The next morning, Lucy appeared in the dining room, looking hungover and in pain, and I quickly asked her about Filia's health problems.

　As we ate my simple breakfast of wheat porridge and fried eggs, Lucy said, "We'll have to wait and see.

'We'll have to wait and see, but it's probably because she used her magical powers.

Does that mean...?

It's a reaction to Solon borrowing his magic from Filia.

　Lucy said it plainly, but it was a shock to me.
　In order to keep Filia's magic power from going out of control, I connected Filia to a magic circuit.

　As a result, I was able to receive a supply of magical power from Filia, which helped me a lot in the Necropolis.

　Especially in the fight against Galerus, Filia consciously poured magic power into me, and it was like I was able to win because of that.

　But that's an act that's essentially no different from how Arte and the others used the Demon King's descendants as tools to crush them and take away their magic power.

　That's why I was worried about the negative effects on Filia's body, but the bad predictions came true.

　Lucy noticed my dark face and popped her shoulder.

'Don't worry, Solon. I'm sure it's not that serious. We'll find a way to get Filia back on her feet.

Are you sure?

''Trust your master. More importantly ... why did you leave my room all by yourself yesterday without permission?

That's because Miss Lucy has fallen asleep.

Then you could have slept with me next to me.

'You say the same thing about Lady Filia.

　I blurted out.
　Sheesh.

　Lucy glares at me with her crimson eyes.

'Did you maybe sleep with Filia next to her or something?

''Well, well, well, Filia-sama didn't seem to be feeling well yesterday, and, well...I had to be pestered...''

You were actually happy.

　Lucy decided.

　But Filia had a pretty high fever, and she fell asleep as soon as she got back into bed, so it wasn't like there was anything special going on at all.

　When she woke up, Filia smiled as she said, "I can sleep in peace with Solon next to me.

'Thanks for the meal.

　For Lucy, Filia is her grandson's apprentice, and she's also a relative.
　She must be worried.

　But Lucy seemed to be worried about something else as well.

'If this continues, Filia will continue to spoil Solon...'

You don't have to worry about that.

'I care!　I've told you before.　It's not okay for Solon to do slutty things with his apprentice.

I'm not a slut.

'Anyway!　Shall we go check on Filia?

　We left our seats in the dining room and headed upstairs to our room.
　I knocked on the door and opened it to find Clarice peering at Filia with concern.

　Filia's face is red and she's wrapped in a blanket, but she looks surprisingly healthy.
　However, it seems that she still has a high fever.

''Solon-sama........is it still a popular cold?

No....

　I glanced at Lucy's face, and she returned the nod.
　I knew it was me.

　I explained the situation to Filia and Clarice.
　That means that Filia might have developed a high fever because of my depriving her of her magical power.

　When I lowered my head, Clarice panicked.

''Oh no........Solon-sama used his magic power to protect Filia-sama, right?　Then it's not Master Solon's fault.

'But ... in fact, Lady Filia is suffering and ...'

I don't blame Solon for anything. No, I'm just happy.

　Saying that, Filia chuckled, got up a bit and looked at me with moist eyes.

It's a good thing that I'm finally able to help Solon. Until now, I only had Solon to protect me, but now Solon will use my power to help me.

I'm glad you're paying attention to Lady Filia.

'I'm not trying to be cautious, I'm just really happy. And you know what... it feels so good to be connected to Solon and his magic circuit. It makes me feel like I'm one with Solon.

　Then Filia's eyes twinkled mischievously.
　Is her face red because of a high fever or is she embarrassed?

　I felt my pulse rise and my cheeks heat up.

　Suddenly, Lucy clapped her hands and made a noise.
　When I looked at her, I saw that Lucy had puffed out her cheeks and seemed to be in a very good mood.

'Yes, that's it. It's easy enough to turn down Philia's heat. Because it wasn't a significant amount of magic that Solon took away from her.''

Is that so?

''Normally, that's a significant amount of magic power, but from the vast amount of magic power of the Demon King's descendants, it should be only a small portion. Especially since Filia has a lot of blood from the Demon King's descendants.

　So that's what happened.
　I'm kind of relieved.

　Lucy continues.

''Filia's fever is caused by the use of a magic circuit that she can't get used to, and it's been exhausted. It's a special condition, but to cure it, all you have to do is drink hot water infused with a certain herb and take a good rest. It's just........

"Just?

The herbs I need are quite valuable.

　According to them, that medicinal herb called 'willow orchid' is not even available in the Imperial City's medicine stores.
　It seems that this grass doesn't grow in the climate of the center of the Empire.

　And since the only effect it has is to restore wear and tear by connecting the magic circuit to the outside world, there is no use for it that I would dare to sell it.

　When I thought about it, I remembered that there was a ruin called the treasure house of medicinal herbs.

　The climate of that ruin, called the Corinthian Garden, is quite different from that on the ground depending on the hierarchy.
　That's why it's inhabited by strange plants.

　When Lucy heard that, she popped her hand.

It's settled. Solon and I will immediately go to look for it.

'What?　Is the doctor coming too?

Isn't it obvious?　And I've got my wizarding school lecture off today.

　When I said that, Lucy mumbled, "Exploring the ruins alone with Solon..." and giggled happily.

　Filia said, "That's nice," and looked at me enviously.
　I laughed and patted Filia's head.

'When you're feeling better, we'll go together another time to explore the ruins. You said you'd take me to the Temple of Lenin for beginners.

"...Solon. Promise?

Yes, sir.

　I smiled and Filia responded with a 'yes' and her cheeks relaxed.

''Well, let's get on with it and go to Corinthian Gardens!

　Lucy took my arm and chuckled as she took my arm.