Azul wakes up Ruggie from his dream world by dropping coins on the ground, and Ruggie describes the sound as “like a bell…except more beautiful and exciting!” Upon discovering the coin he wonders why he is so happy about loose change, which threatens the stability of his dream.
When Azul explains his intention to throw a 500 madol (5 thaumark) coin into a fountain Ruggie is shocked that he would throw so much money away, but then confused by why he cares so much.
When Azul tosses the coin Ruggie follows it into the fountain. Azul mocks him for his unhealthy self restraint, successfully awakening Ruggie.
It is from Ruggie that we learn that NRC “isn’t some national or royal academy. You have to pay outta pocket for anything beyond basic menu items. They’re cheapskates. And they’ll give you your first uniform and PE wear and stuff for free, but you gotta buy replacements yourself if you ruin em.”
Ruggie says that he likes his NRC uniform more than the uniform of his dream, as “stains and scuffs aren’t as prominent.”
Ruggie is upset by the revelation of what it is that Malleus has done, saying, “If he wants to impose on my time, he better offer me a fair hourly rate! THEN we can talk!”
Idia asks if it is okay to trap him in a dream world of his own making as long as he is paid for it and Ruggie responds, “Well, sure. What could be better than getting paid to sleep? Obviously I wouldn’t wanna do that my whole life, but still.”
Ruggie declares that Malleus is “definitely gonna fold…to Leona!,” as he himself is too much of a “minor mage” to be any sort of threat. “If you’re asking me to hunt quarry that dangerous, I better get some generous compensation when the job’s done!”
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 