There's a high chance that I am currently vibing to music :)

But Coco is well aware that an impressive spell isn't always made with good intent, and while she still, at this point, believes in the "witches help all people with their magic" creed, it doesn't mean Coco is entirely naive here. She just has a different perspective. Coco doesn't just see the magic itself, she's always wondering about the person behind it. And while what you create is not a reflection of character, knowing a person and then seeing what kinds of things they create can tell you at least a bit about their priorities (see: Olruggio's snugstones).

Richeh's spells are unique to her. And Coco says she likes it. This isn't just blanket "ooh pretty" complimenting. This is Coco finding it even more impressive because it's Richeh's. This is Coco saying, without any ulterior motives or context on why this matters to Richeh, that she sees her through her magic and admires her.

And that clearly meant a great deal to Richeh. Before she decides to trust Qifrey and take the second test, she looks directly at Coco. And we never get a full explanation as to why she did.

Here's my best interpretation: Richeh is not a stubborn, angry, selfish child; she never was. She's scared. She was an abused kid who did not feel safe abandoning her coping mechanisms that she developed in an abusive environment, not only for herself, but also to give her brother strength. She trusts the atelier as a whole, and she trusts Qifrey, but that is not enough to stop falling back on old safety nets, so this removal of that net, this apparent betrayal, unbalanced her. And in her worry, she looks at Coco before deciding what she'll do. Coco, who saw her spell and liked it. Coco, who looks at magic with optimism and wonder despite the fear she's also experienced. Coco, who perhaps would not let her magic disappear completely if the test changed her. She has reassurance, in this way. I don't think Coco ever realizes that.

But Richeh still doesn't fully understand Coco in this scene, not until what happens to Euini, and upon realizing the limitations of continuing to rely on a survival tactic that now holds her back.

See here, where she understands that people can indeed be seen in the adjustments and means of crafting each spell, even if they are merely drawing a spell out of a book. She sees Euini's magic the way Coco sees all magic - with that personal touch from intent, limitations, and specialties that make each person's drawing unique.

Or here, in one of my favourite underrated Richeh moments from Chapter 31.

Coco and Tetia are technically not qualified for the second test. But Richeh immediately agrees with Beldaruit that they should be allowed to take it anyways, because she recognizes Coco's drive is the same as her own. Agott has her complicated emotional dynamic with Coco, and Tetia is the supportive best friend, but Richeh has decided that her and Coco are essentially comrades-in-arms. Richeh is directly telling her that she wants Coco to work together with her to save the people they care about side-by-side. And that is a major compliment coming from Richeh!

When I first read the manga, I was hoping that the eventual Tower of Tomes arc would have more Coco and Agott development primarily. But now, while I think there's room for development between all the girls in this arc, I'm really hoping we'll get a lot more of Coco and Richeh.

Coco has had it rough these last few arcs, to put it mildly. She's struggling to remember what she is capable of, why magic brought her joy in the first place, and seeing a way forward that doesn't result in someone else suffering for it. It's only natural to assume that the Tower of Tomes will not offer Coco an easy solution and will force her to make even more difficult choices. But if Coco ever finds herself wavering once they enter the Tower, I really believe Richeh will be one of the first to remind her of what they're both there for.