Feeling the uncomfortably strong breeze in her own room, she says to those before her,
"I just had this mansion repaired."
Intruders suddenly barged into Lily's mansion.
For Lily, who had been conducting her own investigation regarding Frondier's recent incident, it was an unexpected attack.
Moreover, the moment she confirmed the identity of the intruders, she felt as if she had been struck in the head.
Whether their entrance, which involved blowing away the walls and ceiling of her room, could be called a "visit" is debatable.
"You're too noisy, Ludovic."
"An Imperial order has been issued to bring you in. Lily, you are suspected of being a devil."
"Then just bring me in, why did you have to blow up my poor mansion?"
Ludovic shakes his head at her words.
"There's no way you would just come along quietly."
"...You already believe it, don't you?"
Seeing Ludovic's words and actions, Lily realizes.
Ludovic is almost certain that Lily is a devil. He has already become a complete enemy, aiming to capture her.
To him, the state of Lily's mansion wouldn't be a significant concern.
"From the beginning, I thought you were suspicious."
Ludovic's murderous intent is intense, yet at the same time, chillingly calm.
He must have been honing that murderous intent for a long time. His initial suspicion is not a bluff.
Lily pulls at the corner of her mouth. It's a somewhat forced smile.
"I thought Frondier would be in trouble, but it turns out I'm the one in danger."
"...It's not that different. Everything is connected, Ria Lis."
The picture Ludovic has painted in his head is probably that Frondier and Lily were devils from the beginning and were in cahoots with each other.
Now, it's not just Monty, his teacher, who is targeting Frondier.
Many nobles are already coveting Frondier, and it doesn't seem like Enfer will participate in the raid, judging by his past actions.
'So, the Imperial Palace is wary of Frondier and fears the creation of a faction centered around him.'
"Ludovic, are you really going to believe such nonsense circulating in the Empire?"
"This isn't a matter of probability, Ria Lis. It's a matter of risk. There are currently two main suspicions surrounding Frondier. Both are dangerous stories."
One of those suspicions.
Frondier is trying to leave the Roach family.
Whether he joins another family, creates his own, or if Roach wasn't a family to begin with, the main point is that Frondier will no longer be a Roach.
Roach isn't just any famous family. It boasts overwhelming recognition and prestige, even among the top prestigious families in the Empire. Before Frondier rose to his current position, Roach was already at the pinnacle.
Enfer, the iron wall that never allowed monster invasions. His son, Azier, who had already shown exceptional talent as a pro and an Imperial Knight.
These two alone were enough for Roach to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Zodiacs, and the general consensus was that they had already surpassed them.
However, with the emergence of Frondier, the precarious balance that had been barely maintained was shattered.
Winning the war was a joyous occasion, but from the Empire's perspective, the concentration of power in one family is extremely dangerous.
"The only thing the Empire could do was to somewhat forcefully include Frondier among the Zodiacs."
"...It's a bit strange that you agreed to that, it turns out you were thinking about something so pointless."
"Of course. The Empire's balance is important. I didn't anticipate that Her Majesty the Empress would oppose it."
Philly opposed it at the time. There were various reasons, but Philly's true reason stemmed from a deeply personal sentiment.
She didn't want a child that young to become a Zodiac and be deprived of a life suitable for his age. Like Aten, she wanted Frondier to live a life befitting a young boy.
It wasn't the perspective of the Empire, but the perspective of a mother and a sign of respect towards Frondier.
Of course, Philly couldn't reveal her true reason, so Zodiacs like Ludovic couldn't understand her opposition.
With the Imperial Palace and Philly's intentions misaligned, this situation was somewhat predictable.
"And the other suspicion is that Frondier is a devil."
This story is naturally dangerous. The war hero who saved the Empire is actually not human, but a devil they've been fighting against all along? If that suspicion spreads, even the victory of the war will be seen as a manipulation by the devils.
Frondier, who is trying to leave the Roach family and build his own power. Frondier, who was not human but a devil.
Ludovic fears the future that will come when these two are combined.
"Say whatever you want. I'm just loyal to the Imperial Palace."
Ria Lis's sword is drawn in an instant and lunges towards Ludovic's neck.
However, Ludovic is not alone.
Other Zodiacs, already in combat stances, surround him.
With their skills on par with Lily's, her defeat is inevitable.
"Give up, Ria Lis. Staying quiet will ensure a painless end."
Lily half-ignores Ludovic's words and scans her surroundings.
'...The fact that this many people are involved means that there's someone behind the scenes pushing this.'
The rumors were intentional and fabricated.
The enemy is trying to put Lily in danger through deception and further extend their reach to Frondier.
She needs to sever the connection between her and Frondier, somehow.
If she uses this rumor well, she can end it with just herself.
- The devil wasn't Frondier, but Lily.
Since it's the truth, only she can make this switch.
Lily lowers her sword.
"I'll surrender. I'll tell you the whole truth..."
A voice interrupts her.
It's neither Ludovic nor any other Zodiac.
In her room, with its walls and ceiling blown away, where the wind incongruously blows in,
"Don't speak nonsense."
Lily slowly turns her head and sees him.
The man she shouldn't meet here,
Yet the one she desperately wanted to see, is standing there.
All the Zodiacs tense up, filling the room with a thick atmosphere as they recognize him.
Ludovic shouts, drawing his sword.
"Think carefully, Frondier. You should be aware of your situation. You're not the only one suspected of being a devil. In fact, you're the most dangerous threat to the Empire."
Frondier doesn't respond to his words.
Lily also stays silent, but she agrees with Ludovic.
This isn't the time for Frondier to act rashly. If he tries to help Lily, who is currently suspected of being a devil, the suspicion towards him will turn into certainty.
That's why Lily was about to say it.
Why did you come here?
But she's afraid of the pain that will come with saying those words.
She was just a moment too late in speaking.
"What are you doing?"
Frondier cuts in during that brief moment and declares to Ria Lis,
"Come before me and kneel."
Lily's eyes widen at his words.
Ludovic is left speechless in shock.
"Wha, wha, what are you saying right now...!"
Lily bites her lower lip tightly,
She spreads her wings and with a light leap, reaches Frondier's side.
She kneels on one knee and lowers her posture before him.
"Have you already forgotten my words?"
Frondier coldly looks down at Ria Lis.
"I won't send you anywhere."