Fíliya and her party stood before a large, underground labyrinth. After a brief survey of the surroundings, Fíliya's interest waned considerably. She could tell the labyrinth had already been cleared more than once; just at the main entrance, there were several obvious signs of battle, as well as some... discarded, broken equipment. Still, she didn't give up hope, as she had already confirmed with Solitär that deep within the labyrinth, there were indeed several powerful mana signatures that didn't belong to humans.
"Hmm, I've admired the stories of adventurers since I was a little girl, but I've never had the chance to delve into a labyrinth. Since we've stumbled upon one today, let's explore it once more."
Fíliya proposed.
"Huh? This place has obviously been explored already, hasn't it? And you've got some nerve, dragging three members of the Demon Race along to explore a labyrinth with you."
Miss Fíliya's suggestion immediately prompted a sharp retort from Aura.
"Hmph, that's where you're mistaken, Aura. Labyrinths like this can 'self-repair.' First, their internal mechanisms reset on their own, and even the monsters will regenerate. After all, a labyrinth is fundamentally a place built upon a formula designed to 'gather mana.' When the mana inside reaches a certain concentration, it will naturally attract or generate monsters."
"So what? Even if the traps and monsters slowly respawn, the treasure has probably already been looted clean... It's just a boring, high-risk, low-reward labyrinth now."
Aura said with a look of disdain.
"Well, that's true, but I have my doubts about the quality of modern adventurers. When I worked at the Continental Magic Association, I hadn't received anything of value in a long time... Adventurers these days seem so impatient. Even after clearing a labyrinth, they only take the treasure from the deepest part and other things they can see. Little do they know, the truly good stuff is usually hidden away."
"I'm certain that even though several groups have left their mark exploring this labyrinth, there is definitely still a hidden room that hasn't been found."
Fíliya's words left Aura speechless, but she didn't really care. With the strength of their party, exploring a labyrinth was a piece of cake.
As long as she wasn't forced to lose face by acting as a maid again, she would go along with whatever Fíliya said... she thought to herself.
And reality was just as Aura had imagined.
For adventurers, this labyrinth might be a place that could only be conquered with sacrifice and loss—a point made clear by the scattered bones and dried, dark-red bloodstains on the walls visible everywhere inside.
But for Fíliya's party, it was truly no more difficult than a walk in the park. Without the two great demons even needing to act, Fíliya herself and Linie were more than enough to handle every threat.
During the battles, Fíliya grew increasingly fond of this 'little handmaiden' of Aura's.
How to put it... Fíliya herself was terrible at coordinating with others, but she and Linie were remarkably in sync. Their combination of one warrior and one mage effortlessly steamrolled every monster they encountered.
"Wow, Linie, what's going on? Aren't we just perfectly in sync? It feels like no matter how we coordinate, it just works."
Fíliya couldn't help but exclaim as she looked at the corpse of the monster she had just pierced through.
"Because I can memorize the flow of mana. I've already completely memorized the moves you frequently use. The moment you raise your hand, I know which spell you're going to cast, so I can coordinate with you."
Linie explained calmly, while casually twirling the one-handed sword in her grip with a flourish. Then, with a flick of her hand, the blade, manifested from mana, instantly dissolved into particles of light and gradually vanished into the air.
More than a week had passed since Fíliya's group had rescued Linie, and by now, her severed right hand had long since grown back thanks to Solitär's healing. Linie's attitude toward Fíliya had also shifted from extreme resistance at the beginning to one of barely tolerating Fíliya's pestering and petting.
It had to be said, the adaptability of a living being is truly remarkable. Miss Fíliya had only to offer a little food, and the girl had already lowered her guard considerably. Of course, this process was not without a little help from Miss Aura.
And Linie's slick and stylish way of dismissing her weapon also drew an envious gaze from Miss Fíliya.
"Hmm... I feel like I should learn some cool little tricks like that too."
Miss Fíliya muttered to herself before quickly breaking into a smile again.
She turned around to face Aura.
"Aura, this girl is incredible. I feel she has a lot of talent. Who knows, maybe she'll be even stronger than you someday."
Fíliya said teasingly.
But Fíliya's seemingly casual words stirred up a storm in Aura's heart.
"What?! Linie could surpass me?"
Aura was so startled that the apple in her hand almost fell to the ground.
She had grown accustomed to trusting Fíliya's judgment, so she immediately became anxious.
If Linie could surpass her... she thought, wouldn't she be at the bottom of the pecking order again?!
After rescuing Linie, her status had finally improved a little, and she had passed all the trivial chores on to Linie... If Linie became stronger... was she doomed to a life of menial tasks again?!
And so, Aura took a deep breath and beckoned to Linie, signaling her to come over quickly.
Linie naturally answered Aura's summons.
After Linie stood before her, Aura placed her hands on Linie's shoulders.
"Uh... um? Linie?"
Aura called out, her voice lacking confidence.
"Yes, I'm here, Lady Aura."
Linie nodded with a smile. It was clear that Aura held an extraordinary place in her heart.
This was something Fíliya had always found very strange.
If Linie was a subordinate subdued by Aura through sheer force... then why could she sense this feeling called 'loyalty' from Linie?
Does the Demon Race also possess its own 'pride' and 'loyalty'...? This was Miss Fíliya's latest major discovery.
"Um, Linie, can you promise me something?"
Aura continued.
"Yes. As long as it is Lady Aura's command, I will do it."
Hearing Linie's affirmative response, Aura took another deep breath.
"Then... I'm begging you, please, please don't ever become stronger than me! Okay?!"
Aura's expression was extremely serious, and her voice even trembled slightly. Fíliya looked on with an expression of disgust, then shook her head at Aura's pathetic display. She had no idea what that girl was so afraid of.
Making a request of your own subordinate? Aura, you're pathetic.
As for Miss Linie, upon hearing Aura's request, she was only slightly taken aback before nodding decisively.
"I understand. I will not become stronger than Lady Aura."
_____
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