Moments later, watching Loko step out of the walk-in closet, Vera’s eyes lit up.

“No wonder you’re my sister! This outfit is absolutely perfect.”

She stepped closer, scanning Loko up and down with a grin.

“Hmm, lovely. Truly lovely.”

Still praising, she patted Loko’s bare back lightly.

The dress revealed only a small patch of skin there—nothing more.

“Wear this tomorrow. It’ll leave everyone speechless.”

Without trying the other outfits, Vera marched to Loko’s wardrobe and dumped them all inside.

“Vera, what are you doing…?”

Loko blinked, confused, and hurried to stop her.

“Oh, they’re just pretty but fussy to wear. I’m in the military—I might not even come home once a year. You keep them safe for me.”

Not waiting for refusal, Vera snapped the wardrobe shut.

“If it bothers you, sort them later. My sister’s the cutest girl alive—she deserves more than a handful of dresses.”

Having neatly justified her laziness, Vera headed for the door.

“Alright, I’m off.”

“Huh? Off where?”

“Where else? Barracks, obviously.” Vera shrugged.

“I waited for you, took two days’ leave… planned to leave right after seeing you.”

A soft smile returned to her face.

“But you’re still as adorable as ever, Loko. One glance wasn’t enough… so I stayed a little longer.”

“Will… the military scold you?”

“Never. I’m the main force clearing monsters in my zone. The hunt isn’t over—why would they stash away a bow like me?”

She waved. “Rest well. Shine tomorrow at the banquet. Bye!”

She slipped out the door.

“Oh—and don’t cry missing me while I’m gone!”

Her voice drifted back, faint and playful.

“Who’d cry over that!” Loko shouted, flustered. The door clicked shut.

Vera was gone.

Loko sank onto the bed, still wearing the dress Vera had chosen.

Somehow, her mood had lifted since returning home.

Especially when her sister teased her—every worry just melted away.

But now, calm again, reality settled in.

She’d blocked Miss Teresa at the door today. She must be furious. Would she retaliate?

Then there was Shilufei.

Bringing her home was meant to deepen their bond.

Her family’s reactions—though unplanned—seemed to help.

After all, words from others carry weight yours never could.

Still… the cost felt steep.

Just remembering her dad nearly spilling childhood embarrassments made Loko’s cheeks burn.

“How could he tell an outsider that?!”

She flopped onto the bed, rolled over, and buried her face in the pillow.

…

Late that night, Shilufei tossed and turned in the guest room.

Not discomfort—just tension.

Sleeping in the home of the one who killed her in her past life felt like a lamb stepping into a lion’s den.

Powerless to fight back, everything hinged on a guess.

If they meant to use her, not destroy her… staying clear of the York Family’s core interests should keep her safe.

She’d run the scenarios countless times.

But no one stays calm betting their life.

Only when dawn tinged the sky pale gray did Shilufei finally relax, close her eyes, and drift to sleep.

Morning came. Loko woke, checked the time, and went downstairs.

Servants cleaned quietly. Her father, Pellan, sat on the sofa reading the paper.

“Good morning, Dad.”

Loko greeted him politely.

Yesterday’s oversharing in front of Shilufei? She knew it was just his care.

The sting had faded overnight.

“Ah—morning, Loko.”

Pellan blinked, surprised by her initiative, then replied simply.

Dorm life had made Loko glance toward the kitchen instinctively. Seeing maids emerge, she realized: at home, Shilufei didn’t cook for her.

But… Shilufei always rose at dawn. Where was she now?

Loko approached a maid.

“Have you seen my friend from yesterday? She’s usually up early.”

The maid paused, then shook her head.

“Sorry, Miss Loko. We didn’t see her moving about while cleaning. Maybe still resting in the guest room?”

Puzzled, Loko checked the hall clock—past ten.

Shilufei woke at six or seven, rain or shine. Even on weekends… this was odd.

She hurried upstairs, knocked softly on Shilufei’s door. No answer.

The handle wouldn’t turn—locked from inside.

Grabbing the spare key, Loko unlocked it and stepped in.

Her eyes went straight to the bed.

Shilufei was deeply asleep.

“Shilufei?”

A faint murmur was all she got.

“Weird… She’s never this late. Was she forcing herself all along?”

Loko walked to the bedside and quietly watched her sleeping face.