"There's no need to be so cold, is there? After all, we'll be working together from now on, and who knows how long we'll be stuck together. Or are you like that person, someone who doesn't like to talk? Truly worthy of being that person's friend."
Sophia talked to herself for a long time without receiving a response. She had already explained her identity and even produced evidence to prove it, but the Magician girl still stared at her silently with cold eyes, only nodding slightly when confirming the evidence.
Wow, an Iceberg Beauty? Isn't that persona clashing with that person's? Wait, although that person doesn't like to talk, they often show a childish and cute side when you actually spend time with them. But I don't know about this one yet, though I can already see the guarded and serious side.
Their personalities are definitely different.
Because that person is more carefree, or perhaps, naturally simple-minded.
Whereas this one looks profoundly thoughtful.
After Sophia's monologue, Tsukasa finally understood her identity.
It turned out this Demon Race girl was the contact person dispatched by the Demon Race to handle communications. Although the Demon King and her subordinates had mentioned establishing contact with her, Tsukasa hadn't expected it to be done in such an archaic manner.
And to send such a valuable fighting force, what exactly were they trying to convey? Were they trying to show how much they valued this relationship, or... Tsukasa grew wary.
Sophia's strength was no less than her own; truthfully, if the opponent figured out her methods, she absolutely couldn't beat this Demon Race girl.
What were the Demon Race's intentions in sending this person?
Were they planning to monitor her actions? She didn't think such a lineup was necessary just to deal with a mere kingdom. She could handle it alone. Sophia's true mission was probably related to her.
It wasn't until Sophia felt bored, finished arranging her bed, and lay down staring into space that Tsukasa finally spoke to her: "How do you plan to proceed?"
The first thing Sophia felt upon hearing Tsukasa speak was that her voice was incredibly pleasant—truly the voice of a beautiful girl, the kind you could get addicted to hearing. She sat up, looked at the expressionless girl, and smiled, saying, "Are you worried I'll act arbitrarily and ruin your plan? Don't worry, that person already instructed me to follow your arrangements. Feel free to tell me whatever you need. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with my performance in battle."
Tsukasa was unsure if her words were true, but Eidor gently touched the back of her neck, informing her that what the other party had just said was not a lie. Tsukasa showed no change in expression, but she already had her answer internally. She could confirm that the Demon King and her subordinates currently had no intention of moving against her. However, whether the Demon King and her subordinates wanted to seize the fruits of victory from this plan was an unknown variable. Perhaps they simply didn't want to see her secretly take over this nation, as the kingdom was the first line of defense against the Demon Race.
However, she didn't care whose hands the kingdom ultimately fell into. While taking it over herself wasn't impossible, if it meant going up against the Demon Race, she'd rather not. She didn't have the confidence to make enemies of those two monsters.
"Then, let me explain my plan to you first."
Tsukasa had figured out the core issue and stopped agonizing over the potential profit. She just wanted to control the kingdom as quickly as possible to eliminate the Elf Race. If the Demon Race wanted the kingdom, they could have it. She only wanted the Elf Race dead. As long as the Elf Race died, her goal would be 100% achieved, and any gains made during this process were merely unexpected bonuses; there was absolutely no need to deliberately pursue profit.
Next, she explained the current situation to Sophia, telling her that she had already taken control of the Prince of this country. She didn't explain the method she used, but she clearly stated that the current Prince Shurein was someone she had transformed into, while the real
Shurein had been restrained by her. Her plan was to manufacture an accident to kill the King and all heirs to the throne, allowing Shurein to take the King's seat.
Sophia's expression went from curious interest to stunned silence, and finally, sheer astonishment. She hadn't expected this beautiful girl to be so vicious, designing such a terrifying plan in such a short time.
This was entirely focused on wiping out the Royal Family, after all. It wouldn't be easy for Shurein to inherit the throne, as he had several older brothers with higher priority for succession, and the current Queen was not Shurein's birth mother.
In other words, to complete this plan,
Ninety percent of the people in the Royal Family must die!
Sophia asked curiously: "Does the kingdom have a grudge against you?"
If there was no grudge, she shouldn't be capable of such ruthless actions, right?
She knew that in that person's original plan, it was only meant to be brainwashing and controlling the Royal Family. She had thought that plan was already crazy enough, but she didn't expect there to be an even more ruthless one. The former at least spared the lives of the Royal Family; the latter, for the sake of efficiency, was going to kill the Royal Family outright.
Then she watched the Magician answer expressionlessly: "No."
Although the other party's expression didn't change, Sophia could tell there was truly no Wrath or hatred in her eyes. It was a very calm, indifferent emotion, as if she were merely stating a commonplace fact.
To this Magician, so-called emotions seemed irrelevant; all actions were solely aimed at achieving a goal. She didn't care about the sacrifices involved in the process, nor whether the innocent would be harmed—a terrifyingly pure existence. Sophia even felt that she herself was unworthy of being called a demon in front of this person, because she simply couldn't compare to her.
Sophia swallowed nervously, thinking she might have to add another person to her list of figures to be cautious of. This person's danger was no joke; maybe one day she'd decide Sophia deserved to die and suddenly strike her down. No wonder that person told her to be obedient. How could she not obey? This person was too terrifying! What would happen if she really disobeyed and interfered with the plan? She'd probably have her Undying Skill triggered on the spot.
"I understand the plan. So, what should we do next?" Sophia had no objections; the fate of the Royal Family didn't affect her anyway. This was just her mission, and she only needed to complete it obediently.
Tsukasa calmly stated: "You will make contact with Shurein and naturally join his team. Don't let anyone discover that you are working with us; just act like a normal Classmate. Tomorrow during class, you will challenge Shurein."
"And then?"
Sophia felt this task was too simple.
But she immediately regretted speaking up.
"Then... you need to find a way to get closer to the people in Shurein's Team. Ideally, make them trust you and believe that you are the person capable of saving Shurein."
"Isn't that too difficult?"
Trust isn't something that can be easily built.
Tsukasa looked at her calmly and used Appraisal on her, obtaining the information she wanted. This time, because they were partners, Sophia did not resist. Then Tsukasa revealed a crucial piece of information.
"Shurein and the girls in his team are all Reincarnators."
"..."
Sophia was stunned for a moment.
Then, she laughed as if she suddenly understood.
So that was it.
No wonder that guy would send her here.
Indeed, since it was a matter regarding the Reincarnators, it was only appropriate for that guy to take action personally, or for her to come.
But speaking of which...
That guy actually entrusted the matter of the Reincarnators to this person; just who was this person?
Sophia was very curious.
She didn't remember this person existing among the Reincarnators, but it was possible that like her, the other party's appearance had changed from their previous life due to reincarnation; not all Reincarnators kept their previous appearances.
Although curious, she didn't ask further.
"I understand, just wait for my good news."
Then she heard the other party say:
"It would be best if you moved in with them. It's not appropriate for you to live with me; my current identity hasn't been exposed yet."
"..."
Sophia suddenly felt a bit disgruntled.
Why did she feel like she was getting the short end of the stick?
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!