After all, Filia wasn't able to use Lucy's grimoire until the next morning.
　Even so, I've learned intermediate support magic, and she can help me through the magic circuitry.

　Adventurers with high abilities like Sophia and Leticia are also in my group.
　It shouldn't be impossible to rescue Lucy.

　What was surprising was that Claire, a soldier, had insisted on joining the Lucy rescue mission.
　In the halls of the Free Alliance's hideout, I faced Claire.

　Claire was the sister of an old friend, and now she should have been the enemy who had arrested Lucy.
　And yet, it felt strange for Claire to join Lucy's rescue.

　Claire tweaked her short gray hair with her fingertips and then smiled at me.

'Things have changed. Originally, I arrested Professor Lucy to prevent her from becoming collateral damage to Mr. Solon.

　But Claire was tortured under suspicion by Father Gapon, and I was an obvious rebel for trying to rescue Lucy.

'I'm an idiot, aren't I? When I thought about it, I could see that Mr. Solon was going to rescue Professor Lucy.

To me, Miss Lucy is my mentor.

So I'll help Dr. Lucy get out of the country. For the sake of Mr. Solon.

'But I thought Claire hated Miss Lucy?

Oh, that's all right then.

What do you mean?

Now that I know he's like me.

　Claire's gray eyes sparkled.
　Not long ago, Claire had disliked Lucy terribly.
　Because Lucy was a magical genius and once despised Claire, who had no magic power.

　They are like two different beings.　
　But what does it mean that they are the same?
　What the hell happened to him in his cell?

I won't tell just Mr. Solon.

　Claire laughed mischievously, then suddenly turned serious.

In this situation, we have no choice but to defeat Gapon. Once Gapon is gone, my military intelligence unit will get us back on track.

　The Czar's Secretariat Third and Military Intelligence are both Imperial Intelligence agencies, but they are entirely separate organizations, and they are in fierce conflict over their interests and authority.

　The Gapon of the Third Division of the Gendarmerie is convinced of our treason, but the rest of us are not necessarily so sure.
　After neutralizing Gapon, Claire seemed intent on claiming that Gapon was the rebel, backed by the power of military intelligence, and that he was the rebel.
　And apparently, he's going to clear Claire's own and my suspicions.

　As expected, it's hard to let Lucy and Letitia go scot-free. But at least Claire says she will tacitly approve of the members of the Freedom Alliance defecting out of the country.

''We need the Demon King's power, but that will have to wait. For now, I will work with Solon-san to take care of the matter at hand.

　It seemed that Claire had already had a discussion with Letitia as well.

'But Claire........is she okay with her injuries?'

　The raw marks of torture were still visible on Claire's body.
　Even after two days, she wouldn't be able to say she had fully recovered.

'Thank you for worrying about me. But I'm fine. I'm a military man after all, you know?

...I see. That's right.

'I'm not just the same old, weak girl. But if I'm going to slow you down, don't hesitate to abandon me.

　I shrugged.

'There's no way I could do that,'

Why?　Compared to Her Highness, Miss Sofia, and Professor Lucy, I'm not even close.
They should not be important. If there's something you really want to protect, senior, then you should cut me out without hesitation.

I never thought of Claire as 'unimportant'.

Well, then, what am I to you?

I'm a very good friend.

　I whispered.
　I was a little embarrassed to say it out loud.

　When I was a little girl, Claire had missed me. She wasn't just my friend's sister, and that's still true today.

　Claire's eyes were down and her cheeks were red.
　Then she gently places her lips close to my ear.

'Thank you. I like that about you, Solon-san, don't I?

That's ... thank you.

When this battle is over, I think I'll move into Mr. Solon's house.

What?

If you say I'm important to you, you'll protect me too, right?

'If Claire is in danger, I'm sure I will be. ....and the mansion has extra room.

　I'm a little concerned about whether it's safe for any more women to live in the house, though.
　Anyway, it's almost time to leave.
　Finally, we'll be heading out on a rescue mission for Lucy.

　Claire stared at me with her gray eyes.

I'm sure you're not the only one. It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

　Claire was about to say something, and then she closed her mouth there.
　Then she giggled.

'I'll stop after all. It's something I can say after the fight is over.'

Uh, if you have something to say, you can say it now...

　My words were interrupted.
　It was because Claire's index finger was pressed against my mouth.
　I blushed at the soft touch.

　I think it was a gesture to tell me not to talk, but it was similar to a gesture Lucy often made.
　Claire seemed to be enjoying herself very much.

'Mr. Solon you should be prepared for this, right?'