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[twistedintern]

Oh, goodness me!

Better late than never, as the saying goes (perhaps a consequence of my unannounced hiatus at the time, who knows?)--it recently occurred to me that I neglected to share photos of last year's NRC staff Valentine's messages and macaron-style compact mirrors!

Allow me to amend that oversight right this instant.

[twistedintern]

THE PROPHESIED DAY IS UPON US!

Yea! Let it be known, that which was foretold many moons past has become actuality with midnight's arrival!

Hark, let none know despair on this occasion, for we as community have been blessed by a development team--a collective of programmers and writers on high--to herein partake in merriment and festivities aplenty!

--What is this "prophecy" of which I speak so fondly?

A TWISTED WONDERLAND ANNIVERSARY DEVOTED TO NONE OTHER THAN THE AWE-INSPIRING, MAGNIFICENT, AND OH-SO-WONDERFUL NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE FACULTY (AND RAMSHACKLE GHOSTS)!

To revisit a proclamation last uttered two years prior:

MANIFOLD FELICITATIONS! JOYOUS TIDINGS, AND ALL THINGS GOOD VISIT YOU AND YOURS ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION!

HAPPY FOURTH ANNIVERSARY, TWISTED WONDERLAND!

HERE, HERE! LET’S FOLLOW THE STAFF'S EXAMPLE AND ONCE MORE RAISE OUR GLASSES TO ANNIVERSARIES IN THE YEARS AHEAD!

[twistedintern]

A Headmaster put to the test!

As someone who rather enjoys the challenges of team-building--a player who aims to score high in her test battles each and every day--I simply could not resist experimenting with the Headmaster in today's daily bouts.

My Crowley SSR's stats of this battle were as follows:

Level 78/106

Magic 1 @ Level 10/Magic 2 @ Level 5/Magic 3 @ Level 5

Magic 1 & Magic 3 selected

Buddies @ Level 1/Level 1/Level 1

Max Limit Break

Groovy

I also used the following in my team:

SSR Cerberus Gear Ortho

SSR Masquerade Dress Idia

SSR Dorm Uniform Azul

SSR Dorm Uniform Kalim

All are at or slightly above Level 80, with the exception of Cerberus Gear Ortho, who is completely maxed at Level 110.

Luck was on my side in battle three (as they say, "third time's a charm"); despite my lower total HP from previous bouts, I was able to score higher thanks in large part to our magnanimous gakuenchou's double HP regen applications activating on Turn 1, unhindered by Freeze or Curse debuffs at the opponents' disposal.

I cannot stress how elated I was with the results! Not only is Dire Crowley able to pull his own weight (and then some) in the new event, but he managed to go a step further and prove his integrity and utility in general combat as well.

In closing, I sincerely hope the rest of the staff SSRs receive the same careful treatment paid to the Headmaster's card. (Even if they don't, I'll make certain that they see use--that's a promise!)

UPDATE

We're not done yet, it would seem!

FINAL RESULT

Splendid!

[twistedintern]

Miscellaneous Notes Regarding Crowley's In-Game Appearance/Quirks/Usage.

Although he has buddies (Deuce/Vil/Grim, to be precise), his SSR is like Rollo's insofar as it does not have the ability to "take" Alchemy classes. As such, all Buddy Levels are fixed at Level 1.

How did the developers choose to work around the "Crowley Special Lessons" mechanic? They didn't. He still shows up if Crowley is present in the selected card lineup. In fact, they go so far as to poke fun at this bizarre arrangement by having him greet himself!

His M3 HP Regen numbers scale with whichever ally's HP he buffs--the maximum of which (at this time of posting) is a whooping 2490 HP as reported with Level 110 New Year's Yukata Rook.

For some curious reason, his vignettes (unlike Rollo's) contain no spoken dialogue. The lore was appreciated nevertheless!

The developers have added a birthday greeting for him. (Yes, I have viewed it already.)

Crowley's preferences are Stylish/Basic, in that order. He has no associated Dorm theme (no, not even Ramshackle).

[twistedintern]

THIS DAY WILL HENCEFORTH GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA!

One filled with... um, Crow Candies.

I wasn't sufficiently prepared to max everything out the gate, but that's quite alright! Progress is welcome no matter the measure.

No longer will my fortunes be left to the whims of graphic glitches.

Hark! What I once yearned to be real is fantasy no more!

IN CONCLUSION: MAY YOU AND I AND ALL IN THIS BLESSED REALM MAKE MERRY ON THIS WONDROUS OCCASION!

[twistedintern]

And there you have it!

There are two crucial meta points that cannot be emphasized enough about our headmaster's particular skill kit!

Despite his being classified as "Balanced", his maximum HP is higher than that of some Defense-type cards, and

His is the first card to apply the HP regen effect upon himself and an ally! How very yasashii indeed!

[twistedintern]

Back in autumn, during the reprise of the Glorious Masquerade event in the JP server, I was lovingly reminded by the narrative of a certain someone's refusal to don the festive attire presented to him by Noble Bell College. While I empathize with the reasoning behind his decision, I'm a touch disappointed that the outfit in question will forever remain unworn and unseen.

Idle hands are the devil's playthings, and as such I found myself putting free time into this: a rough sketch of Professor Trein in Masquerade Dress. (And very much true to form, I was unable to produce anything presentable beyond this cropped area of the canvas.)

[twistedintern]

Navigating Twst JP & JP-EN Term Listing (Updated)

Dorm & Character JP Name Abbreviation and Emoji Index

Heartslabyul > 🃏 ビュル Riddle Rosehearts > 🌹 リド Ace Trappola > ❤️ エー Deuce Spade > ♠️ デュ Trey Clover > ♣️ トレ Cater Diamond > ♦️ ケイ

Savanaclaw > 🏜️ サバナ Leona Kingscholar > 🦁 レオ Ruggie Bucchi > 🐆 / 🍩 ラギ Jack Howl > 🐺 ジャク

Octavinelle > 🐚 オクタ Azul Ashengrotto > 🐙 アズ Jade Leech > 🐬 ジェイ Floyd Leech > 🦈 フロ Tweels > イド

Scarabia > 🕌 / 🧞‍♂️ スカラ Kalim Al-Asim > 🦂 / ☀️ / 🦦 カリ Jamil Viper > 🐍 ジャミ

Pomefiore > 🍏 / 👸‍ ポメ Vil Schoenheit > 👑 ヴィ(ル) Rook Hunt > 🏹 ルク Epel Felmier > 🍎 エペ

Ignihyde > ⚙️ / 🔥 イグニ Idia Shroud > 💀 イデ Ortho Shroud > 🤖 オル

Diasomnia > 🐉 ディア Malleus Draconia > 🐲 マレ Lilia Vanrouge > 🦇 リリ Silver > ⚔️ シル Sebek Zigvolt > ⚡ セベ

Ramshackle > 👻 オンボロ Prefect > 🌸 / 🦐 / 🍊 (♀️/🚺 or ♂️/🚹 will sometimes follow) 監 / ユウ Enma Yuuken > 🦞 コミ監 Grim > 🐱 / 🐈‍⬛ グリ

NRC Staff > 🎓 / 🐦 NRC(の)職員 Dire Crowley > 🎭 クロ Divus Crewel > ⚗️ / 🐶 クル Mozus Trein > 📚 / 📖 モゼ Ashton Vargas > 💪‍‍ バル Sam > ☠️ / 🎩 サム Lucius > 🐾 ルチウス

Others Rollo > 🔔 ロロ Fellow > 🦊 フェロ Gidel > 🔨 ギデル Baul > 🐊 バウル Che’nya > 😺 チェーニャ Cheka > 🧶 チェカ Neige > ❄️ ネイジュ Ambrose > 🧙‍ ア ン Najma > 💫 ナジュ(マ) Marja > マルヤ Dylla > ディラ Kifaji > キファジ Maleanor > マレノア Ace’s older brother > 兄ッポラ Farena > ファレ

Glossary

The following list is in no way all-inclusive. I will do my utmost to update this section as the EN server progresses in story and translations become known.

(If I’ve overlooked anything, don’t hesitate to message me about it!)

Night Raven College

Mage Training Academy - “Wizarding Boarding School” (lit., no one uses this term, though)

Headmage - Headmaster

Housewarden - Dorm Head, Dorm Leader

Vice Housewarden - Vice Dorm Head, Vice Dorm Leader

History of Magic - Magic History

Flight - Flying

Freshman/Sophomore/Junior(/Senior) - First-/Second-/Third-(/Fourth-)Year

Potionology - Potions

Flora Element - Tree Element

Cosmic Element - Null Element

Objects and Activities

Thaumarks - Madol (Magic Dollars) There is no equivalent for “Sorcents” in the original canon, as Madol more closely converts to Japanese yen, whereas Thaumarks seem to reflect United States dollar values. The “cent” of Japanese currency (sen) has been obsolete for decades.

Blastcycles - Magicwheel

Spelldrive - Magift (Magic Shift)

Locations, Countries, and Regions

Queendom of Roses - Rose Kingdom

Shaftlands - Land of Pyroxene (Pyroxene)

Harveston - Village of Harvest

Sunset Savanna - Afterglow Savannah

Island of Woe - Island of Lamentation

Briar Valley - Valley of Thorns

Fleur City - City of Flowers

Event Names

Culinary Crucible - Master Chef

Beanfest - Happy Beans Day

Joint Exams - Unified Exams

The Phantom Bride - Ghost Marriage

Wish Upon A Star - Dance and Wishes

Camp Vargas - Vargas Camp

(A Twisted Halloween) Terror is Trending - (Scary Monsters) Screaming Halloween Show

(A Twisted Halloween) Spectral Soiree - (Scary Monsters) Endless Halloween Night

A Firelit Sky Over the Sands - Scalding Sands's Al'ab Nariya

Harveston's Sledathon - Harveston's Kelkkarotu

Twisted Tsumderland - Welcome to Tsumsted Wonderland

Fairy Gala Remix - Fairy Gala If

Limited Card Names

Apprentice Chef - Chef-in-Training

Suitor Suit - Groom-for-a-Day

Starry Robes - Star-sending Robes

Halloween - Scary Dress

Silk Adorned - Jasmine (Yasmina) Silk

Applepom - Apple Boa

Tsumsitter - Tsumsted

New Year's Attire - New Year's Yukata

Masquerade - Masquerade Dress

Birthday Boy - Birthday Suit-Up

Birthday Jacket - Union Birthday

Birthday Bloom - Bloom (Broom) Birthday

All club outfits - Club Wear

JP Monikers ~ Floyd

(Floyd uses specific suffixes depending on his perceived relationship with individuals–i.e., diminutive/pejorative/etc.)

MC = Shrimp (koebi) Grim = Seal (azarashi) Riddle = Goldfish (kingyo) Ace = Crab (kani) Deuce = Mackerel (saba) Trey = Sea Turtle (umigame) Cater = Sea Bass (hanadai) Leona = Sea Lion (todo) Ruggie = Remora (kobanzame) [changed in EN] Jack = Sea Urchin (uni) Kalim = Otter (rakko) Jamil = Sea Snake (umihebi) Vil = Beta Fish (beta) Rook = Seagull (umineko) Epel = Guppy (guppi) Idia = Firefly Squid (hotaruika) Ortho = Sea Angel (kurione) Malleus = Sea Slug (umiushi) Lilia = Flapjack Octopus (mentako) [changed in EN] Silver = Jellyfish (kurage) Sebek = Crocodile (wani)* Crowley = Manta Ray (manta) Crewel = Striped Beakfish (ishidai) Trein = Red Squid (akaika) Vargas = Lobster (robusutaa) Sam = Seahorse (umiuma) Fellow = Foxfish (kitsunebera) Gidel = Cat Shark (nekozame) *Leona also refers to him as a “crocodile”

JP Monikers ~ Rook

Rook uses a combination of Japanese, French, and English variously; I have attempted to render the names in the simplest manner possible. (Those with names I cannot find in-game at the time of posting are marked accordingly and will hopefully be updated in the future.)

MC = Trickster Grim = Monsieur Hirsute (Mister Shaggy) Riddle = Roi de Roses (King of Roses) Ace = Monsieur Heart (Mister Heart) Deuce = Monsieur Spade (Mister Spade) Trey = Chevalier de Roses (Rose Knight) Cater = Monsieur Magicam (Mister Magicam) Leona = Roi de Leon (King of Lions) Ruggie = Monsieur Tanpopo (Mister Dandelion) Jack = Monsieur Tough Guy (Mister Tough Guy) Azul = Roi d’Effort (King of Effort) Jade = Monsieur Mastermind^ (Mister Mastermind) Floyd = Monsieur Yukaihan (Mister Joyous Offender) Kalim = Roi d’Or (King of Gold) Jamil = Monsieur Multi (Mister Multi) Vil = Roi de Poison (King of Poison) Epel = Monsieur Himeringo (Mister Lady Apple) Idia = Roi de Ta Chambre (King of [Your] Room) Ortho = Monsieur Doll (Mister Doll), “Miracle Boy”^ Malleus = Roi de Dragon (King of Dragons) Lilia = Monsieur Curiosity^ (Mister Curiosity) Silver = Monsieur Sleepyhead^ (Mister Sleepyhead) Sebek = Monsieur Crocodile^ (Mister Crocodile) Sam = Monsieur Mysterious (Mister Mysterious) Rollo = Monsieur du Mouchoir (Mister Handkerchief)

Monikers ~ Other/General

・MC > Malleus ~ Hornton - Tsunotarou ・Malleus > Humans ~ Child of Man (hito no ko) ・Leona > Azul ~ Tako-yarou ・Leona > Idia ~ Kaiware daikon ・Leona > Humans ~ “Herbivore” >>> Additionally, Leona often tags -yarou onto names when speaking of people he doesn’t think highly of ・Vil > Sebek ~ “Cucumber” ・Sebek > Malleus ~ Young Master (waka-sama) ・Cheka > Leona ~ Unca’ Leona - (Leona-)ojitan ・Neige > Vil ~ Vi-kun ・Vil > a great many students his junior ~ “Potato” ・Crewel > Students ~ “Puppies” (koinu-domo) ・Rollo > Trein ~ “Professor Mozus” (Mozus-sensei) ・Sam > Customers/Students > Little Imp ~ lit. “Little Demon” (ko-oni) >>> Sam sometimes will add a descriptor to distinguish between “demons”–examples being Kalim’s kin no oni and Rook’s okappa oni

Unique Magic (Signature Spells)

Below is a comprehensive list of romanized furigana (that is, the intended/spoken) readings of Unique Magic names as they appear in the original Japanese version of the game.

Riddle Rosehearts - Off With Your Head Deuce Spade - Bet the Limit Cater Diamond - Split Card Trey Clover - Doodle Suit Leona Kingscholar - King’s Roar Jack Howl - Unleash the Beast Ruggie Bucchi - Laugh With Me Azul Ashengrotto - It’s A Deal Jade Leech - Shock The Heart Floyd Leech - Bind The Heart Kalim Al-Asim - Oasis Maker Jamil Viper - Snake Whisper Vil Schoenheit - Fairest One Of All Epel Felmier - Sleep Kiss Rook Hunt - I See You Idia Shroud - Gate To The Underworld Malleus Draconia - Fae of Maleficence Silver - Meet In A Dream Sebek Zigvolt - Living Bolt Lilia Vanrouge - Far Cry Cradle Rollo Flamme - Dark Fire Fellow Honest - Life is Fun

Other Notes

+ Che’nya’s full name is rendered differently between the EN and JP versions.

[twistedintern]

Notice from Kyuu!

Hello, Kyuu here!

...Or rather, the mun behind Kyuu. I'm going to drop the grandiose, verbose prose for a bit in order to relay a message to all you wonderful folks out there.

First off, I want to apologize for going MIA so suddenly a year ago. Writer's/creator's block hit hard, and some not-so-pleasant things happened in my personal life that required sorting out. I still play Twst and a handful of other games daily, but I'm in the process of taking over the family business and I've picked up cooking as a regular hobby. I'm slowly but surely doing what I can to get back into the swing of things--especially now!

Can you believe it? It's finally happening! I don't know what's keeping me from shouting from the rooftops in joy; the dopamine hasn't stopped flowing since they made the announcement over Twst Radio.

A Dire Crowley card!?

That means... well, it can't just end with the headmaster! I laugh to think that soon, soon enough, there will be cards for Divus Crewel; for Ashton Vargas; for Mister Sam!

For Mozus Trein.

Just knowing that? Wow, I can't begin to tell you how much it warms my heart.

Cheers!

[twistedintern]

WELL.

WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

'A tad late and a dollar short,' so the paraphrased expression goes....

I prithee cannot help but wonder, visitors... surely you did not believe yours truly would--nay, could--keep mum about this most unexpected and stellar news?

...Although, perhaps not entirely "unexpected". For you see, it was never a question of "if," my dear visitors. Oh, no! It was ever and always a matter of "when"!

The game developers have dropped many not-so-subtle hints over the last six months that staff cards were very much an eventuality.

Rollo Flamme's SSR release.

The sudden absence of new voice lines in the latest Unified Exams, replaced instead with the headmaster's office furniture.

And so on and so forth.

A healthy dose of optimism over the years has helped weather the thousand some-odd days of uncertainty and longing.

Call it an inkling; mayhaps a hunch.

Whatever name one might use to best describe a force that compelled me to reserve sixty (60!) SSR perfumes were the unthinkable to happen--if this, my dream and answer to my prayers, were to become reality.

Seven days.

Then the TRUE wait shall commence.

[twistedintern]

It’s not quite Valentine’s Day if one does not pass time with that special someone (be it in the flesh or simply in spirit)....

...It ought to go without saying that I already placed my order for this year’s Valentine gift-message card sets for the staff.

(My apologies if I caused anyone worry by way of proverbial “radio silence” these past few weeks! I’d every intention of throwing together an analysis of Vargas’s new voice lines--among other things--but life had other plans and demands.)

[twistedintern]

Since the event is based on Hunchback of Notre dame, I kinda imagine and I am so sorry…but I imagine Kyuu is accuse of witchcraft and Trein have to save her from fire by Rollo

I apologize for not addressing this query when it first arrived in my hands, dear visitor, but I found I could not draw adequate conclusions knowing neither the full scope of the event story nor the sort of character Rollo was. And foregone conclusions are one of those things I'd rather avoid (whenever possible).

Lo and behold: as luck would have it, Rollo's raison d'etre turned out to be precisely the opposite of what you, I, and others initially surmised! With this in mind, I believe his opinion of NRC's intern to undoubtedly be far more benign in nature; too neutral to merit capturing and consequently condemning her to burn at the stake. At worst, Rollo might find her sympathy for magicians to be in poor taste. If, however, you were to ask Kyuu for her opinion of the council president following the incident at Noble Bell College and the City of Flowers, she would pull no punches. Though she's the sort to hold her tongue when she can speak only ill of another, this does not hold true for Rollo Flamme. She is convinced he got away with manifold large-scale crimes scot-free without appreciating the implications or ramifications of his deeds. Indeed, although Kyuu is ignorant to his traumatic past, much less anything that came to pass on Noble Bell grounds while the city was engulfed in flowers, I can't say she would care. Her reasoning is fourfold:

Many innocent lives were put in jeopardy as a result of the flowers

The chaos caused by their onslaught resulted in damage to NBC and City of Flowers--two sites rich in cultural heritage and history

His machinations targeted the prince of a nation, which would have been cause for a declaration of war

Finally, she cannot bring herself to forgive those who would befriend someone she cares deeply for on false pretense, then cause them such terrible suffering, grief, and physical pain while trampling on their precious memories.

[twistedintern]

In the wake of ABEMA...

There emerged two sides:

The masquerade outfit fans,

And the Rollo admirers.

Still, even as the hands of the clock turned and event was realized,

They, the players, watched rapt as they came to learn--to understand--the premise and its cast.

Yet, there was one,

Alone; woe!

Try as they might, they could not derive the same satisfaction from student vestments or the machinations of a student council head. Appealing, but lacking the especial substance they craved from the depths of their spirit---

Oh, who am I kidding? This event is incredible! The stuff of dreams most pleasant, of wishes granted, of appetites appeased!

Rollo is a very intriguing fellow; this is undoubtedly true. And the masquerade aesthetic is a robust, dapper, and downright savory style; a savvy blend of sophistication and mystique!

And yet, dear visitors, neither is cause for my mirth and good cheer upon this hour--oh, no!

Rather, it has come to pass that a certain history professor should figure prominently into the narrative!

Although I would leap at the chance to prattle on and gush over his person, I shall instead highlight my favorite details about the event thus far:

Headmaster Crowley entrusting the selected students’ care to Trein (for a number of reasons... albeit to the majority’s chagrin)

Trein enlisting Crewel’s(!) services in watching over Lucius in his absence, a gesture which speaks volumes about their relationship (it also serves to confirm Crewel’s love for canines)

Trein enjoying himself immensely in a space brimming with history; he seizes this rare opportunity to educate his charges on-location

The precious bell of NBC holds profound, nostalgic meaning for him, its tolling hearkening back to his honeymoon and dearly departed wife who was moved by those same sounds

He... gave the prefect his phone number! (I assure you, I am not jealous...!) and expresses his trust in them as he worries after Night Raven’s pupils

He demonstrates admirable devotion to his task as a chaperone and (regrettably) declines the offer to don the masquerade attire Rollo had prepared for him in advance

I cannot wait to see how things unfold!

[twistedintern]

Another year older, perchance another year wiser?

Nevertheless, a birthday is always ample cause for celebration!

(I’m quite aware of the cake’s sorry, slushy state... that’s the trouble with ice cream dessert.)

What better way to partake in customary fare than with one’s favorite person?

---Er, albeit in a more symbolic sense than a literal one... but I digress!

My special day was brimming with darling reminders of a certain history professor. From stray cat encounters aplenty (six in all)!---

---To the surprise vichyssoise my folks whipped up for my birthday dinner. (Imagine my shock when I heard them say, “potato and leek soup” upon inquiring into the precise nature of the chilled dish they prepared. I could neither help grinning as I did, nor suppress the euphoria that seized me in that moment...!)---

---To the impeccable timing of my own gift to myself; one I figured would reach me by month’s end rather than the exact date of my birth! Behold: a necklace to match the ring I procured some months ago.

A memento of the individual I cherish most, one that will be treasured dearly in times ahead!

[twistedintern]

So-called “Quality of Life” updates will soon be upon us.

Alas, my quality of life shall not--nay, cannot--improve in any meaningful manner.

The seasons turn; my sorrows mount....

Yet, I will not lose hope.

[twistedintern]

Special Delivery!

While the chocolate-gifting season is indeed well behind us, expressing one’s appreciation is a timeless thing: a gesture sure to delight any day of the year!

(Thankfully these particular chocolates are merely decorative--the real stuff would have long since melted from the summer heat!)

Allow me if you will, dear visitors, to share with you the NRC staff “Thank You” messages and charms.

May they bring you the same joy they did to me!

[twistedintern]

~A summary/analysis of Mozus Trein’s voice lines [from Unified Exams No.7]~

Once again, the following analysis would not possible were it not for the efforts of the one and only Ras and their terrific Mystery Shop Translations. Theirs is not short of a bonafide labor of love; I am eternally grateful for their kindness in allowing me to corroborate my own interpretation of game content with top-quality translations.

The voice lines under examination in this post can be found here.

DISCLAIMER: As with my previous writings on staff voice lines, please keep in mind that this post is speculative in nature and should not, under any circumstances, be heralded as canon.

Let’s not delay any longer, dear visitors!

(As an added bonus, I furthermore have in my drafts a critical treatment for your reading pleasure: that is, a “mini-study” detailing Professor Trein’s relationship with another canon character, featuring evidence gleaned from personal episodes.)

FACTS

- He lives alone - His adult daughters correspond with him through written letters - They are concerned for his well-being; they often ask after his health and urge him to call upon them if ever a need - His view of academia is certifiably a no-nonsense one. He insists the duty of students is singular in nature: learning should--no, must--take precedence - He is firmly against utilizing the Internet as a research tool and/or study aid. According to him, it is rife with false information that anyone can claim factual. Books and printed matter (which require review in most cases) are far more reliable in his eyes - Not only does he loathe yawning during his class, he finds the gesture rude in public settings in general - He asserts that each and every one of Night Raven College’s instructors care deeply for students’ success and behave in accordance to seeing pupils realize their potential. No matter how strict he and his colleagues may be, what they do is for students’ own good - He strives to keep up a presentable, professional image befitting a scholar: little else factors into his choice in attire. In the interest of tidiness, he always has a lint roller handy for the removal of cat fur - He demonstrates admirable dedication to maintaining an orderly home and domestic environment, such that he cleans his kitchen and bathroom daily. He attributes this habit of his to his late wife--he thinks it unkind toward her memory to live in squalor - He does not play favorites; he treats all students equally - He has on a prior occasion consulted Vargas on the topic of keeping physically fit in a manner befitting his age. True to form, Vargas suggested he take up Magift... Trein is reluctant to pursue the latter’s advice on account of the risk of injury - He provides us with another example of Sam’s product savvy: despite Trein’s misgivings, Lucius has loved each and every cat toy the former has recommended. (A curious thing indeed, as the same cannot be said for the toys he personally selects!)

Logical Assumptions

- When he mentions “living alone,” he means, “living alone with Lucius”. Lucius is an indoor cat, after all: it would be strange if he did not share his domicile with his beloved companion - As he speaks of (laments) time passing since his daughters were small, it’s quite likely many years have passed since they “left the nest”

Speculation

- His daughters demonstrate incredible devotion to their father as well as an interest in his affairs: this very pronounced attachment could be an immediate consequence of having lost their mother early in their lives. Taken a step further, it’s possible that upon entering adulthood they came to recognize his labors and sacrifice as a single parent--a tremendous feat of selflessness and love