The Power of the Devil (2)

Frondier stood up after confirming that Olivier was completely dead.

‘This is troublesome.’

Of course, Frondier had no intention of killing Olivier. His goal was to control him, after all.

Olivier had close connections with most of the hidden devils in the Empire, especially those involved in criminal activities. If he could be subdued, the next steps would be easier.

But he ended up killing him. Unintentionally, of course.

‘What exactly is this ‘power of the devil’?’

The sensation he just felt was similar to when he defeated the lump of evil spirits.

In other words, Frondier's soul touched the opponent's soul.

‘They say devils recognize others by the shape of their souls. The power of the devil is ultimately an attack on the soul.’

That's why the power of the devil appears as a ‘mental attack’ on the surface. Just like Belphegor's ‘Sloth’ or Lilith’s ‘Charm’.

Since it's a force applied to the soul, it's separate from the physical body.

‘If I really used the power of the devil just now, wouldn't other humans be able to use it too?’

Theoretically, it would be possible. It is an undeniable fact that Frondier is human. In other words, other humans, strong or weak, might also be able to use the power of the devil.

However, Frondier has experience with Laurie's astral projection, accepting mana from another world, and defeating a lump of evil spirits and absorbing mana. Therefore, he has a clear understanding of his own soul.

‘Humans haven't been able to use this power so far because the conditions weren't met. Devils were able to use it, so they did. If that's why it's called the ‘power of the devil’…’

This power might have been wrongly called the ‘power of the devil’ from the beginning.

“Anyway.”

Frondier, who had organized his thoughts, sighed.

Since Olivier was dead, he had to find the next highest-ranking devil.

“Can I control the strength of this?”

He was having a concern that no devil had ever had before.

* * *

Empress Philly was feeling truly relaxed for the first time in a while.

Of course, the Empire was still busy with post-war recovery, but the burden on Philly's own shoulders had been greatly reduced.

The biggest reason for this was, of course, Emperor Bartello's recovery.

Bartello, freed from the curse of sloth, had regained his health almost to the level of his prime, and naturally, he was able to faithfully carry out his duties.

Originally, Philly's power was strong because she was taking on the tasks that Bartello should have been doing, so she was surrounded by heavy responsibilities as much as she had strong influence.

“If this continues, my daughter Sale’s ascension to the throne will be delayed a bit.”

Therefore, Philly was able to leisurely stroll through the Imperial Palace during her free time and even contemplate new concerns.

Originally, the Empire was preparing to welcome Sale, the new Empress.

Bartello's weakness showed no signs of improvement, and there was a limit to Philly taking on all the duties alone.

But now Bartello was back on his feet, and Sale wasn't particularly interested in the throne.

Bartello didn't oppose Sale becoming Empress, but he thought it was still too early.

“Maybe I should have a family gathering after a long time. If I bring Aten and have a leisurely chat, I think the order will be decided.”

Philly, who was trying to resolve the issue of succession to the throne through a family gathering. As expected, her way of thinking was different from ordinary people.

As Philly strolled through the Imperial Palace, admiring the outside scenery,

A man dressed as a servant slowly approached and bowed to her.

“...Your Majesty, I have something to report.”

Philly frowned deeply at the sight.

“You're crossing the line, aren't you? You and I are not supposed to know each other officially. You should know that well.”

“I apologize. It's a truly important report.”

The man spoke in a trembling voice. He seemed to know that he was crossing the line, but he had something to convey no matter what.

Meanwhile, Philly scanned the man with cold eyes.

‘...He managed to reach me without being noticed by anyone on his way here.’

Naturally, the place where Philly was walking was a space within the Imperial Palace with sufficient security. No one could enter, and if they did, they would be immediately caught by the Imperial Knights and punished.

‘The Shadow Unit's stealth skills have improved. To the point where they could aim for my neck if they changed their minds.’

As Philly thought, the person who approached her was a direct descendant of the Shadow Unit. The current leader of the Shadow Unit was dead.

He was one of those caught up in Satan's contract. And with the war breaking out shortly after, the Shadow Unit was still in disarray.

“Alright. This isn't the place to talk, is it?”

The man silently nodded at her words. Philly walked ahead.

She opened the door to the reception room and sat down, and the man spoke while standing.

“I apologize for speaking out of turn. I will report immediately.”

“Alright. I prefer that too.”

“First, a report on Frondier de Roach.”

Philly tilted her head. Frondier? She didn't remember ordering an investigation on him.

“There have been many suspicious aspects to his behavior since the last incident.”

“...Hmm.”

A smile naturally spread across Philly's lips. As if to say, ‘Go on, tell me more,’ she laughed.

“What's suspicious? Are you talking about the incident regarding Lady Ameline's escort?”

“...Yes. Since then, Frondier has been attending aristocratic banquets while taking on the role of Lilith's knight.”

“Is that strange? That's what Lilith always has her knights do.”

“Unlike other knights, Frondier only participates in banquets. And it seems like he chooses to attend only the banquets of high-ranking nobles.”

Philly was indifferent to that as well. Honestly, she thought, ‘Well, that could be the case.’

Lilith's knights are often treated like props to boost the egos of nobles or as hosts for young ladies.

Naturally, there are many such tasks, and for someone like Frondier, requests from high-ranking nobles could be pouring in.

There wasn't anything particularly strange about it, but the Shadow Unit seemed to have judged it as suspicious and acted accordingly, so it was only natural that Philly found it absurd.

“So, is there something wrong with that movement?”

“Just a few days ago, there was an incident where a large number of devils flocked to a banquet hall.”

“Ah, that. I heard Frondier and Lady Elodie took care of them.”

“Yes. That's why our Shadow Unit investigated the concern that Frondier might be colluding with the devils...”

Swoosh!

The man's words were cut off by an ice blade slicing through the air. Needless to say, it was Philly's magic.

The ice blade grazed the man's cheek and embedded itself in the wall, followed by Philly's voice, sharper than the blade.