Richard and Sigrid at the academy’s formal dinner, the only day of the year students can bring their potential dates to campus (dating is prohibited until an Enchantress or Wicca finishes her schooling at about age 21; Sigrid’s life curse would take effect by her 16-17th birthday, all the more reason why she kept her relationship with Richard secret).
Sigrid initially wanted to invite her childhood crush Batty and confess her love, but since Valentine’s Day when he started seeing an older girl from her academy, her mother Aina tells her to put her attention towards Richard instead – more so when Batty asked to have a bouquet made for the formal (this was before they became romantic, only on friendly terms like siblings).
Bringing Richard to the event caused a stir, with the faculty and parent chaperones shocked to see the son of “The Black Skull of Kiel” and Europe’s most notorious Reaper known as ”Death Incarnate” (Richard was also known as “Playboy Dick” to some because of his past dating many women only to shatter their hearts, a few committing as a result), while many students were steaming with jealousy seeing Sigrid with one of the most handsome and available bachelors in the Occult community. It didn’t take long for many fathers to approach Richard during the event, asking him to marry any their daughters as soon as they finish school – all offers immediately declined with murderous glances. Sigrid, on the other hand, was tormented with questions whether if she was in a romantic relationship with Richard (which she was hesitant to answer, realizing that she was already in love with him) and how she even managed to know him (“He just appeared out of nowhere at Mama’s shop and came up to me to say ’Hello!’” was always Sigrid’s response to how she met Richard).
The night ended with a dance with everyone wearing their masks, many of the couples happy to wear them to hide their identities and affections from the watchful eyes of parents and staff. Richard with his skull mask and confidence took Sigrid into his arms, keeping his eyes on hers the whole time while everyone else stared; it was at this moment Sigrid knew she had to give up her feelings for the young man she always loved since she was a little girl for this older man (who was actually Death, Der Sensenmann, there to collect her soul himself) who will be with her until the end.
Even after over 40 years, people still talk about the night “the Albino Witch’s daughter” and ”Death Incarnate” danced and fell deeply in love.