Creon oopsilyly peeled off the mud of the demon race.
　His posture is somewhat unnatural, perhaps because of the damage he sustained when he was knocked to the ground.

　Creon stared at me.

''Is Solon okay with it?''

All it took was a bit of a wrecking ball to pull it off. It's a pain in the backside, but it's got some really nice cushions.

　I pointed to the mud of the demon tribe and smiled at it.

　Of course I don't want to wear the mud of the demon tribe, and I don't want to get caught in the collapse of the ruins, but since I didn't die, I'll put up with it.

　However, Creon shook his head.

''That's not what I'm talking about. It's the mud from this demon race, but the mucus contains neurotoxins.''

What?

　It's true that these slime-like demons are often poisonous, if you ask me.
　But I didn't notice it because I was fine.

　Why is that?
　The fact that Filia is connected to the magic circuit has something to do with it.

　I'm sure Filia is worried about me right now.
　And I looked down at Creon.

"You mean Creon can't move properly because of the poison?

　With a muffled look on his face, Creon didn't answer anything.
　In other words, he's a figurehead.

　Creon thought about it for a while and then murmured, "Oh." "This is a trap you've set.

'This is a trap you've set, isn't it? 'Solon,'

"I'll set a trap?　To Creon?

''I'll take the antidote beforehand, and where you and I are, I'll somehow summon the neurotoxic demon tribe from the ceiling. That way, it's easy to turn me into a dead man.

Wait. I'm in the same boat as you, being thrown into the dark. If I had set this trap, I wouldn't have gotten myself into it.

'I doubt it. For example, maybe he dared to fall under the floor with me to put a stop to me.

I don't know how you can think up all kinds of bad ideas.

It's possible. I'm Sofia's fiancé, albeit a mere formality. That would be a problem for you and her. And if it weren't for me, this strategy could be stopped. Besides.

And?

I'm the one who expelled you from the Order.

　Creon suddenly looked away.

　Maybe, unlike Arte, Creon is feeling guilty for kicking me out of the Order.

　I smiled.

'I don't hold it against you for getting kicked out of the Order.

'That's a lie. I was kicked out of the Order I created, abused like that. How could I not hate him?

"I was disappointed at first. I thought I wasn't wanted by my fellow Knights anymore. I lost sight of my goal and was at a loss.

Is it different now?

Yes.

"Lieutenant Commander of the most powerful Order in the Empire. That was your title. It's a position that every adventurer, or even every subject of the Empire, aspires to. Do you think you've found something more important than that?

'I'm the tutor to His Highness Princess Filia. I'm quite happy with that.

I don't understand. More precious treasures, higher status, more shining fame, and greater power are what we adventurers seek, aren't we?

'Creon and Arte have a lot of power. It's natural for Creon and his friends to pursue their ideals, but I don't have that kind of power. But I don't have that kind of power. I'm only capable of defending the people I want to help as best I can. Protecting Filia and the others is the most important thing to me.

"...you care about His Highness Filia, don't you?

'Well. The apprentice is a pretty thing. If it were true, I'd only want to help Filia and her friends.

What if it's true?

That means I'll help you with Creon now, too.

　In any case, they wouldn't be able to get out of here and join the attacking force without Creon's help.
　As long as he recovered, Creon's strength would be quite dependable.　

　Furthermore, if Creon wasn't there, Arte would become the actual commander of the invasion force.
　If that happened, rather than stopping the attack operation, there was a chance that he would be accompanied by Arte's terrible operation, and Filia would still be in danger.

　Creon had known her for nine years since the magic school.
　He may not have thought so, but before his banishment, he was a dear friend to me.

　I drew my treasure sword and cast a simple recovery spell.
　It may not be immediate, but after a while Creon's poisoning should be lifted.

'Here, let me give you a shoulder. There might be debris raining down from above here, so let's move.

　Creon gave me a complicated look and then grabbed me.

'Does this convince you that I'm not going to kill Creon?

Well I didn't expect you to kill me in the first place.

　Creon muttered softly.
　With a dizzying gait, Creon begins to walk.

'It's been a long time since I saved Creon. That reminds me of the old days. Back in first year, Creon fell into a muddy pond and I pulled him up to save him.

'Don't keep bringing up your days in wizarding school. I don't like that about you.

　Creon blurted out in frustration.
　Then Creon said.

'Unlike you, I want wealth, honor and power. But perhaps my greatest wish is the same as yours.

Hmm. What's Creon's greatest wish?

I want to see the dead Shea again. It's as simple as that.