Vil and Rook (pt7)

In Rook’s dream in Book 7 Vil is a Royal Sword Academy student with Neige, and the two are famously best friends.

Rook quotes multiple lines that he has memorized from an interview with Neige and Vil on the subject, saying that their relationship is “sublime.”

Rook has forgotten the events of Book 5 in his dream, saying that the VDC was where Neige and Vil performed a children’s song together.

Ortho guesses that Rook’s dream-world is a timeline where Vil never quit acting and Grim wonders if this means that Rook never really wanted to be close with Vil.

Idia explains that the dream worlds’ “happiness” filters are superficial, and if Rook wanted both Neige and Vil to be happy it’s possible that the world adapted by removing the cattiness, jealousy and sabotage of standard showbiz.

Epel, however, guesses that there is more to it, as the real-world Vil feels a strong sense of rivalry toward Neige and “he did something during the VDC that he’d never normally do,” even though it would have ruined everything he’d accomplished. 

Epel explains, “Vil wasn’t the only one who got hit hard. It must have been an awful, heartbreaking experience for Rook, too. I mean, he had more faith in Vil than anyone…” Epel guesses that Rook “was so devastated, he actually WANTED to be cursed to sleep forever.”

The darkness of Rook’s dream tries to convince him to stay asleep by showing him Neige and Vil performing together and Epel begins to yell at him about how the real Vil is way less friendly, and “way, way, WAY more poisonous and beautiful.”

Epel tells Rook, “You’re more of a traitor right now than you were when you cast that vote for Royal Sword Academy,” successfully awakening him.

Rook then aims his bow and arrow at the dream-versions of Neige and Vil as they try to protect one another, saying, “What noble friendship you share… And yet that very harmony is proof of my terrible betrayal!”

Rook joins the group, saying, “If I simply let you leave, I’ll never be able to lift my eyes from the floor in our queen’s presence again.”