AtRoyal Law University, Theological and Legal Department, First Seminary Building.

Sitting in the crowded lecture hall,Aidenstared blankly at the old professor who was slowly rambling on about the history of theStar Antimony Kingdom, unable to stop himself from yawning. He was sitting in the seventh row on the left side, and several students in front of him had already dozed off, their heads resting on their desks.

...Seriously, why do we, the apprentice priests who are graduating to join the church, have to learn history?

The young man with brown curly hair and freckles propped his chin up, squinting his tired eyes, thinking to himself.

He didn’t hate history... it was just that ProfessorBard's lectures were so boring.

Moreover,Aidendidn’t need to leave the country, and he would likely never meet anyone from theStar Antimony Kingdom. What was the point of learning about its history? What does it matter what theStar Antimony Kingdomwas called before?

Not only that, but they had to learn the complex, twistedStar Antimonylanguage—was there really aStar Antimonyperson who would come to the Avalon church to pray? Even if they did, they would probably go to the Kingdom of Prayer.

If there wereStar Antimonypeople in Avalon, they would likely be under constant surveillance. They wouldn’t need to speakAvalonian—just shout inStar Antimony, and people would immediately rush over to interrogate them. The inspectors, with their helmet-like black hats, responded faster than the waiters in restaurants.

Aidenlooked at the podium and began to miss the encounter with that lady at theWhite Dance Shoes Clublast night.

—Dracula.

A book written in letters, diaries, telegrams, and newspapers, documenting the secret of the death of the Duke of the now-vanishedNarcissus Duchy.

Last night,Aidenjust wanted to read the beginning and end—so he would have something in common to talk about with the mysterious lady in the white dress. But after reading just the beginning, he couldn’t help but finish the entire book. This led to him waking up today feeling slightly tired.

—Compared to what Professor Bard is lecturing about the history of theStar Antimony Kingdom, right now, he’s far more concerned about whetherStar Antimonyhas such a terrifying vampire-like demon.

Because the book was so realistic. It didn’t seem fake.

People say thatBram Stokeris a dream monk who extracts hidden “alternate histories” from the dream realm. And now, this seemed possible.

And if what the book describes is true… then the recent invasion of theNarcissus Duchyby theStar Antimony Kingdomwas to purify the transformedNarcissus Dukeinto a vampire.

But the book’s conclusion, “theNarcissus Dukewas beheaded by an unnamed knight from Avalon with the Holy Sword,” was a bit too abrupt. It could be artistic embellishment or perhapsStokersaw this “alternate history” in the dream realm.

In real history, if there wasn’t the unnamed knight who wieldedLancelot I’s Holy Sword—how would the immortalNarcissus Dukebe killed by theStar Antimonypeople?

But these things weren’t taught in history class.

Because they might not have become history yet, or they could still be secrets.

Perhaps theStar Antimonypeople didn’t kill him at all, but were instead assimilated by him! Maybe he has already corrupted more high-ranking individuals and secretly turned them into vampires!

If that’s the case, theNarcissus Dukemight be reborn fromStar Antimony...

Aidenfocused on the professor at the podium, but his thoughts were drifting elsewhere.

Just then, he suddenly heard loud voices coming from near the door, getting louder and louder.

The noise brokeAiden's train of thought.

Curious, he looked over and saw someone passing by the window.

He instantly recognized who it was—

Aiden’s eyes lit up, and he straightened his posture immediately.

—It wasHaina-senpai!

Haina Danewas undoubtedly a rising star atRoyal Law University.

She wasn’t only gracious and approachable, with excellent academic performance and good looks, but she was always sincere toward others and almost never angry. When there were conflicts or arguments between students, she was the first to step in to mediate. If anyone was harmed or treated unfairly, she would stand up and protect them, seeking justice.

Not only didHainahave high regard among the female students, but also among the male students. She had a fantastic figure, with a thick head of long hair—though usually tied in a ponytail, she occasionally let it down. Unlike those delicate, often gasping "capital city girls,"Hainadidn’t understand such “fragile fashion.”

She didn’t distance herself from the guys, and often hung out with them, chatting and drinking.

Moreover, she liked to play sports. The key point was, she was good at it.

Among the six departments ofRoyal Law University, five had their own rugby teams, and the team from theIndividual Tactics Departmenteven had the chance to play against professional teams.

Though theoretically, rugby teams weren’t only for men, the high physical contact and intensity of the sport meant few women wanted to play. Female enthusiasts couldn’t even form a full team.

Hainawas the only female on the rugby team from theIndividual Tactics Department, but she wasn’t a burden—she was a valuable asset. She was an excellent flank forward, and even the coach praised her, saying, “Hainais the core of your team.” She had led her team to win many crucial matches.

In any sport, the boys’ attitude was very clear: if someone could lead their favorite team to victory and perform excellently, they were an idol.

And if that “idol” was also a beautiful, gracious, and well-endowed girl, her fame was terrifying.

Hainawas like the “big sister,” a star without a doubt. Even though she was just the senior representative for female students in her year, responsible for managing the fourth-year female students’ affairs, younger students from other years would still prioritize asking for her help when they had problems.

ButHainahad also faced criticism for often mingling with the boys. Some jealous students, envious of her beauty and reputation, even spread rumors that she didn’t like boys, but preferred girls. This was why she was so kind and gentle toward her younger female students.

And such rumors couldn’t be disproven.

Because, despite being so outstanding and so popular with the boys,Hainahad never had a boyfriend.

Arlen, the third son of the Minister of Justice and a student one year younger thanHaina, had once pursued her. But he hadn’t succeeded.

Hainawas from a rural background. A handsome and well-educated son of a minister, who was well-versed in literature and art, was clearly a high-quality romantic partner. ButHainanever even gave him a chance to date her… What was more mysterious was that her rejection didn’t makeArlenangry, but instead made him a loyal follower of hers.

But today,Aidenrealized that this rumor might end today...

—Perhaps it’s just becauseArlenwasn’t handsome enough.

Because behindHaina, there was a young man in a wheelchair being pushed by a maid with a gentle appearance.

He had platinum blonde, smooth hair, with deep and defined facial features. Just by looking atHaina, his eyes exuded a tender focus. His deep blue eyes always seemed full of warmth.

AndHaina, walking ahead, wasn’t her usual carefree self. She walked three steps, then turned around to check on the young man behind her, as if she were afraid of losing him.

When their gazes occasionally met, they both exchanged knowing smiles.

No matter how one looked at it,Hainaseemed to care a lot about him.

“—Aiwasi?!”

Aideninstinctively said his name.

(End of Chapter)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com