“So?”

“If you want to keep her, be considerate and treat her well. You don’t want to see her leave because she’s exhausted.”

Finishing her words, Seria chuckled and wiggled her fingers.

Kiriel, who lived as he pleased, wouldn’t recognize the other person’s consideration unless he was told in advance. She was giving advice to her friend’s younger brother to prevent future regrets.

Kiriel snorted and turned his head.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Alright.”

Though he didn’t seem to understand at all, Seria let it slide generously. If the clever Master of the Magic Tower recalled her advice before the situation arose, it might help.

* * *

Meanwhile, Kana, unaware that the two were discussing her, was focused on her training.

‘Wow, I can see why Seria wants more auxiliary magic tools.’

Kana admired as she operated spirit arts with a fan-shaped magic tool in front of a specially treated wooden dummy. The performance was excellent, befitting a magic tool made by the highly talented Master of the Magic Tower.

Celia, who was assisting her training, glanced at the spirits of the other spirit summoners and asked subtly.

[Kana, do you think you’ll make another friend?]

‘Well, I see a very slight possibility, but I’m not sure.’

[Hmm, that’s impressive enough.]

Knowing well the poor talent of a background character, Celia refrained from speaking more. She just hoped for her contractor’s success.

Around that time, Kiriel, having finished his observation and removed his monocle, approached Kana, who was clenching and unclenching her fist. Sensing his presence, Kana turned her head.

“Lord Kiriel, are you already finished?”

“Yes. Did I disturb your concentration?”

“No. I was just taking a breather.”

Kana waved her hand with a refreshing smile. She intended to leave as soon as he suggested it, as she had only come along as an extra.

Kiriel’s gaze rested on the fan-shaped magic tool in her hand. He asked casually,

“Is it useful?”

“Yes, it’s really good. I understand why the young marquis of Hail praised it. Didn’t you also feel that other spirit summoners used it well while observing, Lord Kiriel?”

“I did.”

Kiriel nodded, recalling the scenes he had observed. Although he had only briefly glanced at the other spirit summoners initially, it was enough time to determine the suitability of the magic tool.

Kana dismissed her spirit summon and straightened her clothes.

“Are you done with everything here?”

“Yes.”

As soon as Kiriel affirmed, Seria walked over briskly and interjected.

“Then have another cup of tea before you leave.”

“Yes!”

Since she had gained something, having tea together was no big deal. Kana readily accepted. Kiriel, although reluctant, nodded begrudgingly.

* * *

The three gathered again in the drawing room to have tea.

Seria subtly probed Kana, who was sipping her tea.

“Miss Round, you’re acquainted with Lady Letie, right?”

“Did Lady Letie say that?”

Kana calmly asked back as she put down her teacup. Seria shrugged, looking into her clear green eyes.

“Yes. She said you invited her before her healing ability bloomed.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Kana finally confirmed. Seria, seeing no sign of disturbance in her, recalled her dealings with Letie. She asked subtly,

“What made you approach her first?”

“I wanted to be friends.”

Kana’s answer was as straightforward as always. Seria couldn’t read any ulterior motives in her clear eyes. Kana, knowing this, asked her back,

“Are you also close with Lady Letie, young marquis Hail?”

“Well, yes. We got closer through a personal deal.”

Seria admitted frankly. Kana already knew that Seria had dealt with Letie during the process of her ability blooming.

“I see. Knowing that you are close with Lady Letie makes me feel relieved. There were so many people who disregarded her…”

“Those people just couldn’t see her true nature.”

Her deep navy eyes grew darker. Kana silently nodded in agreement.

Kiriel frowned at the sudden topic. He didn’t hide his displeasure and interrupted the flow of conversation.

“…Is there a reason to talk about Lady Serade here?”

“Oh my, what’s bothering you, Master?”

Seria asked playfully and smiled. Kiriel shot her a light glare.

“I just found it a bit uncomfortable to discuss someone who isn’t present.”

“Since when did you care about such things? You just don’t like it.”

“Think whatever you like.”

Kiriel turned his head sharply. Kana could immediately tell that he was upset.

‘…Even if Kiriel is usually in denial for a long time, this reaction is too strong. It’s not that he’s unaware of his feelings and denying them, he’s genuinely uncomfortable.’

Her eyes narrowed as she observed his expression. Kiriel, noticing her professional and dry gaze despite her painted smile, snapped irritably.

“Miss Kana, what’s with that strange look?”

“What’s wrong with my look?”

Kana’s eyes widened. Kiriel frowned. Her gaze just now reminded him of dealing with a troublesome task. He retorted bluntly,

“It’s the look you get when a magic tool that should work perfectly has a problem.”

“Haha, Lord Kiriel, really. How could I have such disrespectful thoughts about a ‘person’ in front of me?”

Kana awkwardly smiled and waved her hand. Despite being known for her indifference and prickliness, she had good intuition, but that was all. Having seen such aspects occasionally while being together, she had now somewhat adapted to it.

Seria offered her some comfort.

“Cheer up, Lady Round. The Tower Master must have become more sensitive from being cooped up researching magic.”

“Yes.”

Although it wasn’t really the issue, she tactfully let it pass, considering Seria’s effort to mediate the atmosphere.

* * *

Kana and Kiriel finished their tea and left the Hail mansion.

They took a carriage to the western transportation magic circle. Since they had prepared the documents in advance before visiting the Hail family, there were no issues using it.

They returned to the capital through the transportation magic circle. Kana escorted Kiriel to the front of the magic tower and bowed politely.

“Lord Kiriel, thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your help with the mine, flower viewing, magical tools, and visiting the Hail family.”

“It was nothing.”

Kiriel turned indifferently. The hem of his navy robe fluttered. As a sub male lead, he looked quite cool and impressive. Kana chuckled and returned to the Round mansion.

“Miss, you’re finally back!”

“Oh, Kana, you’re here. I’m glad you’re safe.”

“You wisely escorted the Tower Master and handled the work very neatly.”

Lena and her parents welcomed her. As she expected, the Round Viscount couple did not question her for being a bit late.

Rather, they were pleased that she had spent personal time with the Tower Master, causing the schedule delay. Building and maintaining a personal relationship with him was not easy.

After exchanging greetings with them, Kana discreetly rolled her eyes.

“Um, I’m tired from working, so…”

“Yes, go in and rest quickly.”

Her mother patted her shoulder. Kana immediately returned to her room, summoned Celia, and fed her the spirit stones obtained from the west.

She then contacted Evie through the communication sphere. After informing her of her return to the capital and exchanging light greetings, she arranged a tea time appointment with Evie.

* * *

Two days later, Kana dressed neatly for her appointment with Evie. The meeting place was the rose garden of the Reas mansion.

When she arrived at the Reas mansion, Evie, who had been waiting in advance, waved her hand excitedly.

“Miss Kana, welcome.”

“Long time no see, Miss Evie.”

They smiled at each other.

Evie immediately led Kana to the pavilion in the rose garden. The scenery of red, pink, and white roses blooming in sections was spectacular.

A maid, who had been waiting nearby the pavilion, served tea. Kana sat across from Evie and admired the view.

“It’s a very beautiful garden. The blooming roses are eye-catching.”

“Isn’t it? I thought you’d like it, Miss Kana.”

Evie smiled bashfully and clapped her hands. The rose garden was chosen with consideration for her, who couldn’t go flower viewing due to family matters.

Although Kana had already enjoyed flower viewing to her heart’s content in the south with Kiriel, she felt grateful and warmed by the thoughtful gesture. She smiled softly.

“Thanks to you, I get to experience flower viewing in the rose garden. As expected, Miss Evie is very considerate.”

“You’re flattering me. It’s enough if you’re satisfied, Miss Kana.”

They lightened the mood with casual conversation and sipped their tea.

While Kana looked around, Evie called a maid to fetch the painting she had prepared to give her. Kana didn’t miss the moment.

“Miss Evie, could that be…”

“Yes, it’s the promised painting. I’ll give it to you after tea time.”

“Okay.”

Kana chuckled as she watched Evie’s sparkling eyes. Evie carefully placed the framed painting, wrapped in cloth, beside her and changed the subject.

“By the way, Miss Kana, has the matter in the west been resolved?”

“Yes, it went well.”

“Wow, I was worried, but I’m glad.”

Evie clapped her hands and genuinely rejoiced. Kana nodded, feeling a warm sensation. Evie didn’t pry deeply into other families’ affairs and shifted the conversation.

“Miss Kana, have you received the invitation to the tea party?”

“Are you talking about the invitation sent by Miss Olivia?”

“Yes.”

Evie nodded. Kana recalled the contents of the invitation sent by Olivia and replied.

“I checked it yesterday. I’m planning to attend. What about you, Miss Evie?”

“Of course, I’ll be attending too.”

Evie smiled amiably and affirmed. Kana tapped the table with her fingers.

“Then, we’ll see each other again at the Short family’s mansion. The theme will probably be…light social issues and the monster hunting festival, right?”

“Probably.”

Evie’s bright blue eyes were filled with certainty. Despite her ambiguous answer, she seemed to completely agree.