Kiriel, who had been glancing at Kana, put away his monocle and shook his head.

“No. This time, it’s fine to take it as a personal transaction with the young marquis of Hail. There’s also the pretext of exchanging it for a magic tool that assists spirit summoning.”

“Then the imperial family… Oh, they’re probably too preoccupied with the matters of the princes to pay much attention.”

“Yes.”

Kiriel affirmed.

At this time, the four great families were cautious due to the restrictions imposed by the imperial family, but this relaxed as the male and female protagonists came together.

The four great families supported Letie. Seria as an ally, Kiriel and Ethan as sub male leads, and Dain as a reformed family member who increasingly expressed himself.

They supported the male protagonist, Second Prince Richard, considering their family interests and Letie. While they conversed, Kana internally reviewed the flow of ‘The Fake Saint Was Real.’

Kiriel, who had been engrossed in conversation with Seria, occasionally glanced at Kana, who was lost in thought. Initially, she was amazed, but she quickly adapted, becoming calm and serene.

“Miss Kana, you’re quite quiet. Are you bored?”

“No, it’s not that. I didn’t want to interrupt your important conversation and got lost in thought, so I stayed quiet.”

Kana smiled warmly. Seria laughed heartily and nodded.

“See, she says so. Tower Master, you’re worrying for nothing.”

“Yes, well.”

Kiriel responded awkwardly.

They continued their sporadic conversation while further inspecting the mine and then exited. After taking a short break, they headed to the Hail family mansion by carriage.

* * *

The three of them moved directly to the reception room. Seria clapped her hands, alternating her gaze between Kana and Kiriel.

“I was going to check on the state of the spirit summoners after returning, but we spent more time in the mine than expected. Let’s fill our stomachs first and then continue.”

“Sure.”

“Sounds good!”

Kiriel responded calmly while Kana nodded enthusiastically. Proper rest and nutrition were important when working.

Thanks to the guests, the meal was more lavish than usual. Kana picked up her utensils and began eating with satisfaction. Watching her face relax, Seria spoke up.

“Miss Round, are you learning spirit summoning smoothly?”

“Yes. Although there are still many rough edges, I feel like I’m improving little by little. I also enjoy the training.”

Kana answered as honestly as possible without revealing her entire situation.

Seria Hail had the setting of being a genius spirit summoner in ‘The Fake Saint Was Real.’ It was impossible for a minor supporting character to completely deceive such a major figure. Seria’s lips slightly parted.

“…You’ve certainly improved since I saw you at the imperial palace banquet.”

“I’m glad that even the young marquis of Hail can see my progress. It feels rewarding to work hard.”

Kana smiled brightly, feigning excitement.

Isn’t she in her prime? Seria chuckled at the sight of the budding spirit summoner.

“You’re training on your own, right?”

“Yes.”

“How did you come to contract with a spirit?”

Instead of answering her question, Kana glanced at Kiriel. He did not deny it. Seria, recalling the conversation they had through the communication sphere before, narrowed her eyes.

“Oh, did you receive help from the Master of the Magic Tower?”

“Yes. When Lord Kiriel visited the Round mansion for family matters, he gave me a hint.”

Kana deliberately answered shyly, slightly lowering her eyes. Seria, still looking at the Master of the Magic Tower who did not deny it, chuckled softly and spoke.

“That’s quite something. Did he even help you with the contract there?”

“Yes, thankfully.”

Kana naturally praised Kiriel. Seeing him nod slightly, Seria responded playfully with a smiling face.

“Hmph, the Tower Master isn’t usually that kind of person.”

“I just mentioned it because it caught my eye. It was simple curiosity.”

“Alright, I got it.”

In the end, with Kiriel’s reply, Seria shrugged it off. Instead of pressing him further, she chose to continue the conversation with Kana.

“Miss Round, have you ever tried to contract with a spirit of a different attribute?”

“No. I’ve never felt the energy of a different attribute… It’s enough just to care for the wind spirit right now.”

Kana shook her head gently with an awkward smile.

It was half a lie. Although she didn’t know about ‘The Fake Saint Was Real,’ she had tried it in other novels just in case. But due to the situation not being favorable and the supporting character she played having no talent, it didn’t go well.

Unaware of this, Seria simply assumed Kana was a beginner without anyone to guide her.

“I see. Then later, try to feel the presence of other spirit summoners.”

“Yes.”

Kana slowly nodded.

After finishing their meal, they drank tea lightly and moved to the training ground for spirit summoners, which was set apart outside the mansion.

In the spacious training ground, spirit summoners gathered in groups, using auxiliary magic tools to practice spirit arts. Translucent spirits moved here and there, decorating the air with various spirit arts.

“The scale is impressive.”

“Our family is a family of spirit summoners.”

Seria answered Kana, who was looking around in awe, with a proud expression. Only Kiriel, who frequently visited the Hail mansion for transactions, seemed unimpressed.

“Tower Master, they’re using the magic tools you supplied. How is it? Is it as intended?”

“Yes, to some extent. I need to observe a bit more.”

“Do as you please.”

With Seria’s generous permission, Kiriel put on his monocle. His indifferent gaze quickly turned serious. Kana watched him from a suitable distance as he carefully observed the training spirit summoners.

‘He’s consistently dedicated to his main job and areas of interest. Even if it seems like he’s taking it easy, there’s a reason why things go well.’

Kana appreciated individuals who were passionate about their interests and diligent in their duties. Seria’s clapping brought Kana out of her thoughts.

“Then, Miss Round, summon your spirit.”

“My spirit?”

Kana flinched as she touched the hem of her dress. Seria winked at her as she hesitated.

“Yes. While the Master of the Magic Tower is observing and gathering data, you can loosen up a bit here. Since you’re here, you should gain something.”

“Thank you for your kind words, but is it alright?”

“No one would dare to bother you since you’re with me. Come on, try it over there.”

Seria even went so far as to personally assign Kana a spot in a corner. As expected, she was a supportive character who showed actions rather than words.

Curious glances from nearby spirit summoners brushed past her.

‘It’s definitely easier to work with the protagonist’s faction. For some reason, I feel like I’ll gain something from this novel, too. It’s beneficial for me.’

After hesitating, Kana immediately summoned Celia. Seria watched her and the wind spirit carefully. They indeed seemed very close. The spirit energy also appeared to be unusually abundant.

Instead of saying much, Seria gently patted Kana’s shoulder.

“Miss Round, do your best.”

“Yes, young marquis of Hail. Thank you.”

Kana politely expressed her gratitude and began to mimic the training of the spirit summoners, glancing at them sideways. In her sight was Kiriel, wearing a monocle and focusing intently on his observation.

‘It might be a good opportunity to try using the fan-shaped magic tool Kiriel gave me.’

Kana took out the auxiliary magic tool from her subspace and unfolded it. Celia, who was hovering around her, whistled.

[Wow, the environment here is nice.]

‘Since we have the chance, let’s train a bit.’

[Great!]

While the spirit summoner and the spirit were reaffirming their resolve, Seria approached Kiriel. Even though he sensed her presence, he kept his gaze fixed on Kana and asked in a low voice.

“How is it?”

“Are you talking about Miss Kana Round?”

“Yes.”

At Kiriel’s affirmation, Seria recalled the impression she had formed and answered slowly.

“I don’t know the source, but she’s unique. She doesn’t seem exceptionally talented, but she feels experienced… Wasn’t the spirit summoner you mentioned through the communication sphere that young lady?”

“That’s correct.”

Realizing that the other party was already convinced, Kiriel didn’t hide it. Seria’s eyes narrowed. She subtly probed him.

“Did you bring her here to show me and also observe her yourself?”

“That’s right.”

“Is that really all?”

Only then did Kiriel turn his head towards Seria. He frowned as he saw her smirking.

“Young Marquis of Hail, what is the intention behind your question?”

“What else could it be? It’s suspicious. You originally had no plans to come to the west this time. The spirit stone trade was supposed to proceed as usual, and there was no need to rush the inspection of the magic tools.”

Seria’s eyes shone sharply. As the heir of a major western noble family, she displayed her keen insight. Before Kiriel could answer, she continued.

“But as soon as you heard about the monster problem at the spirit stone mine owned by the Round family, you grabbed me and adjusted the schedule. Wasn’t this all to create a connection with Miss Round?”

“Well, I won’t deny it. I just wanted to observe her peculiarity while handling my tasks.”

Kiriel responded nonchalantly. Seria stroked her chin.

“Hmm, one peculiarity is quite ambiguous.”

“We communicate well and feel comfortable together.”

“Really?”

Seria stretched her words and smirked. It was fascinating that he, who usually dismissed most young ladies, would say such things. It seemed she had found more gossip material to share with Liriel.

Feeling her gaze, Kiriel frowned.

“Don’t pester me unnecessarily.”

“Got it. But there’s something you should remember.”

“What is it all of a sudden?”

Kiriel’s eyebrows slightly rose. Seria, ignoring his discomfort, spoke.

“If you’ve never felt any discomfort dealing with someone, it means that person is accommodating you that much.”