Cute, kind, and lively—they seemed no different from ordinary girls. When talking to people like them, they never looked down on anyone.

Was it because they were too young, untouched by the Hero title’s corruption? Or did such Heroes truly exist?

Mrs. Josephine wasn’t sure. Right now, Celia and the others felt wonderfully comforting—just as adorable as little Elisa had been.

After some light chatter, Elisa started playing games with them. Just then, the doorbell rang again.

Ding-dong—

“I’ll go!”

Elisa jumped up first, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Thump-thump-thump—she hurried to the door on cheerful feet and carefully opened it.

Just as she’d hoped, a silver-haired beauty stood outside, holding a patterned umbrella.

Slender fingers gripped the handle. The dark night made her fair face glow. She smiled faintly, and Elisa’s heart felt stolen—she just stared, dumbstruck.

Only one flaw marred the scene: rain had dampened the hem of her dress, adding a trace of dishevelment.

“Manager Lena!”

Snapping out of her daze, Elisa beamed with joy.

“Happy birthday, Elisa.”

Lena handed her the gift, then apologized softly. “Sorry for being so late.”

After that man’s suicide, she’d waited for Sharin. Learning Sharin knew nothing about him, she’d rushed to buy this gift—wasting precious time.

She’d messaged Elisa only after shopping, but got no reply. Lena had worried Elisa might be angry, ignoring her.

Now, it seemed Elisa simply hadn’t checked her communicator.

“Not late at all! Our party’s still going. Come in!”

Elisa hooked her arm through Lena’s, pulling her inside. Lena set down her umbrella, letting herself be led.

In the living room, Lena spotted Celia and the others. Seeing them unharmed, she finally relaxed.

Celia’s group reacted similarly. Even Isa, buried in cake, looked up to check Lena—then resumed eating once sure she was fine.

Elisa huffed playfully, still clinging to Lena’s arm. “Mom, meet Manager Lena of the Witch Flower Shop!”

Mrs. Josephine exchanged a glance with Lena, then smiled warmly. She guided Lena to the sofa.

“Manager Lena, little Sha’s still young. She must’ve caused you trouble, hasn’t she?”

“Mom!”

Elisa pouted, deeply annoyed.

More trouble? Did she really seem like a troublemaker?!

Lena sensed her thoughts. “Not at all! Elisa’s hardworking and sensible. Without her, I’d be lost.”

She meant it. Even when absent, capable Elisa kept the shop running smoothly.

For a mother, nothing brought more pride than praise for her child.

Mrs. Josephine beamed. She mentioned Elisa’s little flaws, but her pride shone through.

Lena listened quietly, chiming in occasionally. Beside them, Elisa’s face darkened like storm clouds.

Hearing childhood embarrassments told to a respected elder—she felt utterly humiliated.

Mrs. Josephine asked if Lena had kids, eager to praise them. Lena deftly sidestepped the question.

Finally, Elisa crossed her arms, puffing with pride. “Hmph, Mom! Told you it was true, right?”

Manager Lena would come. The three Heroes would come too.

Her mother hadn’t believed her. Now, faced with proof, she had to.

Mrs. Josephine chuckled. She pulled Elisa onto the sofa, ruffling her hair.

“Yes, yes—I was wrong. Little Sha’s grown up, befriending Heroes. She’s more successful than your father and me.”

“If only your father were here… He’d regret ever dismissing you for lacking magic…”

Her voice trembled. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought of Elisa’s father.

Elisa remembered him too. He’d died too young—her memories had faded over the years.

But that didn’t stop her love.

She paused silently, then rallied. Playfully, she patted her mother’s back.

“Hey, it’s my birthday! Be happy—we have guests.”

Mrs. Josephine nodded, wiping her eyes. Lena spoke up. “Oh, Elisa—someone asked me to bring you a gift.”

She handed over a jewelry box.

Elisa took it, puzzled. “Who?”

Lena smiled mysteriously. “Dorothy.”

At that name, Elisa froze. Celia and the others turned sharply.

Hearing “Dorothy,” Celia’s group stared, stunned.

“Open it,” Lena urged gently.

“Mm.”

Elisa took a deep breath, clearing the silver-white figure from her mind. She opened the box.

Inside lay a silver-glowing necklace, a dazzling gem dangling below. It looked priceless.

She lifted it slowly. The cool, smooth touch made her clutch it instantly.

But she handled it carefully—this looked too precious. One bump might cost months of her salary.

Then Lena’s next words nearly made her drop it.

“It’s magical. Worn, it grants brief control over magic.”

Had she heard wrong?

Control magic?!

Her eyes widened. The necklace felt suddenly heavy. Beside her, Mrs. Josephine wore the same stunned look.

Controlling magic—a dream countless ordinary people never achieved.

Even briefly, it would make crowds flock to it.

Dorothy had actually given her this?

They’d only met once…

Clutching the necklace to her chest, Elisa’s happy smile shone bright, impossible to hide.