"Long time no see, Moen."

Just as she walked out of the clocktower, Moen saw a graceful young girl leaning against a tree not far away.

The girl looked somewhat familiar, with her brows and eyes bearing a hint of recognition. She was dressed in the uniform of a third-year student, seemingly waiting there specifically for him.

"Fannie, Senior?"

Recognizing the girl’s identity, Moen curiously asked:

"What brings you here?"

"I’m here to congratulate you," Senior Fannie replied with a smile. "To be honest, your sudden inclusion in this list really caught me by surprise. It feels like just yesterday when you scored an 80 on the Magical Theory exam. I even thought about asking you how you’ve improved so swiftly. Do you have any tips to share?"

"No, I should be the one congratulating you instead, Senior."

Moen clicked his tongue and said,

"I didn’t expect you to be so amazing."

Fannie Sawyer.

A few months ago, this third-year student had invited Moen to join the Magic Painting Club. She was also the first name on the list this time.

Judging by how she could stand openly in such a prominent spot, her position on the list was practically uncontested.

"What about my offer early? Do you regret it now?"

Senior Fannie playfully winked.

"I heard that Anna Kablin dropped out. Why not reconsider joining my club?"

"No, thank you for the kind offer, Senior Fannie."

Moen smiled, politely declining her invitation,

"Lately, I hardly have time for any clubs. And besides, I still haven’t left the Ancient Potion Club."

"Oh? So that means you’re now the president of the Ancient Potion Club? How interesting. I hadn’t heard that Moen was also well-versed in potionology."

"Please, I still can’t even manage the basics of distinguishing potions. I’m just…"

Moen gazed into the distance, his expression softening,

"I just don’t want that place to vanish."

"I see…"

Senior Fannie looked at Moen, momentarily dazed.

Under the gentle winter sun, Moen Campbell’s handsome profile was bathed in a faint halo of light, his chiseled yet gentle features glowing warmly. Even though she thought she felt indifferent towards this duke’s son, she couldn’t deny that his appearance explained why so many first-year girls fancied him.

**Click.**

Hm?

What was that sound?

Hearing something, Moen frowned and quickly turned his gaze to Senior Fannie.

Yet her expression remained as calm as ever.

"Actually, I was just joking earlier. I wouldn’t have invited you back to the Magic Painting Club anyway because I’ve already left the club," Fannie said with a smile.

"You’ve left? Why?"

"Because I joined another club."

"What kind of club could possibly gain Senior Fannie’s favor?" Moen’s surprise was evident.

"Well…"

Fannie’s gaze became slightly evasive,

"Technically, I’m one of the co-founders of this club—though I’m not the president. But as for what kind of club it is... it’s not a right time to tell you, Moen."

"Not a right time?"

Moen frowned in confusion.

Was there a club at this academy so secretive it couldn’t be disclosed?

And how had someone as exceptional as Senior Fannie co-founded a club yet not become its president?

**Rustle, rustle.**

"By the way, Senior Fannie,"

Moen’s eyes scanned their surroundings, his gaze darting over the bare trees, the walls, the flowerbeds, and the still-lush shrubbery. Casually, he said:

"What happened to those three girls who usually follow you around?"

"Are you referring to Emma and the others?"

"Yes, actually, I’ve been wanting to meet them for a while now."

The cold winter breeze gently blew by, and Moen heard the sound of leaves rubbing against each other.

"They were supporting me during the exams, weren’t they? I thought I could thank them face-to-face," Moen said with a smile.

The rustling of the leaves grew louder…

"Well… Those three are rather timid. I’m afraid they wouldn’t dare to meet you."

"Oh? Am I so intimidating?"

"No, I think it’s for… other reasons…"

For some reason, Senior Fannie seemed hesitant.

"Is that so?"

Moen acted as though he hadn’t noticed her unusual behavior. He meandered past her, as though leisurely strolling, until he arrived at the white, snow-capped bushy shrubs standing behind her tree.

"Well, if they don’t want to meet, I suppose I’ll just... take the initiative myself!"

Suddenly, Moen moved with lightning speed, his figure nearly becoming a blur. Before Senior Fannie could react, he thrust his hand into the bushes and yanked out something hidden there…

A rabbit.

What?

Moen stared at the adorably fluffy white bunny in his hand, which was still chewing on leaves, thoroughly baffled.

It wasn’t what he expected—just a rabbit?

His eyes fell on the tag around the rabbit’s neck and the faint crunching noises it made as it ate. Moen’s mouth twitched heavily.

Damn it, who the heck keeps such normal rabbits here on campus?

Wasn’t the academy’s most beloved pet supposed to be the Kurs Magic Serpent or the Tyri Three-Headed Hound?

"What’s this? What are you doing, Moen?"

Senior Fannie blinked curiously and asked from the side.

"My mistake," Moen replied as he placed the rabbit back down, awkwardly changing the subject.

"It’s getting late. I’ll head back to the dorm now."

"Coincidentally, I’m heading the same way. Shall we go together?"

"Of course."

The two left together.

The area fell silent once more.

Then, not long after, the very tree Fannie had been leaning on moments before began to twist bizarrely.

The lifelike camouflage faded away, and the tree collapsed limply, revealing three young girls stacked in a human pyramid.

"Phew, that was close."

The girl at the top placed her small hand over her eyes and gazed into the distance at Moen’s retreating figure, sighing in relief.

"We were almost got caught."

"Agh…"

The two girls at the bottom swayed unsteadily, letting out pitiful groans.

"Now that he’s gone, can we get down? Emma, you’re so heavy."

"Heavy? It's because you guys don't exercise enough! I’ve told you before, if we want our great club and organization to flourish, physical fitness is absolutely essential!"

The twin-tailed girl, Emma, hopped down nimbly and waved her small hand. The little white rabbit darted into her arms, nuzzling affectionately against her chest.

"Good girl, Mumu. You were a huge help this time."

Emma stroked the rabbit’s ears lovingly.

"So, did we succeed?"

The other two girls quickly leaned in nervously.

"Of course! With me in charge, failure is impossible."

Emma spread her fingers, revealing a crystal-clear magical projection in her palm.

**Image Retention Magic.**

And the subject of the image? None other than… Moen.

"Ha! My image retention magic is at its peak. I can now take one hundred snapshots per second! No one in the entire academy is faster than me!"

Emma proudly announced.

But it wasn’t just her speed—every snapshot was exquisitely captured. The lighting, composition, and framing all seemed perfect, showcasing Moen's handsome features with striking detail. So much so that the images seemed to elevate his charisma beyond what was possible in real life.

"This is wonderful!"

Alva clenched her fist in excitement.

"With these photos, we’ll definitely be able to seduce… I mean… attract new members!"

"Exactly. Though it’s a shame…"

Amy sighed wistfully,

"If it hadn’t been for Senior Fannie running interference, we surely would’ve been caught. Otherwise, how could we possibly be short on pictures?"

"Speaking of that…"

Alva turned her head and looked curiously at Emma.

"If Moen wants to meet us so badly, why not just get his permission and photograph him openly?"

"Idiot!"

Emma knocked on Alva’s head, exasperated.

"Public pictures can’t possibly be as thrilling as… secret captures! There are moments that only candid shots can capture perfectly!

"Besides, as single-minded and devoted supporters, we’re supposed to cheer for him in the shadows! If we openly reveal ourselves, how are we any different from those shallow groupies fawning over his aristocratic status?"

"Ah, I see…"

The two girls gazed at Emma with admiration.

"This level of dedication… You’re truly incredible, Madam President."

"Hmph, let’s set aside this small matter for now. We have something even more important to take care of!"

Emma’s eyes glinted with sharp determination as she asked:

"Have the betting odds been updated?"

"Yes, they’re out!"

"What are they?"

"Twenty to one."

"Again with the twenty-to-one odds?"

Emma gritted her teeth.

"Those fools, they’re underestimating him again."

Last time, they’d all come close to jumping off the dorm rooftop, yet they hadn’t learned their lesson this time around!

"Place our bets! All in!"

"How much?"

"Everything! Pocket money, living expenses, savings—everything! Even the funds we set aside to expand the club!"

"But… part of it belongs to Fannie Senior…"

"Bet that too!"

Emma puffed out her chest and proclaimed with authority:

"In this Moen Campbell True Love Fan Underground Support Club, I’m the president!"

---

"Hm? The newspaper’s out already?"

Back in the dormitory corridor, Ariel paused her steps mid-stride. She reached out and caught the newspaper that drifted down from a passing bird.

"That green-haired guy in the Journalism Club really is quick. But this time, he’s giving them away for free? Is he turning over a new leaf?"

Ariel flipped through the newspaper. Unsurprisingly, the headline story on the front page detailed today’s announcement of the candidates for the Holy City trip.

The first six names briefly got a mention, but most of the column was dedicated to speculations and debates as to why Moen Campbell was selected and whether he could withstand the upcoming challenges.

Scanning the article quickly, Ariel clicked her tongue.

"So most people feel the same way I do, huh? They all think Moen Campbell is doomed this time."

This wasn’t a conclusion she reached because she subjectively disliked that guy; rather, it was purely based on rational analysis.

After all, if a failing student in the class suddenly scored well on a test, people might find it a bit surprising. But if the class’s scrawniest beanpole suddenly landed a punch that sent the school’s infamous bully flying—no, a group of bullies, at that—that would be downright impossible.

Sure, studying can be done discreetly, but getting stronger takes a process, doesn’t it? Ariel herself had clawed her way step by step to claim the top spot in her grade.

And you, Moen Campbell—you sleep all day. You can't be training in your dreams right?

“Hmm, another betting pool has opened? About whether Moen Campbell can last until the end… Odds are… twenty to one?”

Ariel’s breath hitched slightly.

“No, no, that won’t do! I’m using Lea’s money right now—how could I use it for something like this?”

Ariel shook her head, extinguishing the unwarranted thoughts bubbling in her mind. She tossed aside the newspaper and strode toward the dormitory.

But as she walked, her footsteps gradually slowed, her gaze faltering as she bit her lip in silent struggle.

“But… I really want to pay Lea back soon.”

“The outcome is practically certain this time; there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I’ll just bet a little… just a little…”