Filia in my arms looked peaceful. She seemed to be feeling a little better or happier under the influence of the alcohol.
　Filia would never have imagined that her plan to make herself an emperor was underway.

　After hesitating for a while, I ventured to ask Filia.

''Do you ever want to become an emperor, Filia-sama?''

　After making a pompous expression, Filia started to chuckle.

'What's wrong, Solon?　That's such a weird question.

Is it weird?

Because I will never be an emperor.

　Well, I think that's a normal reaction.

　Filia is the eighteenth imperial princess out of several emperor's children.
　Her mother is a slave to the devil, and all her life Filia has been treated coldly by the imperial family.

　I say.

'But what if they say you can be?　Hypothetically, that is.

Hmm..... I can't imagine it at all.

Well, yes.

But when I become the emperor, I'm sure I'll be able to do many things for him. Build a huge castle.

I'm flattered by the sentiment, but this mansion is good enough for me.

　I said with a laugh, and Filia nodded.

'But you could, for example, stop Lucy and Miss Sophia from going to war, right?

　I was stunned.
　One of the goals of the plan to make Filia Emperor was to end the war with the neighboring Republic.
　That would stop Lucy and Sophia from being put on the front lines of the war against the Republic.

　Filia is still a very perceptive person.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I have no power right now, but when I become the emperor, I can be of use to Solon. I see.....

'As I said before, you don't have to think about being useful to me. It's much nicer to me as a teacher to have you study magic properly.

Thank you. But ... really?

　Filia stared at me.
　I tried my best not to change my expression, but it didn't work.

'Is there something on your mind?　You have that look on your face.

No....

'Solon is trying to keep me from worrying, isn't he?　But if Solon is in trouble, I want to be in trouble with him.

　Filia smiled softly as she said this.
　We shouldn't hide it any longer.

　I thought to myself.
　Filia trusts me.
　Then I need to reciprocate that trust.

　I explained to her what happened.

　I explained to her that Lucy and her friends were going to make her the emperor.
　I was invited to be part of the plan.

　Filia's eyes widened.

''There's no need to force Filia-sama to try to become the emperor. It would be extremely dangerous. It just means that there is an option to aim for the emperor together with Lucy and the others.''

　Filia was still hugging me, but her body was trembling in small ways.

　Eventually, with a flop, Filia pulled away from me and returned to her chair at the dining table.

'The tea is getting cold, isn't it?'

'Yes. Let's have a cup of tea for now.

　We picked up our cups again and tasted our tea.
　We also ate a lot of jam.

　Filia licked the jam from the spoon, sticking out her little red tongue.
　After a while Filia looked down and said, "If I become the emperor, I will be the one to make it.

If I become the emperor, I will be able to help everyone. I think it would be better for me to do what Lucy and the others say.

The important thing is not what you should do, but what you want to do about it, Filia-sama. Maybe we can do something about what happened to Sophia and the others.

I'm sure I'd rather spend my time here with Solon, having tea with him, than being an emperor.

　I was about to say that I didn't need to be emperor if I felt that way, but Filia's next words were quicker than that.

'But if I become the emperor, Solon and I will be together forever, won't we?

　It's true that with the current situation, it wouldn't be surprising if a government official came and tried to separate me and Filia at any time.
　But that could be avoided by any means other than becoming the emperor.

''Whether I become the emperor or not, I will still be Filia-sama's master. Besides, I promised Filia-sama that I wouldn't leave her alone.

　Filia looked up at me and then smiled happily.

'I see. Does Solon want me to be emperor?

　I chuckled, imagining Filia looking ostentatious as an emperor.
　After all, I don't think the idea of being an emperor is appropriate for her.

　Filia puffs out her cheeks.

''Didn't you think of something rude just now?

'I haven't thought about it. I'd like to see you, Emperor Philia,

I'm still thinking the same thing.　

'In short, as long as Filia-sama is there as she is, that's all I need.

　Filia rolled her eyes, then her face lit up and she got up from her chair and jumped on me again.
　I had just pulled away from her earlier, and now Filia was hugging me again.

'Thank you, Solon,'

　Filia looked me up and down and whispered to me.
　Her face was a little red, but it didn't seem to be just because of the alcohol.

　I couldn't help but blush, too, and muttered, "I didn't do anything to make you thank me.
　Filia's cheeks loosened in relief as she put her weight on me.

'When I become the emperor, I will have power, but I'm sure it's not the power I want. I want to be just like Solon.

You don't have to be like me. I want you, Lady Filia, to be a much greater magician than I am.

I can't imagine being more powerful than Solon.

That's all right. Filia-sama is much more talented than I am. I'm sure you'll have the ability to forge your own path.

　I said and gently tapped Filia on the shoulder.

　Filia will not be the emperor.
　That would be fine.

　At that moment, the door to the dining room opened slowly.