She focused her mind and scrutinized him thoroughly, then rubbed her chin and frowned.

“Hmm, you seem perfectly fine.”

“Really?”

“Would I lie? Besides, you’re naturally resistant to magic.”

“……”

While Kiriel closed his eyes and pondered, Liriel explained slowly.

“Mental magic is rare and not very efficient. It’s mostly used for boosting morale or creating illusions. You know that, right?”

“Of course.”

He opened his eyes and nodded. Kiriel had a reason for visiting her in person. Liriel Curtis, standing before him, was a skilled practitioner of the rare mental magic.

Liriel continued calmly.

“It’s hard even for me to affect you. Who else could? It’s an absurd assumption.”

“Then what about curses?”

“Curses? They’re forbidden magic to begin with. The restrictions and backlash are severe, and if the target is strong, it’s ineffective. If you really want to eliminate someone, using attack magic is faster.”

Liriel made a slicing motion across her neck and scoffed, indicating how ridiculous the idea was. As Kiriel fell silent, she added with a nonchalant expression,

“Honestly, this conversation feels pointless. You’re not a mage who doesn’t know these basic facts.”

“True.”

Kiriel nodded as if it were obvious. Liriel clicked her tongue, seeing his composed face as if she had expected it.

“So, the fact that you’re mentioning mental magic and curses means you’ve experienced something unusual?”

“Yes. Actually…”

Kiriel hesitated for a moment, which was unlike him, before sharing the strange dream and the bizarre phenomena he experienced. He trusted her to keep the conversation confidential.

Liriel rubbed her temples and listened quietly until he finished. After a long pause, she spoke.

“It does seem a bit odd.”

“Right?”

“Everything is connected to Miss Round. I heard from Seria, but… you’re really taken with that lady.”

Liriel was more surprised by her brother’s interest in a particular lady than the information itself. Kiriel responded proudly with a softened expression.

“Miss Kana is worth it. She’s a very kind person.”

“…Ah, I see.”

Liriel made a sour face, feeling like she had witnessed something she shouldn’t have. Kiriel, noticing her discomfort, cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“Ahem, anyway, I’d like to hear your opinion on what I experienced.”

“As I said, I don’t see anything strange. To prove your hypothesis, I’d have to examine Miss Round as well.”

Liriel shook her head. She didn’t think there was anything unusual about Miss Kana Round. Kiriel frowned.

“…Is that so.”

“Yes. Honestly, I think it’s more likely a psychological issue on your part.”

She was straightforward. She hadn’t sensed anything unusual when she met Kana at the imperial banquet.

Kiriel blinked and questioned unconsciously,

“A psychological issue?”

“Yes. Mental magic can have a subconscious influence, but it’s minimal. Even if we accept that it affected your dreams, the inability to express yourself…”

Liriel trailed off, giving him a peculiar look. Kiriel understood the unspoken words perfectly.

“You think I’m too intimidated to speak in front of Miss Kana.”

“Well, yes. This is the first time you’ve been interested in someone. It’s like how some people, despite being eloquent, freeze up and can’t say anything in front of someone they like.”

Liriel recalled stories she had heard. She had also seen young ladies who normally spoke well but froze up in front of someone they liked.

No matter how arrogant and prickly Kiriel was to others, he wouldn’t be different in this regard.

He might have become more self-conscious and found it harder to speak in front of her.

Kiriel grumbled with a dissatisfied expression.

“…I felt like something invisible was sealing my lips.”

“Everyone says that. It feels like their lips are glued shut. Words that come easily normally don’t come out in front of the person they like.”

Liriel responded calmly. As the stifling silence settled, they sipped their tea. She spoke up, looking at her brother who exuded a heavy atmosphere.

“Kiriel, I’m curious. Did you also struggle to speak when expressing yourself to others?”

“I haven’t tried, so I don’t know. Besides, I don’t have a reason to say such things to others.”

Kiriel’s eyes shone with determination. His previously subdued demeanor was replaced by confidence and resolve. Liriel clicked her tongue at him.

“…Wow, you’re so confident. Don’t make such bold claims. You never know what might happen.”

“Let’s move on.”

Kiriel deflected the comment and changed the subject smoothly. Liriel watched him silently before taking out a cuff with a wavy pattern from her pocket.

It was a detection magic tool that would turn dark blue if the wearer was under mental magic. She handed it to him.

“For now, take this special magic tool related to dreams and monitor your condition.”

“Thank you, I’ll use it well.”

“You’re welcome. Also, arrange a meeting with Miss Round and me. I’ll examine her too.”

“Will do.”

Having finished his business, Kiriel exchanged light conversation with her before leaving.

* * *

Kana dressed in a light gown and wore a pure pearl necklace and ring. She completed her outfit with a dark brown hooded robe and, after preparing a map of the capital, summoned her spirits.

As Gnome waited quietly, Celia suddenly asked,

[Kana, the Founding Festival in ‘Fake Saint’ lasts for three days, right?]

‘Yes. It’s a familiar pattern.’

In romance fantasy, festival episodes were a staple. It was a setting she was familiar with from both her days as a reader and her experience as a supporting role. Celia giggled.

[True. Today is the day you promised to scout the routes with your industry friend, right?]

‘Yes, I need to head out now, so everyone get into the pearls.’

[Got it!]

[Okay.]

Celia merged into the necklace, and Gnome into the ring’s pure pearl.

Kana left the Round mansion and headed to the central plaza to meet Alderaan.

Kana left her carriage at a carriage service near the plaza and looked around. Alderaan was waiting near the large fountain.

Yawning slowly out of boredom, Alderaan noticed his industry friend’s presence and looked up. He greeted her formally, aware of the eyes and ears around them.

“Ah, Miss Kana. You’ve arrived?”

“Yes, Lord Alderaan. You came early. Have you been waiting long?”

Matching his tone, Kana responded politely and approached him. He replied with a well-crafted gentle smile.

“No, I haven’t been here long.”

“That’s a relief. Shall we start looking around as planned?”

“Let’s do that.”

Alderaan nodded and extended his hand courteously. As Kana took his escort, she used a fan-shaped auxiliary magic tool to control wind spirits with her other hand.

He tilted his head and asked quietly,

“Is that for soundproofing?”

“Yes, partially. Even though we’re just background characters, it would be strange if our conversation couldn’t be heard at all. I’ve set it to block only conversations that break the fourth wall.”

Kana smiled and flicked the folded fan. Alderaan, impressed by her thoroughness, asked,

“Wow, can you do that without magic?”

“Of course. I’ve used spirit magic so much that my proficiency is high, but I lacked spirit energy. With Celia at the highest level, it’s possible now.”

“That’s convenient. But to be safe, should we use formal speech and address each other properly?”

“Yes. It’s safer to use formal speech unless we’re alone.”

Kana nodded. Alderaan replied playfully,

“I understand, I’ll comply.”

“Great. Let’s work hard today.”

With that, they circled the central plaza. It was a place where many people gathered, and key characters would often ‘coincidentally’ meet and events would unfold.

Alderaan clicked his tongue and remarked,

“It’s literally a meeting plaza.”

“You’re right. It’s perfect for setting the mood, isn’t it?”

“Honestly, it’s not my area of interest, so I’ll leave the judgment to you, Miss Kana.”

Alderaan stepped back humbly. Kana chuckled and said,

“Alright. Shall we check out the alley next?”

“Yes.”

After roughly surveying the plaza, they moved down a main road and into an alley.

Due to the alley’s nature, it was sparsely populated and had a sinister atmosphere, drawing attention to their neat appearances.

Kana looked around and said coolly,

“It’s best not to go deeper here. It’s not that important anyway.”

“I agree.”

As they turned to leave after a quick inspection, a sharp male voice called out to Kana’s back.

“Miss Round, what are you doing in a place like this?”