Rodrika’s voice snapped Silphiel back to her senses. Staring at Gao Ying, her cheeks flushed crimson.

She yanked her hands away, leapt off the bed, and looked like she wanted to vanish into the floor.

Yes—she remembered every second. It was all her fault, not Gao Ying’s! Under the potion’s overwhelming effect, she’d lost control completely.

She’d nearly recreated that scene from the underground dungeon again.

Hastily straightening her clothes, she turned to Rodrika’s "innocent" face, patted her head, and explained: "Holy Maiden, I was just checking the Hero’s health. He’s been training so hard lately—I worried he might be injured. But after the examination? Perfectly fine. Absolutely perfect!"

"Eh? A health check?"

Rodrika tilted her head, confused. *Why did you strip off your own clothes to examine the Hero, Silphiel?*

But simple-minded Rodrika didn’t dwell on it. Gao Ying stood up from the bed, facing her. "Rodrika, ask the Sage of Stars to wait a moment. I need to change before greeting her."

The interruption killed the mood instantly. Gao Ying and Silphiel’s eyes met by accident—then both looked away sharply.

Gao Ying was relieved Rodrika arrived in time. Otherwise, he might’ve fallen into Silphiel’s trap again. *Blurring lines between acting and reality? Impossible. She’d always find excuses. There’s definitely a hidden agenda behind this.*

Yet relief mingled with a trace of regret.

Silphiel couldn’t face Gao Ying anymore. *This potion’s too potent—it twisted my will completely!* Thank goodness for Rodrika. Otherwise, she’d have actually lost her virginity to him.

*Absolutely not happening.*

After dressing, Silphiel fled downstairs first, her mind heavy. Why was she still replaying those moments?

Shaking her head fiercely, she gripped the stair railing and slammed her palm against her forehead to clear the thoughts.

She rushed into the parlor and spotted her childhood friend Haierjia.

Haierjia chatted and laughed with maids, her fingertips shimmering with magic as she performed playful spells, drawing giggles from the girls.

Hearing footsteps, Haierjia looked up—locking eyes with Silphiel.

She opened her mouth to greet her, but Silphiel stumbled down the stairs, tripping on her robe’s hem. Haierjia reacted instantly, casting a Feather Fall spell to save her from a humiliating tumble.

"Silphiel, what’s the rush?" Haierjia’s childlike voice chimed.

Silphiel grabbed her hand and dragged her into the courtyard. Glancing around to ensure privacy, she hissed: "Haierjia, give me the antidote for that potion—now!"

"Eh? Antidote?"

Silphiel nodded urgently.

Meeting her friend’s desperate gaze, Haierjia frowned in thought, then beamed. "There isn’t one! That potion’s for tricking people—who’d bother making an antidote to give them a second chance?"

The words struck Silphiel like lightning. Her mind went blank.

"...N-no antidote?"

Haierjia nodded firmly, a mischievous smile spreading. "Silphiel... did you use the wrong potion?"

Silphiel paled. Haierjia pressed on, oblivious: "Surely not? You’re much smarter than me—you’d never mix up potions, right?"

"*You* mislabeled them!" Silphiel snapped, cheeks burning.

Unfazed, Haierjia widened her eyes, covering her mouth in mock shock. "No way! You really drank the wrong bottle? I might be clumsy, but I *never* mess up potions! Never!"

"...Arguing about labels is pointless now," Silphiel sighed wearily. "Haierjia, is there truly no solution?"

She couldn’t bear the thought of her heart racing every time she saw Gao Ying—or worse, craving to bear his children.

*Death would be kinder.*

Haierjia’s eyes lit up. She raised a finger. "I have a Love-Forget Pill! It erases all feelings of love. But you must take it daily... and there are minor side effects—"

Silphiel cut her off, gripping her shoulders. "Give it to me! The Hero’s changing clothes—he’ll be out any second!"

Haierjia shrugged. "I don’t carry it around. I’ll brew some when we get back to my place."

"...Then let’s leave immediately."

Silphiel yanked Haierjia toward the door. Haierjia dug in her heels, frowning deeply.

"Silphiel, *you* asked me to greet the Hero today. I came all this way, and now we’re leaving without even meeting him? That’s rude—and suspicious."

"But—"

Haierjia’s logic trapped her. Silphiel trudged after her friend, each step twisting her gut.

*Stay away from Gao Ying. Or it’ll happen again.*

Yet her heart whispered: *Stay. Let tonight continue.*

Hiding behind Haierjia, she mumbled, "J-just finish talking to him... then we go..."

Haierjia tilted her head, smiling gently. "Relax, Silphiel. Savoring love’s bittersweet ache isn’t so bad. Remember—we have no ‘hearts.’ We shouldn’t feel love at all."

"...I don’t *want* to savor it," Silphiel muttered.

Haierjia only smiled, letting Silphiel hide behind her starry robe.

At the doorway, Gao Ying stood waiting in formal attire.

Haierjia’s starry eyes sparkled. She bowed deeply. "I am Haierjia Galhai. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be your magic instructor, Hero. Though I’m adorable, I already have someone I like—you mustn’t fall for me."