At that moment, a single sentence interrupted Frondier's thoughts.
"I can't accept that. Frondier-ssi needs a healer. So I'll go with you..."
"Absolutely not, Aten."
Frondier replied immediately.
His expression, tone, and everything else were a complete rejection with no room for compromise.
Aten furrowed her brows and spoke again.
"...I won't hold you back. I've grown a lot too."
"That's not what I'm talking about. I know you wouldn't hold me back."
"You're the princess, Aten. If you follow me, the chaos in the Empire will reach its peak."
Even now, there was debate among the citizens of the Empire.
Mostly, the story of Frondier being a devil was spreading due to the clear eyewitness accounts of the Zodiacs, so most people believed it. However, there were still people who opposed it.
That's how vivid Frondier's achievements and the scene of him defeating Belphegor remained in the eyes of the Empire's people.
"Aten, I have to leave as a clear enemy of the Empire. That's the only way the Empire will be safe."
"...What does that even mean?"
"What do you mean the person who cares most about the Empire has to leave as its enemy?"
"I can't accept that. It doesn't make sense. I can't just stand by and watch an innocent person be ridiculed and blamed for a crime they didn't commit!"
Aten's voice grew louder, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Her intense reaction, which she rarely showed.
The pure white princess couldn't accept this situation at all.
"I'll follow you! Frondier-ssi, even if there's chaos, people need to know what's right! Even if it takes some time, if I'm by your side..."
Suddenly, Aten embraced Frondier, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist as if she would never let go.
With her eyes tightly shut, she said.
"Take me with you! I won't be a burden! We promised, remember? I said I would always follow you! So..."
A faint light emanated from Aten's body. For a moment, her focus blurred, and her body lost strength.
Aten collapsed to the floor.
Frondier turned his gaze to see Lunia with her hand outstretched.
"It's a sleep spell. Sorry if I interfered."
Frondier lifted the sleeping Aten and sat her down.
Watching him, Lunia muttered.
"...You know, I honestly wished you were a devil."
"Then I could just fight alongside everyone without thinking. We're good, and Frondier is bad. It's simple and easy to understand, right?"
Frondier laughed. He understood what Lunia was trying to say.
"...But it didn't turn out that way."
"Sorry. If I become enemies with you guys here, I won't survive."
Aster, Elodie, Sybil, and Osprey were all present.
Of course, Frondier wasn't a devil, but even if he were, he couldn't say so in this situation.
"Maybe I really am a devil."
"That's really mean of you to say that."
Lunia turned her head, her gaze landing on Elodie.
"...Elodie, don't you have anything to say?"
Everyone here was concerned about Elodie, who had been silently keeping her mouth shut until now.
Unlike the others, Elodie didn't frown or get angry while listening to Frondier's story. She was the only one who remained calm amidst everyone's anger.
Hearing Lunia's words, Elodie opened her mouth for a moment and then hummed.
Then, rolling her eyes, she said.
It was a rather awkward thing to say in this place, in this situation.
Then, Elodie shook her head and turned her back.
"Sorry. My thoughts aren't organized. I'll talk later."
With that, Elodie walked slowly and opened the classroom door.
Behind her back, Lunia spoke once more.
"Later? Frondier is leaving soon."
As if that was a proper answer, Elodie just said that and stepped out of the classroom.
"...What's with her? She's being cold."
Lunia said, sounding confused.
Frondier also didn't feel like she was being "cold," but he couldn't understand Elodie's intentions.
Did she not want to say goodbye, or was it a grand display of trust, believing that he would definitely return, so there was no need for goodbyes?
"...Then I'll be going."
Frondier said to everyone.
If that was Elodie's will, he couldn't do anything about it. He also intended to come back for sure, so that was fine too.
"Aster, I'm leaving everyone to you."
"So it's come to this."
Aster smiled bitterly.
Frondier had a similar expression.
Aster, the hope of the Empire, and Frondier, the devil.
The two who could never coexist, and shouldn't.
"The Empire will see us as rivals from now on."
"No matter what path we walk, they'll see it as an extension of that."
They both nodded in agreement with each other's words.
And coincidentally, they spoke at the same time.
"That might be a bit fun."