Hearing Isa wanted Lena to try the roller coaster, Celia frowned. "Don't listen to Isa. If you're scared, Sister Lena, don't force yourself."

Such thrilling rides could easily frighten an ordinary person like Lena. Celia didn't want to see the usually gentle, sweet Lena lose her composure.

Lena agreed. She patted Isa's head and smiled as she refused. "I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, Isa. I don't dare try these."

She wasn't actually afraid of the rides. She just worried that seeming too calm might raise their suspicions.

Faking fear wasn't her strong suit—her acting skills were poor.

So after weighing it, she decided not to go.

Isa looked slightly disappointed but quickly regained her enthusiasm. She led Lena to other parts of the amusement park.

Haunted house, water raft ride, Ferris wheel... Isa took them on nearly every non-thrilling ride until dusk fell, and they finally stopped.

Holding freshly bought skewers, Lena elegantly took a small bite. "As Heroes, aren't these rides boring for you?"

She could tell even the haunted house failed to interest Celia and Aurora. Hero battles were far more thrilling. Only lively Isa truly enjoyed herself.

If she were a real ordinary person, a dozen years younger, she might have enjoyed it too.

Aurora linked arms with Lena, leaned toward the skewers, and sneaked a small bite with her delicate lips.

Lena was surprised—it was Aurora stealing food this time, not Isa.

Seeing no anger, Aurora covered her mouth as she swallowed. Leaning on Lena's shoulder, she said sweetly, "As long as I'm with Sister Lena, nothing is boring."

Celia watched with arms crossed, feeling a pang of jealousy. But too shy to compete for attention, she just observed from afar.

That didn't stop her from teasing Aurora verbally.

"Aurora, your words give me goosebumps!"

"Celia feels the same, right? Consider them your words too."

"Huh? How could I ever say such sappy lines!"

Celia shifted to hands on hips, her pretty face flushing red instantly.

She lost the battle in one round.

Lena watched them bicker quietly, unaware a faint smile had formed.

Despite their constant squabbles, Celia and Aurora shared a deep bond—Lena knew this well.

Her old team had been like that too...

Lena paused, realizing she was reminiscing. She quickly pushed those thoughts down.

Roadside ads caught her eye. She glanced at one and suggested, "We still have time before Elisa's birthday banquet. Let's watch an opera—it's about the Hero Heavenly Flame."

Heavenly Flame was a famous Hero from a nearby city. Ads for her were everywhere, so even as a flower shop owner, Lena knew her name.

Isa and the others agreed. After hours at the park, they were tired. Sitting for an opera sounded perfect.

But at "Heavenly Flame," Celia's expression changed slightly, a hint of displeasure showing.

Leaving the park, the four headed to the opera house.

Operas about Heavenly Flame were always popular. By the time they arrived, few tickets remained.

Luckily, consecutive seats were available. After buying them, they entered the hall and sat quietly. Isa munched snacks nonstop along the way.

After a short wait, the lights dimmed, and the opera began.

Egar, a city near Vedona, was rife with darkness. Its most terrifying underground force secretly controlled the governor, letting them commit evil unchecked.

Heavenly Flame, a Hero oppressed by them, rose up. She fought bloody battles, killed their leader, and freed Egar from their shadow.

Her path was full of setbacks. Once, young Heavenly Flame fled thugs in panic. Only by hiding in the Silent Forest did she escape with her life.

There, she found a mysterious flame feather. Reaching Seventh Rank Sage realm, she evaded four Seventh Rank magic beasts and returned to Egar.

With the feather's power, the sky tore open that night. Endless fire rain poured down, burning all thugs to ashes. Egar's darkness burned away under the flames.

"'It's actually good. So this is how Heavenly Flame became famous,'" Lena remarked after the opera.

She always admired talented juniors.

But Aurora shook her head, dissatisfied. "'They changed too much. Heavenly Flame didn't find the flame feather through hardship—a powerful mysterious senior gave it to her.'"

Celia was more aggressive. "'Hmph. Heavenly Flame is just like this.'"

Sensing her strong disdain, Lena asked curiously, "What's wrong, Celia?"

Celia turned away without answering. Aurora explained instead: "'People always compare Heavenly Flame to Chili, saying Chili is inferior. This young lady idolizes the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden—of course she's resentful.'"

Worried Lena didn't know their connection, she added kindly: "'Chili is the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden's teammate. They stormed the Demon King's Castle together. Celia admires her by association.'"

"'Tch! Heavenly Flame can't match Chili—that's fact! How could she surpass Elder Silverflower's teammate?'"

Celia hated anyone belittling Chili. To her, Chili might be slightly inferior to Silverbloom, but never to Heavenly Flame.

"'Inferior to Heavenly Flame'? Ridiculous!"

"Pfft—"

Lena chuckled softly.

"'Sister Lena, why laugh?'"

"'Cute.'"

Celia blushed, snorted, and turned her head away.

Lena didn't care about the debate. Even Chili herself would find such comparisons boring.

But Celia, a devoted fan of Elder Silverflower, looked especially cute defending her idol's image.