Sebek and Malleus

Sebek always looks happiest when he is talking about or to Malleus.

He volunteers to approach Eliza in Malleus’ stead and refers to the other students as “but specks of dust on his immaculate boots” only to be immediately rejected when he cannot stop talking about Malleus. Sebek’s reward for the participating in danger and drama of the Phantom Bride event is a thank-you from Malleus, and he responds “Such words are the greatest honor I could ask for!”

When Ace doesn’t let him tell a story about Malleus, saying “No one’s gonna find that story interesting but you” Sebek responds, “That’s absurd” Who wouldn’t be riveted by an anecdote about the great Malleus Draconia?!”

Sebek is quick to renew his vows to Malleus at any opportunity, saying, “I will do everything within my power to serve you” in response to Malleus complimenting ceremonial robes. Malleus responds, “I…see. Then I’ll expect nothing less.”

Sebek says he is happy to turn a year older as it “means I’m one step closer to being worthy of Malleus!” and shares that his most prized possession is a portrait of Malleus that Lilia asked Malleus to sit for as a gift to Sebek, a portrait of Malleus being what Sebek requested as his NRC enrollment gift. Sebek says he “will treasure that portrait for life!”

Malleus takes a photo with him during Halloween and Sebek announces that he will “build an altar at my family’s home and place this picture on it! This photo is worthy of being a treasure passed down through the Zigvolt family for generations!”

We also see Sebek approach Jack about creating “the ultimate shaved ice experience for Malleus”. Halloween begins with Sebek “even more overexcited than usual” which, according to Silver, is a thing he normally does during that time of year. (Sebek insists that he is “NOT overexcited” and is merely stating “hard facts”.)

Sebek declares that onlookers will be “awestruck” by the splendor of Malleus and Lilia in costume, and when they appear Epel describes Sebek as weeping.

During the difficulties of the “Terror is Trending” event Sebek threatens to reduce visitors “to ash” in retribution for their “mocking the house of Draconia—for mocking Malleus”. Cater interrupts to point out that Sebek would cause a much greater scandal by hurting people and Sebek only deigns to listen to him as Malleus and Lilia “ordered me to obey the other committee members, so…fine. I will speak with you.” Cater responds, “I’ll go ahead and interpret your crossed arms and puffed out chest as an apology for threatening to kill me.”

When Cater asks why he won’t let Malleus mingle with his fans during the event, Seek says that a man of Malleus’ stature “should command fear and respect. And that is why I spend every waking moment at his side, to ensure that he comes to no harm!”

Sebek is made speechless by a visitor touching Malleus’ arm and he encouraging Malleus to “strike those humans down with your wrathful lightning” ensuring him that “I, Sebek, will be more than happy to assist”.

When Malleus frightens the visitors himself Sebek’s first response is to ask if he has done something wrong to necessitate Malleus handling the problem personally. It is also during Halloween that we learn about “The Halloween Conflagration” where a young Malleus accidentally set “houses and fields” ablaze by accident while trying to light celebratory lanterns.

Lilia says “the citizens had to work tirelessly until morning to put them all out”. Sebek declares that it was “marvelous! What better way is there for the citizens to be made aware of Malleus’ true power?” (Ace responds, “Probably not so marvelous that all those houses burned down, wouldn’t you say?”)

At the beginning of Spectral Soiree Sebek declares that he “knew” it was an attack on the school and that whoever is behind it “shall pay dearly” for daring to attack the school that Malleus attends (later revealed to be Malleus himself).

Sebek says that Malleus and Lilia “are not merely my dormmates or upperclassmen. They’re more dear to me than anyone in the world. I’m ready to give my life for either of them. It’s what I train for every day. Yet I failed to even notice they were missing. How utterly sloppy. I am but a useless worm.”

Sebek says, “Have you seen Malleus? I haven’t been able to reach him. I hope it’s not happening again…” and I am not sure what it is in reference to.

Sebek is very, very big on protecting Malleus, saying “My left-handedness often gives me an advantage in sparring matches. I’m not above petty tricks if the seize victory for Malleus.” He says he styles his hair despite how difficult it is to do so as he can “hardly look any less than my best in Malleus’ presence” and “There’s no point in training yourself without an objective. Mine is clear: to attain power enough to protect Malleus.” Cater says that Sebek is “famous among the juniors” for his passionate devotion.”

During the Phantom Bride event Sebek says that, as students, they should be studying and not eating their time with un-academic pursuits like romance. When Grim points out that Eliza turned him down immediately Sebek insists that it was he who did the shooting down, as “My schedule is already packed with training so I can protect Malleus. There’s no room for romance.”

Beanfest begins with Malleus wondering why Sebek has “prostrated himself on the floor and started sobbing inconsolably”. Sebek insists upon lodging a complaint with the school in response to his being assigned to a different team than Malleus for the event. (Silver: “Please pretend you didn’t hear that, Father. Sebek’s just throwing a tantrum because he didn’t get on Malleus’ team.”)

Sebek explains that, as a first-year student, this was his one and only change to team up with Malleus for Beanfest. Lilia encourages him to enjoy it as “We have precious few chances indeed to turn a blade upon a king in our lifetimes”.

Sebek insists, “I swear on my life that I would never turn a blade upon my lord!”

Sebek is similarly distressed before Vargas Camp, arriving to the mirror chamber after Silver because “he insisted on guarding Malleus up to the last possible second”. Sebek also insists upon escorting Malleus back to Diasomnia when the weather becomes suspicious during the Wish Upon a Star event, leading directly to Malleus missing the Ortho-made meteor shower.

Malleus cryptically responds, “At least you can count on the stars to never betray you…”

In a vignette we see Sebek insisting upon escorting Malleus to his classroom and then reprimand Ace and Grim for running in the hallway. Malleus responds, “Your enthusiasm is touching, Sebek, but isn’t it about time you returned to your own classroom?”

Sebek is shocked by the idea of Malleus emerging from his class to remind him not to be late (“Your consideration knows no bounds!”) but Malleus reveals he was doing nothing of the sort; he is leaving to go to his own class.

This is kind of a confusing exchange on EN because Sebek literally just escorted Malleus to class—so where is he going? The original line shows us that—much like housewarden meetings and school ceremonies—Malleus was not informed that the location of his next class had been changed, so that is why he is leaving his classroom after just being escorted to it. The EN version of the scene seems to vaguely insinuate that Sebek escorted Malleus to the wrong classroom and Malleus simply chose not to correct him, which is also amusing.

Other times Sebek references Malleus is when he tells Cater that Malleus was attempting to assuage Sebek’s own anger during Halloween (before becoming enraged himself) and when he chooses to look for Deuce during Vargas Camp because “I could hardly tell my liege that I abandoned a fellow freshman in his hour of need”. Sebek’s wish during the “Wish Upon a Star” event is “for the whole world to kneel before our king”.

Idia insinuates that Malleus might not be more powerful than a final boss (Sebek declares he is “the most powerful being in the world”) and Sebek is not amused. In Glorious Masquerade we see Sebek become jealous of a goat that Malleus pays attention to.

Later, Malleus chooses to sit next to Grim at a table. Sebek insists on a game of rock-paper-scissors to battle for the seat, and loses. When Rollo expresses interest in sitting next to Malleus, Azul recommends that Grim sit on the prefect’s lap.

Sebek insists someone allow him to sit on their lap, too, so that he may sit at the same table as Malleus. When Azul points out the Sebek is extremely large, Sebek asks Azul to sit on his lap, instead. Azul says no and Malleus sends Sebek away.

Lilia says that he and Malleus once visited Sebek in Briar Valley during their first year at NRC and Sebek cried tears of joy. Sebek says he still remembers what Malleus told him that day: “If only you could go to Night Raven College with me.” (“My liege truly is like no other!”) 

Lilia says that Sebek “can get ENORMOUS tunnel vision” when it comes to Malleus, while Sebek says that he had trouble even looking him in the eye when he first became Malleus’ guard, as he felt unworthy.

When asked how they achieved the relationship they share now, Sebek relates one occasion that may have been a major turning point: upon happening upon Sebek as he trained in the woods near Lilia’s cabin, Malleus said, “Lilia spoke highly of your efforts. Do keep up the good work.” Sebek says that has redoubled his training and improvements efforts ever since.

Sebek is extremely moved by Malleus’ performance at the Glorious Masquerade social. He immediately demands that Jamil and Ruggie share their impressions of Malleus’ singing, saying that they are to “wax poetic about Malleus’ magnificent voice” and had best not been too absorbed in their own parts in the performance to pay proper heed, or he “shall be VERY CROSS INDEED.”

Ruggie sends Sebek to Royal Bell College’s student council vice president, saying that he called Malleus unapproachable. The vice president apologizes and he had simply been overcome by Malleus’ incredible presence, pleasing Sebek.

After speaking together the vice president says that he might ask Malleus to dance and Sebek calls him impertinent, brazen and lacking in appreciation for Malleus’ greatness. (“So you get mad when I’m intimidated by him, but you’re just as mad when I want to befriend him? What am I supposed to do?!”)

Eventually Sebek moves on to ensure that all attendees have a thorough understanding of Malleus’ greatness.

According to Malleus, Sebek will insist on being the first person to wish him happy birthday.

Sebek is often complimenting Malleus: he tells Azul that he should follow Malleus’ example and follow a more rigorous training regime, and his monologue on Malleus’ beauty (after Malleus appears in his masquerade outfit) goes on for so long that Silver says he ought to “maybe rein it in a bit. You look like you’re going to pass out from overexcitement.”

Idia comments that Sebek is “geeking out hardcore” and Azul observes, “I’m impressed with how unruffled Malleus is in the face of such egregious fawning.”

Grim also comments on how Sebek “just never stops.” When Malleus refuses to expose Rollo to his fellow students Sebek agrees, saying, “If such is your wish, no one would dare object! Oh, how truly lucky I am to serve such an incredible liege!” (Azul: “So theatrical…”)

Sebek also comments on how “saving the world a few times is but a trivial task for the great Malleus,” how the rest of them pale tremendously in comparison, and how he is quite proud to have grown through his experiences in Fleur City.

Sebek says that the humans at the social “will surely pass down tales of his magnificent visage to their descendants for all eternity” and Idia responds, “Could someone please do something about the Draconian turbo-simp…?”

When complimenting Idia’s performance he says, “You did a fine job bolstering my liege’s magnificent voice.”

When students during Tsumsted comment on being too intimidated to approach Malleus’ tsum Sebek is pleased, saying, “It seems the other students have a proper appreciation for your tsum’s dignity and majesty.”

Sebek will compliment others when they do something that pleases him in relation to Malleus, such as Rollo being familiar with Malleus, Noble Bell College being suitably clean enough for Malleus, the students preparing a flattering outfit for Malleus, and Epel and Riddle volunteering to serve as bait for the fire lotuses to take the fall for Malleus (“Um, we’re not taking the fall OR doing it for Malleus…”).

Sebek announces that he will be helping the Fairy Gala IF team in order to earn Malleus’ commendation, and he begins crying when Malleus says that he will not insist on hearing an embarrassing story about Sebek and instead content himself with knowing that Sebek is bonding with people from outside Briar Valley.

Book 7 involves Sebek being present at the dream-versions of multiple important milestones: he is moved by the thought of potentially seeing “even a tiny glimpse” of egg-Malleus, declaring that their objective is to reach the eastern stronghold as soon as possible so that he might do so.

He is similarly moved by being present for what was possibly Malleus’ naming, and is extremely concerned for the egg when Maleanor begins to strike Lilia with lightning, as Lilia was holding the egg at the time. He is also present for the dream-version of Malleus’ hatching.

There will occasionally be instances where Sebek is jealous of those towards whom Malleus pays attention: Malleus declares that he likes a goat during Glorious Masquerade as a creature that does not fear him and Sebek declares, “Wretched goat…you must learn your place!” (Jamil: “Again, you’re not in competition with the goat…”)

Sebek also tells the prefect not to get a big head just because Malleus happens to like Ramshackle Dorm: “…and for the record, I am NOT jealous!”

Sebek has said he has devoted his life to serving Malleus, and we get more insight into this during Halloween: Sebek explains that he reveres Malleus from the bottom of his heart, not only for his noble lineage but also for being a magnificent person he genuinely admires.

Sebek says that there have been times when he agonized over whether or not someone as unworthy as himself should be serving Malleus at all. He also confirms that he is not an official royal guard but merely in training, as he still lacks many requirements, but he intends to continue doing his best to become someone worthy of serving by Malleus’ side.

Sebek has said more than once that Malleus is the only reason that he is at NRC at all. When Lilia says he is “genuinely astounded” at how single-minded Sebek is about Malleus, Sebek takes it as a compliment.

It is possible that Sebek would have appeared at the school of his own accord even if he had not been admitted: he says that he has wanted to go to the school ever since Malleus enrolled, but he lacked the magic reserves and proficiency to fly there, and there is effectively no public transportation in Briar Valley.

Sebek says that while he had never seen the school before it occupied his every waking thought, and he memorized a book about it to the point that he could recite the content by rote.

Sebek says that now he has enrolled in NRC there is nowhere else he actually wants to go: “I desire only to remain at Malleus’s side.”

When asked to describe a time that he was grateful he could use magic Sebek responds, “WHEN I WAS ACCEPTED INTO NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE!!! That is what ensured I would get to gaze upon Malleus’s noble visage regularly. Any other answer is unthinkable!”

Sebek gives a motivational speech to a pair of classmates in a vignette and they are briefly moved, but then he follows with, “I absolutely MUST pass this assignment for the sake of my dear liege. Which means that indirectly, you two have a golden opportunity to serve the great Malleus yourselves. You’re free to throw in the towel with anything else, but only after you succeed here! Do it for Malleus!”

They are not pleased by Sebek once again making everything about Malleus.

Sebek says that they have all been blessed with luck beyond what they deserve to attend school with Malleus, expressing exasperation that the school is “full of feckless ingrates” who do not take their studies seriously. “Don’t they understand we must all strive to be worthy of Malleus’ company?”

But the three do successfully complete their assigned task, earning Sebek a compliment from Malleus. 

Sebek will often reference things that he is doing for Malleus, making a new year’s resolution to study and grow more as a guard, “and to protect Malleus from any and all difficulties!” He declares that he will “work himself to the bone for him” and applies himself during New Year’s, as “Malleus shall look upon (his) spoils and know (he) fought hard and well!”

Sebek says that he also applies himself to the study of art, as no amount of knowledge will ever be enough for him as Malleus’ retainer.

Sebek also enrolls in the Master Chef course for Malleus, as he had recently seen Malleus looking despondent after eating a late-night snack made for him by Lilia: “So I wish to acquire the cooking skills to make my liege something more suitable to his palate.”

During the course Sebek is consistently reflecting on what Malleus would prefer and how he can further improve to please Malleus.

Sebek is delighted to present Malleus with a gargoyle during the Glorious Masquerade event and, while Malleus initially mistakes it for a grotesque and is displeased, he later thanks them for drawing his attention to it.

(“You needn’t thank us, my liege! I’m sure even the gargoyles are honored to earn your noble recognition!”)

During the Port Fest event Sebek goes to fetch Idia to fix their cotton candy machine after it breaks.

Idia refuses at first (as Floyd and Jack predicted) due to not wanting to go all the way to their food stall, a problem that Sebek rectifies by bringing the cotton candy machine to Idia, instead: “I would haul 10,000 cotton candy machines if it would help Malleus!”

Sebek forgives Grim for eating their cotton candy when Malleus allows it but he is displeased by the prefect referring to Malleus as “Hornton.”

He demands that the prefect bow down and apologize for the transgression (declaring that people should bow to Malleus is not unusual for him), but when Malleus reveals that he is allowing the nickname Sebek responds, “Of course you did, my liege! Your heart is broader than the seas!”

Sebek also concedes to assist Silver with a problem he fears will reflect poorly on Malleus, saying that trivial remarks could never diminish Malleus’ greatness, but he will not stand for his reputation to be even slightly tarnished.

When Sebek runs out to the front of the store to welcome Malleus during New Years he reveals that, while he had been assigned to inventory, he had sensed that Malleus had entered the shop and finished all his tasks as quickly as possible.

(Cater: “Seriously? There was kind of a lot, but I suppose that’s the power of Malleus for you…”)

Sebek insists on being able to fight alongside Malleus despite being on the shop’s team, calling himself an “unbelievable fool” for missing out on an opportunity to do battle alongside him. When the Diasomnia team loses, Sebek chastises Cater and Ruggie for being “so unjust to two men I greatly admire!” in reference to Malleus and Lilia. (Cater: “Sebek, AGAIN, you work for the shop!”)

He then tells them that they ought be grateful to received their enlightened words of gratitude.

Lilia suggests he and silver compete again together and Sebek interjects with “LET ME PLAY WHEN I GET BACK TO THE DORM TOO!” Malleus assures him that they will wait until the end of his shift and Sebek responds, “I’ll take your words to heart and engrave them on my very soul! I’ll work ten times harder than I have been!”

During the drama of New Years Sebek accuses the group of Ruggie, Vil and Cater of throwing a snowball at him, saying, “If I were to hold my tongue and withdraw after such a blow, I could never face Malleus again” and attacking them with snow.

Vil is not pleased, and both express embarrassment for their actions when they are approached by Sam.

Sebek decides to excise the unpleasant feeling brought on by his own lapse in judgement by shoveling snow and Ruggie comments, “Sebek’s clearin’ the snow so fast he’s like a snowblower.”

Sebek will also scold people for making Malleus wait.

He says that he used to go to the barber twice a month because “a proper guard of Malleus must always be properly groomed,” and he will occasionally mention how he attends carefully to his grooming in order to showcase Malleus’ majesty.

This is an issue during New Year when he musses up his hair during his shift at the school store. Vil comments that he didn’t think Sebek was the type to worry about his appearance and Sebek responds, “My goal is to be worthy enough to be Malleus’s attendant! And an attendant must be perfect in all ways! To appear before the one they serve in a slovenly state is OUT OF THE QUESTION!”

He says that he makes extra effort with his hair, using styling products to tame it and ensure it is always perfect.

Vil uses Sebek’s devotion to convince him to be more polite, saying, “If you are to attend Malleus, then it’s only natural you would know the appropriate way to make a request, no?,” and Sebek asks Vil for guidance rather than demanding it.

Sebek declares Malleus’ tsum much more dignified than the other tsums and insists that it ride upon his head or shoulder, as he “cannot abide the thought of a tsum resembling (his) liege walking below human eye level.”

In the courtyard Vil orders Epel to replace Malleus’ tsum when it begins to dance with Vil’s tsum, as he “can’t stand watching that clumsy dancing.”

Refusing to stand idly by after such an insult, Sebek declares that he shall be the Malleus-tsum’s dance partner.

Later Malleus requests Sebek’s assistance with teaching his tsum how to be less intimidating, but Sebek struggles with patting the tsum on its “noble” head and poking: “My heart can’t take this…!”

Lilia says that they ought to skip the minor offenses and go for more overt criticism but Sebek insists he could never criticize his tsum-liege.

Other things we have seen Sebek do for Malleus include:

・Refusing to skip school

・Try to rein in Grim

・Break down a door

・Demand that Rollo hold the Noble Bell College social

・Refuse to join Jade’s Mountain Lover’s Club

・Learn how to confuct himself in social settings

・Say he would have slept in Diasomnia’s garden if he had been assigned to another dorm

・Wish he had been born earlier out of envy of the bond shared between Malleus and Lilia

・Refuse to wear fancy clothing, a gift from Lilia

Book 7 is a dramatic time for Sebek, and he says that he had been second-guessing his choice to oppose the overblotted Malleus: “The look in his eyes as he glared at me with fury and sorrow…it haunts me.”

While he still wonders if staying in the dream might actually make Malleus happier, his true wish is to become Malleus’ finest retainer: “The man that I respect and devote my life to serving is our real-world liege.”

Sebek says he regrets not noticing Malleus’ distress earlier, and he intends to pay more attention from now. (Sebek being inattentive is a theme; more here ->)

The CHARON invasion of Book 6 distresses Sebek to the point that he decides to redouble his patrols through the dorm so as not to allow even the slightest risk to Malleus, checking on Malleus in his room every 10 minutes.

Malleus disappears–worrying Sebek even more–so Lilia seeks out Malleus himself and Malleus says that Sebek’s constant vigilance has been starting to wear on him.

Sebek is delighted by what seems to be a rare opportunity to guard Malleus solo, declaring to the members of his group for a class project that nothing else can take precedence over his liege.

Ace comments “Here we go again with Sebek and his ‘liege’…” and Deuce follows with, “It’s the only thing he ever talks about. I get that he respects his housewarden, but like… You can do that without being so annoying and pigheaded.”

In a vignette we see Sebek come physically between Leona and Malleus upon perceiving that Leona is a threat, saying that his manners are a disgrace.

Azul counters with “How audacious of you to criticize out manners after what’s just happened.” (Malleus had summoned them to Diasomna without their consent.)

Lilia says he expects Silver and Sebek to guard Malleus diligently during the Glorious Masquerade social and Jamil admits that, while he was worried about Sebek’s insistence that he join their group, he is glad that Malleus has a proper guard (Sebek: “Malleus’ safety shall always be my first priority!”)

When Trein asks the group about the waterways of Fleur City, Sebek worries about getting the answer wrong in Malleus’ presence. Jamil provides the hint of, “What would you do if your liege tried to take a walk through here alone?” and Sebek declares, “Why, I would insist on accompanying him, of course! Who knows what manner of miscreants could be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike…” resulting in him realizing the correct answer. (“’Tis a simple question indeed for a proud guardian of the great Malleus!”)

Malleus almost falls to Rollo’s fire lotuses during the event, saved by Siver and Sebek. Later Sebek is distraught by the misunderstanding that the flowers devoured him. 

In the bell tower Sebek and Silver volunteer to stay behind so that the group of Idia, Azul and Malleus can confront Rollo, even if it might be the last thing they do: “We could ask for no greater honor than to have contributed in some small way to your bright and shining future, my liege!” (Idia: “Are we suddenly in a medieval drama or something?” Azul: “Must these Diasomnia boys be so theatrical about everything…?”)

Malleus responds, “I have truly fine retainers,” pleasing Sebek extremely.

After the confrontation with Rollo, Sebek declares that he had every faith that Malleus would vanquish the opposition. (Malleus: “I had faith in you two as well. I knew that my guardsmen would prevail.”)

After Jade reveals that he knows how to play the flute Sebek declares that he can’t let himself be outdone, announcing that he will be playing the violin, though he has never attempted it before, because he has always wanted to try it for himself after listening to Malleus play as much as he has and that way they can have something to talk about.

Sebek does not succeed at playing the violin but is not disheartened, saying, “I’ve gained new insight into how proficient Malleus truly is! I never knew playing the violin was so difficult. My liege is simply incredible!”

Sebek attempts to redeem himself with the flute but then decides that there is no point in learning woodwinds as Malleus’ specialty is stringed instruments.

Sebek is often mentioning Malleus, referencing him repeatedly during the Harveston event (Jade: “You truly care about Malleus, don’t you?”) and calling Idia a “slovenly” housewarden by comparison.

After falling into a ravine during the Harveston sled race Sebek reflects, “If only my liege were here. He’d just fly down elegantly without even using a broom!”

He also comments on Malleus appearing noble and dazzling in his dorm uniform and offers to share tales of Malleus’ heroics with the prefect.

He is pleased by his outfit during New Year’s as the refined appearance means he can stand at Malleus’ side without shame.

Despite (or possibly because of) Sebek’s diligent guarding, Malleus will still disappear without his knowing, and sometimes on purpose: Sebek loses track of him during Glorious Masquerade, the Tsum event, Book 6 and Book 3.

Malleus says that before Sebek enrolled there had been tasks that he had been doing himself in order to learn how to become more independent, but due to Sebek’s eagerness to serve there are several that he has now entrusted to him.

Malleus says he is now capable of using both washing machines and dryers, having gotten in practice by going into the laundry room late at night or early in the morning when everyone is asleep.

Sebek expresses concern after Malleus magically restores Vil’s youth, apologizing for overstepping his bounds when Malleus asks if he thinks losing such a paltry amount of magic would drain him.

Malleus says he is astonished by how much Silver and Sebek have grown, as he had thought that they were still practically toddlers.