The Book

Just as Eirene was about to ask her third question, her eyes fell upon a book placed on Professor Maeron's side table. At first glance, it looked like any other old book in the room. But something about its cover pulled at her attention — something familiar… something personal.

Her heart skipped a beat.

On the cover of the book was a Green pendant — identical to the one her mother had given her, the one she always wore around her neck. Intrigued and slightly shaken, Eirene slowly stood up from her seat and walked over to the book. Her fingers brushed gently over the cover as she stared at the image, then instinctively touched the pendant hanging from her neck, confirming it was truly the same.

But there was more.

Right next to the green pendant on the book's cover was another pendant — a blue one. It was beautifully crafted but completely unfamiliar to her. She had never seen it before.

A dozen questions raced through her mind. She turned toward Professor Maeron, ready to ask what the book was about. But just before the words left her lips, she remembered his rule — only three questions at a time.

And she had already asked two.

With a deep breath, Eirene stopped herself. Her curiosity burned stronger than ever, but she knew she had to choose wisely.

"Professor, may I take this book with me to read?" Eirene looked at Professor Maeron, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"Is that your third question, Eirene?" Professor Maeron asked calmly, his gaze steady on her. "Think carefully before you answer, because after this, you won't be allowed to ask me anything else today."

Eirene hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded her head in agreement.

"No, Eirene. You cannot take this book with you right now."

"But why, Professor?" she asked, visibly disappointed. "I promise I'll return it after reading."

"I'm sorry, Eirene. You've already asked your three questions for today. The rest… will have to wait for our next meeting." His voice was firm, yet gentle.

Hearing that, Eirene's shoulders dropped. A hint of sadness clouded her face. She had so many other questions—questions she wished she had asked instead. With a heavy sigh, she turned to leave.

Just then, Professor Maeron stopped her with a gesture, pointing for her to sit back down. Silently, Eirene obeyed and took her seat once again.

"Eirene," he began, "life is not always easy… especially when your decisions affect others as well. You need to learn how to make your choices wisely. Strengthen your ability to concentrate. Only then will you be able to reach your true destination."

Eirene, understanding her mistake, nodded softly in agreement.

"Now, go and have your lunch," Professor Maeron continued kindly. "After that, meet Ms. Mary and collect your schedule. We'll meet again very soon. Until then, try to learn as much as you can—on your own."

"And yes," he added with a small smile, handing her two neatly wrapped packets, "these came from your home. This smaller one was sent especially for you by your mother… and the bigger one is for your friends."

Eirene took the packets in her hands, her heart warmed by the gesture, and the corners of her lips lifted in a quiet, grateful smile. 

In the canteen, Sophia and the others were already seated, waiting for Eirene. The moment Eirene walked in, Ginny spotted her.

"Hey Eirene! Over here!" Ginny waved her hand enthusiastically to catch her attention.

Eirene noticed Ginny and hurried over to their table.

"Where were you?" Annie asked, raising an eyebrow. "We've been waiting for you for ages! Lunch is almost over."

Sophia nodded in agreement. "We can talk later. For now, just eat. Lunch break is almost finished," she said gently but firmly.

Eirene smiled at all three of them and quickly took her seat. As she began to eat, her eyes drifted toward another table—Kalen was sitting alone on a bench, finishing his lunch in silence.

She frowned slightly and turned to Sophia. "Why is Kalen eating alone? Why didn't you invite him to join us?"

"We did call him," Ginny replied with a sigh, "but he just ignored us and sat over there by himself."

"Oh…" Sophia murmured softly and went back to her lunch, the table falling briefly into silence.

As soon as lunch ended, everyone picked up their empty plates and placed them in the washing sink. After washing their hands, they started heading out of the canteen.

"What now? Where should we go?" Annie asked, stretching a little.

Sophia suddenly remembered, "Oh, we need to go see Ms. Mary. Eirene still has to collect her books."

"Ah yes, let's go!" everyone chimed in together.

Just as the four friends started walking toward Ms. Mary's office, Eirene's eyes caught sight of Kalen again—he was just a little ahead of them. She called out to him, "Kalen!"

But even after hearing his name, Kalen didn't turn around. He was clearly upset, lost in his thoughts. He still hadn't figured out where exactly he fit in here—what to do or how to behave. Making friends quickly was never easy for him. Maybe it was the hidden anger inside him… maybe that's why no one dared to approach him first. Maybe they were afraid of him.

Eirene called out again, more firmly this time, "Kalen, wait!"

This time, Kalen turned around and looked at her, then slowly came to a halt. The others caught up with him.

Kalen looked at Eirene with questioning eyes, as if silently asking, Why did you stop me?

Understanding the look on his face, Eirene said gently, "We're going to Ms. Mary's office to get my books. You're new here too, just like me—have you received your class schedule yet?"

Kalen looked at them a little confused, as if her words took a moment to register.

Sophia added helpfully, "You should come with us. You can collect your schedule too."

Kalen gave a small nod and silently joined them.