Chapter 80: Embers (4)
Aten’s bright eyes.
Fili looked at it for a moment and then sighed.
“Ha, I see.”
Soon the ice flower blooming next to her disappears, and the temperature in the living room returns to normal.
“If what Frontier says is true, there is no time to hesitate.”
Fili eventually decided to believe Frondier’s words.
To put it bluntly, I decided to trust Aten, who believes in Frontier. Because Philly’s number 0 priority is Aten.
“But Frontier, just because I can convince you, it won’t be that easy to gather troops.”
“You are correct.”
Frondier nodded.
Of course, the consent of Empress Fili and Emperor Bartello is essential in order to move an army of the size desired by Frontier, but these are only the starting line.
The nobles of the empire, especially noble families, protect their territories and have their own troops.
This is the Roach Knights of the Roach family, and the Shroud Knights, of which Sanders is the leader.
In exchange for money, fame, and power, they have the obligation to protect their territory.
In other words, their status was achieved by risking their lives.
Therefore, they do not move to work outside of their territory unless there is sufficient justification and compensation.
From Frontier’s perspective, Cape Bay, which is about to be invaded, is the biggest crisis in the empire, but they do not know that situation. ‘Unprecedented threats’ cannot make them move.
Something else is needed to make them move.
“The most important thing is the Zodiac.”
“… … Yes, it is.”
The Empire’s greatest weapon, Zodiac.
Most of these people are nobles, and of course they have fiefdoms and troops.
Currently, the only non-Zodiac families that can stand up to the power and strength of these individuals are the Roach family and the Lishae family, to which Elodie belongs.
Lidwy von Urfa was no less powerful than Ilshin, but he too has now become a Zodiac and left his family to his son.
“The reason I was able to summon all of the Zodiac last time was because the Emperor was literally in danger. “You won’t be able to get them to move without something like that.”
At those words, Frondier raised his head. As he looked up at the ceiling, his eyes moved slightly as if he was looking at something other than the ceiling.
‘There is no need for the entire army to gather on the very first day of the battle. ‘That’s impossible in the first place.’
If the fight against Cape Mango continues, eventually the entire army of the empire will move. Because it becomes an issue directly related to the survival of the empire itself.
What Frontier hopes is that it is not too late. It is too late for the imperial palace to make a hasty move after it has already suffered a severe blow.
The important thing is the first battle. In that fight, you must have the minimum number of troops to be able to stop it with minimal damage.
“… … “Three of them.”
Frondier thought for a moment and spoke quietly.
“yes?”
“Three of the twelve Zodiacs. “I will try to convince you somehow.”
At those words, Aten and Fili looked at each other.
It is not easy to convince just one Zodiac. Are you going to persuade three of them who won’t move unless it’s something serious?
“If I can really convince the three of you, it might be enough to serve as a signal.”
The three Zodiacs move. To that extent, it would be an appeal that there is something big moving on the continent before just cause. It would be a good way for the imperial palace to gather its troops.
“But is it really possible? Frontier is still a student. “There would have been no time to become friends with the Zodiacs.”
“… … Honestly, I think so too.”
Of course, there were almost no gaps.
In world affairs, time is not necessarily the answer to friendship.
“Because the Zodiacs are unique.”
* * *
After finishing talking with Fili, Frondier headed straight to Ridwi’s mansion.
Among the Zodiac, the only person that Frontier has the closest relationship with is Ridwi.
Starting with him, I tried to meet the Zodiacs one by one who I thought had some potential.
“… … Also, this is how we got together.”
Just in case, I did it anyway. I went to see Ridwi, and Riri and Monty were there.
Frondier sighed when he saw the three people waiting for him in front of the round table.
When Frontier did not speak, Ridwi opened his mouth.
“This is it, Frontier. “It’s your fault too.”
What?
Frondier saw Ridwi shamelessly responding.
Ridwi shrugged his shoulders as if it was obvious.
“It was true that Ospreet was lost. You were the only one who sensed it. “After they realized that, they also wanted to meet you.”
“okay! that’s right! That’s right! How did you find out? No, and what did that guy Ospreet do? “Have you really become an archmage?”
Lili received Lidwi’s words.
Lili slammed the desk and pushed her face towards Frondier.
Fascinating eyes looked straight at Frondier, and Lily’s charm appeal was exquisite, whether intentional or not.
… … To put it bluntly, it was definitely intentional.
“He said it hasn’t happened yet.”
“what? Can you know for yourself that you are an archmage? “Isn’t it designated by the empire?”
Lily’s doubts were natural. She thought that the Archmage was also a designated position, like the Zodiac.
The reason the position of Archmage is currently vacant is because there is no overwhelming mage who can take up the position.
But the Archmage is different from the Zodiac. Because it means upgrading as a human being.
“They say so. “I was surprised too.”
Of course, Frondier did not bother to explain and acted as if he did not know.
“Then how did you find out? What I am saying is that Ospreet has been lost from the world. No matter how imperfect the magic was, you were the first and the only one to notice it. Above all, I realized it right away when another girl disappeared.”
Monty said,
“that’s right! I’m curious about that too! Frontier, what are you? “Are you a great wizard too?”
Lili struck the table again as if in agreement.
How did Ospreet’s magic not work?
In fact, Frontier has had similar cases several times in the past.
When Armel’s use of Lethe’s divine power and memory manipulation does not work.
When Laurier’s hypnosis, a member of the shadow department, goes astray.
The mental magic directed at ‘Frondier de Roach’ does not work on him. Rather than saying it doesn’t work, it goes astray.
‘I knew it from the beginning.’
Frontier is aware that he is still half-way out in the world. I am an outcast in this world. Possession is probably like that in nature.
“Osprit, there are more contradictions in the Constel where our president resides. This is the area where the president is most active, so if he or she is gone, a huge gap will open up. Even if you make up for it with magic, there are still some shortcomings. I just noticed it.”
“Hmm. Even so, I can’t believe I realized it on my own without other people knowing.”
“What is this guy? It’s definitely true. “You’re hiding something from us.”
Lili tried hard to explain to Monty.
That was absolutely true, so Frondier averted his eyes.
“Anyway, that’s not why I came today.”
“Draw. I knew right away that you weren’t the type to come here to make such a report. “Even if I tried hard to appeal to Zodiac and build a friendship, it wasn’t enough, tsk tsk.”
Ridwi clicked his tongue. At the same time, he was looking at Frontier as if he was regretting it.
If he were a Frontier, he would have made various appeals to the Zodiacs when he met them to increase their friendship and solidify his position, but it’s frustrating that he doesn’t do that.
And in fact, the current Frontier was also actively agreeing with Ridwi’s words.
I wish I could meet the Zodiacs a little more. Then it would have been easier to talk about.
“… … Then I will tell you.”
And Frontier brought up the story of Cape Bay.
Even though the small details were different, the general content was almost the same as when I delivered it to Philly.
The difference is that the current Frontier has no trading items that can be given to them.
Cape Ten Thousand is coming, and its threat will be the empire’s greatest crisis, comparable to the previous war against monsters. All the troops of the empire are needed.
After hearing all of this explanation, the three remained silent for a moment.
and then,
“Ahahahaha.”
Lili laughed first.
“It’s not realistic. Frontier.”
Her eyes were wide like crescent moons. It was a smile, but it was beyond creepy.
“Frondier, if you said something like that to another Zodiac, they would have your head blown off for trying to deceive the Empire. Right now. Actually, right? They’re still showing a lot of consideration right now? “At this moment, when we are not killing you, our consideration for you deepens with every second.”
At those words, Monty and Ridwi were silent. Even though the words are a bit harsh, it means that they both agree with Lili’s words.
To them, Frondier’s words crossed the line to be considered a joke, and if he was serious, they would have gone out of their minds.
“Who would believe the story that not only the troops of the imperial palace, but also the entire Zodiac and the troops of prestigious nobles must be brought in to determine whether the empire will survive or not? Frontier, which side are you looking down on? Imperial palace? Zodiac? Nobles? What’s funny? “Our Frontier.”
Lili’s words were now filled with a sense of life. Her fingernails turned red. Her eyes became as sharp as the tip of a knife, as if she would tear Frondier apart at any moment.
“… … Lili, calm down. Frontier is still young. There may be mistakes in judgment or words,”
“Lia Lis, if you trust me.”
Monty tried to stop Lili, but it was Frondier who cut him off.
Lily’s smile deepened.
“What if you believe me?”
“On the day Mangot attacked the empire and defeated them all.”
“On that day?”
“I will be your knight. “For a month.”
“The knight… … Eck?”
Lily’s smile froze. Our life together was in disarray.
“Eh, no, what?”
“I will follow any orders you give me for one month. “If you are told to be a dog, you will become a dog, and if you are told to die, you will die.”
Frondier was looking at Lili with a simple gaze.
Lili stopped trying to live and quickly rolled her eyes. In an instant, my thoughts began to turn in a different direction.
Reidwi, who was listening, hurriedly glanced left and right at Frondier and Lili.
“Now, just a moment. What to do “I know what it means to be a knight of your city, Lili.”
“good! call!”
Lidwi tried to stop Frondier, but Lili shouted faster than him.
“Now, wait a moment! Leah Reese!”
“no! The deal is done! Wait a minute, there is nothing like it! Cancellation and reversal are impossible! It’s over! Oral contract, two witnesses, you suggested it first! Frontier!”
“yes.”
When Frondier nodded, Lili clenched her fists and trembled, wondering what was so good about it. The face that closed its eyes tightly and suppressed joy looked very happy.
“Liri seems to agree, what about the remaining two?”
Frontier looked at Lidwee and Monty. “Huh,” Lidwi exclaimed in exasperation, and Monty shook his head and sighed.
Ridwi said.
“Frondier, do you know exactly what the statement you just made means?”
“of course.”
“You said that because you had that much determination and were confident in your own judgment, right?”
“Otherwise, I wouldn’t talk about this with the three Zodiacs.”
After hearing that story, Monty’s mouth opened this time.
“Frondier, I also have a condition.”
“What is?”
“Become my best disciple.”
“… … .”
When Frondier remained silent for a moment at those words, Lili growled again.
“oh! what! “Frondier is my knight from now on!”
“Lily, not from now on. Isn’t it after this matter is all sorted out? “It’s only for one month.”
“joy. “In that one month, Frontier will no longer have any thoughts of becoming your best disciple, right?”
“… … Anyway, Frondier, you will be my best disciple. “How do you feel?”
At Monty’s words, Frondier took a deep breath.
Naturally, this proposal does not have a time limit such as one month. There is no way a top disciple would have such a deadline.
But Frontier said.
“All right.”
“Hoo.”
“I think I’ll need my father’s consent.”
“ha ha ha! Of course! Ampere will be satisfied if you become my best disciple!”
Monty laughed cheerfully.
Originally, Frontier would have had similar thoughts. If he becomes Monty’s best disciple, it will be a happy thing for the Roach family. You will also be satisfied with Ampere or Aggie.
… … But lately, I wonder why I feel like that may not necessarily be the case.
“How are you, Ridwi?”
“I don’t want anything for Nihanti. Just one thing, answer the question.”
“What is?”
“Give just one reason why we must pour in all the troops of the empire. I don’t ask about the source or credibility of the reason. All you have to do is say one word.”
Ridwi said.
From Noble mtl dot com
In his view, Frondier is a man with all kinds of tricks buried in that languid face.
He is a gloomy guy who puts on a mask the expression that everything in the world is annoying and lazy, and has all kinds of information and judgments piled up in his head like the deep sea. Even if you ask questions anyway, you won’t get a proper answer.
However, if Frontier is truly sincere, he will be able to answer this one question properly. Ridwi needs confidence now.
“… … “They have a god.”
“You mean spiritual power? Well, the Zodiacs have everything. “I’m sure you have some students in Constel as well?”
“It’s not divine power.”
Frontier had the most serious face he had ever seen.
“They are on the verge of the coming of God. There is a God who desires the complete destruction of mankind.”
“… … “Does God want humanity to perish?”
The three Zodiacs fell silent for a moment at Frondier’s words.
In some ways, this is even more absurd than the story about Cape Bay that Frontier told me earlier. Any ordinary citizen of the empire would have snorted and laughed at this.
But because they are the Zodiac.
“You all know. “I believe you have some feelings about the fight over the past few years and your rise to the position of Zodiac.”
“… … .”
The three remain silent in response to Frontier’s words. Frondier spoke again.
“God is just God.”
Despite Frondier’s almost blasphemous words, the three remained silent.
“The belief that God will naturally protect humans is human arrogance.”
“… … It’s clear. Stop, I’m suffocating.”
After hearing those words, Lidyu shook his head.
“Yes, if that is true, the Zodiac must be driven by desperation. “That’s right.”
After getting Ridwi’s final consent, Frondier breathed a sigh of relief.
Actually, I was planning to visit each person one by one, but I succeeded in persuading three people at once. It was a fairly risky method, but it was successful.
… … The conditions that must be met for that are heavy, but it is unavoidable.
But it’s not over yet.
“Liri.”
“huh? why?”
Lili looked at Frondier with a much fresher and warmer face than before.
“Liri, you have one of the best intelligence combinations in the empire, right?”
“I can’t believe we are the best.”
In addition to her position as Zodiac, Lili is active in the Information Union.
Given her specialty in seducing men, extracting and managing information is, in a sense, a very suitable occupation.
If a woman makes a living through vanity, a man makes a living through bravado. It is overwhelmingly easier for men to open their mouths than for women.
“I just want to ask you one thing. “It’s not an easy task.”
“Yep. Now come on and say something like that. “I’ll listen to anything.”
Frondier pursed his lips for a moment when he saw Lili’s overly friendly appearance, but eventually he spoke.
“Please find out where Renzo is now.”
Is he trying to recruit Renzo?