'You ...... know what you've done, don't you?'

In the corner of the hall, Cyril whispered to Filia.
Since Mee was taking care of the surroundings, I decided to turn my attention to Filia.

'What do you mean, you just killed a bunch of scum? You guys did it too.'

Filia replied to Cyril's question in a somewhat oblique manner.
That statement was mentally problematic, but it also didn't reflect an understanding of Cyril's intentions.

'That's not what I'm talking about. I'm saying that what you're doing is putting us all in danger.'

'Oh, ......, is that you? Don't you think you're worrying too much? You're all very strong, and I'm sure you can handle it.

'...... That means you're not going to change your attitude.'

I can see Cyril's anger is approaching the boiling point.

What Filia did was an act that ruined everything we had all been working so hard to achieve with our policy of 'working in secret'.

You let the bandits scream in desperation without hesitation, and you yourself scream in anger as you kill your enemies with hatred.
If he did that, even the bandits outside this hall might notice the change.

An incompetent ally is worse than a competent enemy,' said one adventurer, and this is exactly the situation we find ourselves in.

What to do in such a situation is reasonably obvious.
I stood in front of Filia, controlling Cyril.

'Is it William this time? Satsuki's been bothering me since a while ago, could you at least kiss my body to shut her up?

Filia's mental state seemed to be trapped in a state of dark amusement.
It may be a characteristic of the undead ghosts that their emotions tend to take a turn for the worse, sustained by strong feelings of resentment.

Thinking that the scene in the tavern might have been some kind of miracle, I spun my words to Filia.

'Filia, there's something I'd like to reconfirm.

'Yes, what is it?

'We've had a cooperative relationship so far, and there's room for it to continue until we've finished slaying the bandits. That's how I see it, what about you?'

'............'

Filia fell silent.
A few moments later, she opens her mouth.

'...... Is that a threat?'

'It's a reaffirmation of interest. If you threaten our lives, we'll have to consider the option of breaking off our partnership with you.

'............'

Filia fell silent again, her eyes downcast.

Filia's nature right now can be summed up in one word: 'spoiled'.
She takes the benefits that are given to her for granted and thinks that she is allowed to be a bit selfish.

It is generally meaningless to try to reason with such people.
It is clear as daylight that they will insist on 'it's not my fault' and stay in their own shell.

However, even such people are sensitive to the direct danger and disadvantage they are exposed to.
No matter how good or bad they are, they do not want to be disadvantaged and will seriously consider countermeasures.

In other words, if an incompetent ally is a nuisance to you, eliminate it as an ally.

'...... I'm sorry, it won't happen again.'

Filia said softly, after spending a lot of time thinking about it.

'Oh, okay. But if it happens a second time, it will no longer be possible to maintain a cooperative relationship. Take care of it.'

'...... Yes.'

Filia gave a small, weak nod in response to my reminder.

The atmosphere has become dark and grim.
But this was unavoidable.
I said what I had to say, and I couldn't turn my back on it.

If Satsuki were here, she might be able to lighten the mood..." As I was thinking such useless thoughts, Filia suddenly grabbed the hem of my robe.

'That ......'.

'What?'

'Satsuki-san is being noisy in a different way than before, can't you do something about it? 'Ooohhh, Will is so cool! It's really amazing that he could reform Filia in that state! I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

'............. ......I'm not going to kiss you, just so you know.

'No?'

'No.'

'I'm a little disappointed.'

With that, the samurai-dressed girl turned away, leaned against the wall with her hand against it, and placed her other hand on her chest.
And then ,

'...... Isn't that nice? I mean, this is probably Satsuki's fault. Your body is saying 'I like you' too much. It's transferred to me, so you need to control yourself a bit.'

Filia was mumbling something to herself, probably talking to Satsuki deep in her chest.