It wasn’t because Loko’s masochistic side had suddenly flared up, nor was it about seeking revenge.

Simply put—if Shilufei ended up hating alchemy class because of this, Loko might’ve triggered the butterfly effect.

After all, in the original story, Shilufei, the protagonist, was quite accomplished in alchemy.

The potions she brewed played crucial roles in many key plot points.

And Flora was the one who first sparked her interest in alchemy.

If that path was cut off here… wouldn’t Shilufei become weaker than in canon?

Then how could Loko possibly rely on her to turn things around?

She was still counting on maxing out Shilufei’s favorability—hoping she’d later help break that contract’s influence.

Crushing Shilufei’s alchemy dreams here… would make Loko the one to blame.

“Why? Teacher Flora just did something so outrageous!”

Shilufei’s voice was urgent, earnest.

Countless possibilities flashed through her mind—including the thought that Loko might be enduring it for her sake.

But she instantly dismissed it.

Sure, they’d reached the point of joking around… but not enough to sacrifice dignity for each other.

Even if Loko tried to be nice, she wouldn’t accept it.

“I feel… Teacher Flora isn’t that bad.”

Loko offered a slightly far-fetched excuse.

Sure enough, a trace of oddity and pity flickered in Shilufei’s gaze.

“No… it’s not what you think!” Loko hurriedly explained.

“Though… though those potions were uncomfortable, after drinking the last one, I actually feel much better.”

She stood up and stretched lightly before Shilufei.

“See? Don’t I look better now?”

Shilufei noticed the change. Her inner turmoil eased slightly.

“But… that’s not the point. You must’ve been in pain during it, right?”

“Just… a tiny bit,” Loko murmured.

Just then, students began filing back into the classroom.

Realizing next period was starting, they left together.

“Anyway,” Loko said with a smile as they walked, “Teacher Flora’s really skilled. If I learn to make potions like that, I won’t fear stuff like this later.”

Though wronged herself, Loko now comforted Shilufei—to keep the plot on track.

After the topic faded, Shilufei recalled the poster she’d seen at noon.

“Oh right, Loko—we’re joining Teresa for the student council election, right? Senior Haya’s team already posted theirs. When should we make ours?”

“No rush.” Loko shook her head.

“Registration hasn’t even opened. Making ours later is fine. Honestly, even head-to-head in promotion, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Then what? Teresa probably doesn’t want to lose…”

Truth was, after that humiliation, even Shilufei faintly wished to slap those faces.

“We’ll win. Wait a few days—you’ll see.”

Loko’s calm confidence inexplicably eased Shilufei’s worries.

The Introduction to Magic professor was a bearded human elder well past seventy. His lecture, usually sleep-inducing, now felt crystal clear to Loko—thanks to Flora’s potion. Wide awake, zero drowsiness, she absorbed every word.

When class ended and Loko prepared to leave with Shilufei, a female classmate approached.

“Loko, I need to talk.”

Loko glanced at Shilufei, who instantly understood.

“I’ll head back first?”

“Mm, I’ll be right there.”

Loko turned to the girl.

“The young mistress sent for me?”

“Mm. She wants you at her dorm.”

“Got it.”

Loko nodded, took a deep breath, and walked toward Teresa’s dorm.

Alone on the path, Shilufei muttered, “What is Teresa thinking? Taking Loko right before my eyes—trying to make me suspicious? Or testing if I distrust her?”

Unable to decipher Teresa’s moves, Shilufei chose stillness.

…

Loko reached Teresa’s dorm, gave a light knock, and stepped inside.

Teresa sat elegantly on the sofa. Only when Loko approached did she speak softly.

“I heard you were bullied today?”

“Not at all.” Loko shook her head, confused.

“In alchemy class—that succubus teacher made you test potions on stage, right?”

*Ah… so the young mistress’s intel network is this sharp? My incident two classes ago reached her in one period… and she sent someone immediately. No wonder she handles family intelligence. Besides me—the spy planted beside Shilufei—she must have eyes everywhere in the academy.*

“Ah… that incident… there was a reason…”

“Reason or not, she made you lose face.” Teresa cut her off firmly.

“Speak. What do you want done to her? Consider it compensation.”

*Young mistress… you’re running for student council—offending a teacher now? Flora’s a specially appointed instructor! Offending her is like offending the academy!*

“Um… young mistress, it’s not worth it for someone like me…”

“Don’t say that in front of me!”

Teresa’s voice rose sharply. Loko froze, head bowed, eyes fixed on her toes.

After a beat, Teresa’s tone softened. “You’re mine. If she hurt you, I stand for you.”

“No, young mistress… please let me explain…”

To preserve the worldline, Loko downplayed everything.

“…I want to learn how to make that potion first. And Shilufei’s interested in alchemy too—if we share this topic, our bond might deepen…”

Teresa lifted her gaze, studied Loko silently, then nodded.

“Fine. Do it your way. But remember what I said day one: if it becomes too much, tell me. I won’t blame you. That hasn’t changed.”

Her voice trembled faintly.

But still shaken by Teresa’s earlier sharp tone, Loko noticed nothing.