Kana stared at the person in front of her. Emotions of distress flickered in his violet eyes, resembling violets. She calmly spoke, fiddling with the end of her fan after pulling her arm from his grasp.

“Lord Kiriel, does my talk bother you?”

“It’s not that, but the topic is too focused on Lady Serade. Even if you don’t mention her, everyone is already talking about her.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll stop.”

Having done enough as a supporting character, Kana decided to generously consider her partner for the rest of the banquet. Kiriel finally felt relieved.

The imperial banquet, which had been tumultuous, was nearing its end.

After the banquet, Kana, escorted by Kiriel until the end, returned to the Round mansion.

As she got off the carriage, she politely greeted Kiriel.

“Lord Kiriel, thank you for your hard work today. Thank you for escorting me as your partner.”

“Sure. See you next time.”

Kiriel answered calmly and left. Kana watched the departing carriage before turning around.

* * *

After the imperial palace banquet, the social circles of the capital were abuzz. This was due to the full attendance of key figures from the four major families, the sudden accident, and the fact that both partners of the two princes were ladies from the Serade family, as well as Letie’s awakening of her healing ability.

Kana Round was mentioned in passing due to her association with the Master of the Magic Tower, Kiriel. This was something she had anticipated since being escorted by the sub male lead, so she was fine with it.

As Kana was sorting through the letters she had received and organizing her schedule, Lena informed her of Alderaan’s visit. She guided her friend, who had arrived first, to the reception room and served tea.

Sitting across from each other, Kana clapped her hands in delight.

“Alderaan, I didn’t expect you to visit so soon.”

“You signaled at the imperial palace banquet that we should meet next time. We should meet while we still have time before things get busier.”

Alderaan replied smoothly. Kana laughed heartily and nodded.

“You’re right. But did Miss Olivia say anything when you came to our residence?”

“She was a bit surprised. But she was pleased, saying that it was good to increase her social circle since ‘Alderaan Short’ was originally a shy person.”

“Oh, really?”

Kana tilted her head. It seemed Olivia had been thinking about her brother, as she often mentioned him in front of her.

“Yes. She said, ‘Miss Kana is a kind person, so she’ll be able to converse smoothly with my brother.’ Your reputation is really good, Round.”

Alderaan imitated Olivia’s tone vividly and laughed slyly. Kana proudly puffed out her chest and declared.

“Of course. I’ve always been a good person.”

“Wow, you’re overflowing with confidence. Alright, I acknowledge it.”

Alderaan clapped his hands with little enthusiasm, then suddenly asked his industry friend a question that came to mind.

“By the way, Olivia said she’s been busy with many social gatherings and parties since the imperial palace banquet. Are you busy too?”

“Of course. The social season is in full bloom. I was organizing my schedule with the letters before you arrived. Our schedules will probably overlap quite a bit. In this novel, she and I have similar positions.”

Kana counted on her fingers as she thought of the letters. Anyway, it’s busy being a background character. Alderaan clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“Hmm, I see. It must be tiring.”

“It is, but it’s part of the job, so it’s fine. How about you?”

“Me? It’s the same as always. Damn paperwork. I’m in the Second Prince’s line, but I’m at the very bottom, so I don’t have as much work as you.”

Alderaan let out a deep sigh. Sitting around smelling paper and ink was frustrating. His range of activity wasn’t wide, making it even more stifling.

Kana frowned and tapped the back of his hand on the table.

“You know, having less work is good. What if you get involved in an incident and villains come after you?”

“What? That would be great. They should send a skilled assassin so I can at least get some exercise. Doesn’t the First Prince do any work?”

Alderaan’s eyes gleamed sharply as he seriously considered it. Kana, horrified by her industry friend’s fiery words, waved her hands.

“This crazy… Who would say you’re not a battle maniac? You really should have been assigned to the North as a knight or a mercenary.”

“Exactly. I might have been better off as a background character related to Ethan Cardium. I could use my sword skills and fight monsters.”

“Well, we can’t change our roles, so just endure until the end. You can go to a novel with many battle scenes next time.”

Kana gently consoled Alderaan, who murmured wistfully. He seemed quite disappointed that he didn’t have a chance to participate in battle scenes.

Unlike her, who pursued safety and was meticulous and cautious in everything, he had a challenging nature that didn’t hesitate to dive in boldly without weighing things.

After a brief silence, Alderaan, having quenched his thirst with tea, cautiously started a conversation.

“Round, is everything okay with Kiriel Curtis?”

“Yes, nothing suspicious has happened since the imperial palace banquet.”

Kana recalled. Since the imperial palace banquet, her interactions with Kiriel had been limited to exchanging a letter once. Even that was just about exchanging communication codes and formal greetings, with some conversation about spirit summoning.

Alderaan frowned.

“…Hmm.”

“Why, do you find it strange too?”

“Not strange, but his attitude at the imperial palace banquet was a bit concerning. I’m worried it might interfere with your work.”

He mentioned what had happened near the terrace that day. Kana also recalled that situation and snapped her fingers.

“Oh, because Kiriel seemed to be wary of you?”

“Yes.”

“It’s fine. It varies by character, but most male leads and sub male leads in romance novels inherently have a possessive nature. Even if they don’t have feelings, they can’t stand seeing another man near their partner.”

Kana explained with gestures. Such emotions were usually directed towards the female protagonist, but sometimes they were ambiguously directed at other characters nearby.

This situation could be described as a ‘chicken rib.’ You don’t have affection for it, but you don’t want to give it to others. Even if it’s just a formal connection, it’s unpleasant for others to covet it. It was just at that level.

Alderaan listened to her words seriously and nodded in agreement.

“I understand. Then I’ll just follow the direction you draw. You are meticulous in general, and in this field, you’ll be much better than me.”

“Do as you please. Instead, let’s share information well.”

“Of course.”

The two supporting characters raised their hands simultaneously as if they had promised in advance and high-fived. The sound of their palms clapping together rang out cheerfully.

Kana, while reaffirming their resolve, suddenly clapped her hands as a thought came to her.

“Oh, let’s exchange communication codes too. Let’s focus on our own tasks usually, but contact each other comfortably if something unexpected happens or if communication is needed.”

“Let’s do that.”

They exchanged communication codes. Alderaan finished his tea and stood up.

“Round, thank you for welcoming me despite being busy. Do your work well, and see you next time.”

“Sure.”

Kana waved her hand to him as he left.

* * *

Kana diligently kept up with her schedule while training in her spare time. She attended the first salon hosted by Countess Ophelia Dearon after the imperial banquet.

The salon was supposed to discuss poetry, novels, and theater, but it was mostly a social gathering where they chatted about social issues.

Count Cedric Dearon, her husband, was the chancellor of the Arsen Empire, and she herself had influence in social circles and was close to the Empress, making it a prestigious salon.

The Dearon couple and their son, young Count Harmon Dearon, maintained neutrality but would later side with the protagonists.

‘The setting is that she invites people selectively… I’ve never excelled in poetry, novels, or theater, so being invited must be due to Kiriel and the novel’s allowances.’

The background character Kana Round had an average level of refinement as set in ‘Fake Saint.’ However, she managed everything smoothly thanks to her own capabilities.

To avoid any mistakes, Kana roughly memorized the trending poems, novels, and plays in the capital and dressed neatly and elegantly.

She arrived at the venue of the salon. The space reflected Countess Dearon’s taste, being spacious and exuding a refined atmosphere.

Expensive paintings adorned the walls, and sculptures and bookshelves made of magic stones and spirit stones were placed here and there.

Kana spotted familiar faces among the attendees. Female protagonist Letie, Olivia, Evie, and other young ladies.

Recognizing her, they approached. Kana waved her fan with a smiling face.

“Nice to see you all here.”

“I knew Miss Kana would come too.”

Olivia clapped her hands in delight. Evie smiled quietly. Letie spoke up.

“It seems like only young ladies are attending. Countess Dearon must have wanted to spend time with young ladies.”

“Indeed.”

Kana nodded at Letie’s accurate observation.

Ophelia was mingling with other noblewomen. She gathered young ladies of similar age and, if they seemed suitable, connected them with other noblewomen or included them in the main salon.

Kana scanned the surroundings. The attendees were divided into two groups. One group was where she was, and the other was on the opposite side. Following Kana’s gaze, Letie spoke up.

“Miss Kana, Cordelia is over there.”

“Oh, yes.”

Kana’s eyes narrowed. With Liriel Curtis and Seria Hail absent, the Serade family held the highest status among the attendees, so it was natural for them to be divided.

Of course, it was also related to the partners at the imperial banquet. Those who escorted Cordelia, the First Prince’s faction, sided with Cordelia, and those who escorted Letie, the Second Prince’s faction, sided with Letie.

For now, Cordelia’s side had more people. Those who had disapproved when Kana was escorted by Kiriel were also with Cordelia. Kana indifferently turned her gaze away.

At that moment, Cordelia, leading her group, approached them.