An Invitation

The next morning.

As Ewan awoke from his slumber, he saw Anna still seated beside the window, where blue curtains swayed gently. She rested her chin on her palm, gazing out at the scenery.

The faint morning sunlight streamed in, casting an ethereal, jade-like glow upon her fair profile.

In that moment, her usual allure receded, replaced by a radiant purity. Bathed in light, she appeared utterly saintly.

Ewan found his gaze momentarily captivated.

“Awake now?”

His soul was gently pulled back by the soft inquiry. Ewan snapped out of his daze, realizing Anna was smiling at him.

“How do you feel?”

“I… I feel great, better than ever. My mind feels incredibly light…”

Ewan answered instinctively, then came to his senses. “The potion yesterday…”

“It was a sleeping potion, to ensure you had a good rest. After all, maintaining optimal condition before an exam is paramount, isn’t it?”

“Ah, I see…”

Ewan understood, a wry smile spreading across his face.

Unconsciously, he had become somewhat obsessive. Even with his resilient mental strength, studying intensely for only two hours of sleep a month would inevitably accumulate significant fatigue.

Had Anna not used the potion to force him into a night’s rest and clear his head, he might not have performed well in the exam, despite an extra night of revision. For any examination, one’s state of mind is a crucial factor.

“Then, Anna, have you been here the whole time?”

Seeing her still in the same spot, as if she had never left, Ewan couldn’t help but ask.

“How could that be?”

Anna playfully rolled her eyes at Ewan, exuding an air of charm.

“I have my own matters to attend to, you know. It’s simply that you slept for an exceptionally long time.”

“However…”

Anna suddenly crossed her arms, leaning forward slightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Are you implying, Ewan, that you wish for me to sleep beside you?”

“Well… since you put it that way.”

Ewan straightened his back instantly, declaring righteously, “Then it wouldn’t be entirely out of the question for me to make such a sacrifice.”

“Hehe, saying that with a blushing face isn’t very convincing, Ewan.”

Anna giggled, thoroughly amused, before her tone shifted. “While you were sleeping, I made a small change. I hope you don’t mind.”

“A small change?”

Ewan was utterly confused, when Anna handed him a charming cosmetic mirror.

He took the mirror, looked into it, and was instantly stunned.

The person in the mirror had a neat, finely cut golden short hairstyle, even more striking than the morning sun outside the window. The stubble on his jawline had been shaved clean, revealing his inherent fair skin and handsome features.

“This was… your doing, Anna?”

“Is there anyone else here besides me?”

Anna sighed softly. “Seeing you in that state yesterday, I couldn’t resist tidying you up a bit. You don’t blame me, do you?”

“No, not at all.”

Ewan picked up a strand of his new short hair, twirling it gently, and said with a hint of shock, “I just never imagined you knew how to cut hair. And… your skill is so remarkable, I almost thought it was the work of a professional master.”

“Hehe, you’re still so sweet-tongued, Ewan.”

Anna covered her mouth with a light laugh. “But truthfully, it’s been a long time since I’ve cut anyone’s hair. I used to do it often back at the orphanage.”

“The orphanage?”

Ewan keenly caught that word.

“Prying into a woman’s past isn’t a good habit, Ewan.”

Anna extended a finger and lightly flicked Ewan’s forehead.

“The exam is about to start. Aren’t you going to prepare?”

“Ah, right!”

Ewan suddenly remembered and quickly checked the time, realizing there was only about an hour left until the exam.

‘Did I really sleep for nearly fifteen hours?’

Ewan quickly calculated the time, understanding why Anna had said he slept for so long. Even a pig wouldn’t sleep for fifteen hours straight.

‘I wanted to review the key points one last time before the exam, but now there’s no time.’

Ewan gave a bitter smile, then quickly turned to Anna to bid farewell. “Well then, Anna, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Be careful on your way, and good luck.”

“Yes, I will.”

Ewan turned to leave, but as he reached the door, his gaze subconsciously swept back one last time.

In the empty potion classroom, Anna leaned against the wall alone, her head turned to look out the even emptier window. The blue curtains cast a cold shadow over her, making her appear… so solitary.

Ewan’s heart inexplicably stirred. “Anna.”

“Hmm?”

“About what you mentioned before.”

Ewan turned around, speaking earnestly, “The Ancient Potions Club, I want to join.”

“Oh? Saying this so suddenly?”

Anna raised an eyebrow in surprise, then smiled softly. “Are you finally interested in ancient potions, Ewan?”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

Ewan stated seriously.

But in truth, he was lying. He wasn’t particularly interested in potions at all.

For Ewan, who intensely pursued strength, potions were a highly versatile subject but offered little direct help to one’s combat power. It was a field he shouldn’t waste time on.

However…

Ewan suddenly remembered that Anna had finished his last lesson yesterday. This meant the bond between teacher and student had concluded.

But Ewan didn’t want his connection with Anna to disappear so easily. He needed something new to link them. So, whether it was potions, magic, or enchanted paintings, no matter what kind of club it was, Ewan would join.

“Alright.”

Anna looked at Ewan, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and smiled gently. “Welcome, Ewan.”

Ewan smiled back. “Are there any procedures to join?”

“For a small club like mine, there aren’t many formalities. Just remember to drop by every now and then; I’m usually here in the afternoons.”

“I see.”

Ewan nodded. “Then I’ll head to my exam. See you later, Anna.”

“Yes, see you later.”

“Ah, right.”

Ewan remembered something else, but it was a bit shy to ask.

“Um… Anna, are you free on the Open Day?”

Saint Mary’s Academy, despite its closed management, had a three-day holiday after each monthly exam, known as Open Day. This was a time for students to return home and resupply, and also a day of revelry for those who felt stifled within the academy.

It was said that the commercial street outside the academy was only open for these three days each month, yet it still made a fortune. Even the hotels on the street required bookings a month in advance.

“Open Day, you say?”

Anna pondered for a moment. “I have something on the first day, but I’m free at other times.”

“Then…”

Ewan took a deep breath and asked, “Then, Anna, would you like to go out with me on the second day?”

“Oh?”

Anna was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Are you implying… you’re asking me on a date, Ewan?”

“A date? That’s a rather nice way to put it.”

Ewan said, his face slightly flushed. “But in truth, I merely wish to repay you a little.”

“Repay me?”

Anna twirled a strand of her hair around her finger, her gaze shifting. “But, I haven’t decided what reward I want yet.”

“This isn’t a reward.”

Ewan stated earnestly, “This is just a small token of my appreciation.”

“Appreciation?”

Anna paused, then broke into a smile, her eyes curving like crescent moons. “Alright, since it’s your invitation, Ewan, I’ll go.”