At Loko’s home.

Through Loko’s introduction, Shilufei met Loko’s father, Pellan.

Gazing at the weary middle-aged man before her—and the pair of lovely sisters beside him—Shilufei felt a faint sense of dissonance.

Though both Loko and Vera carried cheerful, optimistic vibes, this man radiated quiet melancholy. Only when his eyes fell on his daughters did a hint of warmth soften his expression.

Shilufei hadn’t known Loko’s family background—until she spotted the wedding portrait on the living room wall.

By the time they returned home, dusk was settling. Pellan instructed the servants to set an extra place for dinner and prepare a guest room. Then, making a quiet excuse, he headed upstairs, leaving the three young women alone below.

Seated in the living room, Vera kept an arm draped affectionately over Loko’s shoulders before turning to Shilufei.

“Has my little sister been causing you any trouble at school?”

As she spoke, she playfully scratched Loko’s chin. Loko shrank back with a ticklish flinch.

“No trouble at all. If anything, Loko’s been the one looking after me.”

Watching their sisterly closeness, Shilufei silently repeated *They’re sisters… they’re sisters…*—yet a faint pang of envy still flickered in her chest.

“Oh?” Vera turned to Loko, eyebrows raised.

“I never thought *you’d* be the caring type? Looks like you’ve really grown up.”

She burst into laughter, ruffling Loko’s neatly styled hair into cheerful chaos.

Loko stayed docile as a doll—only resisting slightly when Vera’s teasing edged too far. She’d clearly grown used to it.

“Actually,” Loko added quickly, “Shilufei takes better care of *me*. She wakes me on class mornings, makes my breakfast… and more.”

Loko couldn’t let Vera be misled by appearances. She listed every kindness Shilufei had shown, hoping her sister would extend goodwill—and raise her opinion of her friend.

Loko knew Vera well: beneath that carefree exterior, she only trusted family and those she truly believed in. Right now, her cheerful smile hid quiet suspicion—*Is she using my sister?*

And indeed, that’s exactly what Vera thought.

From the first glance, she’d sensed Shilufei wasn’t ordinary. In a battle of wits? Her sweet sister wouldn’t stand a chance.

So tonight, she’d play guardian. Vet this “friend.”

Hearing Loko’s stories softened her stance—but not enough. *What if it’s all an act?* With Loko’s brilliance, plenty would scheme to get close.

“By the way, Shilufei,” Vera began, tone light but probing, “where are you from?”

“I…”

Before Shilufei could answer, Loko grabbed Vera’s wrist.

“Sister Vera! That gift I prepared for you—I left it in my room! Don’t you remember? C’mon, let’s go find it!”

The hint was obvious. Vera glanced at Shilufei—*there*, that hesitant, wounded look.

“Shilufei, wait here just a moment,” Loko said brightly, already tugging Vera upstairs.

Back in her room, door shut tight:

“What was *that*?” Vera frowned.

“Sis, you said the wrong thing!” Loko whispered urgently—and explained Shilufei was an orphan.

Vera fell silent. Then she stepped forward, clasping Loko’s hands.

“Loko… she’s a good friend. Treat her kindly. Always.”

Her voice held such raw sincerity Loko blinked in surprise.

*This serious?*

“Bring her here often,” Vera added softly. “Tell her this is her second home.”

*Ah.* Loko finally got it. *Sister wants me to bring Shilufei into the family fold?*

“But Shilufei has her own dreams! After graduation, she’ll return home to serve her people.”

“No worries,” Vera said with a confident thumbs-up. *My sister’s charm? Shilufei won’t stand a chance.*

…

That evening, Shilufei sat at the guest seat. Vera, once reserved, now fussed over her with unusual warmth.

Shilufei’s guard shot up.

*Did Loko tell her I’m a mission target?*

No…

Catching the flicker of pity in Vera’s eyes, understanding dawned.

*She pities my orphanhood.*

Loko must have shared those half-truths upstairs. *Now she sees me as the lonely, homeless girl.*

Candlelight swayed.

Pellan, silent at the head of the table, set down his cutlery.

“Shilufei… please look after Loko at the academy. Beyond natural talent, she has few strengths.”

And just like that, Shilufei witnessed a father’s love—mountain-deep, tenderly blunt.

“She avoids spicy food—it makes her sweat and dizzy. Sleeps till ten if no one wakes her. Skipped classes constantly at her last school… hopeless at academics.”

“Oh! And plain veggies? Bok choy, broccoli, radish—she’ll ignore them boiled. But add sauce? She’ll devour them.”

Pellan listed every quirk, every habit, as if briefing a trusted guardian.

Shilufei sat stunned. Across the table, Loko had nearly vanished into her collarbone.