Riddle and Sebek

Riddle’s first impression of Sebek seems to be when Sebek chastises his fellow new students for whispering together during the opening ceremony. Riddle observes, “At least there’s one sensible head in this year’s class. If he ends up in Heartslabyul, I may put him in charge of the freshmen.”

After seeing Sebek’s reaction to be assigned to Diasomnia Riddle wonders, “Did I just imagine that abrupt character turn…?”

When Sebek approaches Riddle about the Equestrian Club and Riddle greets him by name, possibly remembering him from orientation, Sebek asks, “Could it be?! Are you a spy, sent to uncover Diasomnia’s deepest secrets?!”

Riddle responds, “When I observed you at orientation, I mistakenly believed you to be a man of diligence and decorum. Like all other Diasomnia students, your well-mannered facade belies your supercilious nature.”

Riddle says he was “a bit dismayed by the audacity Sebek displayed” as a mere first-year student and tells him that, if he is to join the Equestrian Club, he will need to adhere to their ideology: “In this club, your upperclassmen’s word is law, and for your safety, you are obliged to obey. Do I make myself clear?”

Sebek agrees to obey any orders within reason, but then adds that he wishes to see other club members’ skills before deciding to join. Riddle invites Sebek to judge if the club meets his standards and then gives a riding demonstration himself, impressing Sebek, who immediately submits his application. 

Riddle says that he will hand Sebek’s application to their club advisor and Sebek responds, “See that you do. Er, I mean, thank you…sir.” Riddle welcomes Sebek to the Equestrian Clun, saying, “I expect great things from you.”

We see Sebek collared by Riddle for what is possibly the first time when Sebek scolds other first-year students for being a distraction and threatens them with “a display of magical might.”

Riddle says, “Consider this a learning opportunity, Sebek I’ll teach you how to behave toward those who are not in Diasomnia.”

After Sebek refuses to participate in Fairy Gala IF Riddle says that Sebek’s stubbornness is “a headache even at club meetings,” but later Sebek still contributes to the efforts of the first-years. Ortho says that Sebek “stayed to brainstorm with us and run errands. He’s been a big help!,” and Riddle responds, “Heh, how very good of you.”

During Glorious Masquerade Riddle refers to a time that Sebek “dug (his) heels in over a matter of personal pride during a club meeting,” but Sebek interrupts with, “I would prefer if you refrained from discussing my blunders in Malleus’ presence!” Malleus tells Riddle that he would like to hear the story (“I’m most curious to know what Sebek is like normally”), but when Sebek insists, “I always comport myself in a way that befits my status as your guard!,” Malleus concedes.

While looking for a gift for Sebek during the Eternity Float vignette Malleus confers with Riddle, who suggests a thinning comb: “Something to help smooth out his mount’s shaggy mane so he can braid it. It’s important to ensure the horse looks its best at competitions. And I’m sure Sebek would love it even more if the comb came from you.”

When asked who he would choose from NRC as a sibling Riddle says that, outside of his dormmates, the people he is closest to at school are his classmates and the members of the Equestrian Club, saying that, despite Sebek’s demeanor, “he’s highly ambitious and values decorum. I’ve heard he does exceptionally well in his schoolwork, too. He may act arrogant and stubborn, but…he looks out for others, in his own way.”

Riddle comments on Sebek’s “rude behavior” during Fairy Gala IF (“We will thoroughly address it at a better time…”) and the NBC event.

When Sebek hears that Riddle is looking for an etiquette manual for his dorm Sebek says, “The students of Heartslabyul are still in need of such books? Deplorable.” Riddle responds, “Sebek, you’re invited to my book reading. And acceptance is mandatory.”

During Book 5 Riddle cautions Sebek for referring to people as “humans” while representing the school during the culture fair, cautious Sebek for his “condescending tone” during Vargas Camp, and he has a voice line of, “I trained Sebek in rein handling at his request, but…..I believe he should learn proper manners before horsemanship.”

Sebek is eliminated early in the game during Beanfest, captured by Riddle.

Sebek scolds Riddle for falling asleep during Vargas Camp, sending him back to his tent to sleep to stand guard one their campfire himself. 

In the chaos of the attack on the camp Riddle covers for Sebek and is taken by the Vargas Monster. Later Sebek says, “Riddle… He covered me…I NEVER ASKED HIM TO DO ANY SUCH THING!…His assistance was unneeded and unwanted!,” but also, “I..I should have been able to easily protect one or two weak humans…”

When Sebek later describes the monster in the mine that he and the other students defeated Riddle does not believe him, telling him that if the “monster” was actually wild boars he should still be proud of himself. 

(Riddle also does not believe Ace or Deuce about the monster, in an interesting contrast to the manga and anime’s adaptation of the story where Riddle not only defeats the monster by himself, but says, “How can you let such a low-level monster give you so much trouble?,” as if fighting monsters is such a normal activity in the world that even first-year students who have yet to attend any classes at the school should be able to handle one with ease.)

Riddle praises Sebek during Vargas Camp for providing an “excellent overview” in the mines and Sebek responds, “Heh. I suppose there are worse things than receiving a compliment from the head of the sophomore class. I accept your words of praise.” Sebek later compliments Riddle by saying, “You’ve quite the potion-brewing prowess, for a human. I shall extend my gratitude to you!,” but Riddle responds, “Must you sound so condescending? I can never tell when you’re being sincere and when you’re mocking me!”

At the conclusion of the event Riddle credits Sebek with sparing their club from disbandment. Sebek thanks Riddle for saving him from the Vargas Monster, saying, “What you did was also worthy of merit, as far as human deeds go….Thank you for saving me,” and Riddle responds, “Hehe. I still can’t tell when you’re being sincere.”

When Trey is worried about Riddle being alone in an abyss in Book 7 Sebek responds, “You know Riddle. Your help would only be a hindrance to him. He’ll defeat the darkness and find a way to return on his own!”