11. Winter Party

---

“Sure.”

“The flower garden where we went to see flowers last time…… Ah, now all the flowers must have fallen and it’s just a grass field.”

“I don’t mind. Grass fields have their own charm too.”

“Alright.”

Kiriel held out his hand. When she took his hand, he used teleportation magic to move directly to that flower garden.

Kana carefully observed the surroundings. Unlike last time when flowers bloomed abundantly, now all the flowers had fallen and only yellowish-green grass filled the area, but it wasn’t bad.

They sat close together in the same spot as last time. A cool breeze brushed Kana’s cheek.

Kiriel quietly watched her fixing her windblown hair and opened his mouth.

“Miss Kana, how do you feel?”

“I’m fine. Looking at this open scenery makes me feel refreshed too.”

“That’s good then.”

Kiriel felt relieved seeing her expression soften slightly. Since she always responded calmly and kept saying she was fine, he couldn’t help but worry more.

Kana brought up the main point with a composed face.

“Lord Kiriel, what’s the real reason you came looking for me?”

“What I said earlier was all.”

“……Really just that?”

She blinked in disbelief.

In ‘Fake Saint’, Kiriel as the Tower Master sub male lead often appeared suddenly, but he would visit the female protagonist when he needed to help or had some small business.

Kiriel tilted his head.

“Why, is wanting to see you not reason enough?”

“Ah, um. I suppose it is.”

Kana let out an awkward, businesslike laugh. Kiriel suddenly leaned in and lightly brushed her cheek. His eyes curved beautifully.

“Seeing you up close in person is better than just in imagination.”

“……I see.”

Somehow a strange atmosphere settled. Kana rolled her eyes and looked up at the sky. A round cloud and a triangular cloud were next to each other.

Kiriel followed her gaze and frowned.

“……It looks just like a white cloth doll. It would be perfect if it had eyes, nose, and mouth.”

“Really? Where did you see a white cloth doll that looks like that cloud?”

Kana’s eyes narrowed. Since she was reminded of the librarian of the Otherworldly Library when looking at the cloud, his words sounded concerning. Kiriel hesitated a bit before answering.

“In a dream. I still haven’t found any clues about the strange restrictions but…… Have you seen it before, Miss Kana?”

“No. I kept watching out for it after what you mentioned last time, but it didn’t appear. If I see it anywhere, I’ll definitely let you know.”

It wasn’t a lie since she hadn’t actually seen it inside ‘Fake Saint’.

‘Hmm, surely it can’t be the actual librarian? If it had appeared before me and Alderaan instead of in Kiriel’s dream, we could at least verify.’

While Kana slightly furrowed her brow, Kiriel gave a gentle smile.

“Thank you.”

“But what does the white cloth doll do in your dream?”

“Well, that’s a bit difficult to explain…… I’ll let you know when I figure something out.”

Kiriel unusually held back his words. His intuition whispered that it was better not to fully reveal everything at this point. Actually, he had another dream when she collapsed last time.

In it, he saw Kana hurriedly walking somewhere the day after the Second Prince and Letie’s wedding, with an annoying white cloth doll swaying in front of her eyes. It felt strangely realistic.

Kana gently comforted him as he gave off a troubled atmosphere.

“Alright. Though I don’t know what’s going on, I hope it won’t be too difficult.”

“……You really are kind, Miss Kana.”

“You’re kind too, Lord Kiriel.”

Kana never imagined she would say such words herself to a tsundere-type sub male lead while working in novels. The words felt unfamiliar even coming from her own mouth.

His purple eyes sparkled.

“That makes me happy. I’ll have to work harder from now on.”

“……Yes, please do.”

Kana nodded reflexively.

* * *

While going about her usual schedule, Kana headed to House Reas’s greenhouse upon Evie’s invitation. It was a gathering with the ladies belonging to the female protagonist’s faction, including Letie.

When she arrived at the glass greenhouse and was carefully looking around at the beautifully harmonious scenery of colorful flowers, the host, Evie, warmly welcomed her.

“Miss Kana, you’re the first to arrive. Please sit here.”

“Yes, thank you for inviting me to this wonderful greenhouse.”

Kana sat in the indicated seat and responded with a gentle smile. Evie carefully examined her face and spoke softly.

“Not at all. By the way, I was very worried when I heard you collapsed before, but I’m glad your condition has improved. Though it’s amazing how hard you work and train in spirit magic, you must take care of your health.”

“Yes, so I’m trying to be careful not to overdo it from now on. Thank you for your concern and attention.”

As the two were exchanging small talk, about six ladies including Letie, Olivia, Della, and Bianca entered. They sat down in order following Evie’s guidance.

They all exchanged compliments about the greenhouse, each other’s outfits and accessories, and casual greetings.

In the warm atmosphere, Olivia carefully opened the conversation while watching Kana’s reaction.

“Miss Kana, I heard rumors that you had a clash with Lady Cordelia Serade and His Highness the First Prince at a teahouse recently.”

“I heard too. They say His Highness the First Prince acted violently.”

Kana deliberately lowered her eyes while receiving everyone’s worried gazes. Then she spoke with a slightly trembling voice.

“……That’s right. It was my first outing after collapsing and recovering, so I was very surprised. I was pleasantly having snacks with acquaintances when they suddenly acted that way.”

“I heard he even tried to raise his hand……”

Olivia trailed off with a miserable expression. Kana deliberately affirmed with a concerned look.

“It’s true. Fortunately Lord Kiriel who was passing by stopped him, but my heart dropped.”

“Oh my, how frightening. Isn’t it terrifying that a male imperial family member who can handle aura couldn’t control his temper and tried to hit a delicate lady who was just sitting quietly? He must be crazy.”

Though Bianca openly criticized the First Prince, no one pointed it out. Evie who was hearing the rumor for the first time trembled in shock.

“I was focused on painting and embroidery lately so I didn’t know this happened? Are you alright, Miss Kana? Has there been any additional retaliation……”

“I’m fine now. There haven’t been any other problems since then.”

Kana gently comforted the surprised and agitated ladies. She pretended to hesitate under everyone’s gaze before adding.

“Though it’s a bit sensitive to say, I saw it more as an expression of jealousy and inferiority complex toward His Highness the Second Prince and Lady Letie rather than simple venting.”

“Really?”

Letie frowned. She was lost in strange feelings as she recalled before the regression. Kana nodded and explained.

“Yes. He mentioned you two a lot in his outburst. I happened to catch his eye as your close friend who is favorable to His Highness the Second Prince, so I must have bothered him.”

“……I knew His Highness the First Prince’s personality wasn’t very good originally, but this is truly ugly behavior. I’m so sorry you were harmed because of me, Miss Kana.”

Letie let out a deep sigh while showing an extremely apologetic expression. Kana comforted the female protagonist who was still struggling even after regression.

“No, how could this be your fault? He’s the strange one.”

“Miss Kana is right.”

The other ladies chimed in agreement. As the atmosphere calmed a bit, Della lowered her voice significantly and opened the conversation.

“Actually, I heard His Highness the First Prince’s condition hasn’t been normal lately. According to an acquaintance working in the imperial palace, his anger has increased more than before……”

“That’s terrible. I hope others won’t get caught in the crossfire.”

Evie sighed while furrowing her brow. There was really no solution when someone with such high rank and power that they were difficult to touch was rampaging. Olivia shook her head.

“Seeing how he acts violently even toward someone gentle like Miss Kana, he seems already dangerous. At this rate, we can only hope His Highness the Second Prince does better.”

“It will be decided at this winter’s party, right? Honestly, I think His Highness the Second Prince is more suited for the crown prince position.”

Bianca shrugged. Everyone’s gaze turned to Letie. The female protagonist naturally supported the male protagonist.

“I also hope my fiancé does well.”

“Of course you do, Lady Letie.”

Everyone sincerely supported Letie. All those present were close to the female protagonist and favorable toward the Second Prince, so they had no hesitation showing their support.

Evie changed the topic to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

“It might be a bit early, but since it came up…… Is everyone preparing well for the winter party?”

“Yes. I’ve already decided on my partner so I’ve picked out the dress and accessories too. I’m planning to get new ones custom-made from Bozeta this time.”

Olivia boasted with a bright smile. Della and Bianca clapped and said.

“Oh my, I’m envious. I’m still worried about my partner. There’s no one I particularly like, but I’ll have to choose carefully somehow.”

“Well Lady Letie will be with His Highness the Second Prince of course.”

“Yes, naturally.”

Letie affirmed as if it was obvious. Olivia glanced at Kana who was quietly sipping tea.

“Then will Miss Kana be with the Tower Master again this time?”