Chapters 3 through 12 of the light novel detail the breakdown of the relationship between Ronana, a commoner with a talent for identifying herbs, and Baoli, a popular dog-beastman who works as a bodyguard for the daughter of the wealthy Cornet Merchant Guild. Ronana is deeply hurt by Baoli's consistent last-minute cancellations of their plans, particularly for important events like the Flower Festival, which is a significant cultural observance where people spend time with loved ones to wish for a year of happiness. Baoli always cites sudden work as his reason, which Ronana initially accepts but grows to resent.
The narrative reveals that Baoli's "work" is his bodyguard duty for Florence, the capricious cat-beastman daughter of the Cornet Guild. Florence frequently summons Baoli, even on his days off or during holidays like the Flower Festival, and Baoli, bound by his strong sense of loyalty, always complies. Ronana, who possesses a humble appearance and a kind but often overlooked demeanor, feels increasingly neglected. She had initially met Baoli in their hometown and moved to the current city with him three years prior, but their relationship only became romantic about a year ago. Despite being a couple, their time together has been minimal, limited to brief encounters.
Ronana had made a pact with herself: if Baoli canceled their Flower Festival plans again due to Florence, she would end their relationship. When Baoli informs her he cannot attend the festival because he must accompany Florence, Ronana, instead of accepting his usual excuse, confronts him. Baoli then suggests Ronana spend the festival with his younger sister, Alisa, claiming Alisa likes Ronana. Ronana, knowing Alisa despises her due to her jealousy over Baoli, is shocked and hurt. Alisa, a devoted sister to Baoli, has been openly hostile towards Ronana since their relationship began. Ronana, realizing Baoli's continued prioritization of Florence and his sister's animosity, decides to break up with him, stating their relationship is not working due to his "lady first" attitude. She leaves the cafe where they met, paying for their meal as a final gesture.
Following the breakup, Ronana visits Giles, a talkative fox-beastman who owns a herb shop and is known for paying the highest prices for her herbs. Giles, who has a rumored romantic interest in Ronana, invites her for tea. Ronana, still reeling from her breakup and the prospect of spending the Flower Festival alone, initially declines, but when Giles's sister, Leti, arrives, Ronana impulsively accepts Giles's invitation to spend the entire week of the festival with him, partly to spite Leti and partly to spite Giles for his perceived romantic pursuit. However, Giles's reaction is not what Ronana expected; he becomes genuinely delighted, and Leti reveals Giles has long harbored feelings for Ronana.
The next day, Ronana begins the Flower Festival with Giles. Contrary to her expectations of him being overly talkative, she finds him to be a quiet and pleasant companion, enjoying a comfortable pace of exploration through the city. During a break at a cafe, they are confronted by Alisa, who accuses Ronana of cheating on Baoli and claims Baoli wants to break up with her because he loves Florence. Ronana calmly informs Alisa that she and Baoli broke up the previous day and wishes them well, feeling relieved to be free of Alisa's animosity. Giles then intervenes, loudly announcing his long-standing affection for Ronana and playfully implying Baoli and Florence are in a relationship, causing a stir among the cafe patrons. He further fuels the rumors by mentioning Florence's engagement to Roderick of the globally renowned Langdon Merchant Guild, suggesting Baoli's devotion to Florence is misplaced.
After leaving the cafe, Ronana expresses concern to Giles about the escalating rumors, but he dismisses her worries, stating he is leaving the country soon and that Baoli, who he believes still likes Ronana, is not worth worrying about. Giles reveals his family owns a prominent merchant guild and that he has been waiting for an opportunity to confess his feelings to Ronana, encouraged by his sister. He invites Ronana to accompany him to his home country, emphasizing her valuable herb-selecting skills and offering her a chance to start anew, with the option to return if she wishes. Ronana, finding Giles more reassuring and comfortable than Baoli, agrees to go with him as a friend and colleague, with the understanding she will remain independent. They decide to depart the very next morning, taking advantage of cheaper ship fares during the festival period. On the ship, Leti teases Giles about his fabricated story regarding the ship fare, but Giles defends his actions, eager to leave Baoli's influence behind and secure his future with Ronana. He reflects on Baoli's misguided loyalty and Florence's manipulative nature, confident in his own approach to winning Ronana's affection.
