As Philly had anticipated, Robert took action.
However, it wasn't directed at the Imperial Palace.
And the action itself was unexpected, even by those involved.
Monty lowered his wooden weapon at the commotion outside.
Near him, Frondier was sprawled out on the ground.
Since starting at Constel, their weapon training time had drastically decreased, but it hadn't disappeared entirely.
Frondier had decided to learn different weapons on different days. Of course, training with Azier was also included.
"Rest for a moment, Frondier. It's noisy outside."
Frondier didn't move an inch, as if he didn't even have the energy to speak.
Monty chuckled and headed towards the mansion's main gate.
Monty doesn't usually have subordinates. He was also against taking disciples, but Frondier was the first exception.
It wasn't that he didn't want a disciple, but if he were to teach, he wanted to pass on his knowledge to only one truly deserving individual.
Therefore, the only one who could respond to the commotion outside the mansion was Monty himself.
Opening the door, Monty saw unfamiliar people dressed in familiar attire standing outside.
Imperial Knights. The moment he saw them, Monty's expression turned grim.
The man at the forefront of the knights spoke to Monty.
"Zodiac Monty, this is an Imperial order."
"Since when did 'Imperial order' become a word that could be uttered so lightly? By the likes of you?"
All Zodiacs, including Monty, are directly under the Empire. In other words, they follow the orders of the Imperial Palace.
However, the Zodiacs are not mere pawns who must do everything the Empire commands.
They are symbols of the Empire, the hope for pushing back the monsters outside and expanding humanity's territory.
Knowing their symbolic significance, the Empire also ensures that the number of Zodiacs is always maintained at twelve.
They only follow the Imperial Palace's orders in extremely limited situations. Like the last time, when the Emperor himself was in danger, or when a war threatening the entire Empire was imminent.
This is because they understand that the moment they turn their swords against the Empire, the very existence of the Imperial Palace would be at risk.
"Don't think I'll comply with whatever you want."
Monty muttered, his words laced with murderous intent.
The recent rumors circulating in the Empire. Naturally, Monty was also aware of them.
Moreover, since Monty was the one involved in the rumor about adopting Frondier, he couldn't help but be concerned about it.
'Rumors that should have been dismissed as jokes have been inflated, and now even the Imperial Palace is making a move.'
- Monty is trying to adopt Frondier.
Such baseless talk is something that a Zodiac like Monty receives countless times. Responding to each of those rumors would be an endless task.
However, among them, the rumor about Frondier, in particular, was not dispelled and instead became weaving with other rumors, growing even larger.
"You won't even get to see Frondier's face."
Monty warns the Imperial Knights.
Seeing this, the knight at the forefront quietly shakes his head.
"The Imperial order is not about Frondier."
The knight, remaining purely businesslike, takes out a rolled-up paper from his pocket and hands it to Monty.
Monty receives it and unfolds it.
Monty's eyes widen as he reads the contents written there.
"As it is written there, we require the power of Zodiac Monty."
Monty's face contorts in disgust.
It was unexpected, but the content was even more unpleasant than before.
"It's an order to protect Zodiac Ria Lis."
While the word is "protect," ultimately, what it implies is not so gentle.
"This Imperial order has already been conveyed to the other Zodiacs as well."
- Suspected of being a devil, capture and bring her in.
Monty couldn't believe the words written there and reread them several times.
The knight bows deeply.
"We are merely delivering the Imperial order. We will take our leave now. The decision is entirely up to you, Monty."
"If you're just delivering a message, why did you bring such a large force?"
"We will immediately move on to the next order."
"Heading to Ria Lis?"
The knight's silence speaks volumes. They simply bow their heads deeply and silently turn back, retracing their steps.
Monty crumples the paper in one hand and returns inside the mansion.
What should he do? Should he tell Frondier about this?
Frondier has a connection with Lily. He greeted her alongside Monty at Ludwig's house and even served as her temporary knight before becoming his disciple.
However, according to this Imperial order, Lily is currently suspected of being a devil, and the Zodiacs are moving to capture her.
Monty won't obey this order, but other Zodiacs might. A fellow Zodiac being a devil? There's no way they would just let it slide.
Moreover, among the Zodiacs, there's definitely one who would be loyal to any Imperial order.
'It wouldn't do any good for Frondier, who is currently under similar suspicion as Lily, to go there.'
Monty eventually tucks the paper into his pocket and heads towards the training ground.
Lily is someone he has some familiarity with, but Frondier is his disciple. It's clear who he needs to protect.
"Hey Frondier, how long are you going to lie around resting..."
Monty enters the training ground with feigned cheerfulness, but...
Frondier is not there.
He could have gone to the bathroom. It's a common need.
He might be exploring Monty's mansion. He hasn't had the chance to give him a proper tour due to their busy training schedule.
Or maybe he secretly ran away because the training was too hard.
Or perhaps he suddenly felt like playing hide-and-seek and is hiding somewhere.
Or maybe he's mastered invisibility magic and is waiting for the perfect moment to surprise attack Monty.
He might have done the most likely thing out of all the possibilities.