The Devil (7)

...You almost got done in?

Monty echoed my words, his voice laced with disbelief. His expression was as if I had just told a joke.

Well, considering the state of the battlefield, it might seem like I had the upper hand against the enemies, and that wouldn't be entirely wrong.

Of course, I was prepared to handle this number of demons. I even conducted tests against them while being mindful of my remaining mana.

However, I still couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be the end.

Mizonas probably doesn't know about this situation.

The demon currently fighting Azier must have been confident that his subordinates would quickly emerge and either eliminate the Metamorph or kill me. He'd be eagerly awaiting that report.

But then, the question arises, how did Mizonas even know that the Metamorph and I had met in the first place?

Would he have the leisure to keep an eye on the entire palace while being busy fighting Azier?

...No way.

In other words, there's someone else behind the scenes observing this fight. The demon Mizonas mentioned serving, Satan. He's probably the one watching this situation unfold.

I'll withdraw from here. I'm reaching my limit.

...Your limit?

Lily questioned, mirroring Monty's expression.

I shook my head with a weary look.

Yes. These guys are endless. I'm almost completely exhausted. I trust that the rest will be handled by the Zodiacs.

With that, I turned and walked back towards the palace.

Hey, wait! You! You just slaughtered a mountain of demons and you're saying you're exhausted?!

Lily's incredulous voice reached me from behind.

Of course I'm exhausted after killing so many. I'm just a student of Constel!

I said, quickening my pace as I left the scene.

Naturally, I couldn't maintain the pretense of exhaustion while escaping.

First, I need to meet Philly.

Whether it's truly Satan who is giving orders to Mizonas and observing the situation, I don't know.

But if my prediction is correct, he can't see the entire picture.

If Satan could see every detail within the palace, he wouldnt have fallen for Aziers prison guard disguise trick. Pitting Azier against his own subordinate was an incredibly foolish choice.

There's probably a trigger. Like when I first met Thanatos.

Just like how Thanatos appeared when I successfully materialized Weaving, there must be some kind of trigger here as well.

Perhaps the condition is the Metamorph and I making contact.

If so, then amidst the chaos of the battlefield with demons appearing in droves and Mizonas fighting Azier, this is the most opportune time to deceive the demon's eyes.

Now the picture is starting to become clearer.

I felt the previously blurry pieces gradually connecting with each other through the progress made so far.

Alright.

I arrived at Bartello's bedroom. Philly would probably be here.

Knock knock-

It's Frondier. I'm back.

I spoke through the door after a light knock.

From inside the room, the emperor's voice granted permission to enter.

As I opened the door,

Stop right there.

The three Zodiacs waiting in the bedroom all pointed their swords at me. Of course, Ludovic was there too.

Frondier, you must have expected this to happen since you left the room, right?

Ludovic spoke in a tense voice.

Prove that you are Frondier.

.

I pondered Ludovic's words for a moment.

They were suspecting that I might be a fake. I was the one who brought up the possibility of the Metamorph transforming into me and returning here.

Before I could do anything, Ludovic added,

Just in case, I'm telling you that proving yourself with abilities or strength won't work. We don't know the limits of the monster's learning capabilities. It might have even copied your skills.

He was right. That monster would likely be able to replicate most powers.

...Well, it hasn't learned Falling edge yet, but even if I showed them that, they wouldn't believe me.

This is troublesome.

Proving myself without using my abilities. It was more difficult than I thought. I hadn't considered it when I left, but I realized anew how hard it was to prove my identity to these people I had only recently met.

...Ah.

Just as I was internally struggling, my gaze fell upon Philly.

Philly was looking at me with a beaming smile. Playfulness overflowed from that smile.

'Do you know what I'm about to do?' Philly's eyes seemed to say, and then her lips parted gently.

Oh, no way.

Frondier.

Yes, Your Majesty.

As I responded, Philly's eyes turned cold.

He's a fake. Kill him. [T/N: Those who didnt get it on first try (like me), hes a fake since he didnt call her Philly.]

Ludovic's eyes widened.

Is that true?!

Wait a minute!

This damn...

Even I wouldn't have the guts to go that far.

Not only Philly but also the Zodiacs were here, and above all, above all else, Emperor Bartello was lying there. And he wasn't even asleep; his head was tilted to the side, watching me.

Here?

Seriously?

Frondier, Ludovic just said it. Prove yourself. I'm giving you a chance.

Philly's tone and voice were stern, but her eyes were still holding back laughter.

I had just come back from fighting demons, and there was a little devil in the room, smiling menacingly.

Sigh. I closed my eyes. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

And then I inhaled again, hesitated to speak, hesitated again, and then finally,

Philly.

I ended up saying it.

In front of the Zodiacs.

In front of the emperor.

Wha, what. You, Fron, you just, what, what did you say?

He's real. Come in, Frondier.

Ignoring Ludovic, who was so surprised he was stuttering, Philly approached with a bright smile. She even took my hand and led me inside.

Mmm. As expected, when I meet Frondier, I have to hear that once. It makes me feel young again.

Is that so.

I feel like I'm aging right now.

Ha, have you lost your mind? Frondier?

It seems that way.

Ludovic's words, barely regaining his composure, were quite accurate.

Frondier.

And then a heavy voice pierced me.

I looked at Emperor Bartello, feeling incredibly tense.

I feel like I just received justification to execute you on the spot whenever I want. What do you think?

I have nothing to say.

If you don't want to be executed, you'll naturally work hard for the Empire, right?

I will dedicate my body and soul to being of service to this country.

Hmm, that's how it should be. That's how it absolutely should be.

What is this.

A couple's scam?