Riddle and Vil

In a flashback we see Riddle and Vil speaking early on in Riddle’s first year, where Riddle comments on how Heartslabyul’s “entire dorm culture needs to be reformed, swiftly and thoroughly!”

Vil responds, “I can appreciate your desire to improve your dorm. That said…” but ultimately chooses not to “stick (his) nose in another dorm’s business.”

Vil gives Riddle a bandage for his blistered foot that Riddle insists on compensating him for, saying, “I will not embarrass myself like that again.” After Riddle leaves Vil reflects, “That boy is a disaster waiting to happen…and I’m not just talking about his wobbly gait.”

Back in the present Riddle says he considers it s a win that he was able to show Vil that he can now dance in heels as “one can’t let a poor impression go uncorrected indefinitely,” and Vil replies, “And here I thought you’d mellowed out considerably since those days. I suppose some things never change.”

Vil and Riddle share at least one dance during the Spectral Soiree Halloween party, and Vil says, “I’m amazed, to be honest. I didn’t expect you to be such a good dancer.”

Riddle explains that he has had an interested in social dancing since he was a child, mentions learning from his mother as a part of his “rigorous education,” and explains how he is more comfortable with dance routines with set steps.

Vil replies, “You can stop scowling now. I wasn’t disparaging you. I was giving you a compliment. Would it hurt you to take it?,” and Riddle says, “It came across like you were making light of my athletic abilities.” Vil follows with, “You do realize that your glass-half-empty approach is basically an advertisement for your personal issues.”

In a vignette Vil tells Trey, “Let me know if Riddle ever decides to have your head. My dorm would hire you on as our patissier in a heartbeat.”

Vil is Riddle’s interviewer in this third birthday vignette. When Riddle begins to talk about leaving “his home and dorm behind” (“I imagine I’ll find myself living alone, and will need to cook for myself”), Vil responds, “When you start living alone l imagine cooking will be the least of your worries…For one, I’m exceedingly curious about how you’ll go about decorating.” Riddle says, “If I ever find myself shopping for furniture, I shall have to ask your advice.”

In a flashback we see that Riddle received advice on wearing heels in his first year, with Vil recommending that he change his insoles or use cushioned pads on his heels. Vil also gave a bandage to Riddle that he returned the following day.

Riddle explains, “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 regiment.”

Vil responds, “Whatever the case, it’s like I’m dancing with a different person. I can see no hint of that previous newborn fawn.”

The two then discuss the “unique benefits” of wearing heels, with Riddle saying, “When I make an effort to walk elegantly in heels, I elevate my line of sight, and my back and neck straighten out. I also enjoy how good posture makes me feel more energized.”

Vil agrees, saying that high heels make them look “stronger and more attractive,” and Riddle follows with, “It’s pretty gratifying to watch the Heartslabyul students instantly straighten up when they hear my footsteps. That kind of clarion clacking only comes with a good pair of heels.”

Vil says, “I imagine that with the Fairest Queen and the Queen of Hearts, the mere clacking of their heels brought their retainers to their knees.”

Riddle agrees and says, “A single footstep can announce one’s presence, while inspiring both respect and fear. Given that we represent the dorms honoring those queens, our shoes should be no less sharp.”

Riddle has a Halloween voice line of, “I struggled with the dark makeup I used for this costume. It’s only thanks to Vil’s advice that I could make it look presentable.”

Vil and Riddle are on the same team during Beanfest and, during the game, we see Vil’s group save Riddle from Jack and Azul.

During Book 7 Riddle compliments Pomefiore’s coordination, telling Vil, “I should make note of this for Heartslabyul’s battle,” and together they discuss seeing Malleus looking haggard. It seems that Vil could only hear Riddle’s voice and not see him at the time as he says, “You sound amused. I can only wonder what smug expression you must be wearing.”

Riddle replies, “Smug? Well, it certainly doesn’t hold a candle to your blood-curdling grin, Vil. Heh heh.” Vil responds, “What an elegant way with words you have. Just try not to get so distracted by my beauty that you miss Malleus crying, hm?”