Kana felt anxious, worried that her star rating might drop. She could understand if Richard’s comment was meant to check the sub male lead who was getting close to the female protagonist, but it didn’t seem like that was the case.

‘No. In this scene, Kiriel should be paying attention to Letie, not me.’

[Hmm, they say the beginning is half the battle, but…]

Celia trailed off hesitantly. As Kana swallowed hard, Letie thankfully stepped in to block Richard.

“Lord Richard, it might be fun to tease, but please stop. You’re making the two of them uncomfortable.”

“As you wish, Lady Serade.”

True to his character, Richard immediately complied with the female protagonist’s request. Kana sighed in relief and sent a grateful look to Letie, who responded with a smile.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, they arrived at the villa. Letie assigned each of the invited guests to their respective guest rooms. She looked around the room and announced.

“Let’s take a short break and then go boating after lunch.”

“Sounds good.”

Kana responded energetically, while the other men nodded silently. Everyone then moved to their respective guest rooms.

Kana dismissed the maid who guided her and began her preparations. She lifted her dress to strap a dagger to her thigh and wore protective magical items in the form of rings and bracelets.

Celia watched her meticulous preparations with renewed admiration.

[Kana, you’re always so thorough. You’ll take out the fan-shaped auxiliary magic tool when we go boating, right?]

‘Yes. Are you ready too?’

[Of course!]

Kana finished her preparations and went out for lunch, guided by a maid. The seating arrangement was such that people of the same gender sat next to each other and faced those of the opposite gender.

As they exchanged formal greetings and began eating, Kiriel noticed the increased number of accessories Kana was wearing.

In addition to the spatial ring and pearl necklace she usually wore, all the new accessories were protective magical items. His eyes narrowed.

“Miss Kana, are you feeling uneasy?”

“Pardon?”

Kana feigned ignorance and tilted her head. Letie and Richard, who were about to start a conversation, also looked puzzled. Kiriel’s eyes shone with seriousness.

“Those accessories are all protective magical items, aren’t they?”

“…As expected, you’re sharp. Yes, I’m wearing them for protection because I feel uneasy.”

“Why?”

Kiriel’s face twisted. Even considering Kana’s interest in self-defense, it didn’t make sense. Weren’t there plenty of strong individuals with them? If necessary, he could protect her.

Kana deliberately gave a sheepish smile and replied.

“I tend to worry a lot about safety. Don’t mind it.”

“Is Lady Round anticipating a dangerous situation during a boating trip?”

Richard, who had been silent, interjected and stared sharply at her. Kana hesitated before giving a veiled warning.

“Yes. Those who are desperate might use any means to eliminate their opponents.”

“The ones with such enemies would be me and Lady Serade, correct?”

Kana gave a faint smile without a word. The ones who orchestrated the attack during the boating scene were none other than the First Prince and Cordelia.

Her star rating hadn’t dropped. She hadn’t acted against her faction, usurped the main characters’ roles, or explicitly mentioned details from the novel.

Kiriel frowned, and Letie clicked her tongue. Richard gave her a heavy look.

“I understand your concern. We’ll be cautious.”

“Yes.”

Kana responded politely. Kiriel spun his cutlery and casually remarked.

“Even if someone dares to attack, it’s fine. With me here, Miss Kana won’t get hurt.”

“Yes, that’s very reassuring.”

Kana smiled professionally. In the boating scene, he would protect the female protagonist, making his words meaningless. Sadly, the supporting character had to protect herself.

‘Besides, if Kiriel suddenly changes his mind and protects me, my star rating will drop.’

She just needed to hold out with Celia’s help and wait for the male leads to finish their job protecting the female protagonist.

The heavy atmosphere was short-lived as the conversation shifted to the topic of the healing water. The information she had already been briefed on came up in the main characters’ discussion.

They reviewed and confirmed each of their roles as specified in the proposal and contract.

Suddenly, Richard, who had been silently listening, turned to Kana and asked.

“Lady Round, did the Viscount and Viscountess of Round have no objections to you supplying the magic stones?”

“No. It’s my allocated share of the magic stones, and my parents respect my decisions.”

“…I see.”

A moment of regret flashed in Richard’s blue eyes. Knowing a bit about his family background, Kana held her tongue. Kiriel, observing her calm demeanor, casually spoke.

“I have a question too.”

“Feel free to ask, Lord Kiriel.”

“Setting aside the prince, what made you accept Lady Serade’s proposal, Miss Kana?”

His purple eyes sparkled with curiosity. He had accepted the proposal because she was involved, but he was curious about her reasons. Letie watched with a mix of tension and anticipation.

Kana snapped her fingers and nonchalantly replied.

“A hunch. I just had a good feeling about it.”

“What, that’s boring. I thought you would have a thorough reason, considering how meticulous you are.”

Kiriel quickly lost interest in her vague answer. Kana spoke gently, as if to console him.

“Usually, I do, but sometimes I follow my instincts. You also accept tasks if they interest you, don’t you?”

“That’s true.”

Unable to argue with her point, Kiriel didn’t retort. Instead of nitpicking her clever words, he smiled mischievously.

“I heard you actively recommended me.”

“Yes. I wanted my friend’s venture to succeed, so I thought it would be best if the most capable and reliable person handled it.”

“So, you think I’m that great?”

“Yes.”

Kana nodded. She had simply considered efficiency from a work perspective, but Kiriel, feeling flattered, smiled broadly.

‘He must hear praise often. Is it really something to be that happy about?’

Kana tilted her head in confusion but let it go. If it improved the mood and work efficiency of someone in a crucial role, it was beneficial for both of them.

Meanwhile, Letie’s eyes quivered slightly, sensing the contrasting atmosphere between the two. Richard also realized why Letie had credited Kana for securing Kiriel’s cooperation.

After finishing their meal, they followed Letie’s guidance and took a carriage to the large lake near the villa.

When they disembarked, a refreshing breeze greeted them. The beautiful view of the wide, blue lake surrounded by short trees didn’t catch Kana’s attention.

While everyone else slowly took in the surroundings, Kana discreetly took out the fan-shaped auxiliary magic tool from her subspace and gripped it tightly, taking deep breaths.

Kiriel tapped her pale, tense hand with his finger.

“Miss Kana, are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine.”

She hadn’t expected him to watch her instead of the lake or Letie, so she was slightly flustered but responded with a faint smile. Kiriel shifted his gaze to the fan.

“By the way, you’re using the magic tool I gave you well. Has it been uncomfortable to use since your level increased?”

“No. It’s still very comfortable to use.”

It wasn’t flattery but genuine appreciation for good equipment. Kana truly felt its importance.

Kiriel stroked his chin and looked serious.

“But it was made for a lower level. It needs to be adjusted to match your current level.”

“Oh, really? I should listen to the expert. How much would the adjustment cost?”

Kana eagerly leaned towards him, her eyes shining.

She didn’t skimp on costs for her safety. It was only natural to spend what she couldn’t use outside the novel to avoid the risk of being expelled.

Kiriel, feeling her intense gaze, waved his hand.

“No need for payment. Show me how you use spirit summoning with the fan next time, and I’ll adjust it accordingly.”

“Ah, is it part of your research?”

“…Yes, something like that.”

Kiriel, captivated by her sparkling green eyes, nodded absentmindedly. It wasn’t his fault; the problem was the sudden liveliness in her usually dull eyes.

Unaware of Kiriel’s complex feelings, Kana smiled brightly and spread her arms.

“I welcome that kind of research anytime. It benefits me as the subject, so it’s great. I hope it’s equally helpful to you, Lord Kiriel.”

“Uh, yes.”

Kiriel stammered, blinking. Even Kana, who preferred to avoid emotional labor outside of work, put her heart into flattering him this time.

“Every time we work together, I’m impressed by you, Lord Kiriel. You have natural talent, but you also constantly strive to improve.”

“Well, that’s something everyone does.”

“Oh, come on. Consistently doing what’s expected is difficult.”

Kana, skilled at adapting to the main characters’ personalities, praised him in a way that made him feel good. As proof, a smile gradually appeared on Kiriel’s face.

“Really?”