Finally, under everyone’s expectant gazes, she put on the necklace.

Against the silvery-white chain, Elisa’s neck looked even fairer. She blinked and spotted golden specks floating in the air.

Puzzled, she reached out to touch them. The specks coiled around her fingertips, becoming part of her senses—as if they’d merged with her body.

Is this magic?

The novel sensation made her little heart pound wildly. Excitedly, she thrust out her hand and clenched it toward the paper cup on the table.

Golden light instantly swirled around the cup. Then, under Mrs. Josephine’s incredulous stare, it floated up into the air.

She released her grip. The cup dropped onto the table, spilling the remaining water and adding to the mess.

But Elisa didn’t care. She stared wide-eyed at her hands, unable to believe her childhood dream had come true today.

Even if this necklace-granted magic couldn’t match true mages, she was deeply satisfied.

“Thank you!”

She turned to Lena, clutched the necklace, and bowed deeply. Sitting beside her, she asked in confusion, “How did Dorothy know my birthday?”

They only knew each other’s names, right?

“I told her. Since we’re acquainted, giving a birthday gift is only proper…”

Before she could finish, Elisa hugged her tightly. The girl’s delicate fragrance washed over Lena.

“Thank you, Manager Lena!”

Seeing no resistance, Elisa rubbed her cheek against Lena’s face, greedily inhaling her floral scent.

“Thank her instead—it was her gift.”

“But Manager Lena deserves thanks too!”

Clinging to Lena for a while, Elisa was finally pulled off by Mrs. Josephine.

Next, Elisa played with the necklace’s magic like a child. Mrs. Josephine sat beside Lena, chatting casually—though it was mostly about Elisa.

Mrs. Josephine earnestly hoped Lena would care for her daughter well. It was a mother’s wish, and Lena agreed. After all, Elisa was her shop assistant.

Time ticked by. The rain had stopped unnoticed. The damp ground reflected the moon’s pure light.

It was time to part. Elisa and Mrs. Josephine saw them off outside.

“See you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow.”

Lena waved gracefully, smiling, and led Celia, Isa, and Aurora into the streetlights.

Celia and the others still had vacation days left. Lena would remain flower shop manager and see Elisa again tomorrow.

“Thank you all! This was my happiest birthday ever!”

Elisa’s voice drifted from behind. Lena turned to see the girl on tiptoe, waving high. The necklace swayed softly on her chest in the moonlight.

Beside her, Mrs. Josephine stood quietly, her smile full of gratitude.

Isa waved back on tiptoe. She’d loved the party—after all, she’d nearly finished the leftover half-cake alone.

Aurora had stayed low-key, chatting occasionally with Isa on the sofa. Celia was quieter still, barely speaking after entering the living room.

But Lena noticed her gaze fixed on Mrs. Josephine and Elisa.

After the rain stopped, pedestrians filled the night streets. Carriages jingled past with wind chimes. Lena hailed one down.

Inside the carriage, Aurora sat beside her and asked curiously, “Sister Lena, how did you meet Silv—Dorothy senior?”

To them, Lena was just their landlady who knew the Heroes Guild head. Nothing more.

Yet today shattered that. Lena knew their instructor, the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden? And seemed close to her?

Could Lena be more than a simple flower shop manager?

Under Aurora’s expectant gaze, Lena curled her lips, pressed a finger to her lips, and shushed.

“Secret!”

Truthfully, she dreaded lying to Aurora. The perceptive girl had beautiful eyes that saw through thoughts. A lie would be caught. So she refused to answer.

Aurora didn’t pout. She just said “Oh,” turned away, and fussed over her damp dress.

The clinging fabric was torture for someone so tidy.

Celia stared blankly, silent, uninterested in why Lena knew the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden.

Back home, they nearly argued over shower order. Lena offered her own bathroom, making them laugh and reconcile.

After Celia finished showering in Lena’s bathroom and changed into her nightgown, Lena—also in nightwear—stopped her in the hallway.

“Celia, are you upset?”

“What?”

“Did something happen at the party? You seem unhappy.”

Celia froze while adjusting her gown. Her hands gripped the hem. Her gaze darted away from Lena, flustered.

The hallway window was shut. After Isa and Aurora returned to their rooms, the corridor fell silent—only their breathing remained.

Seeing Celia struggle to speak, Lena took her hand and led her to her bedroom. Here, no one would overhear.

They sat on the bed. Warm yellow light filled the room. After hesitation, Celia whispered under Lena’s gentle gaze, “I… I miss my parents.”

She lowered her head, looking downcast. Lena’s body trembled almost imperceptibly at the words.

At the party, Lena had sensed it—Celia watching Mrs. Josephine and Elisa would stir her longing. That maternal love was what Celia lacked. What she’d never had. What Lena owed her.

Guilt-ridden, Lena offered her shoulder. Celia didn’t hesitate, resting her head there.