A girl in love always radiates a quiet brilliance. Her eyes hold hidden constellations—usually veiled, but the moment her beloved is mentioned or seen, those stars ignite in an instant.

Caro knew exactly who she meant. Pretending ignorance, she asked gently, “So… what kind of person is the one you like?”

A soft blush bloomed across the love-struck girl’s cheeks. Slightly shy, she murmured, “He’s strong. Kind. Gentle. He treats everyone the same—even someone as weak as me.”

*Total infatuation.* True, Arnold did have those qualities. Caro had noticed them too. But were they enough to make a girl fall head over heels?

Still, another question lingered. After a brief hesitation, Caro asked, “I heard you were planning to get engaged to Aude Valentin of House Valentin recently?”

Ah. The stars in her eyes dimmed.

Caro watched the girl’s expression falter and felt a twinge of guilt. But as a Bard—a profession woven with romance—she never treated matters of the heart lightly. Of course, being sought for love advice thrilled her. She’d already heard the gossip about Arnold and the Fanlin sisters. Observing was one thing; giving real advice was another. If Mistie hadn’t come to her, Caro would’ve accepted either path—Arnold or Aude Valentin. For a noble lady, the worst tragedy was marrying someone who didn’t love her. Compared to true horrors, that was almost luck. Still… if a better outcome existed, why not chase it? Misery comparisons meant nothing.

“That was… my family’s wish,” Mistie said softly.

Caro nodded, feigning realization. “So Aude Valentin isn’t the one you like.”

“No. The person I like… I can’t say.” Mistie offered an apologetic, flustered smile.

Caro blinked. “Then… Lord Arnold? The one who interrupted the wedding that night?”

“…You know?”

“It’s all over the city,” Caro lied smoothly—*she* had spread it most eagerly. “I’ve heard a thing or two.”

“So you *do* like Lord Arnold?” Caro pressed knowingly. Watching the girl’s shy, hopeful face, she felt a playful urge to tease.

Mistie gave a tiny, bashful nod, pouting slightly at her new friend. “If you knew, why ask so much?”

*Adorable. I want to bask in her glow.*

Caro instinctively tugged her waistband—then remembered she wore a dress. *Ugh. I’m the one getting sunned.* Regret stung.

“Haha~ Just didn’t want to give bad advice from a wrong guess~” Caro deflected. “But… Lord Arnold’s reputation isn’t great lately. He was even wanted recently. Liking him won’t earn you support.”

She meant it sincerely. Arnold wasn’t a power-holder. Strong, yes—but choosing adventurer life over military service meant renouncing influence. Nobles respected him, yet rarely saw him as marriage material. Adventurers brought no political weight; nobles had their own armies. If he were still the Dragon Slayer? That title carried weight. But as the so-called False Hero? Fanlin House wouldn’t consider it.

“No! That’s a misunderstanding! Lord Arnold is *not* a False Hero! He saved me! Helped me! I believe only what I’ve lived!”

Hearing her beloved maligned, even the refined Mistie raised her voice in defense.

*What a good kid.*

Way better than Arnold’s old teammates. No wonder he helped her. Caro? She’d never abandon such a cute girl either. Totally reasonable. *And she’s wearing white thigh-highs.*

“You mentioned your sister… Do you mean Lady Hua Fanlin also has feelings for Lord Arnold?” Caro tilted her head, curious.

Mistie hesitated, then nodded faintly. “Yes. She says she hates him… but whenever he’s mentioned, she gets excited. She *wants* to see him. As her sister, I’m sure she likes him too.”

*Surprisingly sharp.*

“So your real worry is… what to do when you and your sister love the same person?” Honestly tricky. Mistie was cuter—but Caro personally leaned toward Hua Fanlin. Why? *That figure.* Not noble reasoning, but physical attraction mattered. No denying it.

To Caro’s shock, Mistie shook her head. “No, Miss Caro. If it’s between my sister and me… I’d accept being the concubine.”

Saying it shamed her, yet she spoke it. For a noble lady, such a role was unthinkable—but for her sister? Not unbearable. That was her unspoken truth.

“…” *Damn. So enviable.* Caro’s eyes burned green. *Next time I see Arnold, I’ll see red, go full rage-mode. Two punches minimum to cool this jealousy.*

“Then… what *is* the matter you wish to discuss?”

If both sisters were resolved, even Fanlin House’s opposition felt surmountable. Arnold had already interrupted a wedding. If he agreed, taking both sisters seemed feasible.

“Lord Arnold… already has someone he likes,” the girl whispered, sorrow heavy in her voice.

Caro froze. *Someone? Karin? No—the sisters might not even know she’s here.* Someone else? Cassipero, the Demon Hunter? They’d visited before; misunderstanding Arnold’s bond with her was plausible. Caro pieced it together.

“What do *you two* think?”

“Eh? What we think?” Mistie blinked, confused.

Caro sighed. “I mean—will you fight for him or not?”

“Fight…?”

“Yes! Love is a battle! She’s gentle? Be gentler. Beautiful? Shine brighter. Understanding? Out-care her. Love *is* war! Without the will to win at all costs, ‘liking’ someone is just child’s play!”

She wasn’t craving drama. She genuinely wanted Mistie and Arnold happy. They should feel lucky to have her guidance!

Mistie looked utterly flustered. *Perfect.* Caro fanned the flames—*The Dragon Slayer’s Harem Chronicles* practically wrote itself.

“Have Lord Arnold and his person gotten together?” Caro asked knowingly. He’d clearly been rejected. Obviously not.

Mistie recalled his words: he hadn’t won her heart yet. “I heard… no.”

“Exactly! Even if they had—so what? Divorce exists. Worst case? You’d share with your sister. What’s one more? Just give everything to win Lord Arnold’s heart! That’s all! Why hesitate?”

“This…”

Such bold words left the noble lady speechless.

Just then, their dishes arrived. Caro sampled the exquisite food. “Miss Mistie—love is selfish. If you truly love Lord Arnold, *act*. If you won’t or can’t… surrender quietly. Marry Lord Aude Valentin. Your resolve… is only this deep.”

Those words steeled Mistie’s will. She clenched her small fists. “You’re right, Miss Caro! Meeting you was fate. I’ll go now. Enjoy the meal—they won’t charge you.”

Mistie Fanlin hurried away.

Caro smiled, utterly satisfied.

“Hehe~ Next time, Arnold *will* share the details~ This’ll be fun.” Plus—a free luxury lunch. Could life get sweeter?