"Miss Luna! Are you going to be my first investor?! It's a bit embarrassing to have a ten-year-old Witch fund my painting…"
"I'd be delighted, Miss Luna."
Ethan's eyes sparkled. He had considered submitting his work to newspapers and magazines before, but the obstacles remained: no professional art tools, his young age, and no one with a discerning eye to appreciate his art. One rejection letter had even read, "You should pay me for the emotional distress of looking at this work."
Damn it (╯>д<)╯!!
It had been a biology magazine! What was wrong with his anatomical diagrams, drawn with professional precision?
But now, Ethan had finally found his "soulmate," even though she hadn't seen his paintings yet. He was determined she would never regret it.
Luna blinked, unsure why this boy had suddenly started calling her "Miss Luna." Yet, she illogically concluded that this boy, who conversed with such ease, must also be a talented artist.
"Hmm, then it's settled."
Luna nodded, pursing her lips into a smile at Ethan.
"I'll tell my dad when I get home. Oh, right, he's the editor of The Quibbler."
"Hmm… I think the article about how long-term broomstick riding can cause 'broomstick rash' still doesn't have an appropriate illustration," Luna said earnestly. "Because, you see, everyone is still flying around on broomsticks. And those who are afflicted never readily let others see their bottoms."
Ethan suddenly realized. The reason he could have such a fluid conversation with Luna, a witch who was only ten years old, was precisely because she spoke so coherently. Especially in long sentences, she could clearly convey her meaning. Most children simply spoke whatever came to mind, often wildly and nonsensically.
Perhaps it was precisely because everyone could understand what Luna was saying that they found the content even more absurd.
"I will make everyone fully aware of the dangers of 'broomstick rash,' you can rest assured," Ethan said, flashing a confident smile.
With the problem of art supplies solved and a magazine ready to publish his work, Ethan's mood instantly brightened. Luna's light golden hair, shimmering in the sunlight, and her fair face seemed to be bathed in a golden glow in his eyes. Luna was an angel!
At the same time, Ethan secretly vowed in his heart. He would definitely use his exquisite paintings to bring The Quibbler into the public eye. He would overthrow The Daily Prophet!
Meanwhile, people working at The Daily Prophet offices suddenly felt a chill, as if they were being targeted by some sinister presence… A shiver, they thought, it must be a delusion. After all, the greatest terror, You-Know-Who, had fallen, hadn't he?
After purchasing his school supplies, Ethan visited a bookstore for research, browsing through titles such as "Complete Guide to 16th Century Punishments," "Various Traumas and Their Treatment," and "The Truth About Witch Hunts You Don't Know," among others. He benefited greatly from his reading.
As the sun set, its fiery afterglow dyed the sky. Ethan bid farewell to Luna.
"I'll write to you when I get back," Luna said. "It's a pity my house is currently experiencing a freshwater balloon fish flood; otherwise, I would have invited you over to play."
"I'm looking forward to it," Ethan smiled. The wind ruffled his dark hair as it blew across his cheek, his cobalt-blue eyes curved, and his raven-feather-like eyelashes cast small shadows beneath his eyes. Even though his clothes were thin and old, they couldn't conceal his outstanding demeanor, making him noticeable.
Luna stared blankly at Ethan until his back disappeared down the street before she came back to her senses.
"…I made a new friend, Dad will definitely be happy." Luna mumbled, her mood once again joyful. Ignoring other people's gazes, she skipped like a fawn towards her father, who was already waiting for her.
Spinner's End.
After returning home, Ethan didn't wait long. On a misty morning, an owl flew from Luna's house, carrying a complete set of painting materials. This included a twelve-color set of oil paints and turpentine, an oil painting paper pad, and three paintbrushes of different sizes. They weren't high-end materials, just very basic ones. Compared to the "heavy weaponry" in his former art studio, they probably wouldn't even count as scraps, as even canvases alone were divided into different grades.
But now, Ethan held this pile of art supplies with paint-stained fingertips, as if they were priceless treasures. In this monotonous, simple room, covered with black and white sketches, they were the only vibrant colors.
Along with them came a letter from Luna:
My good friend Ethan,
My dad and I have discussed it. He is very happy to publish your paintings and looks forward to seeing what kind of artworks you can create. I think for our first issue, we'll illustrate "broomstick rash." The original manuscript is as follows.
After you finish painting, please give the original to Carrot—it's the owl that delivered the letter. Once we receive the original, we will make copies at my house. After copying, we will send your original back to you so you can keep it yourself.
Looking forward to your reply,
Luna
P.S. I hope I didn't buy the wrong art supplies, because they are "animal-derived pigments." I think it's very interesting.
After reading the letter, a faint smile unconsciously appeared on Ethan's lips. He looked up at the grey-blue owl standing on the windowsill. The owl looked back at him with its bright yellow eyes.
"Hoo hoo?" The owl's neck turned ninety degrees, and it blinked.
Dunce, Ethan mused, chuckling. He raised his hand to beckon the owl over and poured it a dish of water. As for food, in Spinner's End, where trash was plentiful, it was sure to find something satisfying.
Without further ado, Ethan immediately began to prepare for painting. He first went to the faucet and thoroughly washed his hands, dried them, and then opened the sketchbook. Touching the off-white texture of the paper, Ethan felt his artistic passion burning fiercely.
An illustration for broomstick rash, right? Very good! He would absolutely use his painting to ensure that no one could ever again treat this article as an absurd joke. Under surging emotions, inspiration gushed forth from his mind like a spring.
Ethan picked up the paintbrush—he still couldn't transform his wand into his exclusive paintbrush. He dipped it in red paint and smeared it on the paper, concentrating fully on his drawing. Gradually, a faint, almost imperceptible smell of blood began to permeate the room.
…
When the sun rose, set again, and the sky grew dim once more, Ethan finally put down his paintbrush. By this time, he was pale and panting. However, Ethan's eyes were as bright as stars, staring wide at the paper with a look of fascination. From an outsider's perspective, it might have seemed strange, sending chills down one's spine. The once white paper was now entirely covered in red.
A familiar system notification shimmered into his vision:
[Extraordinary-grade painting detected, automatically added to the gallery]
[Name: Broomstick Rash]
[Type: Portrait]
[Grade: First Tier · White Rare]
[Description: "Broomstick rash? What is that? Hahaha, so funny! – Wait, what part of your body are you talking to me with?!" (A typical Muggle reaction to this report.)]
[Effect: ① Causes strong discomfort to the viewer, may trigger a severe aversion to broomsticks; ② When used, the target's skin may slightly break out in red rashes where the painting makes contact.]
[Hint: If combined with corresponding spells, this painting can be further upgraded.]
[Gallery: 2 paintings]
[Novice Gift Pack progress: 2 / 5 unlocked]
***
(End of Chapter)
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