“…No.”

Kana lowered her hands and lifted her head. However, her slightly distorted face and still weak voice only deepened his misunderstanding. Kiriel clenched and unclenched his fist as he emphasized.

“Don’t worry. All the attackers have been dealt with.”

“It’s obvious. Oh, and thank you for protecting me in such a dangerous situation.”

Thinking about the lost star ratings almost brought tears to her eyes, but Kana managed her expression. Kiriel extended his hand and casually replied.

“No problem. Get up.”

“Yes.”

Kana hesitated before taking his hand and standing up. Seeing her slightly wobble, Kiriel tightened his grip on her hand.

“Do you need help walking?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Kana stood firmly and adjusted her dress with one hand. Kiriel’s eyes narrowed.

“Are you really okay?”

“Of course. I was just standing still and being protected. You even covered my eyes while dealing with the attackers, Lord Kiriel.”

“…Hmm.”

Kiriel gave her a skeptical look. She seemed calm, but her earlier noticeable agitation still bothered him.

Kana awkwardly smiled and withdrew her hand, changing the subject.

“By the way, is Lady Serade okay?”

“You’re worrying about Lady Serade in this situation? Well, His Highness protected her well, so she should be fine.”

Kiriel answered indifferently, looking away.

Kana watched the main characters comforting each other from a distance. Just as a cold feeling crept up her spine, a warning message appeared in the air.

〈Warning! Sub male lead Kiriel Curtis is neglecting female protagonist Letie Serade and focusing on a supporting character. Lady Round’s star rating is reduced by 100 points.〉

Kana rubbed her eyes, unwilling to believe the situation. The warning message glowed even more brightly before disappearing, as if to deny her denial. Celia was shocked.

[Oh no, your star rating got reduced again!]

‘…Haha, I’ve lost a total of 600 points just in this scene.’

Kana let out a hollow laugh. Realizing the situation, she felt anger and a torrent of curses rise to her throat but suppressed them.

Who in the world likes losing money? And she had rarely lost star ratings since her days as a novice and trial periods.

Losing star ratings in a novel she thought she would complete smoothly was a significant mental blow. Celia muttered seriously.

[It seems the problem was that the important scene got messed up.]

‘I understand why the star ratings were reduced, even though it’s infuriating.’

[Hmm?]

‘Remember, this scene was originally about the male lead and sub male lead protecting the female protagonist from the attackers, showcasing who is more helpful to her.’

Kana replied regretfully, rubbing her aching forehead. Celia’s eyes turned into slits.

[So, the sub male lead abandoning the female protagonist to protect a supporting character was deemed a big issue in this novel.]

‘…Yes. Suddenly, I deeply sympathize with Alderaan’s desire to quit.’

[But if you quit in the middle, your star ratings would still get reduced.]

‘True.’

Kana closed her eyes tightly and let out a deep sigh, feeling dizzy.

Kiriel, seeing her holding her forehead, closing her eyes, and sighing deeply, was puzzled.

“Miss Kana, are you not feeling well?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Kana shook her head vigorously, trying to compose herself. There was no use lamenting over the lost star ratings; it was better to focus on handling the situation.

She led Kiriel towards the main characters. Sensing their approach, the others also came closer. Richard spoke with a serious expression.

“The situation you mentioned has indeed occurred, Lady Round.”

“Your Highness, are you suspecting that Miss Kana leaked information about the gathering?”

Sensing the subtle tension in his voice, Kiriel’s eyes turned sharp.

Kana, having dealt with many suspicious individuals in her work, wasn’t particularly affected. Understanding Richard’s cautious nature given his background, she calmly met his questioning gaze.

Richard candidly explained his thoughts.

“I just found it a bit coincidental.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Miss Kana is simply cautious and concerned about safety. That’s why she’s interested in self-defense and protective items.”

“…Tower Master.”

“Isn’t she an innocent victim dragged into this mess because of someone else?”

Kiriel retorted sharply, his voice cold and his purple eyes gleaming fiercely. True to his character, he didn’t hold back his words.

Kana was more surprised by Kiriel’s fierce defense of her than by the male lead’s subtle suspicion. She had always played a passive role, but now she felt unexpectedly touched.

Celia blinked.

[Wow, Kiriel is defending you intensely, but your star rating isn’t dropping?]

‘There’s the female protagonist between us… Maybe it’s seen as a form of competition between male lead candidates.’

[The criteria are so unclear. At least your star rating isn’t dropping further.]

‘I agree.’

While Kana and the spirit exchanged casual conversation, the tense atmosphere continued. Richard raised his hand.

“You’re very angry, Tower Master. I also believe the possibility of Lady Round leaking information is low.”

“Of course. I don’t even like the slightest possibility.”

Kiriel replied grumpily, sighing. Letie, unable to bear the tension, stepped between them.

“Please stop fighting. As the host, I bear the most responsibility. I apologize for the unfortunate incident that happened to our esteemed guests.”

“…Lady Serade.”

Richard’s expression softened at her apology. Kana, wanting to support the female protagonist, added calmly.

“I understand why Your Highness is suspicious of me. But instead of arguing here, wouldn’t it be better to return to the villa and discuss it?”

“Miss Kana, you don’t need to be so understanding.”

Kiriel grumbled, expressing his dissatisfaction. Kana gently reassured him.

“It’s okay. Since I have nothing to do with the attackers, His Highness will clear his suspicions after verifying. Thank you for defending me, Lord Kiriel.”

“No need to thank me.”

Kiriel turned his head away, seemingly indifferent or resigned. His heart ached seeing her unshaken demeanor, as if she was used to hearing anything.

* * *

They sorted out the chaotic situation and returned to the villa. Before heading to their assigned rooms, they gathered in a secret room for a discussion. Letie, looking tense, spoke first.

“Before we discuss the situation, I want to apologize again to everyone.”

“It’s fine, let’s move on.”

Richard waved his hand dismissively, and Kana smiled faintly to show she accepted the apology. Kiriel, with a sullen expression, reluctantly nodded. Richard got to the point.

“We all have a guess about the mastermind… But the attackers seemed a bit amateurish.”

“We’ll have to investigate further. The information about His Highness and Lady Serade meeting must have leaked during the planning process. But they probably didn’t know Miss Kana and I would be there.”

Kiriel pointed out sharply. Letie, recalling the preparation process, narrowed her eyes.

“Cordelia must have obtained some leaked information and tipped off the First Prince or his underlings.”

“Yes. Even if we only catch a small lead, gathering evidence won’t hurt.”

Richard nodded.

Kana watched the main characters brainstorming with indifference, knowing it would be resolved well.

Kiriel, glancing at her impassive face, interrupted the conversation.

“Some people need rest, so let’s call it a day.”

“Alright.”

They stopped their discussion and returned to their assigned guest rooms.

* * *

Kana lay in her guest room, letting time pass. Night had fallen, but she couldn’t sleep, so she stepped into the hallway. Moonlight poured through the large windows, illuminating her face and hair.

Kiriel, having left his room for a similar reason, saw her serene figure and approached.

“Miss Kana, what are you doing?”

“I couldn’t sleep, so I was looking out the window.”

Kana blinked slowly. Kiriel followed her gaze and spoke indifferently.

“There’s not much to see at night. Are you moon-gazing?”

“Something like that. What about you, Lord Kiriel?”

“I couldn’t sleep either.”

“Oh, I see.”

Silence enveloped them after Kana’s response. In the awkward atmosphere, while Kiriel fidgeted nervously, Kana analyzed the point where the scene had gone wrong.

Kiriel, who had been unusually friendly despite his prickly character, had fiercely protected her, causing warnings and star rating deductions.

‘…Does he have feelings for me?’

Even though she didn’t expect much from the novel’s characters, she wasn’t completely oblivious. Whether it was true or not, it bothered her, and she felt the need to address it.

Having made up her mind, Kana turned abruptly to face him.

“Lord Kiriel, do you perhaps like me?”