"Ah... why is it this kind of scene again? It's so crowded with people, they're like trash. I'm going to suffocate."
At the celebration gala, Fíliya looked at the nobles and high officials bustling back and forth in the banquet hall, feeling exceptionally annoyed.
"Again?"
Sense, standing beside her, didn't correct her little sister's ill-timed remark. Instead, she fixated on the strange word Fíliya had used.
After all, in her memory, Fíliya had never been to a similar occasion. She hardly ever even attended the internal gatherings of the Magic Association.
"Er... don't worry about the details. By the way, Sense, are all those guys from the Magical Special Operations Unit staring at you? Is there some history there that I don't know about?"
Fíliya quickly changed the subject, circling behind Sense. She wrapped her hands around Sense's waist, then rested her chin on Sense's shoulder.
"...They're just a bunch of losers I've beaten before, that's all. If you're interested, I can tell you about it later."
Sense's face was faintly red as she answered in a low voice. But when she turned to look at the members of the Magical Special Operations Unit guarding the edges of the banquet hall, her gaze instantly turned sharp. With a look of contempt, she made a thumbs-down gesture in their direction.
"Later... later, huh."
The light in Fíliya's eyes dimmed for a moment, but she quickly readjusted her state of mind.
She took a few more steps, moving away from Sense and over to Frieren's group. After all, something was happening there that she found very interesting.
"What's this..."
Fíliya looked at Miss Eggplant with a curious expression.
"This dress... is a little too tight... I can't breathe properly."
Fern's face had turned beet red, but it was clear she was flushed from being constricted.
In Miss Fern's hand, she was still clutching half of a pastry she hadn't been able to finish eating, her eyes filled with unmistakable regret.
"Actually, it's because you've gained weight, hasn't it, Fern? You should probably eat fewer cakes."
Fíliya showed no consideration for the fragile heart of a young maiden. The moment she spoke, Fern looked as if she had suffered a massive blow and collapsed straight down. Thankfully, Stark was right beside her and was quick enough to catch and support her.
"Fíliya... why would you say something so mean..."
Miss Fern softly mumbled some weak-sounding protests.
At this, Fíliya felt a little awkward and quickly apologized before sidling up next to Frieren.
"Strange, don't you have a sweet tooth too? How come I don't see you digging in... Relax, the food here is all safe. They probably ruled out the 'poisoning' plan a long time ago. You can enjoy it without worry now."
Seeing no reaction from Frieren, Fíliya carefully probed again, gently bumping Frieren's shoulder with her own.
"What you said... What did you mean by 'Senior Sister'?"
Frieren finally reacted. Her expression as she looked at Fíliya was still one of bewilderment.
"?! It's been half a day and you're still thinking about that...? It means exactly what it sounds like, you know?"
Fíliya was also surprised that this white-haired girl was still stuck on it.
"That's impossible... Flamme died a thousand years ago... How... how could you possibly be her disciple."
Frieren still found it hard to believe.
"Hmm... have you forgotten? That magic of mine."
Fíliya had no choice but to give her a helpful reminder.
"That magic..."
Frieren's mind suddenly flashed back. During the First-Class Mage exam, inside the Ruins of the Royal Tomb, Fíliya's double had unleashed a wondrous, miracle-like magic.
"Yep... that's the one. It's one of my trump cards, you see... I can reproduce a person's thoughts. So... if you want to see Flamme again, you just have to beg me a little, okay?"
As Fíliya spoke, a mischievous smile unconsciously appeared at the corners of her lips as she looked at Frieren.
If this white-haired girl really did come to beg her... what kind of embarrassing request should she make?
"I would never... beg you... Doesn't Serie know about this?"
Frieren asked again with curiosity.
If it were truly possible to speak with Flamme again, that should be an incredible temptation for the god of magic.
"Hmph, you and I both know how stubborn that woman is. Who knows how long it would take for her to swallow her pride and say she wants to see Flamme. That's why I haven't bothered asking her."
Fíliya shook her head helplessly, then gave Frieren a look that said, 'you get it.'
"True enough."
Frieren nodded in deep agreement. However, she herself had no intention of begging this girl right away, not when her expression was so punchable.
After returning to Sense's side, Fíliya tentatively spoke to her.
"Are you planning to just stand guard here like a wooden post the whole time?"
Sense looked at Fíliya with some confusion, not understanding what she was trying to say.
"Guarding Lady Serie is the highest priority..."
Sense stressed her reason for being unable to leave.
"Relax... didn't I say there won't be any problems?"
Fíliya continued to persuade her, kneeling on one knee before Sense and extending her hand.
"Care to join me on the dance floor?"
Fíliya asked with a light smile, her head tilted up.
"...I remember you don't know how to dance."
Sense's brow furrowed slightly, her expression showing a hint of hesitation.
"Mmm... I also thought this kind of activity would have nothing to do with me... but I just learned how, inexplicably."
Fíliya's smile grew even brighter.
"Is that so..."
Sense subconsciously glanced to the side, where Solitär was seated. She didn't have to think to know that the only one who could have brought about such a change in Fíliya was undoubtedly that demon.
At that moment, Solitär was sitting demurely at her seat, sipping tea, as if the lively atmosphere around her had nothing to do with her. She didn't even turn her head to watch the interaction between Fíliya and Sense.
"Aren't you going to go have fun with her?"
Sense asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Hmm... right now, being with you is a little more important?"
...This answer undoubtedly delighted Sense, but... she still didn't immediately accept Fíliya's request.
After all, the duty she shouldered was no ordinary one.
"Sense, young people should act their age. I've already said your guard is not needed."
The silent observer, Serie, finally issued the highest command.
And so, amidst her hesitation, Sense finally placed her hand in Fíliya's palm, allowing herself to be led towards the dance floor.
____
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