Letie couldn’t help but smile at the host’s clean handling of the situation.

Wherever she went, people always compared her to her half-sister Cordelia, but Kana didn’t do that. It was refreshing after a long time, both before and after her regression.

“That’s right. The one here now is not Cordelia, but me.”

“Of course. It’s only right to prioritize the person who accepted the invitation and graced us with their presence.”

“No, there have been many who rudely mentioned and compared my half-sister without such courtesy. That’s why I appreciate Miss Kana’s words even more.”

A hint of loneliness seeped into Letie’s slow voice. It was a finely hidden emotion, noticeable only to someone as experienced as Kana in dealing with female protagonists.

The atmosphere became solemn. Letie closed her eyes, recalling memories, then reopened them to carefully observe the three others.

“To be honest, I was a bit puzzled when Miss Kana said she invited me because she wanted to become friends. Setting aside our family, my public reputation isn’t very good.”

“…Ah.”

Olivia and Evie, who roughly knew the contrasting reputations of Letie and Cordelia, sighed in sympathy. Kana fiddled with the handle of her teacup before speaking.

“Would you believe me if I said I was simply drawn to you? I prefer to see and judge for myself rather than rely on rumors. So I cautiously invited Lady Letie, and it turned out to be a success.”

“That’s right. How could such a good person be criticized? The rumors were wrong!”

Olivia, deeply immersed, added vehemently. Evie nodded in agreement. Letie burst into a refreshing laugh after a long time.

Kana, adept in her supporting role, didn’t miss the moment to compliment the female protagonist.

“Lady Letie, you look great when you smile. I thought you were beautiful when you smiled earlier, and it suits you well.”

“Really?”

Letie’s eyes widened slightly. She unconsciously touched her lips with her fingers.

The compliment of having a well-suited smile was usually directed at Cordelia. Letie often hardened her expression deliberately to maintain her dignity.

Kana added with a bright smile.

“Of course. When you’re not smiling, you have a dignified aura, and when you smile, you’re adorable. The contrast is charming.”

“Thank you. Miss Kana’s smile is also lovely. Should I say it looks kind and friendly? It has a comforting charm, just like your personality.”

Letie finished speaking and winked. Olivia and Evie clapped their hands with genuine agreement and smiles.

Kana, who had always elevated the protagonists while working as a supporting character, felt a bit unfamiliar being the recipient of such compliments. Letie, noticing her speechlessness, teased playfully.

“Oh my, is this the first time you’ve heard such words? I thought many people would have told you that.”

“Miss Kana is quick to praise others but slow to respond to compliments herself.”

“Indeed.”

Olivia teased with a smirk, and Evie quietly agreed with a subtle smile. Kana gave a light glare to the three.

“Oh, come on, don’t tease me. The wave of emotion is about to fade.”

“Alright, alright.”

Laughter echoed from the terrace overlooking the garden. It was a very warm atmosphere.

Kana wrapped up the tea party comfortably, chatting with the three.

Letie checked the time with her pocket watch and was surprised.

“My goodness, we chatted so much, enjoying the peaceful and pleasant time that I didn’t notice the hours pass. I hope we can meet like this again.”

“There are plenty of gatherings and salons. We must all attend together! And exchange letters often.”

Olivia snapped her fingers with a broad smile.

“Sure.”

“Sounds good.”

Kana and Evie nodded gently with smiles. After exchanging cheerful farewells, the guests adjusted their attire to leave, and the host saw them off from the terrace.

“See you all next time. I have another appointment, so I’ll leave first.”

“Yes, Miss Olivia.”

It was a move befitting someone with a wide network and a packed schedule. After Olivia left first, Evie and Letie remained. Evie cautiously spoke up.

“I had a great time today. Let’s meet again next time.”

“Yes. It would be nice to meet for activities related to our hobbies then.”

Kana’s smiling reply made Evie’s lips curve slightly. Evie Reas’s hobbies included reading, appreciating paintings, embroidery, and enjoying flowers—activities that Kana could easily accommodate.

After Evie left, only the female protagonist remained. Letie brushed her wind-tousled hair back and gazed at Kana. In the quiet atmosphere, Kana spoke first.

“Lady Letie, do you have something to say to me?”

“Oh, um. I don’t really have anything more to say, but I feel reluctant to leave.”

Letie awkwardly laughed and fiddled with the ends of her hair. Normally, she would have left immediately, but she found herself watching Kana interact with the other ladies until the end. Kana let out a soft laugh.

“We can meet again next time. I’ll take it as a sign that you enjoyed yourself that much.”

“Yes. And just to ease my mind…”

Letie, uncharacteristically hesitant, trailed off. Kana smiled warmly, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

“Please, speak freely.”

“When we were chatting earlier, Lord Kiriel Curtis was mentioned.”

“Yes.”

“Since the four great families often interact, I’ve heard quite a bit… Even if you grow close to him due to family matters, don’t give him your heart completely.”

Recalling events before her regression, Letie gave a bitter smile. She hoped Kana, who had shown her genuine kindness without mentioning her family or Cordelia, wouldn’t get hurt.

Contrary to Letie’s worries, Kana, who worked diligently as a supporting character, was not easily swayed by the male protagonist or sub male lead. Whether they ended up with the female protagonist or not, they were not hers. Even if they formed a bond, it would end when the novel concluded. Kana responded calmly.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yes, I believe Miss Kana will handle it well. What was your impression of him when you met?”

“He is thorough in business and work. He has a natural interest in magic and even in spirits.”

Kana tactfully avoided mentioning Kiriel’s flaws. In romance fantasy novels, the sub male lead, the Tower Master, often appeared suddenly near the female protagonist. It was the same in ‘Fake Saint,’ so it was wise to be cautious even in his absence.

Letie was slightly surprised by Kana’s straightforward assessment and nodded.

“That’s just right. Unless he shows a deep interest first, it’s best to perceive him that way for your own peace of mind.”

“Yes.”

Kana readily accepted the female protagonist’s advice. Letie, who was outwardly strong but inwardly tender, was full of affection. Despite her strong exterior, she was quite sensitive inside.

As their conversation ended on an ambiguous note, Letie hesitated before speaking again.

“By the way, I thought you would speak kindly of the Tower Master since you comforted me earlier…”

“I only met him for business, so I don’t know him well. Besides, I don’t delve deeply into things unless I’m interested.”

“You’re just like him in that regard.”

Letie inadvertently smiled at Kana’s firm dismissal. Kana silently smiled back. The female protagonist then shook her head vigorously, as if snapping out of a daze.

“Oh, what am I saying? Anyway, see you next time, Miss Kana.”

“Yes, Lady Letie. Take care on your way back.”

After Letie left, Kana was alone on the terrace. She called a servant to clean up and then sat down to catch some air.

“Lady Round, are you finally taking a break?”

Kana turned her head at the familiar male voice. Kiriel, draped in a robe, had naturally taken a seat opposite her. His fine golden hair swayed in the breeze.

‘I knew this would happen. Speak of the devil… The Tower Master sub male lead’s actions never deviate. Do they all receive similar training somewhere?’

Kana’s eyes narrowed.

“…Since when have you been here?”

“Since you were alone with Lady Letie Serade. Quite an unexpected pairing.”

“It just happened that way. Did you hear our entire conversation?”

“Yes.”

Kiriel confirmed nonchalantly.

I was right not to speak carelessly. Excessive praise is awkward, and gossip can cause problems. Kana immediately apologized.

“I’m sorry. You must have been uncomfortable hearing yourself mentioned behind your back.”

“Not really. It’s not a big deal since I’m used to people talking about me. They weren’t even badmouthing me.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.”

As she expected, Kiriel brushed it off nonchalantly. From his perspective, Kana’s remarks were not problematic. However, Letie’s subtle advice was somewhat irksome.

Speaking of people like they were items to be handled. Besides, that lady isn’t even in a position to give advice on someone else’s character. Kiriel scoffed and tapped his fingers on the table.

“But there’s one thing I need to point out. I’m not that cruel.”

“…Pardon?”

Kana was at a loss for words at his confident demeanor, as if he was stating the obvious. His purple eyes turned serious as he emphasized his point.

“Don’t judge me based solely on what Lady Serade said.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. I only take other people’s words as references; I make my own judgments.”

Is this something he really needs to explain to a mere supporting character? Kana waved her hand lightly, matching his tone appropriately. This eased the slightly tense atmosphere around Kiriel.