Kiriel looked at her with worried eyes. Kana, feeling a strange sensation, came up with a suitable excuse.

“I’m concerned about some acquaintances who said they were going to watch the monster slaying demonstration. And if need be, I could help as a spirit summoner, couldn’t I?”

“…Aren’t you scared?”

Kiriel hesitated uncharacteristically. Considering her usual emphasis on safety and how she trembled when attacked before, he didn’t want to unnecessarily involve her.

Even though she was cautious to avoid being eliminated, she tended to take some risks when it came to work-related matters. Kana calmly nodded.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Can’t be helped then. But stay close to me.”

“Okay.”

Kiriel reluctantly took her hand firmly and used teleportation magic. Their surroundings instantly changed to the spacious square in the southern street.

Kana quickly scanned the area. Amidst the dimly flickering magical light devices floating around the square, a large crowd had gathered in chaos.

In the center stood Richard, sword in hand, surrounded by vicious monsters exuding a murderous aura.

A few guard knights were by his side, and the responsible mages were gathering to try and control the situation.

In one corner, the spirit summoners of the Four-Colored Leaf Guild were noticeable, each summoning low-level spirits to lend what little help they could.

Letie was trying to help but was held back by Richard’s guard knights, protected while stomping her feet anxiously, while Alderaan was keeping the approaching monsters at bay from a slight distance.

‘[Round, you’re here.]’

‘[Yes.]’

The gazes of the two supporting character actors crossed briefly. In the meantime, amidst the chaotic situation, the confused figures began to leave one by one, sticking to their respective guards and following the guidance of the security force.

Kiriel, who had quickly assessed the situation like her, clicked his tongue.

“Tch, what a mess.”

“Lord Kiriel, let’s go to the center for now.”

Kana pointed to the center with her fan-shaped auxiliary magical device. Kiriel responded by immediately moving there with her.

The faces of the responsible mages visibly brightened as they saw them approaching.

“Wow, the Tower Master is here!”

“Oh? Lady Round is with him too? Anyway, thank you for coming so quickly!”

“Save the praise, let’s deal with the situation first.”

“Yes!”

The mages’ responses were filled with renewed energy. Kiriel instructed them to repair the light devices and barriers, and froze the monsters swarming Richard with ice magic.

Kana, back-to-back with him, opened her fan and employed wind spirit magic. Sharp winds slashed and cut the Frozen Bears trying to escape the square.

Though they hadn’t intended to move in sync, to others it looked like a fantastic coordination.

Richard’s eyes widened as he cut down the monster in front of him with his aura-wrapped sword.

“The Tower Master and Lady Round?”

“Your Highness the Second Prince, let’s talk about the details after we’ve dealt with all these monsters.”

“Agreed.”

With Kiriel and Kana joining in, the situation became much more manageable. There were some injuries, but they prevented the monsters in the square from escaping to other streets and causing more damage.

As the light devices and barriers were repaired, the scattered corpses of the monsters were revealed under the bright light.

Letie quickly ran to Richard to check his condition and used her healing ability to treat the injured.

The fully healed injured people bowed respectfully to Letie.

“Lady Serade, thank you.”

“It’s nothing. This is all I can do.”

Letie acted humbly as if it were natural. Kana, who had been watching silently, didn’t miss the opportunity to subtly praise the female protagonist.

“You’re doing something truly amazing, yet you say it’s nothing. At this point, I’m in awe of both your healing ability and your character, Lady Letie.”

“You’re flattering me. I was actually more impressed and amazed by how Miss Kana defeated the monsters with spirit magic.”

Letie, though a bit tired from using her healing ability non-stop, still clapped and gave her a thumbs up.

Kana fiddled with her folded fan-shaped auxiliary magical device and gave an awkward smile.

“I’m a bit embarrassed. I only lent a small hand. If you think about it, Lord Kiriel played the biggest role.”

Her gaze naturally turned towards Kiriel. He was exchanging opinions with Richard, cooperating with the security force, and sternly reprimanding the responsible mages.

Letie winked and answered playfully.

“…Well, let’s leave him out of this. He’s a capable Tower Master after all.”

“That’s true.”

As Kana chuckled softly, her industry friend’s voice echoed in her head.

‘[Round, I’m leaving first. You can dismiss the gnome summon. I’ll visit your mansion tomorrow afternoon to return the pure pearl ring I borrowed.]’

‘[Good work, Alderaan. Get home safely and see you tomorrow.]’

‘[Sure.]’

As soon as he finished his reply, Kana reverse-summoned the gnome that had been infused in the pure pearl ring. Meanwhile, Letie, who had been lost in thought, muttered unconsciously.

“By the way, I wonder why such an accident happened… It’s fortunate there were no casualties, but it’s become quite a headache.”

“Right. The empire will be in an uproar starting tomorrow. Not to mention the newspapers and social circles.”

“They’ll be tearing into His Highness Richard as the imperial representative, and the Tower for management issues.”

Letie shook her head with a sigh. Kana started speaking mechanically.

“Monsters taking over the southern street… Did the Second Prince really have the qualifications, regarding the accident at the monster slaying demonstration. Shocking negligence in monster management… Is the Tower really okay like this. Something along those lines?”

“Wow, I just got chills. It’s like I’ve seen a preview of the newspaper headlines? It already feels vicious.”

Letie exclaimed, gently rubbing her arms. Kana smiled bitterly and said,

“We managed to contain it somehow, but there were many witnesses and it’s too serious to cover up, so it can’t be helped.”

“…Miss Kana, is it really just a management negligence issue?”

Her golden eyes darkened. As expected of the female protagonist, she was suspicious of the unnatural situation. Kana looked around and then whispered in a lowered voice.

“I’m not sure. Considering the effort put into the monster slaying demonstration, they should have managed it thoroughly. Why did this suddenly happen now when everything was fine before? I think it was intentionally caused from the inside.”

“It’s a sensitive topic to speak about openly, but I agree with you.”

Letie’s eyes flashed sharply. Richard and Kiriel approached them as they were exuding a serious atmosphere. Richard looked at both of them alternately and blurted out.

“Aren’t you two tired?”

“Greetings, Your Highness the Second Prince. Fortunately, I’m fine.”

“I’m alright too.”

Kana greeted politely, and Letie smiled gently. Kiriel shrugged and added,

“You were chatting so earnestly, I couldn’t even interrupt. We’ll tidy up the surroundings and look into the details starting tomorrow… But before that, you should return home, Miss Kana.”

“Yes.”

Kana nodded obediently. There was no reason for her to stay longer now that the episode had concluded well.

Feeling at ease upon seeing her despite the mentally exhausting situation, Kiriel openly informed Richard,

“Your Highness the Second Prince, I’ll take Miss Kana home and then return.”

“Alright. I’ll take Lady Letie home as well.”

Richard accepted readily and took care of Letie. Kana waved goodbye to the female protagonist leaving with the male protagonist, then carefully broached the subject.

“Lord Kiriel, is it alright for both of you, the highest authorities at the scene, to leave simultaneously?”

“Of course, it’s just for a moment.”

Kiriel answered kindly while gently tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. Kana blinked slowly.

“Ah, if that’s the case, then it’s fine…”

“Don’t worry, let’s go.”

“Okay.”

Kana hesitated a bit before taking his outstretched hand. Kiriel immediately used teleportation magic.

In an instant, the scenery changed to the front of the Round mansion. Kana bowed to him respectfully.

“Thank you for bringing me home despite your busy schedule.”

“It’s nothing. It’s what I should do. Rather, I’m sorry that such an incident occurred when we were supposed to enjoy the Founding Festival together, ending things so awkwardly.”

The composed figure who had skillfully led others and handled the situation coldly at the scene was nowhere to be seen, instead replaced by a dejected one. Feeling strange at the difference, Kana gently comforted Kiriel.

“Accidents happen unexpectedly. This isn’t something you should apologize for.”

“Yeah. And thank you for coming along and helping.”

Kiriel smiled brightly. It was an odd thing to say for someone who had shown such tremendous power alone at the scene. Kana felt embarrassed and fiddled with the hem of her dress.

“I only lent a small hand. I’m glad if it was helpful.”

“You utilized spirit magic very well. You’re too modest.”

“You flatter me.”

Kana waved her hand lightly. Kiriel chuckled quietly and then asked seriously,

“Miss Kana, apart from what happened at the end, did you have a good time today?”

“Yes, it was quite enjoyable.”

“I see.”

His lips curved into a smile. A strange silence fell between them. Kana tactfully offered a closing remark first.

“You should probably get going now… I hope you wrap things up well and don’t face any severe hardships or troublesome matters afterward.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best for your sake. But I feel so reluctant to leave that my feet won’t move.”

Kiriel’s voice dripped with lingering attachment. Kana, already feeling unsettled, hesitated, unable to find an appropriate response or action. He sent her a heartfelt gaze and opened his arms.

“In that sense, before I leave, could I hug you just once?”