“Then I will briefly explain. First of all…”
Eden diligently explained what he had investigated, as requested by the Empress.
Of course, the content was fabricated by Eden. It was Frondier who had informed him of the meeting point.
Frondier provided the location, and Eden simply pieced together the context to make it sound convincing.
It was like solving a problem after already knowing the answer and having a mountain of information. That’s why Eden’s explanation seemed plausible at first glance.
“…Hmm.”
Philly’s smile deepened.
Eden’s explanation was certainly plausible at first glance, but…
It wasn’t enough to fool Philly.
“…Excuse me?”
“I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. It’s as if the explanation has been ‘improved.’ It’s more eloquent and clear than before. Amazing, Mr. Eden.”
Philly’s words sounded like praise to others, but…
Not to Eden. He felt as if the sharp blade hidden within Philly’s smile had grazed his skin.
Indeed, the explanation Eden had given back then and the current one were slightly different.
To reach the meeting point designated by Frondier as quickly as possible, his explanation had been somewhat lacking.
Moreover, there were inconsistencies. These had been corrected over time, leading to the current explanation.
‘C-Could she have noticed?’
Eden tried to discern Philly’s intentions through her smile, but it was beyond his capabilities.
Philly had merely tested Eden, but her subdued smile and the way she evaluated his explanation as if she knew everything flustered him.
And the fleeting glance of his eyes, unconsciously moving towards Frondier on his right.
Seeing that movement of his pupils, Philly smiled.
Meanwhile, Frondier closed his eyes and lamented
‘Damn it. I knew this would happen.’
Philly had probably suspected Eden for a while. If it were her, she would have immediately noticed the inconsistencies in Eden’s explanation about the meeting point.
But she had remained silent at the time. Whether it was because she trusted Eden or, on the contrary, because she was certain he was an enemy, he didn’t know.
However, monsters were indeed present at the meeting point traced through Eden’s inconsistent explanation.
This changed Philly’s thinking. Eden’s incomplete logic. Yet, he had arrived at the correct answer.
Someone must have informed Eden of the meeting point’s location. That’s why the explanation was vague, and to align the logic with the answer, the inconsistencies were resolved, and the explanation was ‘improved.’
If she lightly pointed this out, the fake who didn’t possess the true knowledge would instinctively seek help from the real one.
Just like Eden had done a moment ago.
Just like how his eyes had unconsciously moved towards Frondier.
‘Still, even after a long time, Her Majesty the Empress is terrifying.’
Philly smiled as if she had heard enough and shifted her gaze.
The next person was Frondier de Roach.
“Then, Mr. Frondier.”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Frondier identified the locations of those injected with the Mana Injection and filtered out false information to pinpoint the location of the Mana Injection research facility. This was a crucial role in the operation, and I believe you have made a significant contribution.”
Philly’s evaluation of Frondier was somewhat plain. Phrases like “crucial role” and “significant contribution” could be said to anyone. Therefore, the reactions of the people around them were also lukewarm.
Of course, this was Philly’s intention.
“But it would be difficult to explain here how Mr. Frondier learned the location of the research facility.”
“…That’s correct.”
Frondier replied.
Of course, he could pull out the 3D map anytime and show it to her, but he couldn’t say no here.
Philly smiled brightly and said,
“So, I’m personally very curious about how you found the location of the research facility, so let’s meet separately in the reception room later.”
This time, the surroundings became a bit more boisterous.
It wasn’t common for the Empress to summon an individual separately.
But it could be genuine intellectual curiosity, or perhaps, like she had mentioned to Eden, there might be something suspicious in Frondier’s explanation that needed confirmation.
Therefore, the people around them each came to their own understanding.
“Yes, I understand.”
Of course, Frondier understood the meaning of this summons.
At least, he knew very well that she wasn’t curious about something like a 3D map.
“Oh, Aten. You come too. It’s good to see your face after a long time.”
Philly called Aten. As Aten nodded, Philly looked back and forth between Aten and Frondier.
“Come to think of it, you were both Constel students.”
‘Come to think of it,’ my foot.
Aten and Frondier’s expressions became subtle at Philly’s shameless act of pretending as if she had just realized this.
Philly looked at both of them again and nodded.
“Uh-huh. You two look good together.”
“…Mom.”
“Ahaha, don’t be so stiff. I was just saying it lightly.”
Philly put her finger on her lower lip. Then, she grinned.
At that moment, Frondier knew. It was a signal that only he could recognize.
This was a code.
“You two standing side by side, you look like light and shadow.”
“…I see.”
Frondier nodded calmly.
“Light and shadow are everywhere. Even here in the Imperial Palace. That’s why you two look good together.”
“Mom…!”
Aten’s face flushed even more as he tried to stop Philly.
At that moment, Frondier had a different thought.
Philly wanting to see Frondier separately. The words that came out of her mouth.
Light and shadow are everywhere.
Even in this Imperial Palace.
The light of the Imperial Palace, the shadow of the Imperial Palace.
…The Shadow Unit.
“Don’t you think so, Frondier?”
Philly asked.
Frondier nodded and replied.
“You’re right.”
“Mr. Frondier?!”
Aten’s face turned even redder.
Unfortunately, Frondier couldn’t afford to pay attention to the surface-level conversation.
