Bonus chapter thanks to @Grav and @Geoffrey from Ko-fi!
The Empire had its shadows.
The individuals Frondier had encountered before still operated under the Empire’s veil.
“…Frondier de Roach?”
Among them, Laurie, whose rank had risen due to successful mission completions, questioned her subordinate’s report.
Laurie had achieved significant merit by completing the previous mission to investigate the Helheim fragment.
Even the fragment’s destruction was attributed to their accomplishments.
As a member of the shadows, she regretted not uncovering its true nature before its destruction. However, it was only natural to acknowledge their contribution to the Empire’s safety and peace.
“Yes. I heard he’s participating in the event at the Imperial Palace to celebrate the success of the joint operation. I’ve confirmed the list.”
Laurie lowered her eyes at her subordinate’s words and pondered deeply.
Frondier was a figure shrouded in as much secrecy as the shadows. And he was extremely reluctant to reveal himself.
For such a person to head to the Imperial Palace…
Just what kind of change of heart could have occurred—
“It seems Her Majesty the Empress actively supported it.”
“Ugh.”
Laurie’s thoughts were completely thrown off. Well, with the Empress’s support, there was no way Frondier could refuse.
Then why would the Empress show that much interest in Frondier…?
“Please be careful, Lady Laurie. While it’s good to continue monitoring Frondier, there are quite a few in the upper ranks who are suspicious of you.”
“…Hmm.”
“The shadows consider Frondier the biggest opening to draw Enfer into the center. They support you knowing that.”
“I know.”
Although Laurie answered that way, she was aware that the shadows were wrong this time.
Frondier wasn’t some gap in Enfer. He might have been in the past, but not now.
She understood why the upper echelons of the shadows were salivating at Frondier’s visit to the Imperial Palace this time, but it probably wouldn’t be as easy as they thought.
“But it’s unexpected that His Majesty allowed it.”
“…I think so too.”
Seeing her subordinate nod, Laurie thought.
‘I heard Frondier has never been to the Imperial Palace except as a baby. Emperor Bartello vehemently opposed it.’
Of course, Philly had secretly brought him to the palace, but that wasn’t an official visit, and Laurie didn’t know about it.
“Even with Her Majesty’s support, it’s strange that His Majesty, who would normally have strongly opposed it, agreed.”
No one in the Imperial Palace knew why Bartello disliked Frondier.
However, many nobles had witnessed him yelling at the infant Frondier in the throne room.
After the angered Enfer left with his wife and child, Frondier hadn’t set foot in the Imperial Palace until now.
“With so much time passed, perhaps His Majesty’s anger has subsided.”
Her subordinate spoke cautiously.
They didn’t even know why he was angry in the first place.
“…Well, that could be it.”
“Then I’ll conclude the report. I’ll take my leave—”
“Wait.”
Laurie spoke to her subordinate, who was bowing deeply and stepping back.
“There should be something left to report, right?”
“…”
“About the Mana Injection. What happened? If there’s no progress, you need to explain the situation.”
At Laurie’s words, her subordinate, still bowing deeply, slowly opened her mouth.
“During the investigation, I received instructions from the upper ranks.”
“…As expected, regarding the Mana Injection…”
“They said to stop all interest in it.”
Laurie’s eyes narrowed at those words.
‘As expected, the Mana Injection is the shadows’…’
She had been concerned about the shadows’ strange silence regarding the Mana Injection, which directly harmed the citizens of the Empire.
Just because Laurie belonged to the shadows didn’t mean she knew everything about them.
In fact, there was much more she didn’t know. That’s how it usually was with those who didn’t care about the means and methods.
‘Human weapons. Depending on who hears it, it’s a very pleasing term for the shadows.’
Whoever in the shadows gave the order, if the Mana Injection were truly completed, it would be a joyous occasion for them.
Given the shadows’ perspective, which took the sacrifice of a few for granted, the Mana Injection was far too consistent with their way of thinking, their beliefs.
‘But that plan is also ruined because of Frondier. Well, it’s not just Frondier’s problem, of course.’
Of course, if the shadows were determined, they could bring someone else in, set up a research lab, and continue research on the injection.
But since things had already been stirred up significantly, they would have to hold back for a while to avoid getting caught.
‘…But the fact that Frondier is coming to the Imperial Palace…’
Laurie had heard that Frondier played a significant role in the joint operation. His strategy in reading the enemy’s plan and catching their tail was particularly noteworthy.
His visit to the Imperial Palace meant that the person most likely to step on the shadows’ tail was approaching them.
‘Could it be that Frondier is doing this on purpose?’
No way, surely not.
Laurie only made this connection because she belonged to the shadows. There was no way Frondier could have noticed the connection to the shadows from that incident.
Besides, it was the Empress who invited Frondier. It wasn’t Frondier’s own will.
…Let’s believe that.