chase him.

Riddle asks, “Why must you always, ALWAYS…?! Tell me, Floyd! What have I done to deserve this mistreatment?!,” and Floyd suddenly loses interest, giving Riddle the book and leaving. (Riddle : ”l’ve had enough of that man’s caprices for a lifetime.”)

Floyd teases Riddle in Book 5, shoving one of Jade’s mushrooms in his face during the culture festival, and we learn in Book 7.5 that he took a library book from Riddle that he needed for an assignment without actually telling Riddle he was doing so (Jade: “When Riddle saw that IOU written on a torn-off sheet of loose-leaf paper, the look on his face made me shudder”).

Jade makes Floyd return the book to Riddle himself, and Riddle seems to immediately collar him, as well as scolding him for going out of his way to break the rules rather than check the book out through proper channels.

Floyd says, “My deadline was comin’ up, and I was in the mood to get my work done right then,” and Riddle concedes, “I’ll at least commend your respect for deadlines and academic drive. I won’t let you off again,” and removes the collar.

Floyd also takes study material from Riddle in an early vignette, forcibly taking Riddle’s notebook in exchange for ink that Riddle did not want from him, and running away. Not actually having any use for the notebook, Floyd then gives it to Jamil.

Floyd teases Riddle about his height during the Ghost Marriage event, saying, “Wanna stand on my tailfin? Might give you some extra height,” and pretending that Riddle is too small for him to see (Trey: “Riddle, he’s just goading you again”).

Riddle seems pleased when Floyd is slapped by Eliza, saying, “Did you see how Floyd goaded the ghost into slapping him? Zero hesitation. Let that be a lesson: It is folly to pick bridal candidates solely based on height!”

When Riddle seems cold during Vargas Camp Floyd says, “You’re tremblin’, and your lips are all blue. You won’t be a goldfish no more if your hair turns blue too. Whaddaya think I should call you then?,” goading Riddle into turning red with rage.

Floyd responds, “Ahaha, now you’re all red! Glad you warmed up,” but it is a little unclear if the teasing was intentional, to take Riddle’s mind off the cold.

There is a similar example in Book 4 when Grim describes Riddle as sounding “kinda defeated,” with Ace guessing that it is because he is on his way home to “an extreme case of helicoptor parenting.” Floyd invites Riddle to stay behind with him, saying, “Goldfishie’s so teeny, I’m sure Azul would love to keep him as a pet,” enraging Riddle, and Trey observes, “Well, at least he’s got his moxie back.”

Riddle attempts to play darts during the Lantern Event, but when his dart hits the center he says, No, that makes no sense…”

It is revealed that it was actually a dart that Floyd thrown from outside the window. Floyd explains, “I felt sorry for Goldfishie since his form was disastrously bad. And all that hair looks so heavy, so I figured I’d help out. Ain’t I a nice guy? Feel free to thank me.” (Riddle: “Who would ever thank someone like you?! Leave at once!”)

In a Stitch Event voice line Floyd talks about getting Riddle angry with him on purpose to goad him into using fire magic and grill some fish that he caught.

Riddle approaches Jade for assistance in a vignette only to follow with, “I wouldn’t have said anything if I’d known you were with Floyd,” but Floyd responds, “I ain’t in the mood today. I’ll play with you some other time.”

Riddle begins to scold him for using the “Goldfish” nickname but Floyd walks away and Riddle observes, “He’s awfully taciturn today. Is he in another one of his snits?” Jade says, “I suppose it’s nicer for you when Floyd’s out of sorts, since it means he’s not picking on you…or do you actually miss it?” Riddle responds, “Certainly not. I rather like not being under constant attack, I’ll have you know.”

After meeting with Jade and Azul at a book fair Riddle says, “I suppose that means…” and Jade replies, “My brother is also in attendance? Sadly, no; you’ll be disappointed to hear Floyd’s in the middle of a shift at the Mostro Lounge.” Riddle responds, “That’s actually the best news I’ve heard all day. All week, even.”

After Floyd joins his group during Beanfest Riddle asks, “Why couldn’t we run into Jade instead? He’s the reasonable one of the two,” and tells Vil, “Trying to reason with Floyd when he gets like this is just wasting precious seconds.”

Floyd agrees to join the group after being physically thrown by Vil, to Epel’s surprise. Riddle explains, “He’s extremely capricious. Trying to reason with him is a complete waste of time,” and disapproves of Vil inviting Floyd to join them, as “There’s no telling what will set Floyd off! Having him on our team would be like walking around with a live electric wire!” Vil responds, “As if you have room to talk, Riddle,” later referring to both Riddle and Floyd as the group’s “pair of live wires.”

Riddle is not amused, saying, “Maybe it applies to him, but I’m no live wire!,” but Floyd responds, “Is that supposed to be a joke? ‘Cause it’s hilarious,” and Jamil also refers to Riddle as “a notorious live wire” in Book 6.

We see an example of Riddle and Floyd having more in common than Riddle may realize during Spectral Soiree, when they both decide to dive into the Dark Mirror in pursuit of the kidnapped students.

They are immediately ejected, and when Leona points out that they are in violation of the dress code stipulated by the invitation they received, both Riddle and Floyd comment on the fineprint being unreasonably small.

At the conclusion of the event Riddle disapproves of possessed students also being in violation of dress code, saying, “Why aren’t any of you in costume? It’s a serious breach of etiquette to ignore a party’s dress code!,” and Floyd follows with, “Yeah! It was right there on the invitation. Did you guys even read it?” (Leona: “You guys are still mad about the Dark Mirror givin’ you the boot, huh.”)

Both Riddle and Floyd gave birthday gifts to one another while claiming that the other one was an after thought, with Floyd receiving an engraved shoehorn from Riddle (“(Riddle) said it was an afterthought after Jade’s, heh”), and Riddle receiving book straps from Floyd (“could’ve done without him saying, ‘Yeah, I don’t want ’em,’ though.”)

Riddle does not approve of Floyd receiving all the gear that their group finds during Beanfest, but when Floyd points out that the group has agreed that the person who eliminates the most enemies is to have their choice of supplies and that’s exactly what he did, Riddle reluctantly concedes (“Rgh… I’ll grant that you did make a significant contribution, but still”).

Floyd teases Riddle, saying, “You’re the one who hasn’t been pulling his weight. Without your magic, you’re like a goldfish outta water. Shouldn’t a housewarden be, like…better?,” and, “But hey, don’t worry—any monsters try to attack you, I’ll scare ’em off myself. You can just huddle up and hide behind me,” and resting his arm on Riddle’s shoulder. 

When enemies cut Riddle off from the group and Silver tries to go back to help him, however, Floyd refuses, saying, “We’re better off gettin’ our distance and regrouping while he keeps the monsters busy. Let him go.”

At the conclusion of the Ghost Marriage event Floyd praises Riddle for being “one powerful goldfishie,” when Riddle disappears during Vargas Camp he says, “Even Goldfishie’s gone. That shadow’s gotta be mighty strong,” and Riddle compliments Floyd on his cooking during the Stitch Event. 

After Floyd says, “What’s this? Are those compliments I’m hearin’? Go on, keep ’em comin’. I’m waiting,” however, Riddle responds, “Anything more would simply go to your head. You’ve heard enough compliments,” and Floyd then refuses to give seconds to anyone who doesn’t praise his cooking. Riddle is reluctant, saying, “I’m cornered… I can’t fight my own hunger or these appetizing smells…” but ultimately concedes: “…Floyd, your cooking is truly delectable. May I please have more of it?”

Floyd responds, “If that’s how you’re gonna sweet-talk me, guess I’d better be extra nice to you, Goldfishie. Here you go.” (Riddle: “I can’t believe I had to humble myself before Floyd…but it’s so good!”)

After Riddle explains log cabins to his group Floyd praises him (“Way to educate yourself, Goldfishie!”), which Riddle initially interprets him as giving “backhanded compliments.”

Floyd explains, “No, no, I mean it. I never knew that kinda building existed on land. Now I’M educated too,” and Riddle seems pleased: “You were being serious? Heh heh… Heh heh heh! Well, what else can you expect but brilliance from the housewarden of a dorm that honors the Queen of Hearts?” (Jack: “Someone’s happy…”)

We have an example of Riddle and Floyd conversing normally during Beanfest when Riddle agrees with Floyd’s strategy for the game, and he agrees with Floyd again during Spectral Soiree when Floyd suggests going through a door believed to be a trap.

Riddle is initially surprised when Floyd suggests that they build a house during the Stitch Event, but then agrees with him (“Floyd might actually have the right idea”), and with Floyd “offering proper advice” on where to build. Later on Floyd scolds the group with, “How’s about the rest of you stop loafin’ around and pitch in? Stitch and I are the only one doin’ anything useful around here,” and Riddle responds, “Did Floyd just criticize me…for good reason?!”