6. Letie’s Request and the Boat Ride

The subordinate watching him swallowed hard. Richard added plainly.

“Even without holding hands or receiving help, I would have kept an eye on her.”

“…Yes.”

The subordinate lowered his gaze. Initially, he had opposed trusting someone who once admired the First Prince, but after seeing Letie step forward for his master at the monster hunting festival, he had no more objections.

* * *

The day of Letie’s small gathering arrived. Kana dressed neatly and headed to the Serade family’s townhouse.

As she arrived at the entrance and stepped out of the carriage, she encountered Evie, Olivia, Della, and Bianca. They burst into laughter before even greeting each other. Olivia spoke first.

“My, we arrived at the same time.”

“Indeed. How could we step out of the carriage at the exact same moment?”

Kana responded cheerfully to her words. The other three young ladies joined in the bright atmosphere, clapping and laughing.

As they naturally exchanged greetings and warmth spread among them, Letie came out to greet them personally. She welcomed her guests with a smiling face.

“Everyone, please come in.”

“Oh my, Lady Letie. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

Starting with Kana’s words, the other young ladies each offered their greetings. Letie accepted their greetings with a soft smile and then snapped her fingers.

“Now, now, instead of standing here, why don’t we go inside and chat?”

“Sounds good!”

Letie led the young ladies, including Kana, inside and moved to a terrace overlooking the garden.

While following the female protagonist, Kana discreetly observed the servants. They were all composed and professional, yet respectful of Letie’s authority.

‘Letie must have sorted things out well after her healing ability blossomed. That’s good.’

She quietly assessed the atmosphere around the female protagonist and arrived at the terrace while the other young ladies chattered.

Letie seated the young ladies in their respective places. The servants brought out refreshments and then retreated to a respectful distance.

As warm conversations about the beautiful garden or the delicious desserts and tea flowed, Evie, who had been secretly observing the surroundings, cautiously spoke with worried eyes.

“Lady Letie, I’m sorry to bring this up in such a pleasant atmosphere… but are Lady Serade and the young duke not here?”

“Yes, Miss Evie. They had some matters to attend to and went out. They won’t be back while we’re chatting. Don’t worry.”

Letie answered with a gentle smile. She understood that the question was not meant to belittle her but out of concern for how she might feel about her strained relationship with her siblings.

Evie, who had been slightly tense, visibly relaxed. Sipping her tea, Kana calmly added.

“Well, even if they were here, it wouldn’t matter, right? Lady Letie is a member of the Serade family, and we are guests invited here. It would be rude for anyone to make us feel uncomfortable.”

“I agree with Miss Kana. If anyone says anything to Lady Letie, we can support her!”

“Exactly!”

Starting with Olivia’s agreement, Della and Bianca also chimed in. Even Evie, who brought up the topic, nodded with a faint smile. Letie’s eyes curved gently.

“Thank you all for saying that. I feel reassured.”

“You’re welcome.”

Kana responded with a smile. After some light-hearted encouragement, Olivia spoke up.

“Lady Letie, were you alright during the monster hunting festival?”

“Yes. Everything went well. It took some time to return, but no one was seriously injured.”

“That’s a relief. I wanted to wait like Miss Kana and Miss Evie, but I had to leave early because of some matters concerning my brother, so I was worried.”

Olivia’s eyebrows drooped slightly as she looked at Letie, Kana, and Evie in turn. She seemed apologetic for not being able to stay with them. The three of them never blamed her for leaving early.

While it was admirable and grateful to those who stayed, it didn’t mean those who left early were wrong. Letie comforted Olivia and replied warmly.

“Thank you for your concern.”

“I’m glad Lady Letie is alright, but it was quite a fuss. Before coming here, everyone at the gatherings I attended couldn’t stop talking about it.”

Bianca pouted and complained. Kana, who had heard similar conversations, could empathize. Letie’s eyes narrowed.

“Did they call it reckless, saying I lost my composure over a man?”

“…Yes.”

“It’s alright. I don’t regret stepping forward for my conscience and His Highness the Second Prince. Even if I could go back, I would make the same choice.”

Her golden eyes shone brightly. Kana felt a deep and solid emotion in the female protagonist’s voice. Knowing she had returned from the future, the words resonated even more.

The other supporting characters, unaware of the backstory, expressed their admiration.

“My goodness, that’s truly impressive.”

“You must care a lot for His Highness the Second Prince!”

“Lady Letie’s courage is admirable and enviable. Despite all the talk, people must have been impressed by what you did that day.”

“Right.”

Letie responded briefly with a faint smile. They then shifted the topic to light-hearted small talk.

As the female protagonist had assured, neither Cordelia nor Dain appeared until the small gathering ended.

When the gathering concluded, everyone began to leave. Kana adjusted her clothes slowly but did not move, as she had another matter to attend to. The last to remain, Evie, asked curiously.

“Miss Kana, aren’t you leaving?”

“Oh, Miss Evie. Miss Kana and I have some official matters to discuss.”

Letie kindly answered for her. Evie blinked in confusion and then asked, pale-faced.

“Oh no, is it because of the spirit reconnaissance during the monster hunting festival?”

“Oh, it’s not that.”

Kana shook her head, correcting her misunderstanding. Evie sighed in relief and replied.

“…I see. I don’t know what it is, but I hope it goes well.”

“Thank you for your concern, Miss Evie.”

“You’re welcome.”

Evie responded with a gentle smile and left. With only the two of them remaining on the terrace, Letie called for a servant to bring fresh tea.

In response, Kana summoned Celia and placed her on her shoulder, using spirit summoning to block any eavesdropping. Letie’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Oh my, Miss Kana. What did you just do?”

“I used spirit summoning to create a soundproof barrier around us. Unless someone forcibly breaks it, our conversation won’t be overheard.”

Kana’s well-honed spirit summoning was difficult to break. While she might not have been born with natural talent, her level of skill was unmatched in this novel due to her hard work.

‘The only ones who might be able to see through it in this novel are Seria or Kiriel. But even they wouldn’t find it easy.’

Since neither of those two were likely to suddenly appear here, there was no need to worry about the soundproof barrier being breached. Letie looked at her with pure admiration.

“Miss Kana, you are always so thorough and meticulous. I’m always impressed.”

“You flatter me. I just did it because Lady Letie mentioned wanting to have a confidential conversation in her letter.”

“You’re so modest.”

Letie laughed brightly. After the light flattery, Kana spoke seriously.

“Lady Letie, what is it that you wish to discuss confidentially?”

“Actually, I have a very small-scale business idea, and I wanted to ask if you would like to join me.”

Letie clasped her hands together, creating a serious atmosphere.

‘Ah, the healing water episode.’

Kana immediately recognized it after hearing the female protagonist’s words. She also roughly guessed what Letie’s proposal would be. She feigned curiosity.

“Oh my, a business? Could you tell me more about it?”

“Of course. That’s why I asked for a private meeting. As you know, I have awakened my healing ability.”

“Yes, indeed. It’s still worth celebrating.”

Kana, fitting her role as a supportive character who praises the female protagonist, naturally complimented Letie. Letie chuckled softly and continued.

“Thank you. Anyway, I plan to use my healing ability for a small business.”

“Are you thinking of opening a clinic?”

“No. I plan to sell healing potions using my ability.”

Letie answered resolutely, clenching her fist. Kana’s guess was spot on. She asked slyly.

“Really? Isn’t it impossible to store healing abilities separately?”

“Oh, this is something I’m only telling you, but I awakened my healing ability through a special method. Unlike others in my family, I can do it. I used spirit stones and spirits.”

Letie openly revealed the secret of her ability. It showcased her character’s trait of trusting those she considered allies, even if she was wary of adversaries.

Kana deliberately flinched and asked.

“My goodness, is it alright to share such an important secret with me?”

“Yes. Because I trust you, Miss Kana.”

Her golden eyes, resembling sunlight, were filled with trust directed at her.

Unlike Letie, whose emotions burned like a blazing flame, Kana’s emotional state was calm and serene, like lukewarm water.