"I'm back!"
As the saying goes, one hears the voice before seeing the person. Fíliya was happily enjoying her tea and snacks when she saw a bustling figure burst into the parlor.
"Oh, come, have some water."
The newcomer was naturally Aura, who had already completed her mission. Upon seeing her enter, Fíliya immediately pursed her lips in a gesture, signaling her to hurry up and sit down.
Aura didn't waste any words; she directly picked up the cup of black tea at her designated spot and downed it in one gulp.
Only after the tea was in her stomach did Aura let out a breath of relief, before casting a resentful look at Fíliya.
"?"
Fíliya was completely baffled. She had certainly noticed Aura's little mood, but she didn't quite understand what Aura was doing.
Come to think of it, this guy had been glaring at her with that kind of look quite often recently...
[Why are you glaring at me?]
In the end, Fíliya couldn't hold back and asked the question.
[You should ask yourself that! I am working for you! Do you have no other reaction? Just a 'come drink water' and that's it?]
As Aura spoke, the displeasure on her face became increasingly obvious.
[Then what do you want? Do I have to give you kisses, hugs, and lift you up high?]
Fíliya looked disgusted.
[Uh... well... no need for that. But you're being too cold! I thought you would at least say something like 'Thank you for your hard work... good job'.]
[Hah? Crushing a noob makes you feel capable? Do I really need to praise you for an opponent of that level?]
[Then let me ask you! If Linie were the one doing this, would you praise her?]
[Of course I would.]
[See! I knew it! You double-standard bastard! Why is it that when Linie does the same thing, you praise her, but when I do it, I get nothing?]
What is with this guy... so troublesome.
Fíliya looked helplessly at the purple-haired demon.
[Fine, fine... You did a good job, hard work, hard work indeed... Do you want me to come over and pat your head? Really, you're over five hundred years old, yet you're clamoring for 'praise' or whatever; don't you find it shameful?]
[You bastard...]
Aura felt that her internal anger meter had reached its limit; she couldn't tolerate it anymore!
Thus, she rose directly from her seat, glaring ferociously at Fíliya while slowly approaching her.
Yes, Miss Aura decided to use her own method to take fierce revenge on that fellow.
She simply snatched Fíliya's cup, and then directly drank the remaining tea inside it.
After drinking, she didn't plan to put the cup down. She took Fíliya's cup with her and returned to her own seat.
[What are you doing? That's my cup.]
Fíliya couldn't understand what Aura was doing at all.
[It's mine now!]
Aura declared.
Consequently, Fíliya could only look toward Solitär with an expression that looked like she was laughing out of anger.
[What kind of crazy fit is she throwing?]
[I don't know.]
Solitär also shook her head in confusion.
The Lord present at the scene silently watched the group. Although he had wanted to express his condolences to this hero who had done him a great favor the moment Aura entered the door, he inexplicably felt that it wasn't a good time to interject.
But now, an opportunity to speak seemed to have finally appeared, so he opened his mouth.
"If Lady Fíliya wishes to rest a while longer, I can have someone prepare a new tea set... Also, if the Mage appreciates that cup, it is fine to simply take it."
After speaking to Fíliya first, the Lord immediately added the second half of his sentence directed at Aura.
"No need... let's leave it at that. Since the matter is resolved, I intend to go straight back to the inn."
Fíliya waved her hand at this very tactful Lord.
"In that case... please allow me to express my gratitude. Although it might have been a simple effort for you, for us, it was the removal of a massive affliction."
The Lord stood up with a solemn expression as he spoke.
"Of course, I will also prepare a generous remuneration."
The Lord added another sentence.
"Remuneration, is it..."
Seeing the Lord rise, Fíliya naturally stood up as well. Although this fellow often appeared unreliable, she actually understood manners quite well.
"Do you have any rare grimoires that have been treasured for many years here?"
Fíliya asked.
"...That, I do not have. However, in terms of monetary wealth, I am willing to pay a figure that will satisfy you."
"Tsk... what use is money? I don't like money; I have no interest in money."
Fíliya put on a look of disgust. For her, money indeed had little utility; conversely, grimoires and magical tools would be a bit more valuable.
"Is that so..."
Fíliya's words surprised the Lord somewhat, so he lowered his head slightly, falling into deep thought for a moment.
Seeing the Lord silent, Fíliya continued speaking.
"Since there are no rare grimoires or magical tools, then forget it. Consider it my free charity... After all, First-Class Mages often do good deeds without leaving a name or asking for benefits."
The Lord was stunned. Seeing that Fíliya's expression didn't look like she was lying, he nodded.
"I understand Lady Fíliya's character. Since you do not place much importance on such worldly possessions... it just so happens that I will be hosting a celebration gala in a few days. Please, you must attend... If I do not express anything to my benefactor, I will feel uneasy in my heart. Lady Fíliya and your companions can properly enjoy our local specialty cuisine at the party."
What are you doing, what are you doing!
Hearing the Lord's invitation, Fíliya instantly panicked inside.
How is this repaying a debt of gratitude? You're repaying kindness with enmity, aren't you?!
Just hearing my name, you should know... My name, [Fíliya], is fundamentally insulated from things like balls and galas, okay! Are you trying to make me die of awkwardness?!
Fíliya didn't hesitate for even a second; she intended to directly refuse the Lord's invitation and go back to the inn to lie down.
But it seemed there was someone even faster than her.
The instant Fíliya prepared to open her mouth, Solitär reached out and grabbed the corner of Fíliya's clothes, tugging it gently.
[Why not accept?]
This time, it was Solitär's voice ringing in Fíliya's mind.
[How can I accept! I... I don't really like these kinds of occasions. It's uncomfortable.]
[But clearly, you took us to quite a few crowded places over the past few days, didn't you?]
Solitär asked in confusion.
[That's different...]
Fíliya's expression became increasingly awkward, but she couldn't articulate a reason why, so Solitär began to continue her persuasion.
[Didn't you say you wanted to take me to all sorts of places to see all sorts of humans? Now is a good opportunity... I am very interested in human parties; I've always wanted to see one.]
As Solitär spoke, a smile began to emerge on her face. The more she looked at Fíliya's slightly embarrassed appearance, the happier she felt.
____
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