Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Joey gave his forehead a light tap, "Alright, alright, just let me know what you fancy, and I'll have the kitchen whip it up for you."

Pondering her options, Flora said, "I'd love some braised carp, sweet and sour ribs, roast duck, marinated quail... and how about a side of sautéed cabbage?" Joey and Gerald's jaws practically hit the floor.

"Can you really eat all that?" Joey managed to ask after a gulp.

"Just about, maybe eighty percent full," Flora replied with a modest shrug.

Joey's mouth twitched in amusement.

Who would've guessed? This slender girl sure could pack it away.

...

After leaving Mae's room, Flora headed back to her quarters.

Connor had somehow slipped in unnoticed, carrying a hefty bag.

"Moss and Beck dropped by, and I had them bring you these," he said with a grin.

Intrigued, Flora dug into the bag, discovering it was brimming with all sorts of snacks and candies.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"Wow, that's a lot!"

"I trust in your ability to tackle them," Connor chuckled softly. "Once you're done, I'll send them for more."

He picked up a piece of fruit candy, peeled off the wrapper, and offered it to Flora, "Open wide."

Flora opened her mouth, letting the candy roll in with a playful flick of her tongue that brushed against Connor's fingers. "Oh, that reminds me of something."

As the sweetness spread, Flora straightened, remembering something important.

"What's up?" Connor asked, noticing her shift in tone.

"The family heirs' assessment-it's kicked off, right?"

"By now, the heirs should've hit the training ground, taking orders and settling in," Connor confirmed.

Flora's eyes narrowed with mischief. "Connor, could you give the Enforcement Division a little heads-up for me?" "Hm?"

Connor raised an eyebrow, knowing that look meant Flora was cooking up some sort of plan.

...

Over at the Enforcement Division's

training ground, nearly a hundred heirs from the prominent families stood in orderly rows. Usually lords of their own domains, here they were the picture of discipline

"Now that you're here, pack up those attitudes! No one's here to coddle you!" barked Rory, the second squad captain.

He was leading this round of the family heirs' assessment. Normally, Shadow from the first squad would take charge, but after an unfortunate encounter with Flora, he was still laying low.

Jonathan, the head honcho of the

Enforcement Division, had bigger fish to fry, so Rory was holding the reins. Kenneth, the ninth squad. captain, was his right-hand man,

1.n

with instructors pulled from various squads.

"Remember, you're here to train and bring glory to your families. Your actions reflect on them! If you mess up, your family takes the hit. Got it?!"

"Got it!" they shouted back, full of energy.

"Good. Now, let's check your bags. If you've got anything you shouldn't, now's the time to fess up!"

"Yes, sir!"

The instructors moved in to start their inspection.

Jacob clutched his bag tightly, his

heart pounding. It was filled with his beloved snacks-his lifeline! Like Flora, he had a penchant for

munchies, and if they took his stash, he'd be devastated!