oh man
That p. 12 spread with Shien was glorious.
And all the more-so as it mirrors what Rea so hoped for in the Before Times.
But, hopefully Rea does get more and more back. Not all at once, but in manageable chunks, if only so that it might also bring back her magic. Literal wealth creation is obviously inherently dangerous, but I also think it's important that she learn to use her magic in ways beyond simply "being of use to Shien".
Because it's true: while Shien was bad at actually conveying it (and thank goodness Tama's here to translate), Rea's value isn't in her ability to create gold to keep the apothecary running. It's in Rea herself; that's it. She doesn't need a reason to come visit, she doesn't have to buy her way into Shien's life. And I think gaining her magic back, and learning she doesn't have to use it that way, or make everything transactional, and that she's allowed to seek out happiness because she's entitled to have it, is invaluable.
Also, Rea shining like gold whenever she gets happy needs to be a constant thing whenever she's in a chapter. Cannot get enough of her expressions in those moments.
Thanks for the TL.