Chapter 109 Proof
As Fili expected, Robert did something.
However, it was not the imperial palace.
And that measure was not what even the parties themselves had expected.
“… … hmm?”
Monty puts down his wooden weapon at the commotion coming from outside.
Nearby, the frontier stretched out to a large size.
Since I started attending Constell, my weapon training time has drastically decreased, but it has not disappeared.
Frontier decided to learn each weapon on different days of the week. Of course, training with Atjie is also included.
“Rest for a moment, Frondier. “It’s noisy outside.”
“… … “I’m already resting.”
Frondier did not move his stretched body, as if he had no energy to speak.
Monty smiled brightly and headed toward the mansion’s gate.
“What’s going on?”
Monty doesn’t really have subordinates. It was a state that did not accept disciples, but Frontier was the first.
It’s not that I didn’t want students, but if I was going to teach, I wanted to teach it to just one good person.
Therefore, even if there is a commotion outside the mansion, Monty is the only one who can respond.
Squeak.
“… … Huh, indeed.”
When I opened the door, there were unfamiliar people standing outside, dressed in familiar clothes.
Imperial palace knights. As soon as he saw them, Monty’s expression immediately turned grim.
The man at the forefront of the knights spoke to Monty.
“Zodiac Monty, this is Hwangmyeong.”
“Since when was Hwangmyeong a word that can be said casually? “You guys.”
All of the Zodiac, including Monty, are under the direct control of the Empire. In other words, follow the orders of the imperial palace.
However, the Zodiac are not henchmen who have to do everything the Empire tells them to do.
They are a symbol of the empire and the hope to push out the monsters outside and expand the territory of humanity.
Knowing its symbolism, the Empire also makes sure to keep the number of people at 12.
They only follow orders from the imperial palace in very limited circumstances. Like last time, when the emperor himself is in danger or a war that threatens the entire empire occurs. This is because they know that the moment they hold their swords in the opposite direction, the very existence of the imperial palace is in danger.
“Don’t think I will follow whatever you want.”
Monty muttered with a fierce tone.
A rumor going around the empire recently. Of course, Monty doesn’t know either.
Moreover, since Monty is the one rumored to be adopting Frontier, Monty can’t help but be concerned about that.
‘Rumors that should have been dismissed as jokes have been inflated, and now even the imperial palace is moving.’
─Monty is trying to adopt Frondier.
Such nonsense is something that comes up countless times to a zodiac like Monty. There is no end to responding to such rumors one by one.
However, among them, the rumor about Frontier was not dispelled and was intertwined with other rumors.
“You won’t even meet Frontier’s face.”
Monty warns the imperial knight.
From Noble mtl dot com
Seeing that, the leading knight quietly shook his head.
“The Emperor’s name is not about Frontier.”
“what?”
In a businesslike manner, the driver took out the rolled-up paper he had in his arms and handed it to Monty.
Monty takes it and unfolds it.
“… … This.”
Monty’s eyes widened when he saw what was written there.
The article said.
“As it says, we need the power of Zodiac Monty.”
Monty’s face was very distorted.
It was unexpected, but it was more unpleasant than before.
“This is the protective order of Zodiac Leah Reese.”
Words are just for protection, but in the end, what I want to say is not such a modest thing.
“This royal message has already been passed on to other Zodiac members.”
─Zodiac Leah Reese.
─There is suspicion of a devil, so catch him and bring him in.
“… … .”
Monty couldn’t believe what was written there and looked at it again and again.
The knight bowed deeply.
“We are simply conveying the imperial command. I’ll just go back now. The decision rests entirely with you, Monty.”
“I’m just delivering it. What’s the purpose of such a large force?”
“We will move straight to our next command.”
“Are you heading to Leah Reese?”
“… … .”
Unanswered article. However, it is no different from the answer.
They just silently and deeply bowed their heads and then walked back the same way they had come.
“Huh.”
Monty crumpled the paper in one hand and returned into the mansion.
What should I do? Should I tell Frontier about this?
Frontier probably has some kind of connection with Lili. He was welcomed at Lidwy’s house with Monty, and served as Lili’s temporary knight before becoming his best disciple.
However, if this is true, Lili is now suspected of being a demon, and Zodiac moves to capture her.
Monty will not listen to this command, but any other Zodiac will. It’s the same zodiac, but it’s a devil, so there’s no way I can just ignore it.
Moreover, among the Zodiac, there is one person who will definitely be loyal to the Emperor’s command.
‘There is nothing good about Frontier going there, who is now suspected of being a demon, similar to Lili.’
Monty eventually put the paper in his arms and headed to the sparring hall.
Lili is a close friend of her own, but Frondier is his best disciple. It was clear who had to be protected.
“Hey Frontier, how long are you going to lie down and rest?”
Monty entered the sparring hall with a pretense of cheerfulness.
Frontier was not there.
“… … .”
Maybe he went to the bathroom. It’s a common business.
Maybe you’re taking a tour of Monty’s mansion. I was busy with training so I couldn’t give you a proper look around.
Or maybe the training was so difficult that he secretly ran away.
Or maybe you suddenly want to play hide and seek and are hiding somewhere.
Or maybe he has mastered the magic of invisibility and is now aiming for a surprise attack on Monty.
Or, otherwise.
or not.
“You bastard!”
Of all the things you can think of, you did the most likely thing.
* * *
“… … “I am indeed.”
Lily sighed.
She spoke to the people in front of her, feeling the wind that was too drafty for her neglect.
“It’s been a while since this mansion was renovated.”
Intruders suddenly broke into Lili’s mansion.
It was an unexpected attack for Lili, who had been conducting her own investigation into the recent incident in Frontier.
Moreover, the moment I confirmed the identity of the intruder, I felt like I had been hit on the head.
“Ludovic.”
“… … Leah Reese.”
Starting with Zodiac Ludovic, other Zodiacs personally visited Lili’s mansion.
I don’t know if the appearance of blowing away the walls and ceiling of her room could be called a visit.
“It’s too loud, Ludovic.”
“An imperial order was given to bring you. Lili, you are suspected of being the devil.”
“Then you can just take him with you. Why blow up your precious mansion?”
Ludovic shook his head.
“There’s no way you could just follow me.”
“… … “You already believe it.”
Lily realized something after seeing Ludovic’s words and actions.
Ludovic is almost certain that Lili is a demon. The relationship has already become completely hostile and they are trying to capture her.
To him, what happens to Lily’s mansion is not an important issue.
“okay.”
Ludovic said.
“I thought you were suspicious from the beginning.”
Ludovic’s life is intense, but at the same time cool and subdued.
He’s probably been refining his life for a long time. It was not at all a bluff to think it was suspicious from the beginning.
Lily pulled the corners of her mouth. It was a slightly forced smile.
“I thought Frontier would be in trouble, but it turned out I was the one in danger.”
“… … It’s not that different. “Everything is connected, Leah Reese.”
“You’re laughing.”
Perhaps the picture that Ludovic drew in his head was that Frondier and Lili were demons from the beginning, but were also part of the same group.
Now his teacher Monty is not the only one targeting Frondier.
Many nobles are already coveting the Frondier, and Ampere is unlikely to participate in the scramble, considering his actions in the past.
‘Is that why the imperial palace is wary of Frondier and afraid of the creation of a force called Frondier?’
“Ludovic, do you plan to believe those rumors floating around the empire?”
“This is not a matter of probability, Leah Reese. It’s a question of risk. There are two main suspicions facing Frontier right now. “Both of them are dangerous.”
One of those suspicions.
Frondier is trying to escape from House Roach.
Regardless of whether you leave Roach and join another family, create your own family, or whether Roach was never a family in the first place, the main story is that Frondier ceases to be Roach.
Roach is not just a famous family. It boasts overwhelming recognition and status among the most prestigious families in the empire. Before Frontier rose to his current position, Roach was already at the top.
Ampere is an iron wall that has never allowed monsters to invade. His son, Ajie, had already distinguished himself as a genius as a professional knight of the imperial palace.
With these two alone, Roach was sufficient to be on par with Zodiac, and the general opinion was that he had already surpassed Zodiac.
However, the delicate balance that had been maintained was broken by the appearance of Frontier.
Winning the war is a happy thing, but from the empire’s perspective, it is very dangerous for power to be concentrated in one family.
Ludovic says.
“The only thing the Empire could do, even if it was a bit too much, was to bring Frondier into the Zodiac.”
“… … “I thought it was a little strange that you agreed to that, but you were thinking about something really useless.”
“of course. Because the balance of the empire is important. “I didn’t predict that Her Majesty the Empress would object.”
Philly objected then. There were many reasons, but Philly’s real reason actually came from a very personal feeling.
If a child so young becomes a Zodiac, it is impossible to allow him to live a life appropriate for his age. Like Aten, I want to let Frontier live a life like a boy.
It was not the empire’s gaze, but the mother’s gaze and a sign of respect for Frontier.
Of course, since Fili could not tell the real reason, a Zodiac like Ludovic could not understand Fili’s objection.
At a time when the intentions of the imperial palace and Fili were inconsistent, this situation may have been predicted to some extent.
“And another thing is the suspicion that Frontier is the devil.”
This story is obviously dangerous. The war hero who saved the empire is not actually a human, but a demon who has been hostile from the beginning? If that suspicion spreads, it becomes impossible to stop thinking that even the victory of the war is being played by the devil.
Frondier is trying to break away from Roach’s family and create a power. Frontier was not a human but a demon.
Ludovic is afraid of the future that will come when these two things come together.
“… … “Stupid guy.”
“Speak as you please. “I am only loyal to the imperial palace.”
Hiss!
Lia Reese’s sword is pulled out in an instant and runs towards Ludovic’s neck.
Wow!
“Ugh!”
However, Ludovic is not the only one here.
There are other Zodiacs around him who have already completed their combat stances.
At the point where their skills are equal to Lili’s, her defeat is certain.
“Give up, Leah Reese. “Being quiet ends up not hurting.”
Lili looked around while half-listening to Ludovic’s words.
‘… … ‘The fact that this many people are moving around means that there is someone who is pushing things forward.’
The rumor was intentional and hastily created.
The enemy uses a deceptive strategy to put Lili in danger, and even tries to reach out to Frondier.
‘… … ‘Frondier.’
Lily sighs.
In any case, her connection with Frontier must be eliminated.
If we use this rumor right now, it is possible to end it with just her.
─The devil was Lili, not Frondier.
Because it is so true, only she can change it.
“good.”
Lili lowers her sword.
“I will surrender. “I tell you all the truth,”
“Leah Reese.”
A voice cuts her off.
It wasn’t Ludovic or any other zodiac.
Inside her miserable room, where the walls and ceiling had been blown away. To that place where the wind blows unexpectedly.
Behind Lily’s back.
“Stop talking arbitrarily.”
The man says.
Lili slowly turned her head and looked at that figure.
We shouldn’t meet here now,
But the man I so desperately wanted to meet was there.
All of the Zodiac confirm the identity, and tension fills the room.
“Frondier!”
Ludovic shouts. He drew his sword.
“Think carefully, Frondier. He probably knows your situation. Lili is not the only one under the devil’s suspicion. Rather, you are the most dangerous person to the empire.”
“… … .”
Frontier does not respond to those words.
Riri is also silent, but agrees with Ludovic.
Frontier is not in a situation where it can be reckless right now. When he tries to help Lili, who is now suspected of being a demon, Frondier’s suspicions become confirmed.
“… … Pron, dear.”
So Lili tried to speak.
Go back.
Why did you come here?
“… … you,”
“Leah Reese.”
But I’m afraid of the pain when I say those words.
I really only spoke up very briefly late.
“What are you doing?”
Frondier comes through that fleeting moment and tells Leah Lis.
“Come and kneel in front of me.”
“… … !”
Lily’s eyes widen at those words.
When I came to Ludovic, I opened my mouth in shock.
“Well, well, what are you saying…” … !”
Lili bit her lower lip tightly,
fluttering-
Spreading her wings, she reached in front of Frondier with a light leap.
I got down on one knee and lowered my posture in front of Frontier.
“Have you forgotten what I said?”
Frondier coldly looks down at Leah Lis.
“I won’t send you anywhere.”