Because the sub male lead Kiriel joined them, the attention of people on the street suddenly focused on them.
When it was just the two supporting characters, unless they did something noticeable, people saw them as part of the street scenery and didn’t pay much attention. The difference was palpable.
‘As expected, the presence of a main character is extraordinary.’
Kana, recalling that Kiriel corresponded to number 3 in the code, clicked her tongue.
Alderaan subtly observed the atmosphere between his industry friend and the sub male lead, while Kiriel focused solely on her expression.
Though they walked together, each was lost in their own thoughts, and no conversation was exchanged. Soon, they arrived at a cozy teahouse.
Kana stopped and looked at the faces of the men beside her, breaking the silence.
“This place looks fine to me. What do you both think?”
“It’s fine.”
“Do as you like.”
With their agreement, Kana led the way into the teahouse. She seated Kiriel and Alderaan side by side and sat across from them.
The two men, as though they agreed beforehand, kept some distance between them. Unlike the indifferent Alderaan, Kiriel openly sighed.
“…Miss Kana, did we have to sit like this?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, but this was the best arrangement. We were originally going to sit facing each other, but in this situation, sitting next to a specific person would be awkward.”
Kana explained cautiously, looking troubled. Kiriel couldn’t complain further and kept silent.
As the ordered tea and relatively simple desserts arrived, they focused on drinking tea or occasionally eating the desserts.
In the awkward silence, Alderaan spoke first.
“Miss Kana, we’ve completed our tasks, but are you sure we don’t need to try anything else?”
“Yes. Thanks to your cooperation, everything went smoothly, so I plan to practice the remaining parts at the mansion’s training grounds.”
Kana fiddled with the pure pearl in her necklace as she responded. Alderaan nodded.
“I see. I hope you achieve your goals.”
“Thank you. Lord Alderaan, is there anything else you need to check?”
“No. The help I received was more than enough.”
“I see.”
With their experience as supporting roles, they skillfully maintained a conversation that appeared meaningful even in front of a main character.
Kiriel, observing their conversation, sensed a peculiar closeness despite their formal and businesslike tone. He blurted out without thinking.
“So, what’s the relationship between you two?”
“Friends.”
“Friends.”
Kana and Alderaan’s voices overlapped as they answered simultaneously. They were more like colleagues in the same industry than personal friends, but they couldn’t express it that way.
Claiming that a spirit summoner and an unassuming low-ranking official who knew how to handle aura were close colleagues sharing the same work would lack credibility.
Kiriel alternated his gaze between the two who answered in unison without hesitation. He blinked and asked again.
“…Friends? Are you really just friends?”
“Of course. It might not seem that way since we don’t have many interactions, but it’s true.”
Kana responded smoothly. Kiriel, feeling relieved, suddenly recalled a mage friend who had happily transitioned from friendship to romance. With a serious expression, he asked earnestly.
“No matter how close you are as friends, isn’t it too close?”
“Pardon? I’ve never thought of it that way. We always treat each other with respect.”
Kana answered calmly, though she was quite taken aback. Until now, no main character had ever pointed out that supporting characters from the same faction were too close.
Alderaan, who had been silent, subtly countered.
“But Tower Master, regardless of my relationship with Miss Kana, isn’t it irrelevant to you? Honestly, I wonder whether this needs to be explained.”
“I’m just curious because I also interact with Miss Kana.”
Kiriel replied coldly, turning his head sharply. Sensing the subtle tension in his words, Alderaan narrowed his eyes.
“Ah, I see.”
“Now, now, everyone seems a bit on edge. Let’s calm down.”
Kana mediated the situation, observing the expressions of the two men. Despite one being an industry friend and the other the sub male lead, the atmosphere strangely resembled a love triangle.
‘…What is this situation?’
[Hmm, from my perspective, it looks like the male lead is feeling jealous and wary of the sub male lead who is close to the protagonist.]
Celia’s voice, infused into the pure pearl, carried a hint of amusement. Startled, Kana quickly cautioned the cheerful spirit.
‘Celia, making comments that could lower the star rating isn’t something to do lightly. That’s an amusing analogy, but it’s best not to elevate supporting characters to the level of main characters within the novel.’
[Oops, I didn’t mean to… I’ll be careful.]
‘Okay.’
While she exchanged a brief conversation with the spirit, the two men fell silent. Alderaan, considering the efforts of his industry friend, and Kiriel, simply because he liked her words.
Kana, confirming the now quiet atmosphere, looked at Kiriel, who was silently drinking tea. Noticing her gaze, he flinched, and she casually asked.
“Lord Kiriel, this might be sudden, but what’s your ideal type?”
“I-ideal type? That’s a very direct question.”
Kiriel almost spat out his tea. He struggled to maintain an elegant posture, but his face turned a shade of red.
Kana, taken aback by his intense reaction, waited for his complexion to return to normal. She then retracted her question.
“I’m sorry. I was being rude. If you’re uncomfortable, please forget I asked.”
“No, it’s fine… I like someone who seems indifferent but is actually kind, someone I can communicate well with and who makes me feel at ease.”
“Ah, I see. That’s a wonderful ideal type.”
Kana nodded and clapped her hands. Kiriel had described the characteristics of the woman in front of him, but she interpreted it differently.
‘Hmm, there are slight differences from what was mentioned in Fake Saint, but… it matches Letie’s traits. If this continues, it won’t deviate from the flow.’
Letie, having been indifferent due to her past experiences, possessed a kind heart typical of a strong yet gentle protagonist. Her healing abilities and thoughtful care were key elements.
Feeling hopeful, Kana’s face brightened, while Kiriel, uncharacteristically tense, asked.
“What about you, Miss Kana? What’s your ideal type?”
“I’ve never really thought about it. If I had to say, someone kind, with many common interests, and who respects me.”
Kana’s voice was lukewarm as she rubbed her chin. Her priority was gathering star ratings and securing a stable world. Love or starting something new came after that.
While Kiriel silently pondered, Kana formally asked her industry friend.
“What about you, Lord Alderaan?”
“I haven’t thought about it much either, but I’d prefer someone with a similar personality or a calm disposition.”
“Matching personalities is certainly important. That’s a reasonable preference.”
“Exactly.”
Alderaan’s response was just as indifferent. His main focus was on battles and training, similar to Kana’s focus on collecting star ratings.
In the end, Kiriel was the only one who seriously discussed his ideal type.
Their conversation dwindled, and they finished their tea and snacks.
Kiriel, who had unexpectedly joined their plans, paid the bill. After leaving the teahouse together, he naturally escorted Kana and gestured to Alderaan.
“Lord Alderaan Short, step into the range.”
“Alright.”
Thanks to Kiriel’s teleportation magic, they smoothly arrived at the central plaza’s carriage service. Alderaan politely bid farewell to Kana.
“Miss Kana, you’ve worked hard today. Please take care on your way back.”
“Yes, you too, Lord Alderaan.”
He left, boarding his carriage first.
As Kana approached her carriage, she noticed Kiriel following her hesitantly. She turned to him and asked.
“Lord Kiriel, is there something you’d like to say?”
“Yes. Miss Kana, if you have time, would you like to meet my sister with me?”
His uncharacteristically hesitant demeanor puzzled Kana. She blinked and confirmed.
“So, you’re suggesting a meeting with Lady Liriel Curtis?”
“Yes. My sister is coming to my estate soon, so there’s no need to travel to the south.”
Kiriel confidently assured her. It seemed she needed to hear more. After a brief contemplation, she gestured for him to join her.
“Hmm, it’s a sudden proposal. Let’s discuss it in the carriage before deciding.”
“Alright.”
Kiriel quickly boarded the carriage with her. Facing her, he snapped his fingers to cast a soundproofing spell. Kana calmly looked at him.
“Now, please explain.”
“Well, it’s not a special reason… I have something personal I want to confirm.”
“Does it involve me?”
“…Yes.”
Kiriel, embarrassed, averted his gaze slightly. Kana, fingers interlaced on her lap, fell into thought.
- ianthe
remember to support the authors everyone~ (๑'ᵕ'๑)⸝*
fabooks
Omggg how she doesnt notice?? This is killing me 😂