Just as Liyakade was at a loss, thinking she had fallen into a dead end, Sistem spoke up first.
“That’s true… but, well, I could help you keep it a secret. I can set up a new seal with encryption for you.”
“…Really?”
Hearing Sistem’s words, a flicker of hope reignited in Liyakade. By this point in the conversation, Liyakade dropped her act.
“Yes, Her Highness Sistem is right. I am indeed Liyakade, but… Her Highness Sistem, are you really being so kind-hearted?”
“Heh, of course I’m not helping you for free.”
Sistem showed some displeasure at Liyakade’s suspicion, but she did have a request. She chuckled coldly twice before stating her terms.
“You have to promise me that from now on, you’ll obey all my orders within the Academy.”
“Ah?”
Liyakade hadn’t expected Sistem to start with such a bold demand—one she couldn’t possibly accept. But she didn’t refuse immediately; instead, she asked the reason behind it.
“W-why? Does Her Highness Sistem need me to do something?”
“Of course, it’s about my foolish little sister.” Sistem’s face still wore that fake smile, but her gaze darkened. “That girl has always been quite hostile toward me…”
“Perhaps… she’s spying on my Title of Heir to the Throne identity?”
Sistem’s words were dangerously serious. At this moment, their discussion was absolutely not to be overheard. “Since she’s close to you, it makes sense to use that to our advantage.
So, I’ll help you cover up your trespassing into the Sealed Chamber, and in return, you’ll obey my orders within the Academy and keep an eye on Field. How about that?”
“That’s impossible!”
Liyakade rejected immediately without hesitation.
“Princess Field is my good friend. How could I ever do anything to hurt her!”
Though Liyakade said this, there was a deeper reason behind it.
On one hand, after spending these days together and being rescued by Field, Liyakade had genuinely come to see Field as a true friend.
On the other hand, if she agreed, she would have to take orders from both Irina Zi and Sistem, which would probably mean being worked like a beast of burden.
Besides… having played this game before, Liyakade knew that Sistem didn’t actually think Field was competing for the throne. But Sistem distrusted everyone and wouldn’t reveal her true intentions to Liyakade.
“Oh? You’re quite loyal, huh? Then I’ll compromise a bit.”
Sistem nodded, apparently somewhat satisfied by Liyakade’s sense of friendship. She raised three fingers and shook them.
“You only have to do three things for me. These three won’t hurt Field, nor will they violate any moral or legal principles. So, can you accept this deal now?”
“…Alright.”
Liyakade thought it over for a moment. Honestly, having her orders reduced to just three tasks was a pretty good deal. She had no reason to refuse. In the end, she agreed.
“Deal.”
Sistem finally looked content, her face wearing that sweet yet fake smile, but deep inside, her expression was that of a schemer who had just won.
After all, this was a win-win for her—getting something for nothing.
“Alright, I didn’t see anyone tonight, and there’s no problem with the seal. You may leave now. If I need you, I’ll come find you personally.”
“…Understood. I will take my leave then, Her Highness Sistem.”
With that, Liyakade bolted away. She couldn’t stay another second in that place. Although Sistem’s pressure wasn’t overwhelming, her thoughts were completely unreadable.
After winding through the Academy’s corners for quite a while, Liyakade finally returned to her dormitory.
“Sigh… finally, it’s over.”
Exhausted, Liyakade pushed open the dorm door.
But upon returning, she found a figure sitting at the edge of her bed—it was Irina Zi.
“You little—finally back?”
Irina Zi crossed her legs, arms folded, glancing sideways at Liyakade with an unmistakably hostile expression.
“Eep…” Liyakade sucked in a breath, surprised that Irina Zi was still waiting so late. Just as she escaped from Sistem, she ran straight into Irina Zi—it was like escaping one danger only to fall into another.
“What’s with that?”
Irina Zi raised an eyebrow disdainfully.
“Making that noise—does it mean you’re not exactly welcoming me? Since when does a slave not welcome their Mistress?”
Of course I’m not welcoming you!
I’m about to sleep!
“No, no!”
Liyakade hurriedly waved her hands, trying to prevent Irina Zi from going off the deep end again.
“I just relaxed after getting back to the dorm, that’s why I made that noise… it’s like yawning, just an unconscious reflex! Mistress can come any time! Welcome, welcome!”
“Hmph, let’s not get into that.”
Irina Zi ignored the subject and asked, “Where were you? Coming back so late?”
“I—I told you yesterday.” Liyakade answered awkwardly, “I was grading Alice’s papers, so I got back late.”
“Tsk… utterly useless.”
Irina Zi didn’t buy it.
“How could grading papers take so long, making me wait here all this time?”
Liyakade was speechless.
She was helping Irina Zi, yet still getting scolded. Besides, she hadn’t even kept Irina Zi waiting; it was Irina Zi who insisted on staying.
“A slave who can’t serve her Mistress on time… truly a failure.”
Irina Zi continued to mock Liyakade in her usual condescending tone.
“…”
Liyakade remained silent. With a Contract and Spell Command in place, no matter what Irina Zi said, Liyakade could only agree and comply.
“Also, what’s with the blood on your uniform?”
Irina Zi finally noticed the bloodstains on Liyakade’s Academy Uniform. Disgusted, she pinched her nose.
“I knew there was some disgusting smell… Did you get into a fight with someone?”
“This is the blood of monsters and mine. I encountered a very strong monster when I went out this morning.
These are injuries I sustained. But Mistress needn’t worry—I’ve already been treated…”
“Who asked for your explanation?”
Irina Zi cut her off impatiently.
“I’m just worried you got into trouble and that it might trace back to me. Who cares if you live or die?”
“…I’m sorry, I was being presumptuous.”
“Well then, how’s that bitch’s papers coming along?”
“Uh…”