A large magic circle unfolded on the floor of Arte's room.
　That's why Clarice brought us here, right?

　It is certainly dangerous to have an unseen magic circle in a room of the mansion.
　Who put up the magic circle for what purpose and for what kind of purpose?

　There are several people inside who can use magic like Sophia and the others, but I doubt they did it.

　But this mansion is protected by a ward.
　How did they draw a magic circle when it's blocked from the outside world?

　Clarice put her hand to her cheek with a troubled expression.

''When I came here just now, this purple magic circle was already glowing.

Thank you for the news. ...summoning magicians, I guess.

　The shape of the magic circle gave an approximate use and type of use.
　It could be judged from the pattern of a combination of stars and diamond shapes in a circle.

　Filia is looking at the magic circle with interest.

''This is........cool.''

''It's true that many of the patterns on the magic circle are beautiful. Soon, Filia-sama will be able to use them too.

Yeah!

　If there's time, I'd like to show Filia the details of how the magic circle is structured as an example.
　But it's better to erase the magic circle as soon as possible, because you never know what might happen. I'm not sure what's going to happen.

　But it was one step too late.
　Suddenly, the magic circle began to glow strongly.

　Filia and Clarice gasped.
　Even the blinded Arte, who could not see, sensed the presence and let out a small scream, ''Hee.

''Stay back, please.''

'Yeah...'

　Filia nodded.

　I pulled out my treasure sword tetracord.
　The magic circle has already been activated.

　And from the light of the magic circle, a person slowly emerged from the light of the magic circle.
　It was a single petite girl.

　Her short blue hair was impressive, and she held a red spear in her hand.

''Ren........!

　It was Ren, a spearman, one of the Order's leaders.
　Ren adjusted the white uniform of the Knights with his hands.

　Then he turned to us.

''Well, well, well. It looks like we've all been welcomed at the same time. It's a good thing that you're not the only one.

　Ren spun his spear around and smiled.
　The wards of the mansion were broken and a summoning magic circle appeared in the remote area.
　By doing so, Ren seems to have achieved a surprise attack.

　Ren is also an excellent sorcerer, but this mansion's wards are put up with Sophia's help, and it's not something that can be broken so easily.
　It's safe to assume that there was help from someone else.

　In other words, Ren may have tried to secretly appear in this mansion with Creon and the others' intentions.
　But why was that in Arte's room?

''Ren........what is it?''

　Arte calls Ren in a small voice.
　Arte, in his nightgown, was shrinking on the bed.

　Ren chuckled and moved closer to Arte.

'Yes, sir. I'm Ren, an executive in your former entourage.'

'Ren!　I can't use magic anymore because of Creon-senpai and Galerus...

So you're a slave to Senior Solon now, right?

'......　That's right. So, I need your help. I'll get my magic back and get revenge on Creon seniors...

　Arte tried to hang on to Ren, but his hands flew through the air.
　Blinded, Arte couldn't even see Ren.

　Ren was a member of Arte's inner circle of man-haters. In part, he was able to become a cadre because of Arte's pull, and he was always by Arte's side.

　However, Ren struck Arte's cheek with the hilt of his spear.
　The man on the bed fell to the floor and let out a strange sound as he let out a breath.

　As it was, Ren stomped on Arte's stomach and then kicked him repeatedly.

''Ah, ouch!　

　Arte was screaming in pain.

　The current Arte can't even use magic, and his body can't move properly, so he can't resist.
　It is against the ethics of an adventurer to use violence against an unresisting opponent.

　When I tried to stop him, Ren quickly dodged and jumped back.
　But his eyes remained coldly fixed on Arte.

''Why do I have to cooperate with Arte?''

Because Ren is my advisor, my ally, my friend...

''I didn't like you, did I? You were a talented member of the Order, so I was flattered, but it was repulsive.

Oh no...

'You're not worth anything now that your power is gone.

Oh....

　Arte was struggling to get up from the floor, but when he heard Ren's words, he fell limp to the spot.
　Arte was spilling tears, but Ren didn't seem to mind.

'It's just that, you see, we have a little business to attend to with Arte. So, Solon-san. Would it be okay if I took Arte?

'Arte is my 'slave'. I paid a lot of money to buy her from Creon. I can't give it to you.

'What good is such a slave, Mr. Solon, if he has it?　Oh, or are you forcing me to be your partner for the night?

　Ren's words were a provocation, and I didn't feel the need to deal with them. What I'm more concerned about is what Ren, Creon and the others want with Arte after all this time.
　But Clarice seemed to be different and her face was red.

''Don't be silly!　My Solon-sama would never do such a terrible thing!

　Ren glanced at Clarice unpleasantly, and a vicious smile appeared on her well-formed face.

''You're acting so high and mighty for a mere maid.......!

　I gasped and tried to defend Clarice, but Ren was quick to move.
　Clarice was a little farther away from me, but Ren easily approached her.
　Then he placed his spear on Clarice's neck.

　Clarice lets out a small scream.

"Come on, Mr. Solon. I've taken this maid as a hostage. If you want to spare this maid's child's life, you must hand over Arte to me!