“Yes, it’s me. Were you looking around?”

Kana approached Evie, who was exuding a gloomy atmosphere, waving her hand. Evie spoke weakly.

“Um, no. Actually, I had an appointment and got ready to come out, but when it was time, that person suddenly said they couldn’t come without any explanation… So I’ve been like this. Pathetic, right?”

“Not at all. This is the fault of the person who broke the promise on the day and notified you without warning. It’s absurd that they didn’t even offer an explanation or apology.”

Kana snorted. This was the type she disliked, not only in her original world but also now as she worked as a supporting character.

‘If they think their own time is precious, they should know that others’ time is precious too.’

It was something one wouldn’t do if they respected the person they made plans with. She suddenly recalled a memory of the time she was struggling to please a character with a similar personality while playing the role of their subordinate in another novel.

‘That was really tough.’

While Kana was reminiscing about the past, Evie’s dark expression brightened considerably.

“Thank you. I feel much better now because of you.”

“It’s nothing. I’m glad Miss Evie feels better.”

Kana responded with a gentle smile. Evie glanced at her and cautiously broached the subject.

“Miss Kana, do you happen to have any companions?”

“I’m alone.”

Kana tactfully went along with her intention. Evie looked at her with a faint glimmer of hope and carefully requested.

“If it’s alright with you, would you like to spend some time with me? You can refuse if it’s burdensome or if you simply don’t feel like it.”

“I’d love to. But is it okay if we wander around a bit aimlessly?”

“Yes, as long as it’s nothing dangerous.”

Evie smiled gently. Kana chuckled softly, alleviating her concerns.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I also prioritize safety. Do you have any specific places in mind?”

“…No.”

“Well then, let’s just go where our hearts take us.”

“Okay!”

Evie nodded vigorously. Kana led her, skillfully avoiding routes where they might encounter the key characters.

As she responded to Evie’s chatter, her industry friend updated her on the situation.

‘[Round, I’ve spotted the mages from the magic tower moving towards the clock tower area.]’

‘[Hmm, Kiriel will probably join them there soon.]’

‘[Most likely. How’s your situation?]’

‘[I’m wandering around with Miss Evie. I’ll let you know if anything comes up.]’

‘[Okay.]’

Alderaan moved on smoothly. Evie glanced at Kana, who was fiddling with the pure pearl on her necklace, and casually suggested.

“Miss Kana, shall we stop by the central square? I heard there’s going to be an impromptu musical performance there. We could watch for a bit and then rest on a nearby bench.”

“Sounds good.”

There was a slight possibility of overlapping with Letie’s group, but with the crowd, it was unlikely they’d spot each other. After calculating this internally, Kana readily agreed.

The two moved to the central square. As Evie had said, there were quite famous violin and cello players present. They had finished setting up their instruments and began playing once a decent crowd had gathered.

Evie listened to the performance with a deeply impressed expression and murmured softly.

“As expected, it’s an excellent performance.”

“Indeed it is.”

Kana nodded in agreement. Although she wasn’t particularly moved, she matched well with Evie, who was elaborating on her appreciation of the performance based on learned experiences.

After the performance ended, they gave the performers an appreciation fee and waited for the crowd to thin out before slowly leaving their seats.

They planned to find a bench as intended, but the nearby pathway was under control.

Unlike Kana, who could guess the reason, Evie, who knew nothing, tilted her head in confusion.

“Oh my, why are there so many people gathered over there? And even the guards…”

“I wonder what happened?”

Kana chimed in calmly. Not long after, a carriage entered the controlled pathway. As her eyes narrowed, Evie, startled, pointed at the carriage and exclaimed.

“Ah, Miss Kana. Look at the emblem on that carriage. Isn’t it from the Serade family?”

“You’re right. It seems something happened to someone related to the Serade family. Come to think of it, before I met you, Miss Evie, I saw Lady Letie with her siblings.”

Kana replied, lowering her eyes slightly, while also relaying the situation to her industry friend.

‘[I just confirmed from a distance the part where Cordelia collapsed.]’

‘[Things are progressing as expected.]’

‘[Yes.]’

In the supporting characters’ brief exchange between, Evie’s eyes shook violently. She covered her mouth with her hand and barely managed to speak.

“Oh my, I hope nothing serious has happened. When I return to the mansion, I should send a letter of concern to Lady Letie.”

“Me too. For now, why don’t we turn back? If we stay here, we might just add to the commotion and get in the way.”

“Sounds good.”

In the end, they walked a long way around, avoiding that pathway. Luckily, they immediately found a bench placed in a corner, and the two sat down side by side on the empty bench.

As Evie caught her breath slowly, she admired her still-energetic companion.

“Miss Kana, you have such strong stamina. Not just in spirit magic, but also your skill in hitting all the dart arrows yesterday… At this point, I’m curious if there’s anything you can’t do.”

“You’re too kind. It’s all thanks to consistent training.”

Kana waved her hand dismissively, smiling awkwardly at the embarrassingly high praise. Evie’s eyes sparkled as she continued to compliment her modest companion.

“Still, you’re amazing. I hope you weren’t frustrated having to match my pace?”

“It was fine, so please don’t worry about that.”

“Thank you.”

Evie’s eyes curved gently. Kana took out a fan-shaped auxiliary magic tool from the subspace of her ring and used wind spirit magic. A breeze of moderate strength brushed Evie’s cheek.

Evie’s lips parted slightly as she felt the cool, refreshing wind. She asked carefully with round eyes.

“Is this spirit magic?”

“Yes.”

“It feels nice and cool. Thank you. But won’t you be tired using it for me, Miss Kana…?”

Evie trailed off, watching for her reaction. Kana smiled softly, conveying that it was alright.

“I can adjust the range as I wish. I’m not using it on myself right now because I’m fine.”

“Ah, I see.”

Evie nodded, understanding the explanation.

After taking an adequate rest, Kana casually probed while observing her companion’s expression.

“Miss Evie, is there anywhere else you’d like to go?”

“Hmm, I’d like to look around the handcraft shop near the marketplace. I meant to check it out yesterday but couldn’t.”

“Then let’s make that handcraft shop our final stop.”

“Okay!”

Evie nodded vigorously. The two slowly made their way to the marketplace. The streets were still bustling but not uncomfortably crowded. Evie suddenly spoke up as if something had just occurred to her.

“Come to think of it, I’ve heard that the Founding Festival is even more splendid at night. They say the marketplace has a better atmosphere with the night market. Have you been out at night, Miss Kana?”

“No. No matter how many people there are or how tight the security is, nighttime is still dangerous.”

But she planned to be on standby at night on the last day. Evie sympathized with her response.

“I haven’t gone out at night for similar reasons. It might be better if we were with reliable people who have combat skills.”

“That’s true.”

As they walked and talked, they arrived at the handcraft shop Evie had mentioned. It was in a somewhat secluded location within the marketplace. Most items on display are ones made with embroidery and needlework.

Evie examined the items carefully, muttering as if talking to herself.

“Sometimes I get really into these handcrafted items. Whether the skill is excellent or amateurish, they’re all interesting to look at, don’t you think?”

“You’re right.”

Kana nodded. The two looked at the handcrafted items, chatting casually and impulsively purchasing a few items.

The problem came afterwards. As they were momentarily relaxed, trying to put their wallets back in their pockets, a boy suddenly appeared out of nowhere and snatched both Kana’s and Evie’s wallets before running away.

It wasn’t his first time, judging by his skillful technique. The boy brazenly slipped through the gaps in the crowd like a loach. Evie shouted in a shrill voice.

“Miss Kana, it’s a pickpocket!”

“Let’s chase after him for now.”

Kana grabbed Evie and ran after the boy.

‘To think I’d experience the same thing in the episode where the female lead gets pickpocketed.’

She could only laugh wryly at the absurdity. She hesitated while running, clutching her fan-shaped auxiliary magic tool tightly.

‘With so many people around, it’s tricky to attack with spirit magic. The restrictions are even stronger in situations like this.’

Originally, there were restrictions on the use of force without reason by those possessing aura, mana, spirit energy, and other such powers.

She understood this point well enough. If the use of attack skills wasn’t limited, the Arsen Empire would have become a lawless zone long ago.

While Kana was thinking, the pickpocket ran towards the clock tower. She secretly used spirit magic to hinder the running pickpocket while briefly informing her industry friend.

‘[I’ve been pickpocketed.]’

‘[What?]’

‘[Sorry. I’ll let you know the situation after I catch him.]’

‘[Round?]’

Kana didn’t have the leisure to continue the conversation with him now. As they approached the vicinity of the clock tower, the crowd noticeably thinned out.

She didn’t hesitate to use wind spirit magic. A fierce wind whipped around like a lash, tripping the running pickpocket. Kana approached the fallen boy along with Evie.

“Finally caught you.”

“Eek, how are you so fast!”

The boy grumbled before giving up. Evie, her legs weak, sat down on the ground, breathing heavily, while Kana firmly held the pickpocket to prevent him from escaping.

Letie, who had also been chasing the pickpocket like them, widened her eyes in surprise.

“…Miss Kana and Miss Evie?”

“Kana, what’s going on?”

Kiriel, who had been surrounded by mages in the distance, approached in a single stride. It was a moment where the female protagonist, the sub male lead, and two background supporting characters met simultaneously.