Filia showed us the contents of the sealed letter.
　It said

The maid, Clarice, was entrusted to me. If you want to spare her life, Princess Filia will come alone to get it back.

　After that, it said where Clarice was being held captive.
　I looked at it for a while.
　It's what we call a threatening letter.
　I had experienced these threats many times before, but that was because I was an adventurer.
　It's not uncommon for me to get into disputes with other adventurers, or to get into trouble with villagers in my travels.

　But for a fourteen year old princess to receive a similar threatening letter was not normal by any stretch of the imagination.
　Moreover, the blackmailer had already captured the princess's maid.

''How could this happen...''

　Filia murmured in a whisper.
I replied.

''If you're coming alone, Princess, that means they're after Lady Filia.

Yes. You can't go after me directly, so you took Clarice as your hostage.

I think you're right.

I think I've put Clarice in danger because of me, don't I?

　The Princess said with a thoughtful look on her face.
　I don't know what kind of person the enemy is, but now that it's come to this, there's no guarantee that Clarice hasn't been harmed in any way.
　But either way, it's not Filia who is to blame, but the person who kidnapped Clarice.
　I asked Filia.

"Do you have any idea why Filia-sama is being targeted?

There is. There is, but...

　There was an even darker shadow on Filia's face.
　I can't talk about it, I guess that means I can't talk about it.
It wasn't my intention to make the princess look so guilty.
　I changed the subject.

''Let's talk to the imperial palace guards as soon as possible.

But the person to whom the letter was addressed said I had to come alone.

　I shook my head.
　'I can't take you up on such a suggestion.　

''Even if Filia-sama goes alone, she won't be able to help Clarice-san. Both Filia-sama and Clarice-san will only be captured by the enemy together.

But we can't rely on the guards.

　As I was about to ask why, I had an idea why.
　Who has the advantage in kidnapping a live-in maid in the palace?
　Someone who has penetrated the same court.
　You would have to be someone in the court to know that Filia and Clarice were close enough to be a weakness to the Imperial Lady.
　And it is very likely that Filia's enemies, the princess, are also people within the imperial court.

　Filia said.

''You can't trust anyone in this imperial palace, you know. I have no idea who is my friend and who is my enemy.

　If you use official Imperial channels to move the guards, there's a good chance they'll be able to get through to your opponent.
　At that time, the other party would certainly take Clarice's life and run away somewhere else.
　''Come alone, Princess, it's a surprisingly realistic request.

''Filia-sama. Is there anyone I can trust with certainty?

Clarice is the only person I trust.

　But that Clarice is gone.
　I'm weak.
　In the past, I could have commanded the people of the imperial city branch of the Knights of St. Sophia to deal with the situation.
　Knights with the imperial charter even have a certain amount of police powers.
　But I'm an outcast.
　I can't use that method.

　It might be a good idea to rely on my master, Lucy-sensei.
　I don't know how close Lucy is to the princess, but she was the one who introduced me to Filia.
　However.
　I remembered.
　Lucy is on a business trip to the southern part of the Empire yesterday to do some research.
　It was hopeless to get in touch with her immediately.

''What do you want to do?　There's also the option of giving it up.

　I said quietly.
　Filia is the princess. Clarice is a maid.
　Their positions are so different, and there's no reason for an imperial princess to risk her life for a mere maid of honor.
　In fact, she deserves to abandon Clarice.
　But Filia shook her head.

'Clarice, you know, is like a big sister to me.
You mean a lot to Clarice, don't you?
Yeah. He's always been there for me, and he cares about me. I'm the only family I have left. But...

　Even that unique and precious existence cannot be protected by the power of the current princess.
I said.

'Filia-sama wanted power, so she wanted me to be her tutor, didn't she?

Yeah. I hate myself for being so helpless.

'Filia-sama can be strong. So let me take care of the rest today.

What?

　After all, I'm the only one here right now who can help Filia and Clarice.
　I don't know who the enemy is, or why they're after Filia, but I can't leave it at that.
　But I couldn't leave them alone.

"Filia-sama. Can you trust me?

'I'm taking you as my master, okay?　How could I not trust you?

I just met you today.

'But you're a heroic mage, Solon. And you saved Clarice from the brigands.

　Filia said without hesitation.
　Then, with sullen eyes, Filia looked up at me.

'Hey, is Solon going to save me, Clarice?'

　Both Filia and Clarice said they respected Soron the Magic Swordsman.
　If that is the case, I have an obligation to live up to those expectations.
　Even if I'm not really worthy of that respect," I said.
　I said, "I am Master Filia's vassal.

I am to be Filia's vassal and master. A vassal is to protect his master and a master is to guide his apprentice. Now, Master Filia, don't look so gloomy. I'm sure Clarice-san would say the same thing.

　I gently put my hand on Filia's shoulder.
　Filia looked up at me in surprise, then blushed a little.
　Then she smiled, though awkwardly.
　I nodded.

''Well, let's get on with it and go help Clarice-san. The basis of battle is 'The soldier respects his own speed'.