"Good morning, miss," Lyra entered the room with a big smile. The maid looked happy, full of energy, and ready to deal with whatever will happened today.

In contrast, Aurora woke up with a headache. She was tired, sleepy, and overall didn't feel too good.

"Are you okay, miss?" Lyra walked toward her, worried.

"Yes," Aurora said with her morning voice. "Just a little headache..."

"Want me to massage you?" asked Lyra.

"Sure." Aurora yawned as the maid sat on the bed beside her. The maid placed her small hand on Aurora's forehead and began to softly massage her.

Aurora closed her eyes, feeling a little better.

She said, "Anyway, how about what I asked you yesterday?"

"Right," Lyra said. "I took care of it. I met an old artisan who is said to be the best in town by the townspeople. I already spoke with him and he agreed to accept your request."

"That's pretty good," Aurora said. "What about the information guild? Did you find out anything about them?"

"I've already been asking around," Lyra said, "but unfortunately, no one seems to know about them. Some people suggested I go to a specific tavern and said someone there might know something. But when I checked it out, the building and the people coming and going from there looked suspicious, so I decided not to go in."

"Good decision," Aurora said.

"But miss, I didn't bring back any useful information," Lyra said, sounding a bit discouraged.

"It's fine," Aurora said. "And you'll keep doing that for about a week. Don't worry even if you found nothing."

"Is there a point in doing that?" Lyra asked, not sounding too enthusiastic.

"Of course," Aurora opened her eyes and smiled. "In time, they'll come looking for us on their own."

***

As Aurora walked towards her class, she was suddenly stopped in her tracks as a small hand grabbed her. She turned her head to see who the hand belonged to and saw a petite girl with twintails, Ruby, standing there.

Ruby seemed nervous.

"Before class started," Ruby said, "Can we talk for a bit?"

Aurora nodded. "Sure."

They walked a bit to the corner.

"So, about yesterday," Ruby said, avoiding Aurora's eyes. "I don't know what happened to me. I didn't think I would...I mean, suddenly like that." She bit her lips. "Sorry for breaking down like that. It's so embarrassing."

Aurora smiled, "It's fine. I didn't mind."

Ruby pouted, "What do you mean you didn't mind? That's really unsightly for a lady like me."

Aurora blinked, "I don't think feeling sad is wrong though?"

"I mean, still..." Ruby sighed, "I'm pathetic, huh? Hating Nova for no reason, getting angry and sad by myself. No wonder he never noticed me. I have nothing to be proud of."

"No, you're wrong," Aurora said, starting to dislike where this conversation was going. "You don't need to console me," she smiled bitterly. "I mean, I'm breaking down like this even though we're not even a couple. I can't believe I'm this pathetic."

"No," Aurora said. "Don't be like this. There's nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with holding strong feelings toward someone."

"Then... why does this hurt so much?" Ruby said, almost crying.

Aurora hugged her. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing, stupid." Ruby whispered, tears falling to her cheeks.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Aurora let out a small laugh. "Yes, I am stupid. I can't even help you when you need it."

They stayed like that for a while.

After calming down, Ruby broke off from Aurora's hug. Her cheeks were wet with tears.

"I'm fine now," Ruby said.

Aurora's fingers softly removed the tears from Ruby's cheeks. "It's his loss to ignore such a cute girl like you," Aurora said.

"Cute? Me? Are you stupid?" Ruby said.

Aurora smiled. "I'm just saying what I see."

"I'm small and annoying," Ruby pouted again. "If you're going to lie, at least make it more believable."

Aurora took her hand. "So what? I still think you're cute."

Ruby's cheeks started to feel hot. Something was wrong with her. A moment ago she felt extremely sad, but now, getting praised by Aurora was turning her feelings into something else.

Embarrassed? She guessed.

She had a hard time looking at Aurora's face. Those annoying, clear blue eyes.

"I'm not," Ruby said.

"You're cute," Aurora said. "And I like you."

Ruby's heart felt like it was jumping, as if a string had pulled it.

"Enough, geez!" She pulled her hand away, her face getting redder. "I'm done with this talk."

She hurriedly walked toward class. Her heart was beating fast.

***

After spending several boring hours in theory of magic and history class, Aurora exited into the potion-making class. After all, she was the type that liked more practical things than theory, especially when it came to magic.

This time, they were going to make a simple health potion. The effect only worked on small wounds like small paper cuts or scratches, but it was still not easy to make.

Everyone was given one small glass bottle, a burner-like thing that created fire, some water, and a bunch of herbs and leaves.

Aurora grabbed the white coloring herb in front of her and twirled it. She smiled. She knew exactly what it was. The herb was called Kroma Herb. It was a cheap herb that could be used to mend mosquito bites.

But she wouldn't be using it today.

As far as Aurora knew, making potions was similar to cooking. She needed to know the recipes and use the right amount of ingredients.

Except for one thing: to make it magical, they needed to add mana into the process.

It was needed in the right amount and at the right time.

If not, the result wouldn't be much different from a soup.

While everyone was busy flipping and reading their potion book, Aurora was already focused on picking ingredients. She still remembered the recipe for the potion from the game.

She easily picked up the five ingredients she needed. The problem was the amount. In the game, sometimes it was vague how much one herb or one bottle was.

She could check the book, but she felt adventurous today.

She smiled widely while putting random amounts of herbs into the glass bottle, adding water, and starting a fire.

When making potions, what she needed was pure mana. Unlike when she used it in practical class, she didn't need to turn the mana into her element. So, in theory, anyone could make potions as long as they had the knowledge and could pull out their mana.

Aurora tried to remember the combination button from the potion-making mini-game. After imagining pushing a button, something came out of her hand. It was floating, almost weightless, white, almost transparent, and kinda like fog too.

She didn't know when the best time to add mana into the potion was, so she just did it randomly.

After ten minutes, the potion was done.

The color was kinda blue, but more on the lighter side. Unlike professionally created potions, which were dark blue.

She wasn't sure if it was successful, but at least her potion didn't explode like what happened to some other students.

She glanced at Ruby, her potion color was black. And she was absentmindedly adding stuff, making her potion darker.

The whole heartbreak thing obviously still bothered her.

"Alright," the teacher said. "We will begin evaluating your work. Bring your potion, starting from the front row."

Aurora got an A for ingredients but an F and F for amount and control of mana. She just smiled, kind of expecting that to happen.

Ruby got all Fs.

Then, the teacher made an announcement for the best potion.

First place was Marina River, a white-haired girl who was another rival character.

Second place was Oliver Blackwell, a short, black-haired boy. He was one of four capture targets.

And third place was obviously Nova Wilder. Even though she most likely wasn't interested in making potions, she was still one of the best students in the whole school.

"This is the potions they made," the teacher said, showing off their potions in front of the class. He even pulled out potions that were created by professionals. They were identical.

"This is a fantastic result," the teacher said. "But remember you three, don't get too arrogant. In the end, these are still low-level potions. Greater potions, with more amazing effects, will be a lot harder to make."

After those final words, class ended.

Aurora walked toward Ruby.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Ah, ye-yes, I'm fine," Ruby forced a smile. She grabbed her bag and they got out of the room. But before they could continue, a voice came.

"Hey," Nova Wilder said.

She was alone, crossing her arms, waiting for them.

"I want to talk to you," she stared at Aurora, "alone."

"If you want to talk," Ruby said. "Just talk."

"Go away, midget," Nova said. "I didn't talk to you."

That made Ruby angry. "Shut up! I'm not going to leave."

Aurora nodded. "She stays."

"Don't make me repeat myself," Nova said. "Tell your little friend to go."

"No!" Ruby said.

"I want to talk about the abandoned mine," Nova said. "Are you sure you want to let her hear it?"

Aurora was stunned, understand what she mean.

"Your choice," Nova added.

"What are you talking about--"

"Ruby," Aurora cut her off. "Can you go first?"

Ruby stared at Aurora in disbelief. "What--?"

"Please," Aurora said.

From her expression, it was clear that Ruby was hurt by that decision. But Aurora didn't have a choice.

"I'm sorry," Aurora said. "I will explain it later."

Ruby bit her lips. "Fine."

She turned and ran. Aurora could only watch her helplessly.

"For a moment I'm sure she will cry," Nova said. "Pathetic."

Aurora glared at her. "What do you want?"

Nova grinned. "You always get aggressive when we talk about your friend. Isn't that ironic?"

"Stop wasting time and tell me what you want," Aurora said.

"I heard news about how your family is starting to sell a high amount of gems," Nova said. "That abandoned mine, isn't it supposed to be owned by your little friend in the future? Stealing from your friend, I almost can't believe it."

"It's not stealing if she doesn't own it yet," Aurora said.

"Is that your justification?" Nova asked.

"You have done something worse," Aurora said. "You stole her childhood friend and her position as a rival. You don't have the right to talk about stealing."

"Fair enough," Nova said. "I just have one question for you, what are you planning?"

"Plan?" Aurora asked.

"What are you trying to do by taking over that mine?" Nova asked.

Aurora blinked. She understood now. Nova must be confused by her actions. And after failing to understand her intention, she decided to confront Aurora directly.

Aurora smiled. "So even the great Nova Wilder can't read my actions."

Nova gritted her teeth. "Don't anger me. I can still kill you anytime I want."

"You know that's not true," Aurora said. "You would have killed me already if it were. Unless you have clear justifications, you'll just be a killer. All your hard work will be in vain."

"Don't act as if you know me," Nova said, holding her voice to not scream. "I'm a villainess, I can throw everything away anytime."

Aurora doubted it. Still, she didn't want to push her too much.

"It's money," Aurora said.

"What?" Nova said, confused.

"Why I bought the mine? It's for money."

"That's it?" Nova asked.

"Yes. Is that too hard for you to understand? I guess that makes sense. You're the daughter of a Duke, money is not a problem for you."

"You betrayed your friend just for money?" Nova asked.

"I didn't betray Ruby," Aurora said, annoyed. "And I need money soon. A lot of it. So yes, I needed money. Satisfied?"

"What do you mean you will need money soon?" Nova asked.

"Why would I tell you that," Aurora said. "And aren't you a regressor? You should already know what will happen in the future. Think about it yourself."

And then Aurora left.

***