Riddle describes magic-based tasks that his mother assigned him as a child, saying, “I began to challenge myself to finish everything before she came back. I still remember how proud I was the first time I managed it,” and Vil responds, “Your dedication to self-improvement is undeniable.”
Self-improvement is possibly a theme with Riddle: he says, “Every time my birthday comes around, I feel a certain pressure. I have to do more to improve myself,” and, “I may study potionology, but don’t expect much from my cooking. I am trying to improve, at least.”
Riddle says that crosswords were the only form of entertainment that he was permitted as a child and, after he grew bored with solving them, he started adding more challenge by timing himself: “There are plenty of things I enjoy about them, but if I had to choose one thing, it would be the sense of accomplishment they provide.”
When asked what he would like to do in the next year Riddle says he would like to get better at cooking. When asked why he says, “Mostly I’ve just realized how much room I have to grow in that arena,” and tell Vil about a time when Trey made lunch for him and Cater based entirely on what happened to be in the refrigerator at the time:
“It made me realize that memorizing recipes is not enough. I need to get more experience. One day, when I’ve left my home and dorm behind, I imagine I’ll find myself living alone, and will need to cook for myself.” (Vil: “Riddle, when you start living alone l imagine cooking will be the least of your worries.”)
After getting a blister on his foot from walking in heels in his first year Riddle accepts a bandage and advice from Vil, saying, “The night you gave me the bandage, I ordered a manual on proper walking technique. I also watched videos on correct posture and how to adjust your center of gravity to walk more gracefully, and added both to my training regimen,” in order to improve.
After getting caught in the rain in his first year and having to run around a table in Octavinelle for six hours in order to dry off in accordance with the Queen’s laws, Riddle says, “I’ll never make THAT mistake again. Now I carry a folding umbrella wherever I go!”
After wearing his PE uniform to an outing into town with the Equestrian Club due to a lack of appropriately casual clothing Riddle confers with Ace and Cater for advice on dressing down, even going shopping with them to pick out new clothing items so as not to make others uncomfortable through his clothing choices.
After being impressed with Jack’s painting skills Riddle reflects, “Perhaps I should spend more time looking at things other than textbooks and encyclopedias as well…”
After being captured by Trey and Rook during Beanfest Riddle says, “I’ll reflect on my own athletic shortcomings while I do weight training with Vargas in the gym.”
After Riddle loses the first video game he ever plays in his life he insists on practicing until he is able to clear the level with no damage, and succeeds.
After a battle with a phantom in Tartarus Azul comments, “We’re supposed to be conserving our stamina and magic. Shouldn’t we avoid pointless battles?,” but Riddle responds, “Pointless? That was nothing of the sort…We rarely have the opportunity to be first-responders in a genuine emergency. This experience will serve us well.” (Azul: “You’re actually putting a positive spin on this? You’re even more eccentric than I thought.”)
Early on in their journey Azul repeatedly insists on caution while Riddle repeatedly declares that they ought “march boldly forth,” even saying that there is “a fine line between caution and cowardice,” and arguing against toning down his magic when opening a cage that might have a person inside of it.
Later, however, Riddle changes his mind, saying that Azul is “right to use targeted strikes to conserve your magic” and that he will try to follow in Azul’s example.
While memorizing programming manuals in Idia’s dream in a stand against Malleus, Riddle declares that he needs to “be faster and more precise,” and that his “current abilities receive far from full marks!,” reviewing books he has already read to “pair the most optimal spell structure to the relevant error” and seeking out more advanced manuals in order to keep improving.
After Trey and Cater praise Riddle for his hard work in Idia’s dream Riddle responds, “I made countless writing mistakes, and there were spell structures I couldn’t properly fill in. I was far from full marks.”
During the battle against Malleus’ darkness army Azul comments, “I certainly hope I never get on your bad side when you’re overblotted” and Riddle responds, “Have you realized you’d be no match for me?” Azul says that Riddle is not the only one who has gained immense power and “Such overconfidence could lead to one’s downfall, if one isn’t careful,” but Riddle replies, “Overconfidence has nothing to do with it. My faith in myself arises from the simple fact that I’ve put in the work every day and continue to improve.”
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 