All of this naturally escaped Lena’s notice. Seeing Elisa hesitate as if she had something to say, Lena stepped forward and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Um…”

Elisa fidgeted for a moment before steeling herself. She locked eyes with Lena and blurted out, “Shopkeeper Lena, today’s my birthday. Would you… have time to come to my birthday party tonight?”

After the words left her lips, she averted her gaze, heart pounding as she braced for rejection.

*If the shopkeeper says no, I’ll—*

“Of course I have time! Happy birthday, Elisa.”

Her anxious thoughts shattered before they fully formed. Elisa’s eyes widened with excitement as Lena continued, “But I have some friends with me. Would it be alright if they came too? If not, that’s perfectly fine…”

“Absolutely!” Elisa agreed instantly. She’d been worried her guest list was too small—this solved everything.

*Tonight’s going to be a lively party!*

Seeing Lena agree without hesitation, another clerk raised a hand with a grin. “Shopkeeper! My birthday’s coming up too—can I invite you to my party?”

*This is the perfect chance to get closer to Boss Lena!*

This time, Lena shook her head regretfully. “I’m afraid not. After these two days, I won’t have any free time.”

Once Celia and the others’ break ended, she’d leave Witch Flower Shop again to resume her duties as an instructor.

“You’re biased!” the clerk pouted.

“But I’ll still give you a birthday gift.”

“You’re the best, Shopkeeper!”

Watching her mood flip from gloom to glee in seconds, Lena sighed inwardly. *Why did I hire such a handful of clerks?*

*Ding-a-ling!*

The shop bell chimed softly as new customers entered.

“Welcome!” the clerks bowed. The visitors glanced around before asking, “Is Lena here?”

Recognizing the voice, Lena looked up from her work—and saw Isa in a pink dress, flanked by Aurora and Celia.

“Sister Lena!” Isa darted over and threw her arms around her.

“What brings you here?” Lena asked, puzzled.

“Our instructor gave us time off! We came to play!”

“You’re still injured. Running around might make it worse.”

Heroes healed differently from ordinary people. Minor wounds mended easily with magic; even broken limbs could be restored. After yesterday’s battle with the fourth-tier monster, Aurora had been the worst off—but she’d recovered well under treatment. Still, the doctors had insisted on rest until full recovery.

“We’re practically healed already!” Isa declared, hands on her hips. “Our regeneration stunned the medics. We’re way tougher than other Heroes!”

Pride glowed in her voice. Lena simply smiled and let it slide.

“Elisa.” She beckoned the clerk over.

“Yes?” Elisa hurried to her side, eyes fixed curiously on the trio.

*Are they… Heroes? No normal person heals that fast.*

“The friends I mentioned earlier,” Lena explained, “are them.”

“Huh?” Elisa blinked, then realization dawned. *The friends Shopkeeper Lena wanted to bring to my party… are three Heroes?*

She froze in shock.

“Today’s Elisa’s birthday,” Lena said, turning to the trio with a smile. “Will you join her party tonight?”

Isa shot her hand up instantly. “Yes! I want cake!”

Aurora gave a quiet nod. Celia shrugged. “If everyone’s going, I’ll come too.”

“Thank you!” Elisa bowed deeply, overwhelmed.

She’d thought inviting Lena alone was a miracle. Now three Heroes would attend. Even without Dorothy, her mother would finally believe she’d made powerful friends—and stop worrying about her future.

*Shopkeeper Lena is my Prince Charming,* she thought, gazing at Lena with tearful gratitude. *She pulled me out of the mud.*

Ever since joining Witch Flower Shop, her life had quietly transformed.

“Now, Sister Lena,” Isa tugged her sleeve, “let’s go play! I didn’t get this vacation just to stand around!”

After two months of grueling training, instinctive battles had given way to exhausting tactical drills. She craved simple fun.

“Alright, alright,” Lena indulged her. After giving Elisa quick instructions, she left with the trio.

Isa had always dreamed of Vedona Amusement Park. They boarded a carriage heading there.

Magic-powered vehicles hummed alongside horse-drawn carriages—luxuries only the wealthy owned. Even the park ran on magic: roller coasters floated mid-air, suspended by glowing runes.

As one plunged from a dizzying height, screams ripped through the air. Ordinary visitors shuddered at the sight.

Isa bit her finger, then pointed slyly at the coaster. “Sister Lena,” she grinned, “want to know what it feels like to be a Hero? I’ll help you walk afterward—your legs might get wobbly.”