“Sounds good.”

Olivia clapped her hands enthusiastically. Evie followed with a slightly shy applause, while Letie clapped calmly.

After everyone took a sip of tea, Olivia alternated her gaze between Kana and Letie before speaking.

“Kana, are you acquainted with Lady Serade?”

“No. Today is our first time meeting in person. I wanted to get to know her, so I sent an invitation, and she kindly accepted.”

At Kana’s honest answer, Olivia and Evie’s eyes widened. Letie appreciated Kana’s straightforwardness and her desire to get along without flaunting any nonexistent familiarity.

Evie covered her mouth slightly and added.

“Oh my, I find it hard to approach someone I don’t know at all… Kana, you are quite proactive.”

“Not really, Evie. I’m quite shy myself, so it wasn’t easy.”

“But you took action, didn’t you? If you want to get to know someone, it’s right to approach them first. Lady Serade, what made you decide to attend?”

After defending Kana, Olivia directed her gaze to Letie, who had been quietly sipping her tea and observing the three of them. Letie elegantly set down her teacup and answered.

“I was curious, so I decided to attend and meet her in person… The tea party has a comfortable atmosphere, so I’m glad I came.”

“That’s a compliment that makes me proud as the host.”

Kana smiled brightly at Letie, who showed a somewhat favorable attitude. The awkward atmosphere eased a little.

The conversation soon turned to praising each other’s dresses and accessories, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere. Letie naturally blended into the mood and started addressing everyone by their first names.

Letie gazed at Kana’s necklace, which had a subtle sheen. A faint aura of a spirit emanated from the round pearl.

“Kana, is the pearl on your necklace a pure pearl?”

“Yes. Lady Letie, you recognized it right away since you’re from the East.”

High-quality pearls were often produced in the East and South, where there were nearby seas. It was natural for the female protagonist to recognize pure pearls.

Letie nodded at Kana’s words and added an explanation.

“Of course. They are also gems frequently used by spiritists.”

“That’s right. I was lucky enough to contract with a spirit and got it.”

Kana agreed with Letie and casually mentioned her contract with a spirit. Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh my, congratulations! What is its rank?”

“It’s a lower rank.”

Kana modestly played with her hair, but Evie’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Even a lower rank is impressive! If it’s not too much trouble, could you show us the spirit?”

“Of course.”

Kana readily summoned Celia. When the translucent, sky-blue cloud-shaped spirit appeared with a pop, everyone gasped in awe. Evie’s cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Oh my, it’s so cute!”

“It feels refreshing!”

Olivia also beamed with a big smile. Kana used her spirit magic to create a cool breeze for the guests.

Celia floated around them, puffing up and shrinking her cloud-shaped body playfully before merging into the pure pearl on Kana’s necklace.

Everyone clapped and enjoyed the sight, but Letie remained silent. Having returned, she must have already awakened her healing abilities. Kana cautiously observed her expression and asked.

“Lady Letie, do you not like spirits?”

“No, it’s just that I’m envious of you, Kana.”

“…Pardon?”

“I haven’t yet awakened my healing abilities. I guess I’m the only dull one in the Serade family.”

Letie let out a self-deprecating laugh. Her eyelashes fluttered occasionally as she lowered her gaze. Olivia and Evie, who were previously delighted by the spirits, recalled the rumors and became cautious.

‘Hmm, is she testing to see my attitude?’

Kana fully understood the female protagonist’s test. Given her experiences before her regression, it was hard to believe that someone genuinely liked her. Kana took a deep breath and began to speak.

“I’m sorry. I summoned them in high spirits, but it might be uncomfortable for you, Lady. I lacked consideration.”

“No, Miss Kana. I’m the one who should apologize for dampening the mood.”

Letie, who had never received an apology for such a reason before or after her regression, was a bit surprised and waved her hand in denial. Kana carefully chose her words to comfort her.

“Lady Letie, I read in a book that it takes a long time to mold a great vessel, just as great abilities might manifest later.”

“That’s…”

Letie trailed off. Kana added in a gentle voice.

“Perhaps you might develop amazing abilities later on. Even if not, you can find another path. Not everyone progresses at the same pace, right? I believe it’s important to go steadfastly at your own speed without comparing yourself to others. At least, that’s what I think.”

Knowing that the female protagonist’s abilities had bloomed late before her regression and early after her regression, Letie, unaware of Kana’s true intentions, was quite moved.

“Miss Kana, you are very kind.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“I’ve never heard such words in my life, but they are truly comforting. Thank you.”

Letie’s eyes curved beautifully, and her lips formed a soft arc. It was a dazzlingly bright smile.

‘She appreciates what I said. This will make future interactions easier.’

Kana was satisfied. After all, she had invited the female protagonist to leave a good impression and become friends. Considering her goal, it was a success.

As the situation settled, Olivia and Evie also smiled, feeling touched. Letie apologized to them for disturbing the atmosphere, and they readily accepted.

Evie mentioned the flowers blooming in the garden, shifting the topic. As the conversation dwindled, Kana subtly asked Letie.

“Lady Letie, will you return to the East after the tea party?”

“No. There’s an imperial banquet soon, so I’ll be staying at the townhouse in the capital for a while.”

“Oh, right, there’s the imperial banquet.”

Unlike Evie, who swallowed her words, Olivia spoke enthusiastically.

“This time, both princes and all four great families will attend, right? The social world is abuzz. Have you decided on your partner?”

“I’m still considering. The imperial banquet has many eyes watching, so I have to choose carefully.”

Her golden eyes held a serious emotion. As Kana expected, Letie was cautious with her words.

In ‘The Fake Saint Was Real,’ she partners with the male protagonist, the second prince, Richard Irgis. They would probably meet and talk soon.

Olivia nodded.

“Lady Letie, you must be careful. I’m thinking of finding a partner from the nearby families, but if I can’t find a suitable one, I’ll ask my brother. What about you, Miss Evie and Miss Kana?”

“I’ll probably find someone nearby too.”

As Evie answered, the three of them turned their attention to Kana, who had been quiet, seemingly uninterested. In truth, Kana was indifferent.

“I’m similar to Miss Evie. And if I can’t find anyone, I’ll just go alone.”

“Aren’t you considering asking the Master of the Magic Tower?”

Olivia suddenly mentioned the sub male lead of ‘The Fake Saint Was Real.’ Kana, caught off guard, asked back.

“Huh? Why?”

“Well, I saw you two together at the dessert shop last time. You were talking intimately and even gave him dessert, so I thought you were close…”

Olivia, uncharacteristically hesitant, fidgeted with her fingers. Evie nodded and cautiously added.

“That’s right. Lord Kiriel Curtis isn’t usually like that. Other young ladies who saw you together were quite surprised.”

“Hmm, there were quite a few eyes watching. We were together for family matters. We’re not particularly close.”

Kana forced a troubled smile and denied it.

‘If they knew I met Ethan Cardium at the weapon shop, it would have been even more chaotic.’

She was relieved that there were no other people at the magic tool shop and weapon shop. At the general store, there were only a few maids running errands, not noble young ladies.

“If Miss Kana says so…”

“Still, if you get the chance, it might be good to ask him to escort you. I heard that neither the princes, the Master of the Magic Tower, Duke Cardium, nor the young duke of Serade have partners yet.”

Evie reluctantly agreed, and Olivia lowered her voice, subtly encouraging her. Kana smiled and responded appropriately.

“Miss Olivia, you always have the latest news. I’ll consider it.”

Of course, she had no intention of actually doing so. She would be busy observing the events at the banquet and playing her role among the young ladies to support the female protagonist.

The female protagonist, who had been quiet, added to the conversation.

“If it’s Miss Kana, she’ll handle it well. And my brother wouldn’t accept a partner request even if he didn’t have one.”

“Really?”

“I think he’d just stay put and keep an eye on Cordelia.”

Letie answered Olivia’s curious question with a slightly cynical tone. The word ‘brother’ seemed to be squeezed out with difficulty. She usually referred to her brother as the young duke of Serade.

“Oh, that Lady Cordelia Serade…”

Olivia held back her words, watching Letie’s reaction. Cordelia Serade was quite famous. A lovely lady who was kind, beautiful, and talented. Her only flaw was being an illegitimate child.

Characters from ‘Fake Saint’ often gossiped about the sharp-featured, ill-tempered legitimate daughter and the gentle-featured, angelic, talented illegitimate daughter.

Regardless of public perception, Kana, who had to align with the female protagonist’s side due to her role and duties, spoke calmly.

“Why don’t we stop talking about that? The one present here is not Lady Cordelia Serade, but Lady Letie Serade.”