Emia, who had been watching Flora’s every move closely, was naturally the first to notice the subtle change in her expression.
Curious, she turned her gaze toward the newcomer.
Any presence capable of eliciting even a slight reaction from this mysterious young lady was definitely worth her attention.
But when she saw it was a girl with brown hair and cat ears, appearing to be around twenty years old, Emia’s curiosity was mostly quelled.
Her outfit wasn’t extravagant—just a relatively common gray dress, neat but far from luxurious.
The brooch pinned to her chest bore the insignia of the Rusted Gold Trading Company, marking her as their representative.
[She’s just a supplier. Why is her reaction to this girl even stronger than to me? Could this be something arranged by Sister?]
Emia quickly analyzed Flora’s reaction but no matter how she thought about it, she could only conclude that this woman was a witness in the fake medicine incident involving the healer named Fros, whom Moria was after.
Flora would need to look after her, at least for now.
Beyond that, Emia had no deeper insight.
What appeared as a mere slight reaction and mild tension from Flora was, in reality, a rapidly beating heart.
Reuniting with an old friend—and one she could count on for help—was a major hope for her current breakthrough.
How could she remain composed?
Linko, who understood her feelings perfectly, held Flora’s hand firmly—the one she hadn’t placed on the table—in a comforting gesture, reminding her not to lose her composure.
“Miss Emia, Miss Flora, good evening to you both.”
Meifei didn’t approach them directly.
Instead, she stopped about three steps away, greeting them first, then said respectfully: “I am Meifei Frand, representative of the Rusted Gold Trading Company. My father ordered me to attend the ball and discuss cooperation matters with the Emerald Heart Squad.”
After saying this, she looked toward Flora.
“Miss Moria said that all matters tonight are under Miss Flora’s responsibility. Are you available now?”
“Responsible? Me?”
Upon hearing it was Moria’s arrangement, Flora immediately went on high alert.
She glanced around but didn’t find anything overtly suspicious.
Yet she noticed many people fidgeting, clearly restless at the sight of the Rusted Gold Trading Company’s representative taking the initiative.
It was obvious that once Meifei finished her conversation with her, many would come forward to get acquainted.
Just thinking about that scene made Flora uneasy.
“She really values me that much? Doesn’t she worry I’ll mess everything up?”
She could figure this out even with her toes.
These people had probably already coordinated with Tatatsimi.
If someone from Moria’s side approached her directly, it was either a trap deliberately set by Moria or an act to create an illusion of importance around her.
What effect it would bring, Flora couldn’t be sure, but Emia was quick to interject:
“Oh, I didn’t expect Sister Flora to hold such a high position in the Emerald Heart Squad. Sister truly values you. To be in charge of affairs right after joining the squad, your abilities must be exceptional. You’re probably going to be busy tonight. Don’t worry, I won’t bother you.”
Miss Meifei?
Please, have a seat here.
I’ll clear a spot for you.
“Four people at one table—it’s just like a ladies’ tea party.”
She smiled cheerfully, inviting Meifei to sit down, completely ignoring the atmosphere.
But Flora wasn’t about to let her linger here.
“If this concerns Emerald Heart’s affairs, Miss Emia, it’s better you stay out of it, isn’t it?”
She said bluntly with a cold expression.
Even though Meifei’s sudden appearance left it unclear whether she could seek help from her, having Emia sit beside her was definitely a hindrance to further action.
But nobles were generally known for being stubborn.
Upon hearing Flora’s words, Emia immediately crossed her arms and crossed one leg, adopting an intrigued expression as she stared at her.
“Fine then.”
Seeing Emia’s unwavering stance, Flora knew she wouldn’t convince her and just signaled for Meifei to take a seat.
Linko, watching this interaction anxiously from the side, couldn’t intervene.
She looked back and forth between them worriedly, sighed, and then glanced around the room.
She hadn’t forgotten Moria’s instructions.
Even though they were now inside the ballroom, a sudden attack could come at any moment.
She had to stay ready.
[The young lady should be with His Highness now. As for Miss Tatatsimi and that elf, I don’t know where they are.]
Linko had no knowledge of their plans.
She only knew that with the fake medicine incident, the Rusted Gold Trading Company could no longer be counted on to help Flora.
Now that Meifei had appeared and approached Flora, it was more likely another trap deliberately set by the young lady.
What exactly Moria intended was still unclear.
Flora, whose thoughts had already centered on Meifei, ignored Linko’s worried expression and Emia’s presence.
She looked at her old friend, gathered her words, and slowly said: “Miss Meifei, right? Such cooperation matters should be handled by Miss Tatatsimi within the squad. Even if she’s not here, it’s not my place.If you want to discuss these matters with me, at best, you’ll get an unguaranteed promise. That much you should know, right?”
Meifei’s expression didn’t change noticeably, making it hard to tell whether she was simply a respectful merchant greeting a noble or wearing a mask of cold hostility.
She looked as if she was here purely to discuss business, her face bearing a perfectly measured smile.
“That’s true, but you are a core member of the squad. Miss Moria also mentioned that many people at this ball have some connection to the Emerald Heart Squad and its members. They need to witness the conferring of your noble title.Our company’s cooperation with your squad involves healing medicine and is based on collaboration with the original healer, Mr. Fros Camille.”
“The product is a special medicine for frostbite popular on the market, so I believe there’s no problem with this decision being routed through you.”
“Special medicine for frostbite…”
Flora’s expression froze.
The note she had sent Meifei was meant to get her to associate that medicine with herself, so she could seek help.
And indeed, Meifei had come to the ball because of it—but not for the reason Flora had hoped.
At this moment, Meifei’s attitude was cold and hostile, her eyes full of mockery.
This was an interrogation.
Moria’s setup had triggered a subtle effect—one that fundamentally cut off Flora’s chance to seek help from the young woman before her.
“Yes, the special frostbite medicine… It is said you are the real creator of the medicine. Thanks to you, Mr. Fros Camille’s crime of producing fake medicine was exposed. Isn’t it because of your pharmaceutical skills that Miss Moria invited you to join the squad and applied for your noble title?”
Her tone was flat, but the sarcasm was thick—a feeling only those involved in the conversation could sharply sense.
“Our company despises counterfeiters and highly praises your courage to confront such disgusting people. It is truly my honor to discuss cooperation with you.”
Hearing such words from an old friend was unbearably painful and harsh.