5. Monster Hunting Festival

Kana spoke slowly.

“Since Miss Olivia is well-connected, quite a few people will gather…”

“That’s right.”

“It will probably be filled with chatter about who will shine at the Monster Hunting Festival or to whom they will hand over their handkerchiefs while discussing light social issues.”

“I think so too.”

Evie nodded enthusiastically with sparkling eyes.

The purpose of gatherings where supporting characters chat before a specific episode occurs in the novel was obvious. To highlight the female protagonist or to leak information in advance.

‘Olivia’s tea party will probably be no different.’

Kana, having finished her guess, subtly probed Evie.

“Miss Evie, do you have any idea who might attend?”

“For now, Miss Kana and I, as well as Lady Letie, will surely be there. Maybe the ladies who were friendly to us at Countess Dearon’s salon last time will gather, as well?”

Evie cautiously guessed, fidgeting with her fingers. Before Kana could respond, she quickly added an explanation.

“Miss Olivia is quite sociable and often shows up at various gatherings… but as a host, she will consider the relationships among the guests she invites.”

“That makes sense.”

It was a plausible guess. Kana nodded in agreement with her words.

They finished their speculations about the tea party and engaged in small talk.

After the tea time ended, Kana packed the painting she received as a gift from Evie and returned to her mansion. When she unrolled the cloth in her room, a framed painting of a bright scene appeared.

A landscape painting with flowers blooming, as if swaying on a low hill and a cloud-shaped wind spirit that seemed to represent her spirit.

It was a vivid and beautiful scene. Just by looking at the meticulously crafted painting, a smile spread across Kana’s face.

She hung the frame on an empty wall and wrote a letter full of praise and thanks for the painting to Evie.

* * *

The day of Olivia’s tea party arrived. Kana finished her preparations early and headed to the Short family mansion. The attendees were as she and Evie had predicted.

A variety of tea was prepared in the bright and spacious garden. As Kana surveyed the surroundings, Olivia greeted her.

“Miss Kana, I haven’t seen you often at gatherings recently, so I’m glad to meet you here.”

“It’s all thanks to your invitation, Miss Olivia.”

Kana smiled softly. Olivia grabbed her hand and her eyes sparkled brightly.

“Oh, I wanted to visit and contact you directly… but I heard from Miss Evie that you were busy, so I refrained.”

“Haha, I see.”

Kana’s fondness for Evie increased even more. A supporting character who quietly considered the introverted supporting character who’s exhausted from emotional labor was a rare and precious person.

She sent a grateful look to Evie standing nearby. Evie noticed Kana’s gaze and responded with a smile.

Oblivious to their exchange of looks, Olivia chattered on.

“Anyway, it was unfortunate that family matters came up at such a time… It would have been nice if you could have enjoyed the flower viewing and gatherings with us. The atmosphere was really good.”

“It’s unfortunate, but I had family matters to attend to. I’m glad to meet you and others now.”

Kana replied skillfully and smiled warmly.

Olivia had a good personality, but sometimes her overflowing energy was hard for Kana to handle. Kana got along better with calm individuals.

As they exchanged trivial conversations, Letie approached them.

“Miss Kana, I’m glad to hear things went well.”

“It’s been a while, Lady Letie. Have you been well?”

“Yes.”

Despite various matters in the capital and within the family, Letie never showed any signs of weakness. Still boasting her splendid beauty, she maintained an elegant and relaxed demeanor.

Kana, pretending not to notice, praised the female protagonist as befits a supporting character.

“I thought so. Lady Letie is always strong.”

“Not particularly. Miss Kana, I heard you went far for family matters…”

“That’s right. I went to the west.”

Kana didn’t bother to hide it. Anyway, Letie in the second-round would have information about the Round family. Letie smiled faintly.

“Speaking of the west, someone comes to mind.”

“Could it be young Marquis Hail?”

At Kana’s probing question, Letie smiled brightly and visibly reacted.

“Oh my, did you meet there?”

“Yes, by chance while working.”

“I see. You must have had a lot in common as fellow spirit summoners.”

Despite her vague answer, the female protagonist didn’t react much. Kana appropriately agreed.

Around that time, Olivia, who had briefly stepped away to greet other ladies, clapped her hands to draw attention.

“Thank you all for accepting the invitation and gracing this event. Now, let’s have tea and chat comfortably.”

“Yes!”

Everyone responded eagerly, their eyes shining. Soon, trivial social issues began to emerge. Kana absorbed the information about what had happened in her absence.

‘Apart from matters of the imperial family or the four great families, there aren’t any major incidents. Just the usual stuff.’

She quietly sipped her tea, categorizing the information in her mind. As the social chatter was winding down, Olivia’s eyes sparkled.

“Everyone, are you going to watch the Monster Hunting Festival?”

“Of course! I’m contemplating who to give my handkerchief to.”

“I’m planning to give it to an acquaintance!”

The ladies chattered excitedly. The names of key male characters from ‘Fake Saint Was Real,’ as well as those with good reputations, came up.

Soon, their gazes turned to the quiet Letie.

“Lady Letie, will you give it to the Second Prince?”

“Yes.”

Letie’s affirmation made the ladies squeal with excitement. There must have been some story between the two. Since there are incidents at the Monster Hunting Festival. Bianca and Della glanced at Olivia.

“Miss Olivia, I heard Sir Alderaan is participating this year.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Oh my!”

Kana chuckled to herself at the mention of her industry friend’s name by the ladies. She could easily imagine his outward demeanor and inner thoughts due to the core setting.

While everyone was discussing to whom they would give their handkerchiefs, Kana remained silent. The female protagonist, who was receiving admiration and envy from the supporting characters, subtly asked Kana while she was elegantly eating her pudding.

“Miss Kana, who do you plan to give it to?”

“…Me?”

“Yes. The other ladies have mentioned someone, but you haven’t said anything.”

Her golden eyes sparkled with curiosity. It seemed she was genuinely curious rather than intending to make her uncomfortable. Kana gave an awkward smile and replied.

“Actually, I haven’t decided yet. There’s still time, so I plan to decide slowly.”

“Oh my, Miss Kana. It’s better to decide early. You’ll need to embroider it to suit the recipient.”

“Yes, Miss Della. I’ll consider it carefully.”

Kana spoke sparingly with a gentle smile. She had already decided to give the handkerchief to her industry friend, but there was no need to mention it here.

After confirming Kana’s response, the ladies shifted the conversation.

“By the way, we should book the train to the north early.”

“They will increase the limit considering the festival, but it will still be crowded.”

“That’s right.”

Until the tea party ended, the topic was all about the Monster Hunting Festival. Kana mostly listened, blushing and matching the excited ladies’ tone.

After everyone left and the garden was empty, only Kana and Olivia remained. There was a separate matter to discuss. It was mentioned as a postscript in the invitation. Olivia gestured to her.

“Miss Kana, let’s go to the parlor.”

“Yes.”

Kana nodded and followed her. In the parlor, they sat facing each other. Olivia’s expression turned serious.

“Miss Kana, have you received any contact from the southern ladies led by Miss Margareta Cotton?”

“Yes. I received a few letters and politely declined.”

Kana recalled their letters. They contained apologies and requests to meet and talk, likely due to Kiriel cutting them off after listening to her.

‘They probably want me to speak well to Kiriel out of regret.’

Kana accepted their apologies but declined the meeting, citing her busyness. They weren’t important figures. Even if they harbored resentment and attacked, she was confident in handling it with her accumulated experience.

Olivia frowned and lowered her voice.

“I saw those ladies at another gathering, and they kept asking if I could connect them with you. I told them to speak to you directly and refused.”

“Thank you, Miss Olivia. And I’m sorry for involving you in a bothersome matter.”

Kana expressed her gratitude and apologized with downcast eyes. Olivia shook her head vigorously, fuming.

“No, it’s those ladies who are shameless. It’s ridiculous to act friendly now after constantly attacking and gossiping about you.”

“Right.”

Kana answered calmly, blinking her eyes. Olivia cautiously checked her expression.

“Miss Kana, are you okay?”

“Of course. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it well.”

“That’s a relief. Then I’ll call my brother now.”

“Yes.”

Olivia waved at her and left. Kana leisurely sipped her tea, waiting for her industry friend.

Soon, Alderaan entered. He had clearly been training hard, as he looked more toned. Kana whistled with a mischievous smile.

“Wow, Alderaan. You’ve really shaped up? Been training hard, huh?”