Aiwass actually didn't find it strange that Princess Isabel came to look for him.
Princess Isabel had always longed to have a true friend, but whether it was the curse that erupted unpredictably on her body, or her social status, and her own character flaws, all made this quite difficult.
Other people were either too scared to approach her, or they didn't know how to approach her. The very few who dared to brave the curse to try to get close to Isabel were mostly those with ulterior motives.
Transcendents with the Adaptation of the Path of Beauty must have exceptionally strong intuition and perception—they are those who, even before embarking on their Path, could vaguely sense the attitudes in others' hearts and the beauty in every detail of all things.
There was no reason for it, nor was it a sort of knowledge or technique. It was just a pure, inexplicable "intuition."
Those who wanted to take advantage of Isabel's melancholy and loneliness to infiltrate for some purpose were easily caught by her. And even if the other party's disguise and acting were strong enough to deceive her intuition, she still had Mrs. Yanis as a counselor.
Having already gained the approval of Yanis, Aiwass was tantamount to passing a character review; because of the experiences in Dreamland, coupled with the enjoyable dinner conversation, she was now completely at ease with Aiwass.
In other words, Aiwass was now the only friend with whom Isabel could interact normally.
Whether it was showing off her friend to others, demonstrating that "she too has friends," or even just simply seeking out Aiwass for fun... Isabel would surely come.
—Compared to Aiwass, it was Isabel who seemed to be the "new transfer student." And Aiwass had become the only acquaintance she knew in the unfamiliar terrain of the school.
What Aiwass didn't expect was that she would come so quickly and urgently.
And what surprised Aiwass the most was—how did Isabel know he was here?
An hour ago, even he didn't know he would be here!
It wasn't a scheme by his elder brother Edward. Instead, it was Hayna, upon receiving a task from Edward, realizing she couldn't always be by Aiwass's side... so she decided on the spur of the moment to use her own prestige to help Aiwass make some familiar faces.
To put it simply, she was showing the attitude of "this child is under my protection." It was entirely her impromptu decision.
The Royal Law University covers a vast area. Walking from the College of Arts in the sixth division to the Theological Seminary in the fourth division would take at least an hour on foot.
Without a clear purpose, Isabel couldn't possibly wander all the way here.
After Aiwass expressed his doubts, Isabel's expression stiffened.
She hesitated for a while and then gave a somewhat uncertain but honest answer, "I knew you were coming to school today, and I asked a teacher... The teacher said you were here.
"The teacher also said you were giving a lecture to the students. I was curious... so I wanted to come and see."
Isabel said wistfully," But it seems I'm too late. By the time I got here, your class was already over."
It was something Yanis saw from the paintings. Indeed, the university's hallways and classrooms were filled with various portraits of famous people. And those paintings were her eyes.
No wonder Her Highness was hesitant.
After all, it was also a form of spying—she was worried that he would become angry because of this, or that it would cause him to distance himself from her.
...But this was an entirely unnecessary concern.
How could he possibly be angry over something ? Isabel was really too sensitive.
However, Aiwass didn't directly say anything about "not minding it." Because in this context, even if he did say it, she might not believe him, at best understanding it as a "polite way of saying he doesn't mind, just to keep her from feeling awkward."
While it wouldn't damage Aiwass's own image, it might make her feel more guilty and anxious.
Therefore, Aiwass lightly skipped over the subject, showing his attitude that he truly didn't mind:
"Your Highness, did you have the morning off today?"
Isabel answered without hesitation, "It's a vocal music class... I'm doing very well in this subject, so missing it once in a while is no problem."
Aiwass was somewhat helpless, "That really wasn't necessary..."
Hearing their conversation, Professor Bard, who was standing behind Aiwass, suddenly froze.
Princess Isabel... wasn't she supposed to love singing?
His gaze landed on his new student, filled with complexity.
Isabel suddenly thought of something, her eyes lit up.
She interrupted Aiwass and, smiling at Aiwass and Lily, said, "The house I gave you... it looks okay, doesn't it?"
"I haven't moved in yet, Your Highness,"
Aiwass spoke softly, "I've just arrived at the university and haven't had a chance to see it. But my luggage has been sent ahead."
"How about I take you both there after lunch?"
Isabel quickly added, "If you have plans for lunch, then in the afternoon... or evening would be fine too."
...She really feared being rejected by him, and was also afraid of being a bother to others.
Aiwass was very aware of this.
So he simply looked directly at his old classmate, John Eden. Isabel followed his gaze towards John.
In an instant, the other students who were watching also turned their attention to Little John.
Suddenly blasted by so many gazes, Little John was stunned for a moment.
He felt a chill run down his spine and the pressure mounting, his body so rigid he couldn't speak.
—At that moment, Aiden felt as if he could understand why Princess Isabel was always so cautious with her words.
When he was silently observed by so many people with ambiguous yet seemingly understandable intentions, he also didn't dare to move nor speak rashly.
"Speaking of which, Aiden…"
In the utterly silent atmosphere, Aiwass spoke up, "You were looking for me just now, was there something you needed?"
Aiden hesitated to continue. He felt the gazes around him grow even heavier.
Do I have something… or should I not?
Scratching his head in distress, Aiden glanced at Princess Isabel's expression and answered hesitantly, "It's also possible to say there's nothing…"
"Then that means there is something."
"Ah no, not that... I just had some minor thing I wanted to ask you about, it's regarding something mentioned in a novel! It's not urgent…"
Aiden was sweating profusely.
Princess Isabel clearly wanted to go play with Aiwass—would he seem too insensitive if he said he did have something?
Forget it, at worst I'll just discuss what Aiwass talked about in class previously tonight...
Why not just take Aiwass there to talk on my behalf?
At this point, Aiden suddenly recalled what he should say, and his words flowed smoothly, "I know a place that's really fun. After you're free, I would like to invite you over!"
Aiwass arched an eyebrow without responding.
Because he heard "novel," he realized what the scenario was.
It was Aiden's first mission since his debut.
John Aiden was given a copy of "Dracula," sparking a slight interest in the existence of vampires. He appears after the player has obtained permission from the professor and requests the player to investigate whether "vampires truly exist." He had bet that vampires were real at the White Ballet Shoes Club, but he didn't have access to the library.
After this quest chain is completed, it unlocks the "White Ballet Shoes Club" map and the club's favor.
Though "White Ballet Shoes Club" sounds like a dance club, it actually has some but not much relation to it.
It is said to be a club, but in reality, it is more like a student society with a threshold to entry. Initially established by a group of students who enjoyed ballet performances, they took turns inviting ballet troupes from the Iris Kingdom to perform at the Royal Law University, while also promoting their hobby to other students.
As more people join, it's no longer just a circle for ballet enthusiasts—after all, too much of anything can get tiring. So now, it has become a hub for all sorts of performing arts enthusiasts including theater, opera, and stage plays.
Every day, singers, bands, dance troupes, and theater groups are invited to perform. You can go watch for free, enjoy complimentary catering, or simply treat the performance as background music, finding a corner to have tea and chat with others. If a band is playing, interested students can also take to the dance floor.
Even though the club is located within the college, even after students graduate, they are not barred from returning—only that they need to pay the membership fee again.
In a sense, then, it's like a form of permanent alumni association.
Since such socializing has an element of privacy, to join the "White Ballet Shoes Club" one must be invited by a member. The inviter is also the guarantor, vouching for the new member's character. If a member is expelled for committing disagreeable acts, the guarantor will also be penalized.
Isabel had always been intrigued by this club. Yet, she couldn't find anyone to invite her, and she dared not enter such a confined social environment alone—she knew without guessing that she would instantly become the focus upon arrival.
It might even inconvenience others, making their relaxed atmosphere tense... and that could cause dislike.
Certainly, if Aiwass were to join the "White Ballet Shoes Club," he wouldn't need to complete any "trust quests." In fact, just moments ago, several people had already invited him.
In Aiwass's memory, that minister's secret could only be investigated through the "White Ballet Shoes Club." Because resting here were judges, inspectors, monitors, and civil servants—almost everyone from different systems could be seen here, except for military personnel.
Aiwass thought to himself, narrowing his eyes.
He might as well agree to Little John's request. And take Isabel along as well.
He hadn't forgotten his prior intention.
He was to help Isabel build confidence, to help her find good friends. And now was a perfect opportunity.
Aiwass spoke softly, "I guess the fun place you're talking about is the 'White Ballet Shoes Club,' right? Quite a few classmates have already invited me just now, it seems genuinely interesting…"
Hearing this, Isabel's eyes brightened.
She looked eagerly at Aiwass, clearly hoping he would agree.
In this way, Aiwass as a formal member could invite her in too!
However, Isabel did not realize that Aiwass's way of doing things was more straightforward than she imagined:
"I do have some time this afternoon. Once the afternoon classes are over, I can join you."
Aiwass looked at Isabel with a smile and then returned his gaze, "However…"
"Would you mind if I brought along two more people?"