"You fools! Our goal isn't here! Stop wasting time and follow me!!"
The high-ranking devil yelled, but the low-ranking devils continued their attack on Frondier as if they hadn't heard.
Frondier's hammer, crackling with lightning, swung repeatedly, scattering sparks and metal through the air.
The high-ranking devil's eyes flashed, their pupils turning red.
Frondier sensed something and looked at the high-ranking devil.
A pressure weighed down the atmosphere. As if struck by lightning, the low-ranking devils came to an abrupt halt.
"You've lost your minds."
The low-ranking devils, regaining their senses, stammered under the fierce gaze.
"N-no! Why, why are we here, I don't even..."
One of the devils, about to speak, was struck by the high-ranking devil's fist and sent flying. A loud sound ripped through the air, followed by a gruesome crunch as the devil collided with a rock on the ground.
"Shut up. All of you, follow me. Our business is with the Empire. We'll find all the devils hiding there, like picking out lice."
The high-ranking devil said, glancing briefly at Frondier. For a moment, a strange glint appeared in his eyes, but with the urgency of the situation, he turned away again.
The low-ranking devils followed him with terrified faces. Of course, the effects of Rafflesia were still in effect.
'That devil's power surpasses Rafflesia's!'
Moreover, Rafflesia's effect seemed to be completely nullified. Perhaps the devil's power was stronger than Frondier had anticipated.
'This is troublesome. I won't be able to stall for time . And those devils reaching the Empire is also a problem.'
He had been worried that the high-ranking devil's power might surpass Rafflesia's. He had believed it would have some effect, but if they were moving as if it were completely nullified, then Frondier's assumptions were completely wrong.
There was only one solution that came to mind immediately.
He had to use the devil's power himself.
However, while that would stop the Empire's war for the time being, Lunia would be in danger.
Marco would immediately question Frondier if he used the devil's power.
'Why didn't you use it from the beginning?'
When he realized that all of this was just Frondier's act, Marco wouldn't hesitate for a moment.
At that moment, a strange thought crossed Frondier's mind, and he looked at Marco.
From the moment the high-ranking devil arrived, Marco had become noticeably quiet.
Especially now that Frondier's safety was secured, it wouldn't be strange for Marco to approach him and speak. No, that would be normal.
But Marco continued to watch the high-ranking devil leave.
A brilliant idea struck Frondier, and he shouted at Marco.
"Alright, shall we continue our conversation? 'Marchosias'."
A natural thing to say to Marco. Neither too loud nor too soft. The timing was perfect, following a brief silence
It was a statement from Frondier that seemingly held no hidden agenda.
Except for one thing, the fact that he called Marco 'Marchosias'.
The high-ranking devil, who seemed like he wouldn't turn back, stopped abruptly.
He turned around and shifted his gaze to Marco, who was standing near Frondier.
The high-ranking devil's eyes widened as he recognized Marco's face.
Tsk, Marco clicked his tongue.
"Marchosias! You're here!"
Frondier shouted as he watched the approaching high-ranking devil, trying to identify his face.
From Marco's behavior, it was clear that the two knew each other.
Then how did they know each other? The answer could be found in the high-ranking devil's expression.
His face was filled with joy, as if he had met a long-lost family member. The high-ranking devil completely forgot about Frondier and descended until he was right in front of Marco.
Of course, the low-ranking devils, confused by the sudden change in their leader's behavior, simply hovered in the air and watched.
"You're alive! Marchosias!"
"....Ah, that's right."
"We all thought you were dead. Why didn't you come sooner? Ah, were you perhaps seriously injured?"
"....No, not really."
Marco averted his gaze. Both his avoidance of eye contact and his lack of honorifics were things Frondier had never seen before.
"Did this man hurt you?"
The high-ranking devil glared at Frondier, radiating killing intent. It seemed like he would immediately behead Frondier if Marco nodded.
"No, it's not like that."
"Marchosias. If something happened, tell me. We will all protect you. You know that, right?"
"....So it's not like that. This man is someone I will 'use'."
Marchosias emphasized the word 'use'. A word that devils seemed to particularly enjoy.
As expected, the high-ranking devil nodded in approval of Marco's words.
"No, this isn't the time. Marco, I'd like to catch up, but let's do it later. Let's go together!"