In that case, as long as Aiwass was able to hold on, someone would definitely come to save him.
It was precisely because Aiwass took a small detour that Miss Maya, who had also gone back to retrieve something, was able to get ahead of them.
The students greeted this kind and gentle lecturer with polite respect.
With an easy smile, Maya casually reached out and grabbed at the air, an action that resembled more of a cat's pawing than a wave.
"If it's from a Transcendent and long enough, one can indeed forgo the air-drying process. A fresh version is quite good, and can be used as a medium to summon demons. However, in that case, the required quantity is comparatively large—at least one or two pieces won't suffice. You need enough to form a circle, and within the circle there still has to be space to place offerings and write runes. Conservatively estimating, you'd need about a meter's length to be enough."
Unlike the teenagers who were just eighteen or nineteen years old, the real age of Miss Maya was a mystery, but she obviously did not shy away from this topic, and at times even showed a tendency towards being playfully mischievous: "This course is an elective, which you could start taking as early as next semester. Not only you, but I think those students who intend to become Inspectors should also take this course, as it would be beneficial for them in discerning Demon Scholars hidden amongst the crowd.
By then, you all will have to repeatedly touch and confirm various ritual materials. There'll be specific parts from both male and female bodies, as well as organs like the heart, brain, and liver. You'll need to know which are specimens, which are merely organs, and which are ritual materials—and which are human and which are animal. This will all be on the test."
Ai, don't be shy... It's like being a doctor. After touching them enough times, you'll be able to tell what animal the materials come from with just a touch of your hand inside the black box. Priest is a profession with diverse knowledge and a wide field, and you will understand this truth sooner or later."
"Did Miss Maya learn this too?" Aiden curiously asked.
"Of course," Miss Maya smiled and walked into their midst, "I too graduated from here, and my father, mother, and grandfather were all Priests. My parents met thanks to Lord Candle Master, and they had a beautiful love. Therefore, they decided to have us all follow this path, too."
"What about if the teacher had children later on?" Angela suddenly asked.
"I already have children, my dear," Miss Maya replied, ruffling her hair, and said something surprising in a very natural manner, "She's already eight years old and goes to elementary school in the Red Queen District."
"Ah, I know about this!"
Getting excited about the topic, Aiden added, "Miss Maya visited my family's antique shop before, and she was leading a little girl at the time."
"Her name is Vivian. If there's a chance, I'll take you all to see her."
Upon mentioning this topic, a tender expression appeared on Miss Maya's face as if it were illuminated with Light.
Aiwass lingered in the crowd, silently watching this scene.
...For some reason, he had suddenly thought of Isabel.
He no longer remembered what his biological mother "Annie Alexander" was really like. Now when he tried to recall his mother, the first image that came to his mind was the version played by "Lulu." That was the clearest memory in his mind.
He didn't know what kind of Transcendent Annie had been, or if she was one at all. But she had indeed given up her life for Aiwass to live, drawing away the Hook Demon.
Aiwass was grateful to her. It was a mother's sincere, strong, and selfless love for her child.
Their group quickly arrived at the White Ballet Shoes Club.
The place was still under a lockdown with Inspectors guarding the door. Every now and then, adults in suits could be seen entering from the outside, heading straight for the White Ballet Shoes Club.
Today, the club only allowed entry to some influential figures, in addition to media journalists and foreign guests. But Aiwass explained gently to the approaching security that these people were all with him, considered as family and friends... planning to bring them all inside together.
"...Wait, Aiwass! Wait for me!"
As Aiwass's wheelchair was gliding down the ramp and was about to enter the door.
A somewhat aggrieved call from Isabel suddenly came from behind him, "What about me!"
Lily stopped pushing the wheelchair and turned Aiwass around halfway.
Aiwass raised an eyebrow and saw Isabel, whom he hadn't seen for two days, running over with her skirt lifted.
She wasn't wearing her school uniform today but rather a white formal dress. Although not as dressed up as when Aiwass attended the banquet that day, she still wore as many accessories as possible, given the need for easy movement. Around her neck was her favorite pearl necklace, carved with a rose out of citrine.
She rushed over anxiously, her light-golden hair that fell to her waist shimmering in the sunset.
Aiwass's lips curved up as he looked sidelong at Isabel and couldn't help but let out a light laugh, "You know... for such a small gathering, a princess like you shouldn't need my invitation to come in, right?"
Isabel was taken aback.
Her running steps gradually slowed until she came to a stop right in front of Aiwass.
"...Because I want to sit with them."
As though finally finding an excuse, Isabel's eyes lit up, "I am your friend, just like them—so I am friends with them too!
"I want to sit with my friends, I don't want to sit in the first row!"
"Then come along, Isabel."
Aiwass said with a chuckle, and Lily deftly turned the wheelchair back around. She had become even more adept now, and even without Aiwass's commands, she could interpret his intentions.
Isabel hastened to catch up, just in time to hear the next sentence, "Today, you are no longer Princess of Avalon. You are just a personal friend whom I invited. I've kept the spot closest to me for you... if we encounter any danger again, I will protect you."
Aiden widened his eyes on the side.
—Didn't you say before that it was for me? I even wanted to steal a scene!
But after looking at Aiwass and then at Isabel, he wisely chose to remain silent.
Whereas Aiwass tilted his head slightly and whispered to Isabel beside him at a volume only they could hear, "You see, our original agreement has been fulfilled in the end. We have entered the sealed-off White Ballet Shoes Club again, and I have also found you friends who share the love of music and dance.
"Compared to those questionable characters in the club, these prospective priests should be more trustworthy friends, no?"
Upon hearing this, Isabel suddenly blinked and slightly tilted her head to look at Aiwass.
Did his words mean... he doesn't want me to be friends with strangers?
Or did I misunderstand?
For some reason, Isabel, who had always longed for friends, was now feeling inexplicably happy.