Flora’s makeshift thermometer was decipherable only by her. Loko quietly jotted down the temperatures corresponding to the terms Flora called out, following her instructions.

Once Loko activated her ability, she could directly sense the heat inside the cauldron. The temperature was generally uniform—but noticeably higher along the edges closest to the flames.

"Teacher Flora, it’s getting too hot. Turn the flame down a little."

Seeing how quickly Loko settled into the role, Flora’s face lit up with satisfaction. Just as she’d suspected.

She adjusted the flame step by step per Loko’s cues. When Loko finally said, "Good," Flora withdrew her hand and poured in the potion liquid.

Shilufei stood behind an alchemy workstation, watching them. A faint unease tightened in her chest. She was an assistant too—yet sidelined from the start. Meanwhile, Loko, who’d shown zero interest in alchemy, kept receiving Flora’s full attention.

"Oh, not bad at all," Flora murmured, watching the potion dissolve into the water faster than usual. A hint of a smile touched her lips. She retrieved two crimson flowers from the cabinet and plucked their petals.

"Tell me when it hits the false boil."

Loko nodded, recalling the temperature Flora had demonstrated earlier. As the flame flared, even Shilufei’s gaze drifted toward the cauldron. The moment the liquid reached the false boil, Loko alerted Flora.

True to expectation, Flora tossed in the petals and stirred. Slowly, the clear liquid bloomed into a vivid pink.

"Phew." Flora exhaled in relief as the heat gently subsided. "Potion’s ready. Want to try it?" She produced a spoon.

Loko went utterly speechless. *This is alchemy, not soup!* And that unnaturally bright pink… she half-expected tiny dancing figures to pop up after a sip.

"I’ll pass…" Loko shrank back sheepishly. "Also, Teacher Flora—you never said what it *does*. What if it’s poison?"

"Hmm. Smart of you to be cautious." Flora actually looked a little disappointed. She poured the still-warm potion into a large bottle. "Not poison. Just causes drowsiness and weakness. Though uncooled, the effect won’t be optimal."

Shilufei’s ears perked up at that mutter. *This potion… I need to learn it.* Not for mischief—just in case she ever needed a "legitimate" excuse to keep Loko from tagging along.

Flora stoppered the bottle, then pointed to a corner of the lab. "Shilufei, this area is yours now. Materials are in the cabinet. Brew whatever you like. If unsure, ask Loko." She gestured toward the door. "Recipes are in the book there." With that, she headed into the inner room, bottle in hand.

Loko and Shilufei exchanged a glance.

"I knew it," Shilufei said flatly. "Teacher Flora chose you for that ability." She had no heart for alchemy now. Picking up the book by the door—*Comprehensive Overview of All Alchemical Potions to Date*, authored by Flora—she sighed. "Somehow… I feel busier already."

Loko sidled closer, voice awkward. "If I’d known this would happen… maybe I shouldn’t have come with you."

"Even if you hadn’t, she’d have found a way to rope you in. Now it’s to my advantage." A trace of self-mockery edged Shilufei’s words.

Loko’s chest tightened. She knew Shilufei was proud. Being set aside while Flora focused solely on her… anyone would feel the sting. When effort is overshadowed by raw talent, doubt creeps in.

"Um… Shilufei," Loko said softly. "Learning under Teacher Flora is still a good thing. And… I’ll help you too!"

Shilufei’s flipping hand stilled. After a beat, she looked up—Loko was still watching her. She glanced away, avoiding her gaze.

"I know…" she murmured.

Inside, something stirred—unexpectedly warm. *If only Loko could always be like this.*

Later, Loko slumped at the table, watching Shilufei study the recipes with quiet intensity. Bored, she tilted her head, tracing the curve of Shilufei’s focused profile.

Shilufei finally looked up. "Where’s Teacher Flora?"

"Went into the inner room earlier. Haven’t seen her since." Loko pointed.

"What should we do? Leave or wait?"

Shilufei closed the book, stood. "Let’s say goodbye." She walked to the inner door; Loko followed. No "Do Not Enter" sign—so Shilufei knocked. Silence. She frowned. "Go in?"

After another pause, she pushed the door open.

Chaos. Utter disarray. Nothing like Flora’s tidy public image—Loko would’ve sworn this belonged to a messy middle-aged man, not a cute girl. And there, sprawled on the floor: a red-haired figure, eerily still.

Had they not noticed Flora’s chest rising faintly with breath, they might’ve screamed for help. Loko rushed over, crouching to gently shake her shoulder. "Teacher Flora? Are you okay?" *I already stole Shilufei’s chance today… If Flora dies here, the whole timeline’s doomed.*

Shilufei’s eyes swept the room—then locked on a half-empty cup of pink liquid nearby. Understanding dawned instantly.

And in that moment, a quiet wave of admiration for Flora welled up within her.