Allen felt lightheaded, swept away by his one and only sister’s forceful words.

Seeing her brother’s vulnerable state, Imelen hesitated briefly but refused to back down this time. Instead, she pressed further.

“Aren’t you going to say anything to her?”

“…”

With his face bright red, Allen’s lips quivered slightly. His downcast gaze and moist, troubled eyes made him look like an angel tormented by forbidden love.

“It’s not that I haven’t thought about it. But Lady Calliphe is currently engaged… and she doesn’t know that I’m aware of your fake relationship.”

“…”

“I’ve held back because I didn’t want to surprise her. But you’re right.”

Duke Ortega’s gaze had changed from before—no, it had deepened even more. His expressionless face softened whenever he looked at Lady Calliphe.

‘And Lady Calliphe too…’

If he remained passive, their fake engagement might no longer stay fake.

“I should confess my feelings.”

“Good thinking!”

“Actually, I’ve been preparing a gift to give her when I confess. I’ve been making it for a month.”

“Really?!”

So big brother can take action when needed! 

Imelen’s heart raced with excitement at the possibility that Calliphe might truly become her big sister.

At the same time, she worried whether her brother, who had never been in love before, would handle it well.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes, Imelen.”

Despite blushing with embarrassment, Alensis answered confidently.

“It’s definitely a confession gift. I made it myself so she couldn’t possibly misunderstand. So… will you help me get some time alone with Lady Calliphe at the party?”

“Yes! Count on me!”

Nodding vigorously, Imelen thought of Noah and chuckled softly.

‘Sorry, but we’re going to win this time!’

* * *

At the same time Imelen was doing strength exercises in preparation for potential physical intervention, Noah was about to hold a strategy meeting with Dietrich.

Having finished his Imperial language lesson early, Dietrich lowered his voice and asked, “How could you almost waste that precious wish? It’s a rare opportunity from that stingy Calliphe.”

“What does ‘stingy’ mean?”

“Someone who only looks after themselves and never shares with others.”

“Like green peppers?”

“Yes, like me… wait, that’s not—”

Dietrich quickly glanced around before lightly smacking Noah on the head.

“Ouch.”

Hiss. Noah glared at Dietrich.

Giggling, Dietrich returned to the main topic.

“Anyway, let’s focus, okay? It’s good for both of us if those two get along better. First, we need an event at the party to bring them closer.”

“I know.”

“Oh? What do you know?”

“They get along better when they’re together. They need to be alone.”

Look at this kid! Dietrich laughed incredulously.

“Your brain’s grown a bit, huh? Did you meet a girl you liked at the Harvest Festival?”

“That’s not it…”

Noah thought of Ferica. Though he wouldn’t see her again, his time with her had taught him something important.

“The Duke needs to spend more time alone with Lady Calliphe. Their relationship will naturally improve that way.”

“Hmm… isn’t that a bit simplistic?”

“No. They just need to be together.”

Lady Calliphe was someone you couldn’t help but grow fond of when you spent time with her. Noah knew this from personal experience and felt certain about it.

Dietrich, looking unconvinced with half-closed eyes, clapped his hands loudly and rubbed them together.

“Fine. Fish poop, let’s try it your way. There are plenty of ways to get them alone together.”

“Hide and seek.”

“Oh, that could work! And if we add this and that…”

Nod, nod.

After developing their meticulous plan, the next day arrived—the day of Noah’s victory celebration party at Calliphe’s annex.

* * *

Elegant music filled the air while the tables were lavishly decorated and laden with exquisite delicacies. Plush sofas were arranged for children to rest, and simple games were provided for entertainment.

Though it looked grand, this level of preparation was considered modest for House Offensa. In fact, only close acquaintances had been invited—essentially making it a home party.

‘I’d love to boast to all the nobles that he’s our child…’

A line of people would have rushed to connect with the future Sword Master if she had extended invitations more broadly.

But Noah was uncomfortable around strangers, and there was no point in having a celebration if the guest of honor wasn’t enjoying himself.

I noticed the small cube-shaped box Noah was holding.

‘That must be the prize.’

Inside would be something that could greatly increase Marcel’s favorability and make it possible to visit the Marquis Offensa.

“Lady Calliphe!”

Noah spotted me while chatting with Mihail and came running over.

I smiled, ready to graciously accept the prize, and put on my kindest expression.

“Thank you… Huh?”

But Noah, who seemed to be heading toward me, changed direction. After making some request to the musicians playing gentle melodies, he turned to face everyone.

“E-everyone… please look here.”

As the music stopped right on cue, Noah’s voice carried clearly. Everyone—myself, Lynen sipping light wine, Allen watching over the children, the little ones, Raul, and Lina—all turned to look at him.

Noah’s cheeks flushed red under the attention. With a nervous expression, he gulped and fumbled in his pocket for a folded piece of paper. Like a student giving a presentation, he began reading what he had written.

“Hello, I’m Noah. I’m very grateful to everyone who came to celebrate my victory. Your support gave me strength during the competition. Duke Ortega, Saint Alensis, Big Brother Mihail, Saint…”

He was reciting a list of people he was thankful to, like at a year-end awards ceremony.

‘When did he prepare this? He’s adorably k*lling me.’

I had to cover my mouth with my fan and bite my lip to keep from laughing too much. Glancing around, I saw Lynen slightly turning his head to contain his laughter, while Allen was pinching his own arm.

Meanwhile, Noah continued his acceptance speech.

“…Thanks to all of you, I was able to receive this award. However, I believe there is someone else who truly deserves this prize.”

Noah looked up from his paper and gazed at me.

“That person is Lady Calliphe.”

“…Me?”

Everyone looked at me with puzzled expressions.

‘Of course they would. I’m curious too. I was absent the entire time, even before the Harvest Festival.’

Dietrich voiced the question on everyone’s mind.

“Why should Calliphe get the award, fish poop?”

“Because she always protects me.”

Noah approached me with small steps and extended the beautifully wrapped prize with both hands.

“So I want to give you the Best Adult Award.”

“…”

“And this is a wish ticket. If you use it on me, I’ll grant your wish.”

He also handed me a somewhat crudely colored “Wish Ticket.”

For a moment, I was speechless. I stared blankly, alternating between Noah’s face and the award he was offering me.

Noah gently urged me on.

“Lady Calliphe. Please take it.”

“Ah… yes. Of course.”

How strange that my voice had become choked up so suddenly.

I accepted the award from Noah.

Right on cue, a lively fanfare-like melody began playing. Startled, I noticed someone clapping—it was Lynen with an amused smile. Following his lead, others also applauded with smiles on their faces.

My face instantly grew hot.

“Oh, really. Why are you embarrassing me like this…”

Unable to bear this atmosphere where I didn’t know where to look, I tried to divert attention by asking primly:

“Ahem, isn’t there an award for the Duke too, besides me?”