After exchanging light greetings with each other, Olivia looked at her playfully and started the conversation.

“Miss Kana, why did you come so early?”

“Oh, I had some personal matters.”

Everyone just let it slide when Kana made an appropriate excuse. Letie slowly observed the young ladies who were gathered around.

“Did everyone stay at a nearby inn?”

“Yes. It was really crowded.”

“I stayed at an acquaintance’s mansion.”

The atmosphere naturally became friendly. The group of young ladies led by Cordelia glanced at them and then settled in a nearby tent. A subtle tension filled the air.

Letie and Cordelia’s gazes crossed, but neither spoke first.

To ease the brewing tension, Kana pointed to the spot where the participants were gathering.

“It looks like the participants are gathering over there.”

Letie, grateful for Kana’s change of topic, smiled with her eyes.

“Right. It’s about time to hand over the handkerchiefs.”

“Oh, I’m so excited!”

Della blushed. The reactions of the other young ladies were not much different. Around that time, the knight commander, who was leading the knights guarding the vicinity, raised his hand.

“Young ladies, if you wish to deliver your handkerchiefs, you should do so now.”

“Yes!”

The young ladies gathered in the tent moved their gazes busily. They carefully moved according to the knights’ instructions.

Kana briskly walked towards Alderaan, who was stroking the mane of a sturdy horse.

“Lord Alderaan, how are you feeling?”

“Good.”

They conversed formally, conscious of the others around them. Kana waved the handkerchief lightly with a smile.

“Here, a handkerchief for you.”

“Thank you. I will repay you with a good spirit stone.”

Alderaan swiftly snatched the handkerchief and tied it around his wrist. Kana pretended to be moved, covering her mouth with her hand and giving a fake smile.

“Although I look forward to your performance, returning safely without getting hurt is more important.”

“Understood. I will do my best to meet your expectations.”

Alderaan also gave a fake warm smile. Kana almost burst out laughing at the sight of her industry friend, but she held back.

After finishing her business, she squeezed through the crowded people. Letie handed a handkerchief to Second Prince Richard, and Cordelia naturally did the same to the First Prince Riden.

Olivia handed her handkerchiefs to her close young noblemen and her brother, and Evie gave hers to a familiar young nobleman. The other young ladies shyly and passionately handed their handkerchiefs to those they admired.

Ethan received countless handkerchiefs from the young ladies of the north due to his overwhelming popularity. Kana checked the individuals close to the main characters and sat back down.

While she was alone, young ladies from the south, led by Margareta Cotton, approached her.

Kana maintained a blank expression and asked formally.

“Why are you all flocking here? What is your business?”

“Lady Round, don’t we have something to discuss?”

Despite her soft voice, Margareta’s eyes were quite sharp. The others were the same. Kana responded indifferently.

“I have nothing to discuss with you ladies.”

“W-What…!”

Margareta bit her lip, facing Kana’s dry and emotionless green eyes. One of them, who hadn’t even sent a letter, suddenly interrupted.

“Lady Round, did you inform the Tower Master about the past incident?”

“So what if I did?”

“Please ask the Tower Master to rectify the situation! Because of you, our family’s affairs have been affected.”

Kana sneered at the young lady, who was crying and making unreasonable demands.

There were always a few people like that wherever you went.

She spoke coldly, mixing a bit of truth with lies.

“Attacking first and then blaming me is absurd. I merely kept my promise to inform the Tower Master if any unfortunate events occurred due to our partnership.”

“How could you…?”

The southern young ladies lowered their eyes, unable to continue. They had nothing to say since they were the ones who first provoked her at Ophelia’s salon.

Kana sarcastically remarked.

“Oh, come to think of it, no one blamed the Tower Master. He was quite dumbfounded when he heard my story.”

“……”

“Among you, only those who sent a letter to formally apologize are somewhat better off. But even then, I have no intention of pleading with the Tower Master on your behalf.”

The southern young ladies’ faces turned pale. Their plan to reconcile with her and restore their public ties with Kiriel was completely exposed.

Kana drove the point home.

“You all know the Tower Master’s personality, right? Once he cuts ties over something bothersome, he never looks back if he has a replacement. He’s a person with a strong sense of principle who dislikes interference from others.”

“……”

They couldn’t refute her words. Kiriel’s personality was exactly as she described. Those from the southern region, where the Curtis family resided, knew this better.

On the other hand, Kana always felt an odd sensation when she saw minor villainous supporting characters like Margareta’s group. She had also played the role of a trivial villainous supporting character in another novel.

Characters who envied and provoked the female protagonist because they loved the male protagonist or the sub-male protagonist. It was a common and typical trope in the villain faction.

She was relatively lenient towards supporting characters. But that was only for those in the same faction or those who were beneficial, helpful, or made her feel comfortable while working.

Kana twisted her lips and spoke sharply.

“Why should I bear the disadvantage of clashing with the Tower Master by begging him to help those who have antagonized me? If you want to restore your ties with him, handle it yourselves.”

“T-That’s…”

The southern young ladies exchanged glances and were about to continue when the young ladies acquainted with Kana returned.

Letie placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled gracefully.

“Oh my, aren’t these the young ladies from the south whom I met last time? Isn’t it shameful to swarm and pester Miss Kana just because she’s alone? I almost mistook this place for a back alley.”

“Lady Letie Serade…”

They couldn’t retaliate against her sarcastic words and bit their lips. Even though her reputation had improved recently, her impression was still strong.

Letie, with her eyes curved, tapped Margareta’s shoulder with her folded fan. Though she did it to one person, it was a warning to all.

“Go back quickly. Even the ‘kind younger sister’ might get angry if kept waiting too long.”

She said this knowing they were attached to Cordelia. The southern young ladies trembled.

Evie, who had been frozen in fear, mustered up the courage to clench her fist and retorted.

“That’s right. Stop bothering Miss Kana!”

Led by Margareta, the southern young ladies, watching them closely, eventually left. Kana thanked the two individuals.

“Thank you for helping me, Lady Letie, Miss Evie.”

“Don’t mention it. I just intervened in something you had already handled.”

“That’s right. I only said one word.”

Letie and Evie waved their hands modestly with an awkward smile. Kana gave them a gentle smile. Soon after, Olivia and other young ladies returned.

Those who had just joined looked puzzled and asked about the situation. Kana briefly explained, and they were angrier than she was, pouring out their words.

Kana had to work hard to calm the heated atmosphere. Fortunately, Letie and Evie helped, and it finally subsided.

Around that time, a northern noble standing on a podium on the side began a speech.

“Thank you, young ladies, and honorable participants, for attending and staying in your seats on this fine day. We will now begin the monster hunting festival.”

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Kana also joined in, clapping vigorously.

* * *

Back at the tower, Kiriel magically floated the handkerchief he received from Kana to his eye level and examined it carefully.

Kanto, a male mage who served as his assistant and secretary, sighed and spoke.

“Tower Master, is that the handkerchief you traded for a precious top-grade spirit stone?”

“Why, Kanto. Do you have a problem with it?”

Kiriel carefully put away the handkerchief and raised one corner of his mouth. Kanto shook his head.

“No. How could I question the Tower Master’s actions? I’m just curious.”

“About what?”

Kiriel slightly raised his eyebrows. Kanto recalled the story of Kana he had heard from his superior and answered.

“It seems you managed to get it from her.”

“She reluctantly handed it over. That’s why I repaid with a spirit stone. Honestly, it’s better than some magic stone or monster byproduct.”

Kiriel arrogantly lifted his chin. Kanto felt conflicted watching his confident superior. He hesitated and cautiously asked.

“Do you have feelings for her?”

“No. I’m just observing her because her spirit magic is unique and gives a sense of incongruity. Well, the comfortable feeling she gives when we are together or when we talk is a plus.”

How should he describe it? It was similar to the feeling of filling the empty spaces in a clumsy background, providing a sense of stability.

Kiriel chuckled. A faint wind magic swirled around his hand and then disappeared.

What is this? Anyone could see he was interested. Kanto’s eyes clouded as he watched his superior, who seemed excited after a long time.

Even if he denied it, saying more would only earn him a scolding for having a decorative head. He wisely kept his mouth shut.