"The senior's potion has become more impressive again, hasn't it?"

"Of course! This is my proud modified version. Not only does it take effect instantly, but it also allows the user to transform into anyone they choose, freely and at will. Though, relatively speaking, the duration of the transformation is considerably shorter."

"It feels like it could be used for some really nice things."

"Junior, anything inappropriate is out of the question."

"I never said I was going to do anything inappropriate! Can't I transform into someone else to do good deeds anonymously?"

"*Hehe*, let’s just assume that's your intention then, Junior."

As evening descended, the streets grew increasingly lively instead of quieting down.

After a full day of labor, in an era lacking much entertainment, most people preferred to step out of their homes and bask in the rare serenity and bustling atmosphere of the Lower City District's main street.

Not far away, near the riverbank, came the clamorous sound of people and shrill screams from the children — it seemed some sort of event was underway.

This was undeniably the most peaceful and enjoyable part of the day, and also Moen’s most anticipated moment.

He continued flipping through the guidebook in his hands, quickly pinpointing places that still seemed interesting and worth visiting.

Even if the senior didn't treat this like a date, Moen still hoped to see her laughing brightly under the setting sun, with her hair softly tousled by the river breeze.

Such a sight would undoubtedly be beautiful.

But just then, and rather abruptly, the senior decided it was time to bid farewell.

"Alright then, let's call it a day."

"Now?"

Moen’s hand, flipping through the guidebook, stiffened slightly as he raised his head, bewildered.

"But it's still early, isn’t it?"

"It’s not early anymore, Junior."

Anna lightly flipped her hair and chuckled,

"I’ve already had plenty of fun, and I still have some private stuffs to take care of afterward."

"You didn't really seem to enjoy yourself much today, though."

Moen sighed helplessly.

This outing, which he had presumptuously considered a date, hadn’t gone smoothly from the very start.

In his mind, today should have been filled with sunshine, flowers, romantic lunches or dinners, dazzling sunsets, a star-filled night sky, and perhaps, under the stars, a bashful suggestion from her to find an inn together because the academy had closed for the night...

Scrap the last part, as he realized such a thing could practically never happen with the senior; she would more likely make him blush instead.

However, aside from the decent weather, none of the things Moen had hoped for had actually come true.

Instead, the day had been rife with awkwardness, chaos, sudden confessions, and glimpses of fleeting murderous intent from the young woman.

It couldn’t have been more of a disaster—was there anything worse than this?

"It doesn’t have to end this quickly."

Holding onto his last shred of hope, Moen suggested,

"The guidebook mentions a special fountain nearby. If one approaches with genuine sincerity, the reflection in the water reveals their destined true love. Sounds intriguing—would you like to give it a try, Senior?"

"True love?"

The senior's gaze shifted, unfocused and uncertain,

"Sorry, I’ve never really had much faith in that sort of thing."

Her voice sounded as if carried off by the wind—light, distant, as though it had traveled far away.

Moen felt a moment of daze, unable to discern whether the senior’s skepticism was directed at the gimmicky fountain or at the concept of “true love” itself.

"Well then, I’m heading off, Junior. See you back at the academy."

Anna giggled softly, bidding him goodbye gently.

In the mounting evening breeze, she turned around, her skirt swaying as she melted into the bustling crowd.

Watching her departing figure, Moen instinctively opened his mouth but hesitated to utter words that could ask her to stay.

"Goodbye, Senior."

In the end, all that remained were empty words of farewell, fractured by the wind, vanishing into the dusk soon to envelop the city.

---

"Argh, damn it."

After Anna had left, Moen scratched his head in frustration, tearing up the guidebook that had already become creased and worn from use throughout the day, and tossed it into the trash bin.

"In the end, I still couldn’t properly repay the senior."

He slumped onto a bench meant for resting tourists, tilting his head back as he stared at the gradually darkening sky.

Originally, he just wanted to do something for the senior, maybe buy her something or carry out a favor — that had been his initial goal.

Yes, this wasn’t supposed to count as a date at all.

But treating it as if it were a date... at best, it was simply Moen indulging in his own fleeting, selfish whims.

In the end, all he had achieved was presenting a few embarrassing and absurd spectacles for her amusement.

Beyond that, nothing.

And somehow, the image of the senior, vaguely veiled in mist, seemed to grow even further out of reach.

"Senior, what are you really thinking?"

Moen murmured softly.

Above him, fireworks burst into the sky, blooming like countless stars congregating only to scatter apart.

Distant crowds erupted in cheer, marveling at the brief splendor.

Against it all, Moen’s solitary figure seemed even lonelier.

"Meow—"

Suddenly, the plaintive cries of a cat broke the silence.

Turning to look, Moen saw the small creamy kitten the senior had saved earlier in the day, which had somehow returned, now rubbing against his hand and meowing plaintively.

Without hesitation, Moen picked it up and scratched its chin affectionately.

The kitten quickly tilted its head back, squinting its eyes in comfort as it purred contentedly.

"Silly little kitty."

Looking at the kitten’s foolishly trusting demeanor, Moen couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.

"You should’ve come while the senior was still here, but now you show up after she’s already gone."

"Behaving like this, you’re bound to end up a complete fool someday!"

---

---

After watching the fireworks alone, petting the kitten alone, and politely declining the advances of a flirtatious elder lady on the street alone, Moen decided not to return to the academy that night.

Instead, he found a seemingly luxurious inn and rented a room with a private bath.

"My apologies, but we only have one couple's suite left."

The receptionist, apologetic yet polite, explained:

"There’s an event happening nearby, so most of the rooms have already been booked by visitors."

"Is that so?"

Contemplating for a moment, Moen ultimately decided on the couple’s suite.

In a place like the Lower City District, if even the higher-end inns were fully booked, then most of the more standard accommodations were likely packed to the brim as well.

Although staying in a couple's suite alone felt undeniably pitiful after a failed date, Moen didn't really have the energy to care about such details anymore after everything he had been through today.

"Here is your key."

The receptionist handed over the key with a perfectly polite gesture and demeanor.

"Thank you."

Moen received the key with a smile, noting that the inn's service seemed decent.

As proper etiquette, he tipped the staff before following another attendant to his reserved room.

---

Once Moen had left, the receptionist — who had maintained her professionally cheerful smile all this time — suddenly looked visibly shaken, her expression crumbling into one of terror.

Turning to someone else nearby, her fear became evident in her tone,

"Was that... okay?"

"Yes, it’s fine."

A shadowy figure replied.

Beside the figure was what seemed to be the trembling, cowering form of the inn's owner, shrunk into a corner, overwhelmed by dread.

"You may go back to business as usual."

The shadowy figure patted the terrified owner on the shoulder, speaking soothingly,

"But remember, no matter what happens, do **not** disturb me."

"Mm! Mm!"

The innkeeper nodded fervently, solemnly promising with his eyes that he wouldn’t approach that room regardless of any noise or commotion coming from it.

"Good."

Satisfied, the shadowy figure smiled and turned to leave, her movement lighthearted as she hummed a tune, practically skipping.

In her hand, the room’s spare key danced deftly between delicate, porcelain-like fingers, as though reflecting the rhythm of her sheer excitement and anticipation.