Ophelia carefully looked at the faces of the gathered young ladies and set the stage.

“As you all know, there were many noteworthy aspects of this banquet. The partners of the imperial princes, the incidents that occurred and how they were handled, the key figures of the four great families, and the partner of the Master of the Magic Tower.”

Her gaze lingered on the two Serade young ladies before passing over Kana. The others subtly followed Ophelia’s gaze and nodded in agreement.

‘It seems the Empress ordered her to probe the two young ladies. If she only called them, it would look too obvious, so she invited other notable figures from the imperial banquet as well to act as a cover.’

Ophelia’s real targets were Letie and Cordelia. While Kana was recalling the contents of ‘The Fake Saint Was Real’ and guessing her intentions, Ophelia smiled brightly and looked at Cordelia first.

“Lady Cordelia, how did you become the partner of His Highness the First Prince?”

“I was honored that Lord Riden asked me first, so I received his escort.”

Cordelia answered shyly, her cheeks turning red. Even the way she fiddled with her hair exuded a lovely and cute feeling.

In response, the young ladies in her group also praised Cordelia, saying she was indeed remarkable.

“I see.”

Ophelia nodded calmly and turned her gaze to Letie.

“Then how did Lady Letie end up partnering with His Highness the Second Prince?”

“We found we shared the same intentions while having tea together.”

Letie spoke modestly. According to the description in ‘Fake Saint,’ they both spoke up at the same time, so it was hard to say who proposed first.

Ophelia’s eyes sparkled. It was important to be cautious about flaunting one’s closeness with the imperial family in a salon full of other nobles.

Unless they were lovers or engaged, acting as if they were completely close just because they partnered could be seen negatively. Ophelia smiled softly.

“Seeing Lady Letie’s calm and prudent demeanor, it seems natural that you would get along well with His Highness the Second Prince. In fact, I thought you would be escorted by His Highness the First Prince.”

“Oh, he already said he would escort my sister. Since they agreed, I couldn’t interfere.”

Letie waved her hand leisurely.

Before her regression, she had loved Riden desperately. That’s why there were rumors that the dullard of the Serade family dared to adore the First Prince.

However, now she had lost affection and was keeping her distance. She didn’t want to repeat a miserable life, so she felt fortunate that her half-sister took the First Prince instead.

Ophelia’s lips loosened.

“Lady Letie has a broad mind.”

“You flatter me. Thank you for seeing me in a good light.”

“Come to think of it, you quickly dealt with ‘that accident’ and prevented the worst-case scenario, right? And even awakened your healing abilities…”

“I was lucky. Thanks to that, both I and His Highness the Second Prince were safe.”

A warm atmosphere enveloped their conversation. Even without Kana and other background characters boosting her, she was naturally rising. Indeed, she was a protagonist living her second life.

When Cordelia, feeling uncomfortable, secretly bit her lip, Ophelia gently started a conversation with Kana.

“I’m curious about how Lady Round became partners with the Master of the Magic Tower.”

“I often met the Tower Master for official matters, so we agreed to partner then.”

Kana spoke naturally. Kiriel from ‘Fake Saint’ disliked showing off friendships based on a few meetings. Of course, Kana had no intention of doing so either.

Ophelia looked intrigued. She provided a plausible reason.

“Oh, I heard the Master of the Magic Tower often met with Viscount Round for research-related matters… I guess you agreed then.”

“Something like that.”

Since it wasn’t entirely wrong, Kana agreed. The young ladies from the south, who had been waiting, exchanged glances. Margareta took the lead in picking a quarrel.

“So, Lady Round didn’t meet him for official business?”

“Since he came directly to the Round mansion, it’s the same thing. It’s an official matter but also a personal meeting, so I don’t have to explain everything to Lady Cotton here.”

Kana responded flatly, drawing a line. Margareta clenched her fists at the reasonable argument but pushed forward.

“Didn’t Lady Round force it?”

“Lady Cotton, are you belittling the Master of the Magic Tower’s opinion?”

At Kana’s sharp retort, Margareta, who had been pushing aggressively, hesitated. She hadn’t expected the usually gentle Kana to come out so strongly and looked flustered.

“Well, that’s…”

“I clearly said we ‘agreed.’ If either of us hadn’t agreed, it wouldn’t have happened. I don’t understand why Lady Margareta Cotton, a third party, is questioning this.”

“But the Master of the Magic Tower…”

Kana sighed, looking at Margareta, who trailed off.

No matter how destined a background character was, it was always disheartening to argue with others over a mere sub male lead.

She collected herself and retorted coldly.

“Are you dating or engaged to the Master of the Magic Tower? If so, I’d understand, but it’s surprising that someone who isn’t is acting this way.”

“Lady Round, that’s too harsh.”

“What’s harsh is Lady Cotton biting at innocent people. Why don’t you ask the Master of the Magic Tower why he escorted me while you’re at it?”

Margareta’s face turned pale at Kana’s calm counterattack. It was something she could never do.

Kana looked indifferently at the extra villain who was trembling and tightly shut her mouth, then scanned the nearby southern young ladies who had been whispering. Her green eyes, like spring sprouts, shone coldly.

“Some of you have been nitpicking since earlier… I’m holding back considering the host’s dignity and the salon’s atmosphere. If you want to question me about partnering with him at the imperial palace banquet, please do the same with the Master of the Magic Tower.”

Those who disapproved of her partnering with the Tower Master fell silent. The atmosphere in the room quickly cooled down.

‘Hmm, I used Kiriel to shut their mouths… I hope he understands. After all, this happened because he partnered with me.’

Kana rationalized to herself and turned her gaze away from them. Then she politely apologized to the hostess of the salon.

“Countess Dearon, I apologize for disrupting the atmosphere after you kindly invited me to the salon.”

“It’s alright, Lady Round. How frustrating it would be if you couldn’t even say that much.”

Ophelia smiled warmly and waved her hand. Her original purpose was to observe and understand the young ladies she had invited, so she did not intervene regardless of how the situation unfolded.

Kana, already aware of Ophelia’s intentions, responded without revealing her thoughts.

“Thank you for your generosity.”

“Don’t mention it. When you’re young, it’s natural to live bumping into each other here and there.”

Ophelia answered maturely with a smile. Of course, hidden within that smile was a keen judgment and a cunning mind. She was by no means an easy person.

Despite the brief commotion, the topic of the imperial palace banquet continued. Occasionally, fierce psychological battles would flare up and then die down.

Kana maintained a basic posture of listening but naturally supported the young ladies in the same group as Letie.

After the salon ended, everyone left, splitting into Letie’s and Cordelia’s groups as they had at the beginning.

The protagonist’s group consisted of only about eight members, including herself. Letie carefully observed the faces of the young ladies in her group and made a subtle suggestion.

“If everyone is okay with it, shall we stop by a tea house?”

“Sounds good.”

Kana, Olivia, and Evie immediately accepted. The remaining four young ladies exchanged glances.

“Ah, I have an appointment right away… What a pity. Let’s definitely go together next time.”

“Me too. I’ll definitely join if there’s a chance next time.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“I think I can go too.”

Two of them regrettably had prior engagements and left, while the remaining two expressed their willingness to attend. They first saw off the two young ladies who had to leave. With six remaining, Letie clapped her hands.

“Then let’s go right away.”

“By the way, which tea house are we going to?”

“‘Fria.’”

Teahouse Fria. It was an expensive tea house located in a slightly secluded area of the capital, with spaces divided like rooms to allow for secret meetings. It had appeared several times in ‘Fake Saint.’

They each took their carriages and moved to Teahouse Fria. Once they all arrived, Letie immediately reserved a room.

The seating arrangement was three people facing each other: Olivia-Kana-Evie, and Della-Letie-Bianca. Della and Bianca were also similar background characters.

Once the seating was settled, Letie paid for everyone, including herself. Kana deliberately widened her eyes in surprise.

“Oh my, Lady Letie, are you paying for everything?”

“Of course, Kana. I suggested coming here without prior notice, didn’t I? Everyone, please order your refreshments quickly. I’ll cover the cost.”

Letie winked as she shook her purse. To a capitalist, her smile seemed to radiate a halo. Everyone beamed at the protagonist’s bold declaration.

“Thank you, Lady Letie.”

“I’ll enjoy it.”

They looked through the menu brought by the staff and ordered their respective teas and simple desserts.

While everyone took a moment to relax, the refreshments arrived and were placed in front of each person.

As soon as the staff left, the lively Olivia set the stage for conversation as if she had been waiting.

“The Countess Dearon’s salon earlier was enjoyable, but it was quite something, wasn’t it?”