“Romari!”

A smile blossomed on Rizel’s face. Thanks to her friend’s intervention, the uncomfortable atmosphere dissipated, and the attention that had been focused on them scattered.

Romari boldly pushed her way through, even bringing her young half-brother along. Edwin had no choice but to step back, finding himself pushed out from the center of the gathering.

Like the impulsive fire spirit contractor she was, Romari paid no attention to the gazes around her or the situation. She casually spoke while gently waving her fan:

“Hello, Rizel. I wanted to talk to you as soon as I saw you in the hall, but I was unintentionally delayed.”

“It’s fine. We’re talking together now.”

Rizel responded with a subtle smile and secretly made a request through spirit communication:

[Romari, if you happen to spot a young lady with pink hair and a cute impression when we’re separated later, please let me know.]

[Ah, could that young lady be Parsene Latis?]

[Probably.]

Though she wasn’t sure what she actually looked like, that was how she had been described in the original work. Romari, recalling her friend’s curiosity about that young lady, readily agreed:

[Got it. I’ll let you know through spirit communication.]

[Thank you.]

Rizel’s lips relaxed into a smile. As the spirit communication that others couldn’t detect ended, Edwin’s gaze toward Romari turned slightly cold:

“Well, if it isn’t the fire arts user Romari who was often seen with Rizel. Or should I call you the Lady Harrington now?”

“Call me whatever you prefer, Marquis Bellard.”

Romari responded indifferently. Edwin clicked his tongue as he observed the Viscount Harrington standing firmly beside his half-sister as if protecting her, then made a comment:

“The Lady is as unrestrained as ever.”

“That’s my personality. Anyway, if you’ve sufficiently caught up with Rizel, please step aside. I want to talk with my friend too. Besides, Marquis Bellard, you’re not someone with that much free time either.”

Romari openly waved her hand as if shooing him away. In the end, Edwin had no choice but to bid farewell to the Darkus couple and the Harrington siblings before leaving.

Romari muttered with a relaxed expression as she brushed back her hair:

“Whew, finally things have cleared up a bit. I suspected it, but he’s really making advances toward Rizel as expected. Well, that’s how men are.”

“Sister, such vulgar language… Please maintain at least a minimum level of dignity.”

The Viscount Harrington sighed as he tried to stop his half-sister, with a half-resigned expression. Romari nodded with a grin:

“Yes, yes.”

“Romari, the person you brought is…”

As Rizel subtly changed the subject, the Viscount Harrington, who had been glancing nervously at Romari, greeted them first with a respectful attitude:

“Pleased to meet you. Marquis Harzen Darkus, Marchioness Rizel Darkus. I am Fabian Harrington.”

“Ah, I’ve heard rumors about your clever handling of affairs in the east. Seeing you in person, you appear much more solid.”

Harzen offered conventional praise with a gentle expression. Though somewhat rigid in nature, Fabian, who secretly admired the Marquis of Darkus’s distinctive path, responded stiffly due to nervousness:

“It’s an honor. I have much to learn compared to Marquis Darkus, who has built so much on his own.”

“That’s because you’re still in the heir position. You can learn step by step and do well later.”

“Yes.”

A soft smile spread across Fabian’s face. Rizel, after laughing with Romari and confirming the end of the two men’s conversation, added:

“I’ve heard a bit about Viscount Harrington from Romari. I’m glad to meet you.”

“Ah, actually, I’ve also heard about the Marchioness of Darkus from my sister. She said you
were a close friend who often spent time together.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Rizel nodded with a bright smile. She had been carefully observing her friend’s half-brother out of concern, but he seemed better than expected, which put her mind at ease.

Fabian looked at her with genuine admiration:

“You’re truly remarkable.”

“Hey, what’s that reaction supposed to mean?”

Romari glared at him while tapping his arm with her folded fan. Fabian avoided her gaze and hesitantly added:

“For handling my sister’s personality and the instability of a spirit contractor. I know it’s not easy. Especially regarding my sister’s spirit—I’m trying my best, but it’s still unfamiliar and difficult.”

“For me, it wasn’t a big issue… but I can see how an ordinary person might feel that way. Among spirits, fire spirits are the most demanding, and there are many cases where spirit contractors are swept up by their spirit’s nature and show somewhat extreme aspects.”

This was a primary factor, along with spirit rampage incidents, for why spirit contractors were avoided. Rizel responded seriously, matching the other’s attitude. Fabian’s face darkened:

“…Yes. Then could my sister also fall into dangerous situations like other spirit contractors?”

“No, why are you asking that? I’m fine.”

Romari made an incredulous expression. Rizel nodded and supported her friend:

“That’s right. Romari has excellent control abilities. There’s a reason she’s lasted this long. You don’t need to worry too much.”

“I see. Then does Marquis Darkus think the same?”

“I don’t know much about Lady Harrington, but I trust my wife’s words. Well, I’m also doing fine.”

“I understand.”

Fabian only felt relieved after hearing from both the Marquis and Marchioness of Darkus.
As the four’s conversation reached a lull, an announcement of the imperial family’s entrance was heard. Everyone’s attention, including theirs, turned toward the platform at the front.

The Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, and Imperial Princess stood in a row. Except for Gerard, whom she had seen at the wedding, they were all new faces to Rizel, but she particularly noticed the slender and fragile-looking Imperial Princess.

‘So that’s Jenael.’

Just then, her eyes met with the Imperial Princess, who had been glancing around. Complex emotions flickered in those pale purple eyes directed at Rizel. The likely cause was her employer standing beside her.

‘The Imperial Princess aside, is the female protagonist really not here?’

She couldn’t tell whether Parsene hadn’t attended because it wasn’t yet time for her to appear, or if she was already present but hidden among the densely gathered nobles.

‘If it’s the former, I hope she appears after next year. It would be troublesome if problems arise while I’m working.’

As Rizel continued looking around, she spotted the Tower Master leaning against a wall in a corner, yawning, dressed in typical magician’s robes.

Ian was fidgeting with his topaz earring, looking bored, when he noticed her. His lips moved:

‘What are you looking at? Do you have something to say?’

Unfortunately, Rizel could clearly understand the Tower Master’s words. His attitude was somewhat prickly, perhaps irritated by the tedious banquet, which was very like him.

She shook her head in denial and quickly bowed along with her employer and the other nobles to show respect to the imperial family. The Emperor gestured with a hearty laugh:

“Everyone, please rise. Thank you for attending the New Year’s banquet and gracing us with your presence.”

“May the empire prosper this year as well.”

As the nobles straightened up and adjusted their attire, the Empress added a brief well-wish, and the Emperor promptly concluded:

“Now, enjoy the banquet.”

“Yes.”

After the nobles responded, lively music began to flow through the hall. People around them started to pair up and dance. Harzen extended his hand to his contract wife, who was quietly looking around:

“Shall we dance for now?”

“I’d like that.”

Rizel began to dance, following her employer’s lead step by step. Her dress billowed like a blooming flower, then settled. Harzen admired how well she followed, considering she had learned in a hurry:

“You’re doing well in practice.”

“Thanks to your help. I’ve always been quick to adapt to physical activities.”

“I see.”

As they continued dancing silently, Harzen suddenly asked through spirit communication:

[Rizel, you’ve been looking around since we arrived at the imperial palace. Are you searching for someone?]

[…No.]

Rizel hesitated briefly but ultimately decided not to reveal her true intentions. Harzen blinked in puzzlement:

[Then are you disappointed that you couldn’t talk more with your friend or Marquis Bellard?]

[Well, the former perhaps, but the latter not really… He was just my former employer.]

[Is that so? I was surprised because Marquis Bellard seemed quite affectionate.]

A hint of playfulness tinged Harzen’s voice as he skillfully and leisurely led the dance. Rizel curled up the corners of her lips while concentrating on not getting confused by the tricky steps:

[You’re being mischievous. Well, Marquis Bellard might feel regretful. He probably wanted to strengthen his family’s forces with capable individuals.]

[Then how do you feel?]

[I’m someone who values the present more than the past. Marquis Bellard’s commission is already well concluded, so in the current situation, you are what’s important.]

Rizel gave an answer that her employer would like. It must have been the right response, as Harzen’s lips curved into a gentle smile.

After dancing to a few more songs, they stopped to rest when the music flowing through the hall became calm. Subsequently, Harzen engaged in conversation with approaching male nobles, while Rizel faced several noblewomen and young ladies.

As she maintained a smiling face while observing the noblewomen’s conversation, Romari’s voice echoed in her mind:

[I’ve found that young lady.]