The Powerful Caldwell Family

Aiden was taken aback.

"It cannot be," he said. "Just now on the news, they said that investigation is still going on."

James leaned in and whispered, "Of course they do not dare to say it out loud on television. No one wants to die mysteriously, hm?"

"Is it a strong family?"

James clicked with his tongue and wagged with his finger.

"It's the Caldwells. You know that they practically rule over the whole vampire race."

Aiden heard about the Caldwells before. While the higher-ups spoke greatly about the Caldwells, everyone knew that especially the younger family members were wild and ruthless. The only reason they managed to escape public persecution was that Lord Marcus Caldwell, the current head of the Caldwells, was one of the mightiest vampires who were pulling the strings in the government. Any incriminating evidence or witness against the Caldwells was sure to be destroyed before they even came to the surface.

"Where did you read it?"

"Oh, in the Daily Dally. I subscribed to their newsletter, you know. Huh? Why is it not here?"

James scrolled through his android screen impatiently up and down.

"It was between the news about the recent landslide disaster in the West Abbey area and the extinction of some parasitic worms on the tropical island..."

The bus came to a halt. Aiden put his hand on top of James's android screen and spoke in a low voice.

"James. You know what it means. Don't talk about it anymore."

"Oh... yes, of course."

Every now and then, someone would come up with conspiracy theories and witnesses and shreds of evidence that pointed out the involvement of the superior races.

Sometimes small printing companies like the Daily Dally were convinced and decided to put it in their newspaper.

To be very frank, it was nothing but a bluff.

Even if there really were some pieces of evidence or witnesses who were able to testify, all of those would be swiftly taken care of, one way or another.

It did not even have to be a Caldwell family member.

It could be anyone from the superior races.

Aiden and James were only two average human beings of very humble backgrounds. As long as they did not stir up problems, and with a bit of luck, they could live peacefully until they died from old age or sickness or both of those combined.

There was no need to stick their heads into trouble. Troubles were for those who could afford to deal with them.

The opening ceremony to mark the first day at Riverdale University took place in the Maple lecture hall. The dean vigorously spoke about the importance of learning for oneself to create a bright future for humanity in a long speech that was sure to put the crankiest babies to sleep. After the opening ceremony concluded, the freshmen were instructed to go to their specific department buildings to receive a welcome package from the seniors in charge and also to ask whatever they needed to know before the lessons started the next day.

On the vast university grounds, white stalls were lining up between the main building and various departmental buildings. These were manned by seniors who were recruiting the freshmen into joining various extracurricular activities.

"Fishing club here!!"

"Freshmen, care to practice your dance moves during your stay in Riverdale? We accept both amateurs and professionals!"

"Book club! Book club for the literate ones!"

A bold senior grabbed at Aiden's arm excitedly.

"Hey man, your face and body are both top-notch. What about gracing our gardening club with your presence???"

A blush quickly spread over Aiden's face as he stammered out his rejection. The people around them quickly fell into laughter.

"Hey, Jerry, that sounded as if you were asking him to  join a prostitution house!"

"How could you do this to him? Poor boy!"

"What do you need a top-notch face and body for in the gardening club? Do your plants only grow when handsome men take care of them?"

Jerry's sunkissed face turned slightly redder . He rubbed at his face for a while before flashing a grin at Aiden. The man himself had a good-looking face that was easy to the eyes. The bright baby-blue eyes, coupled with the tanned athletic body and the great smile were the ultimate recipe for popularity in Riverdale.

"Sorry for being so direct. I really like the way you look, though."

"Thanks, man. I... I am thinking of getting my semester schedule first before joining any club."

"Oh! Good call! Good call! See you later, then?"

Aiden gave him a stiff nod before walking in the direction of the biochemistry department.