Chapter 45: A New Plan

“So… you managed to break free from the Spell Command on your own?”

After clearing up the misunderstanding, everyone finished putting on their clothes.

“Yes.” Liyakade nodded. “But… I’m not exactly sure why. Princess Field, was it you who succeeded?”

“No.” Field shook her head, her tone dripping with disdain for Irina Zi. “She knew we were exposed long ago. She hid your Contract… I really didn’t expect her to be so vile, using this kind of method to harm you all.”

“Alright then…”

But thinking carefully, Liyakade had just broken free, and Field had only just returned; the timing didn’t add up, so there was no way Field succeeded.

That meant… the only reason for breaking free had to be Korim.

No wonder in the original story the original owner became the Demon King—she had been targeted by the Demon Race so early on.

Perhaps it was Korim who guided her to touch Forbidden Power, kill Irina Zi through Blood Sacrifice, accelerate the Demon King’s resurrection, and incite war.

As for Korim’s identity, Liyakade didn’t know. She only knew that Korim’s appearance was indistinguishable from hers after devouring the Demon King’s remaining power and soul, sharing traits very similar to a hidden BOSS.

“Is it because of Light Magic? Or is there something special about you, Liyakade?”

Field supported her chin, pondering why Liyakade could break free on her own.

“It’s probably not Light Magic.”

Alice replied to Field.

“When I used Light Magic, Miss Liyakade didn’t show any sign of waking up.”

“I might know why.”

Having a clue, Liyakade suddenly spoke up. “Perhaps… I’ve been targeted by the Demon Race.”

“The Demon Race!?”

Alice and Field both looked shocked.

“That’s impossible. This is the Royal Capital. Although there are some scattered monsters outside the city, the intelligent and powerful Demons all stay beyond the Kingdom’s borders, in their own territory.”

“Also, if any Demons entered the city, they would be detected and eliminated immediately. There’s no way they could have gotten inside the Academy.”

“She might not be in the city.”

Liyakade shook her head and explained to the two. “She’s only appeared twice—once in my dream, and just now.”

“In your dream?”

Field furrowed her brows, curious. “What did you see?”

“Hmm… a castle on a cliff, flowing lava, and a pitch-black sky with withered trees.”

Liyakade tried hard to recall the dream’s details. Although dreams usually fade with sunrise, this one was as vivid as if it really happened, leaving a deep impression. “That’s roughly it.”

Field thought for a moment, her expression growing serious. For a situation like this, there was only one possibility she could think of.

“Liyakade… you might be suffering from Demonic Possession.”

“Demonic Possession? What is that?”

Liyakade had never heard of this term before, neither in the original story nor after transmigrating.

“Demonic Possession means the Demon Race has placed certain Markings on you. These Markings don’t control you like a Spell Command, but they can communicate with you at any time, invade your mind, and corrupt your will.”

Field added, “I’ve heard of a few possessed people—they either betrayed humanity, went completely insane, or were entirely consumed by the Demon Race that marked them.”

Hearing Field’s explanation, Liyakade swallowed nervously.

“Then… why has she only come to me now? She never appeared before.”

“That I don’t know either… Anyway, tomorrow we’ll take you to see an Exorcist and see if they can remove the Marking.” Field was trying hard to come up with a solution.

When exactly had Liyakade been Marked by the Demons?

The original owner’s fragmented memories didn’t show any contact with powerful Demons. Could it have been during those lost memories?

This also better explained why the original owner gradually went mad.

After being abandoned by Irina Zi, everything that supported her crumbled. Her only remaining worth was to be Irina Zi’s toy and pet to be tormented.

At this time, the Demon named Korim appeared. The original owner, left with nothing, was seduced by Korim and guided to break the Forbidden Power, which triggered a series of tragedies.

What puzzled Liyakade was that such an important character didn’t appear at all in the original story.

Even during the late stages when the Kingdom was at war with the Demon Race, Korim never showed up, not until the original owner was defeated.

Who exactly is Korim?

What is her purpose?

And why did she help you break free?

“But there’s more than one problem…” Field sighed heavily.

“Princess Field, are you talking about… Irina Zi?”

“Yes. She’s confessed and stopped pretending. She’s preparing to… continue targeting you.”

Field originally wanted to say she was planning to exterminate both of them, but the words were too frightening and might scare them, so she toned it down.

“That Demon… well, she certainly won’t help you every time.”

“How is she targeting us? The same way as this time?”

Liyakade asked.

“Yes. She said she would control you to keep attacking Alice.”

“How… how can she be so cruel!?”

Alice rarely got angry but now defended Liyakade fiercely.

“Uh… I feel like it’s Alice who’s doing the tormenting…” Liyakade muttered. “So, what do we do next?”

“Assassination, as expected.”

“Rejected!”

Seeing Field’s cold gaze, Liyakade quickly stopped her from considering such a dangerous idea.

“I don’t think we have any chance of winning a lawsuit… How about…” Liyakade suddenly had a bright idea, thinking of a somewhat viable plan. “Let’s focus on the Contract instead.”

“What do you mean?”

“Although we couldn’t destroy the Contract today using the purchase excuse, we can still sneak into Irina Zi’s residence and try to find the Contract and destroy it.”

“Besides, in a few days Her Highness Sistem will hold a banquet. Irina Zi will attend and bring some guards with her. It’ll be the best time to sneak into her residence.”

“Hm… that sounds doable.” Field nodded, feeling this method was fairly reliable. Besides, since her relationship with Sistem was poor, it made sense if she didn’t attend the banquet.

Alice was a commoner, and Liyakade wasn’t familiar with Sistem. Plus, her previous status was only a minor noble. Not attending was normal.