Chapter 435: The Academys Weapon Replicator

The Academy’s Weapon Replicator

Esther met with Aster.

Aster had prepared the proper documents, so there were no hiccups in meeting Esther.

That alone put Esther in a better mood. Aster was a much more proper man than that clueless, pitch-black brat.

“Greetings, my name is Aster Evans.”

Even his greeting was polite, already possessing a dignity comparable to a knight of the Imperial Palace.

Or maybe it was his looks. Whatever.

However, Aster didn’t come alone.

“Yes, you’ve gone through a lot. But who’s this next to you?”

“Greetings. My name is Dier Aigar, a second-year student at Constel.”

The unfamiliar boy bowed his head.

Esther tilted her head as she looked at Dier.

“A second-year at Constel? Two years behind Aster?”

“No. One year behind.”

“Aster, haven’t you graduated yet?”

“I’m about to.”

Aster replied with a wry smile.

He had already finished all his third-year classes. All that remained was to wait for the graduation ceremony.

Unlike Agoris, it was already winter here, and the end of the semester was just around the corner. It wouldn’t be wrong to say he had graduated.

“You’re both so stiff.”

“We apologize.”

“No, I meant it as a compliment. It’s not important if you’re stiff or not.”

Esther nodded, muttering something neither of them could understand. In fact, she herself was quite stiff.

Until recently, her principles kept getting bent, but not anymore.

“So, what brings you here? The continent’s hope and a prison don’t seem like a good match.”

“My apologies. This guy insisted on coming.”

Aster pointed at Dier.

This was unexpected for Esther. She thought it was definitely Aster’s own will. And that he had brought his junior along for the experience.

Dier spoke.

“Yes. There’s something I wanted to confirm. So I used Senior Aster’s name.”

“What a bold junior.”

At Esther’s words, Aster said,

“If my name can be of use, then use it. I trust Dier.”

“Indeed.”

Esther nodded in understanding at Aster’s words, and Dier’s eyes sparkled as if he was deeply moved.

“So what is it you want to confirm? It’s not about me, is it?”

“Yes. There’s a criminal I want to meet.”

“Who?”

“A devil called Marchosias. He’s imprisoned here, isn’t he?”

At those words, Esther’s eyes sank.

If it were any other civilian, she would have kicked them out for saying such a thing, but this was Aster.

This junior, Dier, seemed completely sincere judging by his tone and expression.

Of course, that didn’t mean she had to agree.

“Let’s hear you out first.”

At Esther’s words, Aster and Dier looked at each other. They seemed to have made up their minds and nodded.

“……Actually, it’s about Senior Frondier.”

[T/N: Lol]

“…….”

As soon as Esther heard the name ‘Frondier,’ her expression hardened. Or rather, it became grim. She tried to pretend otherwise, though.

“……What about that Frondier?”

Her voice came out very harsh.

Dier was a little intimidated but spoke resolutely.

“……Actually, he’s been branded as a devil and left the continent, but it’s closer to a false accusation……”

Esther lowered her head.

Both thumbs of her clasped hands were pressed against her temples.

Aster, a little flustered by the rapidly darkening mood, said,

“If you listen calmly, you’ll understand,”

“I know.”

“Yes?”

“I know it’s a false accusation.”

The two were surprised by Esther’s words. She knows? How?

And if she knows, why the gloomy atmosphere?

“It’s not so much that I know, but rather, it’s obvious considering the circumstances.”

Esther was one of the last people to meet Frondier before he was falsely accused of being a devil. Along with her brother, Azier.

She still remembered Frondier’s appearance when they met at this Morion. His annoyingly sly face, unpredictable behavior, and that wicked smile that didn’t suit a member of the Roach family.

But there was one thing she knew for sure.

Frondier was not a devil. He was more sincere than anyone else in eliminating the dangers in the Empire. Even more so than herself, the warden of this Morion.

However, apart from that,

“Frondier and I don’t get along. We’re like sworn enemies from a past life. Regardless of whether he’s right or wrong, I just don’t like him. Just thinking about him makes me angry.”

Of course, Frondier wouldn’t think that at all.

On the contrary, Frondier was showing her unconditional favor, which made her even more irritated.

“So what’s your point? You want me to acknowledge that Frondier was falsely accused?”

“N-no. That’s not it. As I said, the important thing is Marco.”

“Why that devil?”

“Actually, before Senior Frondier left the continent, he shared his vision with Teacher Malia.”

“……Malia. The matriarch of the Roach family. Sensory sharing is a famous bloodline magic.”

Esther didn’t think much of it at first, but then,

“……Wait, then right now…”

She realized what it meant and raised her head.

“Yes. Teacher Malia is receiving real-time information about the situation in the western continent, ‘Agoris.’”

This was a tacit promise between Frondier and Malia.

Frondier would show the Empire the unknown western continent through his eyes,

and Malia would share those eyes and acquire all the information.

Frondier didn’t know what Malia would do with the information she gained. He never decided such things. That was Malia’s job.

Therefore, he didn’t even mention it.

“According to Teacher Malia, devils have infiltrated Agoris deeper than we thought. The Empire has never imagined a world where devils exist, so it’s unimaginable, but things are very different there than we think.”

“Different? How different?”

Dier and Aster had heard about what Frondier had seen, what Malia had seen through their shared vision, and had compiled the information based on that.

They relayed this compiled information to Esther. The unstable elements of the Palma Kingdom, the possibility of deep devil infiltration, and the devil impersonating God.

“……So, how is that related to Marco, who’s currently in prison?”

“I believe there’s a high probability.”

“Why? According to our investigation, Marco is a servant of Satan. He’s been independent from the 72 Devils for a long time.”

Thud!

“That’s exactly why! Ah, no, I apologize.”

Dier unconsciously slammed his hand on the table and leaned forward. Esther was a little startled and leaned back, causing Dier to blush and straighten his posture.

“Why did Marco leave the 72 Devils and become Satan’s servant? We still don’t know the reason.”

“Well, that’s true. He won’t answer even if we ask him directly.”

Marco was a ‘devil who always tells the truth.’ He was also a devil who made you realize that ‘the truth isn’t always the truth.’

The fact that Marco, who was like that, remained silent and refused to answer meant that it was something he couldn’t answer carelessly.

“I think the reason is related to this incident.”

“You can’t tell just by hearing about it. Is it just a hunch?”

“No. I’m not Senior Frondier.”

Esther tilted her head at his words.

Why is Frondier coming up here?

“I’m saying this after careful consideration. But to prove it, I need that devil.”

“…….”

Esther silently looked at Dier.

From their conversation, she could tell he was a sharp thinker. He was similar to Frondier in that aspect.

Straightforward eyes, a face that seemed to wear innocence, gestures and tone overflowing with purity.

“……It’s a relief there aren’t two of them.”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. I’ll allow you to meet Marco. However, I’ll accompany you. He’s a devil, so we never know what he might do. He might try to deceive you with his devilish tongue.”

“That’s what we were hoping for! We feel reassured with you, Warden, by our side!”

Hmm, indeed.

Esther nodded. As expected, even at the same age as Frondier, there were kids who were this different. Yes, this was normal. Kids who weren’t even adults yet were supposed to be this honest, pure, and bright.

─Don’t worry. You always have good thoughts.

……Frondier had said something similar, anyway.

“But who’s going to talk to Marco?”

“Of course, I will!”

Dier answered confidently. Esther glanced at Aster.

As if asking, ‘Is it alright?’, Aster simply shrugged.

Instead, Aster said,

“I apologize for suddenly asking for this after hearing about the situation.”

“Don’t worry about it. I was hoping to meet you too, Aster Evans.”

“Me?”

“I thought that if there were more kids like you, there might be fewer criminals in the world.”

Then my work would be reduced too, hahaha. Esther laughed genuinely. However, Aster still wore a wry smile.

“I hope so.”

“If you work hard as a pro, I’m sure it will.”

“Lately, I’m afraid that might not be the case.”

Esther’s eyes widened slightly at his words. She soon understood what Aster meant. She asked discreetly,

“……Because of Frondier?”

“……Yes.”

Aster answered honestly.

“I’ve been thinking lately. That guy was falsely accused of being a devil and forced to leave the Empire, and as you know, Warden, the crime rate has been steadily increasing. The Empire seems peaceful, but there’s an undercurrent of unrest. Even if I become a pro and carry out my duties, I wonder if I can actually reduce crime, or if it will only increase…”

“You’re an idiot.”

Esther immediately replied.

“Even the pride of Constel is more of an idiot than I thought.”

“An idiot…”

“Don’t worry, it’s a compliment.”

“Was that a compliment too?”

“Of course. Being foolish is important.”

Esther said, looking at Dier.

“What do you think? Junior. Is Aster’s worry something to be concerned about?”

“……No.”

Dier spoke, gauging her reaction.

He couldn’t bring himself to say it when it was just him and Aster, but he couldn’t not answer when Esther asked.

“To be honest, the way Senior Frondier did things wasn’t really about reducing crime. It was much more radical and rough.”

“D-Dier.”

“And Senior Frondier probably knew that.”

Dier recalled what Frondier had said.

It wasn’t something he had said to Dier, but something Frondier had told Aster.

─I wasn’t there for them when it mattered. It was the same when Constel was attacked and during the field trip. I was too caught up in my own desires and didn’t look around.

Before the Manggot War broke out, Frondier had said this to Aster.

Dier, who was next to them, had also heard it.

It was clearly meant to convince Aster to take on the role of a leader, but Frondier was clearly aware of himself.

Frondier didn’t solve problems through leadership.

He wasn’t a hero who leads people and defeats evil.

Honestly, it seemed like Frondier didn’t care if his existence was known or not, as long as the problem was solved.

“……That senior, he always acts like a complete outsider.”

* * *

Marchosias. Marco, for short.

One of the 72 Devils, and currently a servant of Satan.

He had lost consciousness due to Frondier’s demonic power and was currently imprisoned in Morion.

As the three, led by Esther, arrived before him, Marco raised his head.

“Is it time?”

“Stop spouting meaningless nonsense.”

Esther’s attitude towards Marco was the complete opposite of how she treated Aster and Dier.

“Oh, you’re familiar.”

Marco smiled brightly, looking at Aster and Dier.

At first glance, it was a clear, cloudless smile, which made it all the more creepy.

“Hello.”

Dier bowed politely. He acted exactly the same as when he had met Esther.

“We’re here because we have some questions.”

“…….”

Marco stared silently at Dier. As if he had made up his mind after some thought, his expression, which had stiffened slightly, soon softened kindly.

“Sure, what do you want to ask?”

“What was the reason you broke away from the 72 Devils and became a servant of Satan?”

Esther, who was standing behind him, was taken aback by the question.

As if he would answer a question like that.

“Well. Why do you think?”

As expected, Marco had no intention of answering.

Dier blinked slowly and then asked,

“Was the ‘war’ that Baal mentioned referring to a war against God?”

“……What?”

Marco stared at Dier, wondering what he had just heard.

“Baal seemed eager to fight God. Why is that?”

“…….”

Marco stared at Dier, dumbfounded, unable to even blink.

Dier tilted his head as if he didn’t understand why.

Of course, Baal had never said such a thing to Dier.

In fact, he had never even uttered such words.

Dier was making things up right now.

Against a devil, no less.