The Shepherds Are Dense

Chapter 64: Good Morning, Senpai

Thanks to Aiwass’ meticulous treatment, Yulia’s complexion looked significantly better this time when she awoke, compared to the previous time she lost control.She didn’t even need Aiwass to wake her up — she came to on her own.

After getting up the next morning, Aiwass handed Yulia the incomplete [Sun] card — as a “protective charm.”

Even disregarding its significance in mysticism, this card was valuable as an accessory. It had four full points of Aiwass’ fire-attribute mana infused into it, along with high-quality Flame Essence that was both sourced and produced by Yulia herself. Even with charcoal and cotton cloth layered over it, just holding the card let one feel a tangible warmth.

The heat wasn’t scalding. It was more like a steam eye mask or a hand warmer — just right for wearing close to the body in winter.

Yulia was clearly delighted by this gift and reacted with unrestrained enthusiasm. She even kissed Aiwass and gave him a warm, marshmallow-soft hug through her thick winter coat.

Watching Yulia joyfully tuck the card into her clothes, Aiwass absentmindedly tapped his right middle finger on the armrest of the wheelchair, falling into thought.

Come to think of it, Yulia still hadn’t had her first period. It could have been due to being slow-roasted at low temperatures by the Deviant Flame Butterfly, but Aiwass was almost done extracting that now.

She had turned fifteen just last month. Aiwass calculated the days and figured it should be soon. When the time came, he could make her a warming belt — using the same formula he’d just tested, with his blood as the mana carrier, some store-bought imitation Flame Essence, and soft cotton and gauze. That should result in a hand warmer with about seven days of diminishing heat output...

Even without alchemy, hand-crafting a heating pad wasn’t beyond him. Aiwass figured it was still pretty impressive. And this action clearly aligned with the Way of Offering… his blood wouldn’t be shed in vain, and he’d even earn some experience points in the process.

Though she said she’d accompany Aiwass to school, Edward had already left earlier, riding his griffin to the university.

Probably off to find that doctor who was doing the lab tests, Aiwass guessed.

Later, once Lily had also eaten breakfast, she helped push Aiwass’ wheelchair out the door. Edward’s personal valet had come along this time, too.

Since the man usually lived with Edward outside the home, Aiwass didn’t even know his name. But now wasn’t the time to ask.

He was a burly, bear-like red-haired man, walking behind them carrying two suitcases.

This era didn’t yet have wheeled suitcases with pull handles. People used heavy, hand-carried cases made from hard leather over a wooden frame, with brass corner guards — much like the doctor’s bags used during house calls.

The cases were heavy, but the valet carried one in each hand, keeping pace briskly behind them.

He didn’t say anything in front of Aiwass, but it was obvious he found Lily’s slow pace pushing the wheelchair too leisurely — he would frequently stride past them, only to slow down a few steps later.

Hot-headed type, Aiwass concluded.

And judging by this kind of “impatient urging,” his relationship with Big Brother was probably pretty good. After all, Avalon’s dominant path was Authoritarianism, where etiquette and “propriety” were held in high regard. Aiwass himself didn’t mind such things, but he couldn’t say whether he mind.

This, in turn, suggested that Edward treated his subordinates very kindly and wasn’t the type to throw his weight around.

That was surprising.

Someone like Edward — taciturn, secretive — being so gentle in private…

By the time Aiwass’ group arrived at the university town in Red Queen District, Edward had seemingly finished his business and was standing there giving his griffin some water.

As Aiwass approached, Edward seemed to sense him, turned around, and gave a slight nod to his valet.

Though Edward said nothing, the red-haired man immediately understood: “Where should I deliver them?”

“14 Ronin Street.”

Edward replied simply.

Aiwass asked, “Is that our dormitory? I thought it was supposed to be inside the university?”

“The Royal Law University is enormous,” Edward shook his head. “Ronin Street is the road just outside the Theology Department’s main academic building. From the building’s front entrance, walk straight east — no turns. Walk about five hundred steps, cross a small park and bridge, and you’ll see the house.

“I just went and checked it out. It’s beautiful, right by the river... also quite close to the Law Department. You can even take a boat right outside. And it’s only about four hundred steps from the Second Dining Hall. Lily, if you want to audit any classes at the Law Department while Aiwass is resting, you’ll get there in the same number of steps — even closer than the student dormitories.”

Seeing Lily’s eyes go wide, Edward immediately explained, “I didn’t buy it. It’s a short-term gift from Her Highness the Princess.

“Houses on Ronin Street aren’t something money can buy — typically, they’re royal benefits granted by the Queen to professors.”

Absurd.

Aiwass thought.

So this “detached dormitory” Master Yanis mentioned wasn’t a student dormitory building at all — it was a standalone meant for university faculty?!

Good grief, what kind of setup is this?

Edward added, “As I understand, this villa was originally intended for Master Yanis. Though she turned down the university’s offer to become a guest professor, the house was still gifted to her. Then, she returned it in her own name as a personal gift to Princess Isabel.

“And according to Her Highness… this villa is yours until you graduate.”

There was a trace of suppressed curiosity and astonishment in Edward’s gaze as he looked at Aiwass.

After they’d resealed and treated Yulia yesterday, neither of them had the energy to talk about Aiwass’ meeting with the Princess. Edward had no idea what happened.

Aiwass figured,

Once [Golden Dawn] gets dropped off at the house, you’ll probably come straight over and ask me, “What happened that night...?”

Just as Aiwass smiled politely, hiding his own questions behind a cordial expression—

Edward suddenly leaned in and gave him a slightly awkward hug.

Yulia was tiny, so hugging her felt natural. But Edward, who stood at a towering 189 cm, now looked like a giant awkwardly bending down to face the ground. Aiwass felt uncomfortable just watching it — Edward’s back must’ve been killing him.

Aiwass muttered internally — and then suddenly noticed Edward stealthily slipping something into his chest.

His instincts tingled. He slipped his hand into his outer coat pocket and felt around the shape of the object.

Just two touches, and he knew instantly what it was—

—A handgun.

More precisely, it was the Elven-crafted pistol, “Lady’s Grasp,” that Aiwass had turned over after killing the wicked warlock Veronica!

“…Is school really that dangerous?”

He leaned in and whispered by Edward’s ear, “Doesn’t Royal Law University have government-level security? Why bring a murder weapon to the first day of class?”

Just imagining the scene — starting the new semester two and a half months in, armed with a gun that had killed someone — made Aiwass feel rather complicated.

But he didn’t turn it down.

Right now, he only had one [Enchanted Card: Shadow Blade] and the cathedral key for his ultimate move. He was lacking in means of self-defense and intimidation. A conventional weapon was still useful — after all, being threatened with a gun was much more convincing than being threatened with a key.

“I don’t know.”

Edward’s voice was low and grim. “But the moment I walked in today, my instincts told me... something feels wrong about the campus atmosphere.”

Aiwass raised an eyebrow and accepted the explanation.

As a high-level transcendent, Edward’s spiritual senses and vision were far sharper than his. Even if it was just a baseless “bad feeling,” it was likely still a valuable warning.

He truly just wanted to attend school in peace.

Please, whatever’s about to happen, don’t let it land on …

“If something go wrong at Royal Law University, it’s definitely a professor.”

Edward straightened up, paused for a few seconds, and said in a low voice, “In any case, carry it with you. Your safety comes first. If anyone discovers the gun, just say I gave it to you and tell them to contact the Inspectorate.

“No matter who it is, don’t hand over the weapon — say I told you not to. Got it? Unless I personally show up, you’re not to surrender the gun to .”

“Got it.”

Aiwass nodded decisively.

Pleased with his decisiveness, Edward nodded slightly in approval.

He stepped aside, revealing a disheveled Haena running up from afar: “I found you a senpai to show you around… You’ve met a couple times before, so you should be familiar. From now on, stick with her. If you need anything, ask your senpai. If someone gives you trouble, go find her.”

“Sorry, Inspector-General, sir!”

Haena squeaked in fear and anxiety as she ran up. “I think I… might’ve been just a late… How long did you wait?”

“No, you’re not late. Aiwass only just arrived.”

Edward spoke calmly. When he looked up at Haena, his face went completely expressionless — like a pale metal mask had been slapped onto it: “Haena Dain, Junior Inspector. I leave my brother in your care.”

Haena let out a long breath.

She had just been sure she’d arrived late and her heart had nearly stopped from panic.

“Yes, sir!”

But at the same time, she stood at attention without hesitation, her face full of determination.

She hadn’t known who the Inspector-General was before.

Though he’d seemed vaguely familiar, like she’d seen him somewhere before… that had to be a mistake.

No way she’d ever meet someone this high up…

—This man was the head of the entire Inspectorate on Glass Island! Easily the most powerful person she’d ever met!

Even higher ranked than Director Kent by at least a tier and a half!

The Inspectorate also oversaw anti-corruption investigations and disciplinary enforcement. Which meant, basically, he was the boss of her boss’s boss’s boss’s boss...

She’d originally planned to spend today reading in the dorm, since Director Kent had given her the day off.

And then—out of nowhere—the Inspector-General showed up with a cold expression and his credentials in hand. Haena nearly peed herself — no exaggeration.

Her legs had given out from fright.

At first, Haena thought she’d made some huge mistake and was about to be fired or executed by the Inspectorate!

Would the Inspector-General really come for someone like ?!

Only after hearing that it was because “she’s helpful, kind, and well-liked by classmates,” and being asked to help Aiwass around campus and introduce him to classmates, did Haena finally breathe again.

Even her fingertips and jaw had gone numb.

Once Edward finally left, it took her a while before she even felt her heartbeat return. Her neck, back, and cheeks had all been drenched in sweat.

She didn’t have time to heat any water to wash up — she just changed clothes, wiped herself off, and ran.

Halfway there, she realized she’d forgotten her shoes and coat, so she had to run back again.

Fortunately, she was fast. She hadn’t kept Aiwass and Edward waiting long.

In fact, Edward had timed everything precisely to give her just enough time to wash and get dressed…

If she hadn’t turned back, she probably would’ve arrived early — and that would’ve meant Edward couldn’t sneak the gun to Aiwass, and might’ve ended up annoyed.

From that perspective, Senpai Haena was actually quite lucky...

“——Good morning, Senpai.”

Seated in his wheelchair, Aiwass subtly adjusted the position of the handgun in his coat, and with great interest, looked at the senpai whose brain had gone completely blank upon meeting a big shot.

He flashed a bright and friendly smile:

“It’s been a while… we haven’t seen each other in what, two days?”