NEST, for me, is indeed like a comfort zone. When a situation is new and uncomfortable for them, they do something to make (idiotic) things back to the way it was. They're not open to possibilities, only focus to their own zone and on Pumpkin? Cinderella? whatsoever.... I feel relieved when the Dean appears. At least he's not as close-minded like those professors.
Now I felt sorry for the duke and the child if they found out the truth. ╥﹏╥