The next morning, I was walking down the main street of the Imperial City with the Princess Filia in tow.
　This is the area where many trade associations gather.
　Filia watched the imperial capital, which had been crowded with people since the morning, with great interest.

　Filia has been confined to the imperial palace for a long time, so I think it's interesting to see a city like this.

　We were about to visit the imperial capital's trade fair to buy Filia's magic wand.
　The truth is, we don't want to take Filia into the crowd, because it's dangerous.

　But in order to choose a good wand for Filia, it's best to buy a wand at the Chamber of Commerce, which has a large selection of wands while looking at her aptitude.
　That's why I had to have Filia herself come with me to the Chamber of Commerce in the Imperial City.

　Of course, in order to avoid being exposed as an imperial princess, I had Filia wear adventurer-style clothing and have her face hidden by a black hood.　

　Filia murmured.

'I'm afraid I'm going to get separated from Solon when there are so many people here.'

It's okay. I'm looking out for you.

'There's a more surefire way. All you have to do is let Solon hold your hand.

It's...

No?

　Filia looked up at me and I thought about it.
　Indeed, Filia was right.

　I know it's a primitive method, but I think the best way to avoid straying is to hold hands.
　It's a little embarrassing, though.
　I nodded and held out my hand, and Filia looked pleased when I offered it to her.
　Then she intertwined her little fingers with mine.

'Maybe you'll think of me like a lover when you do this.

Let's get out of here.

Oh, Solon. Are you embarrassed?

I'm not embarrassed!

Really?

　Filia chuckled happily.
　Let's get to our destination, the Chamber of Commerce, quickly.
　I took Filia's hand and began to walk away.

　Eventually we turned right off the main street, and after a short while, we turned left again, into a small alleyway.
　The small, old-fashioned building with the little sign there was the Chamber of Commerce that I had come for.

　When I opened the door, there was a lot of dust in the air.
　I've been here many times, but I can't get used to the air here.
　There were no other customers in the small shop.

　There was only one young woman sitting at the austere, dark brown counter, wearing a simple black jacket.
　She wore a simple black jacket and white trousers.

　This is Perse, the proprietor of this trading company.
　She was my collaborator, and she helped me quite a bit in the Knights in terms of procuring and disposing of supplies.

''Oh, Mr. Solon. I'm glad you're here.

　Perse smiled gracefully as she stood up.

　She was slender and tall, and had a strong presence.
　Her beautiful hair was a pale blue, and her golden eyes, which glowed a strange color, were staring straight at us.

　Perse nodded his head.

''Is that one of you a lover of Mr. Solon?''

"Huh?

　And then I realized.
　I was still holding hands with Filia.
　I tried to let go of Filia's hand in a hurry, but she squeezed my hand in return.

　Filia had a mischievous glint in her eye, and I didn't know what she wanted to do.
　I'm not sure what she wants to do, but she's probably teasing me.

　I was weak.
　I didn't feel like forcing myself to shake her off.

　I told Perse the truth.
　I hid the part about Filia being an imperial princess, though.

"This is my apprentice, Leah. I've been holding back to prevent her from getting separated from you until she arrives here.

Oh, you're Mr. Solon's apprentice?

　Perse said, a little surprised, and looked at Filia assessingly.
　After a moment, Perse sighed.

''You have chosen another strange child as your apprentice. Is it a girl with 'unclean blood' flowing in her veins?

　With a jolt, Filia shuddered. I tightened my grip on Filia's hand and tried to reassure her as she took a half-step backwards, as if she were frightened.
　Tainted blood.
　That's the word for someone with demon blood.
　Filia looks up at me anxiously and asks.

"Yes, Solon. How did this person know that I am the daughter of the devil?

'Perse is not only a merchant, she's a top-notch connoisseur. So finding out what people are is her specialty. And there's another reason.

Another one?

Perse isn't human, he's half demon, half demon.

　I said, looking at Perse's pale face.
　Perse looked at me with his golden eyes and then smiled.