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

"Alright, folks, that's a wrap for today! Jacob, Carly, you're sticking around for extra training!"

"Man, you guys really have it rough, huh?" Teddy had been lounging all afternoon, stretching lazily before sauntering over with a grin that just begged for a smack. "Jacob, what did I tell you? Don't get on my bad side, and definitely don't mess with the Shu family. You're way out of your league here."

"Get lost!"

Jacob, already fuming, couldn't hold back any longer. Provoked, he swung a punch at Teddy.

But sadly for him,

He was too worn out to even stand a chance. Teddy sidestepped effortlessly and gave Jacob a solid kick in the back.

"Pathetic!"

...

Hawthorn strolled out of the training grounds with a big smile plastered on his face.

As soon as he spotted Rory, his whole attitude flipped-gone was the cockiness he showed around Jacob. Approaching with respect, he called out, "Hey, Second in command!"

"Wait, you're... Hawthorn, right?" Rory paused, trying to remember his name, mostly because he was the instructor for Jacob and Carly. "You're the one leading Squad Four, aren't you?" Hawthorn's face lit up at being recognized. "Yes, sir, that's me!"

"How's the training going? Are the kids behaving themselves?"

"They're mostly well-behaved, just a couple of troublemakers, nothing too serious."

"Good." Rory nodded approvingly. "Keep up the good work. You're in a pretty sweet spot right now. Who knows, you might even snag a promotion after this training session."

Luckiest, indeed.

Teaching Jacob and Carly.

These two were friends with the lady of the house.

If Hawthorn managed to get on their good side, and they happened to mention him favorably to the lady, who might then whisper a word or two to the boss, maybe Hawthorn could bag the deputy head position in Squad Nine. Rory's hint about a possible promotion had Hawthorn beaming, and he quickly said, "I owe it all to your support, sir!"

"That's all you."

Rory clicked his tongue in amusement.

"Hey, what's with all the snacks, Second in command?" Hawthorn finally noticed the bag Rory was holding.

"They're for the lady. The boss brought them back from the Mortal World just to satisfy her cravings."

Hawthorn was impressed.

The boss really had a soft spot for the lady, didn't he?

Went out of his way to get her favorite snacks.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

If only he could meet her and earn her favor, his promotion would be a sure thing!

"Alright, keep at it. I'm heading out," Rory said.

Hawthorn nodded, "Take care, sir."

Quite the bootlicker, wasn't he?

Imagining his imminent promotion, Hawthorn squinted with delight, humming a tune to himself.

Meanwhile, at the Gilbert family home,

Mae was missing Jacob and Carly something fierce.

She couldn't eat, plagued with worry. "I keep wondering how those kids are doing. Last night, I dreamt they were being bullied at the training ground."

"You're overthinking it, honey," Joey reassured her with a gentle smile "They're doing just fine at the

training field, no need to worry."

But Mae couldn't shake the feeling. "I just feel like things aren't going well for them."

"I'll go check on them tomorrow," Flora chimed in calmly.

"Flora, sweetheart, the training field isn't exactly open to visitors," Joey reminded her. "Especially during the family heirs' evaluations, only the Enforcement Division folks can get in.

Even Joey couldn't go; otherwise, he'd have already visited Jacob and Carly.

"I know." Flora set down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth, her voice steady. "But I'm not just anyone."