“...What do you mean, Frondier?”
Philly asked back, feigning composure.
“We found out who the culprit is, and they have already fled. The case is resolved, so why are you saying such things?”
I didn't know how to respond.
Philly just continued speaking.
“Public opinion of the Imperial citizens? We can somehow resolve that by explaining the situation. If we gather all the Zodiacs and explain the situation to them, they will...”
“Don't call me that!!”
“I've wanted to say this for a while, but Frondier, your rudeness is beyond the pale! Do you even realize? I am the Empress of this Empire. You keep forgetting who I am and calling me like that! If I set my mind to it, I can do anything within this Empire!”
“Calming this situation is easy for me! I can turn it back as if nothing happened! You, who aren't even in the Imperial Palace, what do you even know...!”
Philly's shoulders trembled.
If Philly pushes herself a little, it might be possible to somehow calm this situation.
But that shouldn't happen.
“...The Zodiacs have already announced information about me to the Empire. Now, Lily and I are officially 'devils' in the Empire. By now, that information is probably spreading rapidly among the citizens.”
“That's why I'm saying I'll take care of that too! I'll talk to the Zodiacs separately, and if the Imperial Palace announces it again...”
Philly earnestly tries to persuade me.
She probably knows too. How absurd what she's saying is.
Even knowing that, Philly keeps talking.
I couldn't watch that sight for long.
If she sets her mind to it, everything within the Empire truly becomes possible.
What she's saying right now isn't entirely impossible.
But no matter what method is used,
“Blood will be shed, Ms. Philly.”
“Most of the Zodiacs are already convinced that I am a devil. The Imperial Palace's gag order won't work on the Zodiacs. Even if it does, that crack will appear soon.”
Before coming here, I had already dealt with several Zodiacs.
At that time, I had already made up my mind.
I showed them a sight of being overwhelmed by the Zodiacs' combined attack and fleeing hastily with my tail between my legs.
Ludovic, who faced me head-on, seemed to feel a sense of dissonance, but the other Zodiacs probably wouldn't.
I had no intention of seriously injuring any of them. The Empire still needs them now.
“If a rebellion arises from the Zodiacs and the Empire splits into two factions because of it, then it truly becomes irreversible.”
That must have been the final picture Odin wanted. Me resisting to the end and making a mess of the Empire.
That's probably why he made a displeased expression when he saw my face.
Philly bit her lip and looked at me.
“How can you have that kind of face?”
“Do you know what you're saying right now? Do you think it will just end with the story of you being a devil? Not only will you be expelled from the Empire, but everything you've done so far will be denied! Saving the Empire from the devils, even risking your life to protect the Empire in the war, all of it! People will despise you, saying it was all a ploy for the devils to cause trouble! So how!”
Ha, Philly sighs at my words. With that, her tears flow down.
“Ms. Philly, you know me.”
“Frondier... Frondier!”
“Everything just goes back to the way it was.”
The main contributor to the war victory, the hero of the Empire, the second hope.
Though it was short, I had been adorned with such excessive titles.
At one point, I felt wronged for being Frondier.
Even though it wasn't my laziness or my fault, I was being punished.
Still, as time passed, I resolved to endure it, but...
‘...Huhu. Even that resolution was too much.’
I may have taken the punishment that Frondier was supposed to receive, but...
I never felt the contempt he received while he was accumulating sins.
Since I said I would pay Frondier's debt, I still have a debt remaining.
“...You're laughing again. Frondier.”
My laughter isn't forced.
My heart truly, completely created a smile.
Right now, Philly is in front of me.
The Empress of the Empire.
A colleague who has repeatedly examined each other's hearts, bluffed, conspired, and cooperated to become trustworthy.
If it weren't for Philly, I would be in an even worse situation than this.
Because Philly figured out Robert's identity, it stopped here.
We were able to end things without anyone shedding blood.
“I'm glad you're here, Ms. Philly.”
I may not be in the Empire anymore, but...
Philly is still here.
With her authority and the Empire's well-being undiminished, right here.
“That's why I can laugh.”
“...Are you really leaving? Because you don't want to hurt anyone in the Empire, you're going to take the blame for a crime Frondier didn't commit?”
“Well, it's not entirely a crime that doesn't exist.”
I looked at Lily. She was avoiding my gaze as if it was difficult to meet my eyes.
At that sight, I chuckled.
“It's not entirely wrong that I am a devil.”
“I entrust the Empire to you, Ms. Philly.”
I bowed deeply to Philly.
“...And, please take care of Aten.”