The Academy’s Weapon Replicator - Chapter 415 Part 2 - The Academy’s Weapon Replicator

Frondier had already extracted most of the information from Giotto before meeting Lady Achaea.

Of course, since Giotto was merely following Carla’s orders, he didn’t know everything.

However, by combining the knowledge Frondier already possessed with Giotto’s information, a rough outline emerged.

[ …A real devil? ]

Lady Achaea asked back, her tone laced with doubt.

[ What do you mean by a real devil? It’s as if you’re implying Carla isn’t one. ]

Frondier smiled at her words.

That’s exactly what he meant.

Carla is not a devil.

That’s the truth, and Frondier intends to prove it right here, right now.

[ Could it be, truly? ]

Lady Achaea furrowed her brow, seemingly understanding the meaning behind Frondier’s smile.

[Are you defending your subordinate now?]

In her mind, it seems Carla following Frondier’s orders had become an undeniable truth.

[There’s no need to defend her. I’m simply stating a fact.]

[That’s impossible. Carla has been acting suspiciously all this time.]

[Well, yes. Because I made her do it.]

[…You did?]

Lady Achaea eyed Frondier suspiciously.

Maintaining his unwavering smile, Frondier thought,

‘Let’s create a possibility, shall we?’

Frondier was playing the role of Carla’s mastermind.

Of course, he had no idea who the real mastermind was or where they were.

However, he wouldn’t actively search for them.

There’s no need.

‘Me claiming to be Carla’s mastermind is definitely not what the ‘real one’ intended.’

Frondier didn’t know the mastermind’s plan, but he could create a fake one. And the probability of that fake plan coincidentally aligning with the real mastermind’s plan was practically zero.

‘Our situation is very similar to Carla’s.’

The difference is that Frondier and his companions haven’t been exposed yet, while Carla is on the verge of it.

However, Carla had already established an environment where she could blend into human society without any issues. Along with a very convenient position of power as the headmistress of Atlas.

From Frondier’s perspective, it was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.

‘If you want to keep hiding, feel free, mastermind.’

He didn’t know the mastermind’s plan, but he could still counter it even without knowing. It didn’t matter if they were watching this situation unfold or not.

There was a slim chance, although not zero, that the mastermind might become enraged and reveal everything about Carla’s situation.

But that didn’t matter to Frondier.

Carla wasn’t his ally yet, and her predicament wouldn’t affect his safety.

Frondier was more than willing to take risks, as long as it didn’t directly involve his companions.

If there was one thing the mastermind behind this incident had overlooked, it was the possibility of a third party figuring out Carla’s true identity sooner than anticipated, and that this third party might be crazy enough to assume the role of the mastermind themselves.

It was such a slim and improbable possibility, something so difficult to even conceive, let alone prepare for.

[…Lies.]

Meanwhile, Lady Achaea shook her head.

Since there were other people around, Lady Achaea and Frondier couldn’t continue their conversation in hushed tones. They occasionally glanced at the others, engaging in mundane conversations to avoid suspicion.

After buying some time to think, Lady Achaea spoke,

[That’s impossible. It doesn’t make sense.]

[Why not?]

[Why would you even tell me this? You could have just kept quiet. The very fact that you’re claiming Carla isn’t a devil is proof that she is!]

He revealed a truth he had no reason to reveal. Therefore, it must be a lie to protect Carla.

If the real mastermind was this loyal to Carla, it would be quite touching.

[Unfortunately, there’s a clear reason why I’m telling you this, Lady Achaea. And that is the true purpose of my visit.]

[W-what is it?]

[Look over there.]

Frondier gestured with his chin towards somewhere in the seating area.

Of course, he was pointing at random; there was nothing and no one there.

Looking at that spot, Frondier said,

[Hiding there is one of my subordinates.]

“…!”

[And there, and there.]

Frondier’s gaze shifted consecutively. Lady Achaea followed his gaze, scrutinizing each spot.

There was nothing there. She couldn’t sense anything. It was too far to probe with mana, and she couldn’t see anything with her own eyes.

However, after hearing Frondier’s words and looking closely, she thought she could almost see something shimmering, feel an ominous aura rising, and her mind started concocting reasons why those particular spots seemed empty.

Lady Achaea bit her lip gently. Frondier observed her reaction.

‘According to Lily and Arald, she’s supposed to be quite cautious and rational. The way she acted in the teacher’s office must have been an act. People like her believe others are as rational as they are. They can see through bluffs but not gambles.’

What Frondier was doing was risky. There was no guarantee that Lady Achaea would believe him.

Lady Achaea knew that too, and that was the basis of her judgment.

There’s no reason to tell a lie that might be exposed. The moment that thought crossed her mind, she fell into Frondier’s trap.

[You make it sound like I came here completely unprepared.]