As promised, Frondier returned to the Imperial Palace within 24 hours.
Several of the Zodiacs erupted in fury upon seeing him, but Ludovic and Empress Philly intervened.
Most of the Zodiacs, including Ludovic, bore wounds on their faces and bodies.
It seemed they had argued over secretly releasing Frondier from prison. Considering the rotating guard system, it was inevitable that they would be discovered.
Frondier was once again shackled, this time under the surveillance of the Zodiacs excluding Ludovic.
Of course, among them were those friendly to him, such as Osprey, Ludwig, and Monty.
During his tedious time in prison, Frondier was able to pass the time by conversing with them.
And after a few days, the day before his exile...
He thought it might be the next Zodiac on duty, but the figure who appeared before the prison was someone entirely different.
Recognizing Bartello's face, Frondier bowed his head.
There was no one near Bartello, not even the Zodiac who was supposed to be on guard. Bartello must have sent them all away.
Frondier lifted his head as instructed. The expression on his face sent chills down Bartello's spine.
Frondier was leaving the Empire. As if it were his own choice, he was calm and composed, even appearing refreshed.
After observing his face for a moment, Bartello let out a deep sigh.
"I have shown you an unsightly side of myself."
"That is not the case."
Bartello was being threatened by Odin, who had possessed Sale.
Even in Sale's form, it was nearly impossible for Odin to deceive Bartello. He had the eyes that had identified the curse of Sloth the moment he saw Frondier as a baby.
Odin judged that a more forceful approach would be effective against Bartello, and his judgment was accurate.
The exact nature of the threat was unknown, but it wasn't difficult to guess. Even with just Sale's life on the line, it would be difficult for Bartello to oppose a God.
However, at the same time, Bartello reached a realization.
'Odin sees Frondier as an enemy and has taken action. I didn't expect him to move so openly. Does that mean Frondier is such a threat to a God now?'
Amidst the chaos in the Empire, Bartello alone remained clear-headed.
Now that he knew Odin was behind it, all the public opinion surrounding Frondier was nothing but nonsense.
Frondier, who had led the Empire to victory in the war against Manggot. Bartello didn't know why Odin was targeting Frondier, but he knew exactly who had saved the Empire.
At this moment, the Emperor of the Empire resolved to oppose a God.
Bartello was following Odin's orders, but his aim was different.
'The worst-case scenario is Frondier's death.'
Bartello considered Frondier's death as the absolute worst outcome, even worse than the Empire being divided and fighting amongst itself. Odin was even considering killing Frondier if possible. He had to prevent that.
There was only one way.
"It was my decision to send Robert to Morion. To be precise, I led Odin to give that order."
"So you arranged for Robert and Hagley to meet, making me and my allies realize that the Imperial Palace was involved."
"Yes. Whether it was Azier or Warden Esther, it didn't matter. It was the only way to make the target point towards us while agreeing to Odin's plan."
Of course, at the time, Bartello didn't expect Frondier to step in instead of Azier.
He didn't know that Hagley had a way to mentally break Azier. He never thought Azier would even have the concept of 'wavering'.
Under Odin's surveillance, the chances of Azier or Esther discovering the Imperial Palace's involvement were slim. But Bartello had no choice but to hope for it.
"In the end, it worked out well. You, of all people, figured it out."
"What would have happened if I hadn't figured it out?"
"Needless to say, an all-out war between the Zodiacs. And further, the division of the Empire. Restraining Ria Lis would have been secondary to tying your hands. You have many people to protect. Just like you tried to save Ria Lis this time, you would have moved if someone else was in danger."
Restraining Ria Lis was Odin's final insurance in case Philly realized Robert was an enemy.
As a result, Frondier's exile from the Empire was confirmed, but conversely, it ended there.
"Frondier, forgive me. You must leave the Empire."
"What is there for me to forgive? Your Majesty has shown me unparalleled consideration. I am only grateful."
At least in preventing the Empire's division, Frondier and Bartello shared the same goal.
Bartello looked at him and said,
"...I have nothing but apologies and gratitude for you. If there is anything I can do for you, please tell me. I will do my best."
The power of the Emperor, no less. He could do anything within this Empire.
"There are two things."
"First, after exiling me, please send me to Manggot. I want to examine the ancient language there."
"...You can read the ancient language?"
"I apologize, but yes."
Bartello's eyes widened.
He had already received a report regarding that, from his brother, Azier. The report stated that there was a possibility Frondier could decipher the ancient language and requested confirmation.
"Did you foresee this after meeting Hagley?"
"It was just a hope that it would be possible."
Huh-huh. Bartello chuckled. It had been a long time since he had been so impressed.
"Alright. It's not a difficult request. Then, what is the second thing?"
Frondier was leaving the Empire. He himself was thinking of leaving this continent, and Manggot was on the western coast. It was a suitable location to send him.
Frondier bowed his head in gratitude and said,
"...The second thing is,"