We continued on our way with the holy knight Creon and the twin swordsman Karelia in the lead.
　We walked along, taking care of the collapsed parts.

　On either side of me is Lisa, a white mage girl, and Flora, Arte's sister.
　It's kind of a strange situation to say the least.

''How is it?　Are the wise men safe?

I hope you're okay, but...

　To Lisa's murmur, Flora replies in a small voice.

　These two people are completely different in appearance, ability and position.
　Even their personalities are polar opposites, with the timid Flora on the one hand and Lisa's cheerful, meek and innocent on the other.

　And yet, for some reason, I was momentarily struck by the sensation that these two people are very much alike.
　Why is that?

　It's strange, but I can't help but think about it.

　Both Lisa and Flora are important adventurers who might be on Filia's side when the need arises.

　The demon tribe has almost stopped appearing again.
　Meanwhile, hordes of demons have been appearing out of nowhere and attacking Arte and the others.

　It's eerie.

Why are there so few demons in the world?　Isn't it still strange?

I... well... I can think of a reason for that, but...

　Both Lisa and Flora stare at me.
　I guess they want me to tell them why.

　After thinking for a moment, I opened my mouth.

''I suppose it's conceivable, for example, that a very powerful demon race could be moving through multiple levels and preying on other demon races...''

Predation?

　Lisa nodded her head, so I added some more.

''Some of the higher level demons eat the lower level demons and absorb their magical power.

Oh, I've heard of that. But does that mean the number of demons will suddenly decrease...?

''If there's a very large and ferocious demon race that moves freely, it might be possible. In fact, there were such demons in the ruins in the east. You remember Flora, right?

　Flora, who was talked down, freaked out and blushed.

''........Yes. Let's see, it's the great goblin that was in the ruins of the great garden in the east, right? At that time, Solon-senpai put a stop to it........

Well, I was still of some use to them at the time.

'Senior Solon is still........'

　Flora was about to say something and eventually seemed to stop.
　Lisa, on the other hand, was looking at us with envy.

''It's nice. You two can reminisce about the Knights of St. Sophia.

It wasn't always so good, though.

''But I envy you for creating the strongest Knights of the Empire and being very successful there. I wanted to join the Order of St. Sophia too!

Even the Golden Mark Knights weren't so bad, were they?

　Even though the Golden Seal Knights are failing, they are a prestigious order with a long tradition in the Empire.
　It should be an honor enough to belong to it.

　But Lisa looked away, smiled ehehe, and didn't say anything.
　Maybe there was something he didn't want to say.

　I didn't go any further into Lisa's story.

　Just then, I heard people's voices coming from around the bend in the road.
　It was like two people were arguing, and both of them sounded like little girls.

　One was high-pitched and hoarse, and the other had a calm, elegant voice.
　We looked at each other and moved closer to the voice.

　There were quite a few adventurers there.

'So I'm telling you that we can't turn back!

'But I lost your sister too, didn't I?　Shouldn't you be looking for it?

'If you wait here, Flora will surely join you!　It's more dangerous to go looking for them blindly.

　The one who was grumbling like that was the sage Arte.
　Against that Arte, a petite girl with silver hair was confronting him head on.

　It was Filia.

　''But we have to find Solon...'' muttered Filia, and Arte said, ''How many times are you going to repeat the same story?　'Leave it to the search party,' he said in an intimidating tone.

　Apparently, a conflict was brewing between Arte and Filia and the others.
　Behind Filia, Nasha, Notaras and the others were standing behind her, looking unfavorably at Arte.

　Filia seemed to be about to say something again, but before she could, she seemed to notice that we had arrived.
　Then she meets my eyes.

'Solon!'

　Filia's eyes widened and she said my name in a bouncy voice.
　Then, with a leap, she approached me and hugged me with her small, thin arms.
　I was startled and tried to back away, but I couldn't move because of Filia's hold on me.
　Filia rubs her cheek against my chest.

'Solon you're warm. I'm glad Solon is alive.

''Hui, Filia-sama. We're all watching you...

'I was really nervous, you know?　You don't mind if I spoil you a little, do you?

　Filia looks at me with tears in her eyes and her face turns red.
　That being said, I can't push Filia away either.

　This is before the other adventurers are watching.
　I feel like there's a problem with being hugged by an imperial princess.

　But if I were in Filia's shoes, I'd certainly be worried.

I know that Solon is alive because we are connected to the magic circuit, but I don't know when he's going to die. A lot of other adventurers died as well...

'I'm sorry for worrying you and for leaving Lady Filia's side.

I know it wasn't Solon's fault, I know. I know it wasn't Solon's fault, but I need you to promise me that you'll never leave me alone again.

I promise.

Really?

It's true.

　I smiled, and Filia looked at me, and then giggled.
　Then, leaning against me, she murmured.

I know that with Solon's help, we will be able to leave these ruins and return safely to our place.