“Yes, I’m jealous. How could I not be concerned when Miss Kana appears close with another man?”

Kiriel slowly caressed her cheek. His purple eyes swayed like the deep sea. No matter how he thought about it, this situation felt completely unfamiliar.

Kana politely cleared her throat and tried to respond calmly.

“Ahem, Lord Alderaan and I each have our own partners. During this banquet, we naturally focus on our respective partners.”

“I see.”

His expression softened considerably. At that moment, the Emperor and Empress made their entrance. Everyone, including them, bowed respectfully.

“Everyone rise. Many have graced this winter banquet with their presence. Ah yes, I will announce the Crown Prince when the banquet ends, so until then, please enjoy yourselves.”

The nobles who rose at the Emperor’s plain statement became very tense. Though speculation had been rampant, since the Emperor hadn’t spoken about it at all, no one knew who would become Crown Prince.

The nobles’ gazes turned to the Empress. The Empress, who was rumored to favor the First Prince, maintained an aloof atmosphere with an expressionless face. The rumors that she hadn’t shared the Emperor’s thoughts seemed to be true.

‘I should conserve my energy to prepare for Riden’s rampage.’

Kana, who already knew the outcome through her implanted information, silently checked her body and energy condition.

Cheerful music flowed through the hall. The people around them started dancing one by one.

Kiriel glanced around before bowing and extending his hand politely.

“Shall we dance too?”

“I’d love to.”

Kana danced with him to the music. As they spun and stepped in rhythm, Kiriel broached the subject.

“Miss Kana, you were gathering your energy earlier, weren’t you?”

“Yes. I had a somewhat chilly feeling.”

Kana, who was well aware of Kiriel’s insight, readily admitted it. He led her gently while furrowing his brow.

“Really? I wonder if something will happen here.”

“……Let’s hope not.”

“Hmm, considering Miss Kana’s intuition, we should be careful.”

“Indeed.”

They danced continuously for three or four songs before moving to a corner to observe the situation. She had subtly controlled the pace because she wanted to avoid consuming energy.

As the music in the hall began to fade, those who had been dancing also stopped and found suitable places. Kiriel watched her bored expression and casually asked.

“Miss Kana, would you like something to eat or drink?”

“Yes.”

They approached a relatively quiet table. As Kana picked up and ate some finger foods, Caliman, who had been conversing with northern nobles from a distance, approached.

“You two are still together even here.”

“Ah, Count Nuer. It’s been a while.”

Kana received his greeting politely while Kiriel merely nodded while selecting a wine glass. Caliman nodded to the Tower Master and greeted Kana.

“Yes, Lady Round. Have you been well?”

“Of course.”

“I see you’ve been consistently training in spirit magic—that’s good to see. Keep working hard.”

“Yes.”

Caliman gracefully left to avoid disturbing the young people’s atmosphere. The gazes of the northern nobles and those supporting the Second Prince who were with him briefly turned to her before looking away.

Kiriel glanced at them before whispering to her with an amused voice.

“Miss Kana, you’re getting quite a lot of attention.”

“Ah, I prefer maintaining a faint presence.”

That’s how all supporting character actors were. No matter how hard they worked, they were rarely mentioned by characters, existing as if they didn’t. Kiriel shrugged his shoulders while listening to her lifeless voice.

“Well, that might be difficult. At least in my heart, your presence is very strong.”

“……Lord Kiriel, really.”

She silenced him by feeding him finger food. As Kiriel smiled brightly, the female protagonist approached them leading noble ladies from the same faction. Letie spoke calmly.

“Miss Kana, you came with the Tower Master as expected.”

“Yes, that’s how it turned out.” 

Kana glanced at Kiriel beside her and let out an awkward laugh. Letie, after briefly exchanging glances with the Tower Master, smiled with her eyes and openly supported them.

“You don’t need to feel embarrassed. The atmosphere is good and you suit each other well.”

“Haha, thank you.”

Kana just laughed, half resigned. Fortunately, even though the female protagonist was blatantly trying to pair the sub male lead with her, at least her star rating wasn’t decreasing.

At that moment, Olivia abruptly cut in.

“By the way, what happened with Count Nuer? He was talking about you quite a lot. Fortunately, it was all positive.”

“We worked together by chance before, and he seemed to view my spirit magic favorably.”

Kana calmly gave a vague answer, not fully revealing the underground waterway incident.

The noble ladies didn’t find it strange since they knew she diligently honed her spirit magic.

Evie gave her an admiring look.

“Ah, I see. As expected, You’re always diligent, Miss Kana. You’re really amazing.”

“You’re too kind.”

Kana acted humbly while looking at the noble ladies’ sparkling eyes. They kept their conversation brief out of consideration for their partners.

“Well then, enjoy your time.”

“Yes. You all as well.”

Kana waved to them as they left. Kiriel, who had quietly waited while the women chatted, held two wine glasses and spoke.

“Miss Kana, shall we move to one side?”

“Let’s do that.”

They left the table area and returned to a corner.

Kana accepted the glass Kiriel handed her and took a light sip of wine. He glanced at his partner who quickly emptied her glass.

“Miss Kana, would you like more?”

“No. I don’t want to get drunk and lose composure today.”

“I see.”

Kiriel nodded with a serious expression. They called over a servant walking through the hall and handed over their empty glasses.

The nobles in the hall were busy gathering around their supported princes for conversation.

Meanwhile, some people kept glancing at them, seemingly wanting to have a separate conversations with Kiriel. Kana carefully tested her partner.

“Lord Kiriel, will it be alright not to spend time separately with others?”

“Yes, we promised to stay together during this banquet, remember? You’re more important to me, Miss Kana.”

Though it was just a carelessly made excuse, his purple eyes fixed on her were quite serious. Kana hesitated, feeling somewhat guilty.

“But……”

“Don’t worry too much. There will be many other opportunities to talk with other nobles besides this banquet.”

“Yes.”

Kiriel carefully suggested to her as she showed signs of concern.

“Miss Kana, would you like to go to the terrace if you’re tired or bored?”

“No. I’ll stay in the hall.”

“Alright.”

Kiriel said nothing more and stayed by her side.

As they exchanged small talk, the winter banquet atmosphere reached its climax.

Soon after, the Emperor stood in the center. All nobles’ gazes turned to the imperial family. As Richard and Riden showed some tension, the Emperor slowly began speaking while looking down at the assembly.

“Did everyone enjoy the banquet?”

“Yes!”

“Then let’s proceed with the announcement you’ve been waiting for. The Crown Prince will be Second Prince Richard.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will continue to work harder going forward.”

Richard bowed politely. Riden froze, unable to maintain even formal courtesy due to shock. The Emperor responded heavily.

“Indeed.”

“Hurrah!”

The nobles in the hall cheered and applauded. Especially those in the Second Prince’s faction who had bright expressions. The First Prince’s faction managed their expressions and clapped reluctantly.

The Emperor carefully looked over the heads and spouses of the four great houses, their successors, and successor candidates.

“Do the Serade, Hail, Curtis, and Cardium houses agree to this?”

“We agree.”

It was unanimous, including Kiriel who was beside her. Other nobles stirred in considerable surprise seeing all four great houses support the Second Prince.

Cordelia’s face turned pale. She had confirmation that the Serade house’s scale had tipped toward Letie.

At that moment, Riden, who had finally come to his senses, shouted while his body trembled.

“This is absurd! Your Majesty, I cannot accept this!”

“Riden.”

The Emperor’s eyes turned cold. Anyone could see his heart had left. Riden bit his lip before struggling to appeal.

“Please reconsider. Something must be wrong.”

“What? While you were causing trouble, your brother managed himself well, built friendly forces, and accumulated achievements. Though I looked favorably upon the various incidents you caused, you feel wronged? Don’t act disgracefully.”

The Emperor coldly rebuked him and turned his back. Other nobles secretly nodded their heads as if in agreement.

Life disappeared from Riden’s eyes as he saw his brother being congratulated by everyone.

“……No, this isn’t right. The Crown Prince position was originally mine.”

As he muttered ominously, the dark purple magic stone in his hand shattered and crushed the red alodel.

The sword that appeared suddenly emanated an aura that felt fierce and ominous.

Those who sensed the unusual atmosphere immediately took defensive positions. When Richard drew his sword, Ethan and Caliman also drew their swords while moving people behind them.

Seria summoned all four highest-level elemental spirits, and Liriel also grabbed her wand and gathered mana. Kiriel immediately pulled Kana close while casting a wide-range protective barrier.

Riden’s aura grew increasingly larger. At the same time, purple blood vessels bulged excessively on his face and exposed hands. Kiriel frowned.

“……That’s an aura rampage.”