The tearing pain made Irina Zi cry out.
She struggled to push Eric away, but with her Magic Power sealed, the difference in strength was just too great.
The more painful Irina Zi’s screams became, the more excited Eric grew.
With each thrust, Eric finally released all the pressure and humiliation he had built up over these days.
Feeling the heat surging into her body, Irina Zi was both shocked and furious.
“You dare…”
Irina Zi trembled uncontrollably with fear and rage.
Everything had happened too suddenly.
She had never imagined she would be forced in her own home by a penniless noble who appeared out of nowhere, with no one to answer her cries for help.
This was her first time.
She had been saving it for Field after leaving here.
She never thought it would be taken from her like this.
“Haah, that feels good.”
Having released himself, Eric felt a surge of satisfaction.
He gripped Irina Zi’s neck, continuing to humiliate her with his words.
“No wonder you’re the Daughter of the Prime Minister—so much better than those other women I’ve had.”
“Get off…”
Hearing Eric’s words and feeling the strangling pressure around her neck, Irina Zi’s expression twisted further.
“Still acting tough?”
From within the shadows, Darkness watched the scene before her, silently showing a mocking expression.
Watching this kind of drama was still a novelty for Darkness.
She observed the two’s ugly display with cold eyes.
But in the end, it didn’t matter.
Their fates were already sealed.
Both possessed Magic Power, and Darkness would use them for a Blood Sacrifice.
As for Eric, let him jump around a bit before he dies.
As for Irina Zi, who dared talk back to her, Darkness had already thought of ways to torment her.
Though there were only mindless monsters in her Shadow Domain, there was one especially suited for Irina Zi.
“Let’s go.”
Without waiting for Eric and the others to react, Darkness waved her small hand.
A massive black shadow enveloped them both, pressing them down beneath the darkness.
The servants outside the corridor still stood where they were, unaware that Irina Zi had been abducted.
***
Soon, the day of the Final Exam arrived, and Liakade and the others returned to the Academy after a long absence.
As Liakade and her two companions walked into the classroom, arms linked, the eyes of the other students all glanced over at them.
The closeness between the three surprised the rest of the class.
Although the previous rumors had been proven to be lies spread by Eric, the fact that Liakade liked girls had never changed.
Combined with the incidents during the Cultural Festival, Liakade’s orientation was known throughout the entire Academy.
Yet Liakade walked in hand-in-hand with Alice and Field, the three of them showing no intention of avoiding suspicion.
The scene matched the rumors, making the other students’ imaginations run wild, though no one dared discuss it in front of them.
After all, gossiping about others’ relationships was impolite.
Besides, the three of them together actually seemed rather fitting.
After all, Alice possessed the Light Element, always kind and friendly.
Field was the Kingdom’s Third Princess, respected and dignified.
Liakade herself had overturned her reputation this term, becoming the Academy’s shining Festival Flower.
Even if the three were together, it was a match made in heaven—beautiful as blooming lilies, refreshing as summer citrus.
“Honestly…you three stand out way too much…”
Following behind them into the classroom, Sistem held her forehead, sighing to herself in exasperation.
At this moment, she felt a headache coming on.
Due to Darkness’s infiltration into the Academy, Liakade had invited Sistem to accompany them.
Following the trio, Sistem felt like a complete third wheel.
The three walked ahead, hands entwined, while she trailed behind, forced to watch them flaunt their affection—a truly awkward feeling.
What’s worse, she’d already helped clear up the rumors for Liakade, yet they showed no sign of avoiding suspicion within the Academy.
Now, the rumors were practically coming true.
“Liakade? Have you all been well lately?”
Upon seeing Liakade and the others arrive, Chloe approached to greet them.
After all, Chloe had been aware of their relationship before anyone else.
Having not seen them in so long, Chloe was curious about their life in the royal palace—whether His Majesty the King had tried to interfere with their romance or not.
“Morning, Chloe. We’ve been all right lately. His Majesty the King hasn’t bothered us much.”
Liakade greeted Chloe in return.
In reality, other than the time Liakade and Sistem had turned the courtyard upside down, His Majesty hadn’t sought them out at all.
“By the way, isn’t today the Exam for the first-years? Why did Her Highness Sistem come along too?”
Chloe glanced at Sistem in confusion.
“Sigh, of course, to supervise them.”
Sistem sighed.
Although supervising them was a valid reason, her true motive was to guard against Darkness.
But such things were best left unsaid.
If news of a Demon Race member infiltrating the Academy spread, it could cause panic.
“I see. Her Highness Sistem has it tough.”
“Not really.”
It wasn’t especially tough, but the dog food was overwhelming.
After a brief exchange, the Mage Teacher entered the classroom, leading the entire class toward the Academy hall.
As with the Midterm Exam, the first test was Magic Power measurement.
The Mage Teacher and Grade Director stood on the stage, overseeing the proceedings.
“The last time I was here was for the Midterm Exam.”
Seated between the other two, Liakade linked arms with them and sighed.
“Yeah.”
Field nodded, gently squeezing Liakade’s delicate hand.
“Time sure flies.”
“At that time, my level was still in the single digits,” Alice recalled, remembering how nervous she’d been testing in front of the noble students as a mere commoner with weak Magic Power.
Fortunately, with Liakade’s encouragement and support, Alice’s anxiety had eased.
Back then, their relationship hadn’t been so close.
Perhaps there had already been a budding fondness, but neither Alice nor Field imagined things would progress so quickly—within half a term, they’d already shared two or three meals together.
Liakade had just wanted to find a way to survive, but before long, she’d become close with Alice and Field.
“Hmm?”
“What’s wrong?”
Hearing Liakade’s soft hum, Field asked in confusion.
“It’s nothing.”
Liakade glanced around, then shook her head.
Just a moment ago, she’d felt a cold, resentful gaze on her.
Even though there was only one, its presence was undeniable.
Maybe it was a Demon Race member secretly watching them—who knew?
However, with both the Mage Teacher and Grade Director present, if the Demon Race dared to act, Liakade and the others, together with the teachers, would ensure Darkness never returned.