The number of victims from the Konets Sveta incident at Neopjevan School this time totaled five people—three students and two school janitors. The incident forced the principal of Neopjevan School to dismiss all students early in the interest of their safety.
A few minutes after the announcement, the Himinn Stigi City Police arrived to examine the crime scene and question several witnesses, mainly teachers.
"This Konets Sveta was completely beyond our expectations…" Kira muttered quietly. He himself had never anticipated the presence of a group of zombies on the first floor when Konets Sveta struck.
Nieza remained silent, listening to Kira's words.
"Maybe I should inspect the scene as well. I might be able to find some clues there. You can head home first, Nieza—"
"Wait, Kira!" Nieza said, grabbing his hand as he was about to leave.
"Huh? What is it now?"
"You… do you really not understand the situation right now? Everyone at Neopjevan School is panicking! They'll tell the police anything unusual they noticed!"
"Anything unusual… and?"
"Your appearance at the school during lunch break will definitely be mentioned by one of my classmates when the police question them! They'll arrest and interrogate you! That'll make things far more difficult for you when the next Konets Sveta comes!"
"So… you're saying I'm unusual? I think you're exaggerating."
"Kira Rainhard! If you still want our cooperation agreement to stand, listen to me and do as I say!" Nieza threatened.
"But… the information—"
"I've already hired someone to dig up information about what happened earlier. Now come with me!" Nieza said, pulling Kira toward the school gate.
Outside the Neopjevan School gate stood a gleaming black luxury sedan, nearly six meters long. Several people nearby stared at it in awe.
An elderly man in a black uniform stood waiting beside the vehicle.
"Ah, perfect timing, Istabene. Kira, don't act strange and just follow my lead, okay?" Nieza whispered after spotting the sedan.
"Uh… alright," Kira replied hesitantly.
Nieza released Kira's hand, removed the ribbon tying her hair, and neatly adjusted the folds of her blazer. Once she finished composing herself, she began walking slowly and gracefully. She looked far calmer than usual.
"Follow me, Kira…" Nieza said softly.
"…Wow. I didn't know you could speak that gently."
"…Kira. Do you want to die?" Nieza threatened sweetly.
"Sorry. I won't comment anymore."
Nieza and Kira walked toward the black sedan. The elderly man in black immediately stepped forward to greet Nieza.
"Ah, Miss Nieza. Are you unharmed? I came as soon as I heard the school's announcement regarding the mysterious incident," the man said politely, his demeanor resembling that of an elite butler serving a noble family.
"Yes, Istabene. It was truly horrifying. I'm grateful that I'm safe, though I deeply mourn my friends who were affected by this tragedy," Nieza replied, speaking like a refined lady.
Kira could only stare in silence at Nieza's complete change in demeanor.
"Oh, I almost forgot, Istabene. Allow me to introduce my friend, Kira Rainhard. I'd like to take him home with me—there's something I wish to discuss with him."
"WHAT?!" Kira and Istabene exclaimed at the same time.
"Kira…" Nieza said quietly.
Kira immediately calmed himself, making sure not to appear suspicious in front of Nieza's personal attendant.
"Miss! What are you thinking?! Bringing a rough man like him into the Puternic family residence?!" the old man protested, narrowing his eyes at Kira.
"He may be rough, Istabene," Nieza said calmly, "but he has qualities that have piqued my interest."
"What?! Miss Nieza… is this the moment you experience love at last?! And your first love is a man who looks this carefree…?"
Kira remained silent. Any comment could ruin Nieza's plan.
"You're being excessive, Istabene. Get in the car, Kira."
"Wait, Miss! I've served the Puternic family faithfully for over twenty years. It's my duty to scrutinize anyone entering the Puternic estate!" Istabene said sharply, glaring at Kira.
"Uh… h-hi, Istanbul— I mean, Istabene… hehe," Kira said awkwardly under the intense stare.
"…He seems… unique."
"That's enough, Istabene. If Father protests, I'll handle it myself."
"But Miss, this decision—"
"He may be rough, but he still has his uses to me," Nieza said flatly.
"…Very well, Miss. I understand. Please, step inside—Miss, Kira," Istabene said at last, stepping aside.
Nieza entered the black sedan. As Kira followed, Istabene leaned in and whispered sharply,
"I'm watching you, boy…"
Kira quickly climbed into the car, eager to put distance between himself and Istabene.
He could only sigh at his fate—being taken away by a girl from an elite family, with no idea what awaited him there.
"You look tired, Kira…" Nieza said teasingly.
"Yes… thank you, Miss Nieza. Your plan this time has truly left me confused."
"Hehehe… I'm enjoying this very much," Nieza replied cheerfully.
On the other hand, Kira recognized the merit in Nieza's plan. Dealing with the police and suspicious school authorities right now would have been a massive headache.
Just after Nieza's black luxury sedan departed from Neopjevan School, a man in his mid-twenties watched it leave. With slicked-back brown hair and the appearance of an office worker—wearing a dark brown suit and black tie—he wrote something in a small notebook. Adjusting his glasses, he reread his notes:
"Two key witnesses of the Malaya Bank robbery left Neopjevan School gate at 13:10. Both appear to be connected."
"Inspector! The school has gathered several teachers who may serve as witnesses to the incident five minutes ago!" a police officer reported to the man.
"Good. I'll head there immediately."