I’m Not the Mastermind

After the contract was sealed, Yujin took a moment to explain Alicia’s current condition.

"Your Highness, your body has already reached an irreversible state."

"Do you mean to say..."

"It means that your physical form has nearly transformed into that of a demon, and this cannot be undone."

Yujin would never forget the look of despair that flashed across Alicia's face at his words. However, he was quick to follow up.

"While your physical form cannot be restored, your human consciousness can be preserved. The assistance I spoke of is to ensure that you can maintain your sense of self. So, there’s no need to fall into complete despair."

"But... even so, if my body becomes that of a demon, the Pantheon will demand my execution."

"In that regard, I will provide support. Besides, isn’t the Empire already protecting you? For now, I don’t think this is something you need to worry about."

Yujin’s reassurances seemed to calm her somewhat, but Alicia couldn’t stop herself from asking again.

"...Is it true? My body has truly become that of a demon?"

"In essence, yes. While not a complete transcendent, your body has transformed to the point of being closer to a demon than a human."

"Is there no way to reverse it at all...?"

"There isn’t. As far as I know, there is no method to revert a born transcendent back into a human."

Yujin was firm in his response, fully aware of how cruel false hope could be.

When his parents were dying, he had clung to the promises of a doctor who claimed they could be saved, only to experience the crushing pain of that hope being shattered. He wouldn’t inflict such empty promises on others.

"...But you said you sealed my demonic energy. If I can maintain this state..."

"For now, you’ll be fine. But Your Highness, sealing is only a temporary measure. It means the demonic energy has been forcibly suppressed and locked away."

Despite Alicia’s desperate question, Yujin shook his head as he explained.

"Your body is already closer to a demon's. Demonic energy is the source of that transformation. If you live as though it doesn’t exist while suppressing it, your body—cut off from its source—will weaken over time. Eventually, without releasing the seal, you may fall into an eternal slumber."

"......"

"Furthermore, demonic energy is like waste accumulating in your body. The more you suppress its release, the more harm it could do to you. For now, it’s manageable since it’s only recently been sealed, and your prior state was far worse. But if left unchecked, it will inevitably affect you."

Yujin had been partially truthful when he spoke to Professor Reina yesterday. Prolonged suppression of demonic energy could have unknown consequences, though he had no clear idea what those might be. He only knew they wouldn’t be good.

"......"

"Your Highness, if you cannot endure this, tell me now. If you decide you no longer need my assistance to preserve your sense of self, I will annul the contract."

"...No. That’s not it."

Alicia shook her head as she spoke.

"It’s too late to turn back now. Besides, my family still hasn’t given up hope. I can’t be the first to give up."

"I see. I understand."

"So, what is this method you spoke of? The one that will help me preserve my sense of self..."

When Alicia asked, Yujin responded in a light tone, as though discussing a trivial matter.

"It’s simple. Your Highness must fully ascend as a demon."

"...What?"

Alicia blinked, unable to comprehend what he had just said. Did he say she had to ascend as... a demon?

"It seems my explanation was insufficient. Your Highness, you understand that you are already not much different from a demon, correct?"

"That... yes."

She hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

"The purpose of the demonic seed is to fully transform its host into a demon. If you ascend as a demon, the seed will no longer need to consume you. Instead, it will likely become a central organ that allows you to control your demonic energy."

"But..."

"Your Highness, as I’ve said, your body is already more demon than human. Reversing this is practically impossible, even for me."

"......"

"In order to survive while maintaining your sense of self, you must ascend as a demon while preserving your current mental state. That’s what I’ve come to help you achieve."

"And how... how do you plan to do that?"

"I will help you learn to control the demonic energy within you."@@novelbin@@

Yujin’s words were clear. He intended to teach her how to control the demonic energy currently sealed within her.

"Once you can control the demonic energy with your own will, the corruption will cease. The power and authority of a demon will become entirely yours. Of course, this means you will truly become a demon."

"......"

"I’ll ask again. This is your choice. I won’t force you into anything, and I will respect whichever path you choose. Will you become a demon to survive, or will you die as a human?"

"I..."

Alicia’s lips trembled as she spoke, lowering her head.

"...I am human."

"I believe that as well," Yujin said gently.

"Even if my body becomes that of a demon, and even if my soul rots to its core, that truth won’t change. So..."

She raised her head, determination flashing in her eyes.

"I will survive as a human. Even if I become a demon, I believe it is my own will that defines who I am."

"...Understood. I respect your choice."

To survive as a demon while holding onto her humanity—it reminded Yujin of his own experience when he became a dragon. He couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

"Then it’s settled. We’ll proceed accordingly."

"And how will we start?"

"For now, you should rest. This will be a long journey."

With that, Yujin stood up.

"Your Highness, do you see another version of yourself in your hallucinations?"

"!?"

Alicia’s eyes widened in shock.

"How... how do you know that?"

"Haha, wouldn’t it make sense to first ask how I recognized the demon inhabiting you at a glance?"

"......"

"That other self you see is likely the consciousness of the demon within the seed—an embodiment of your inner fears and weaknesses, awakened by the seed’s power. Currently, it holds control over the demonic energy within you."

Yujin’s gaze fell on the flower blooming in Alicia’s right eye.

"You will need to overcome that consciousness and take control of the demonic energy yourself. It will require time, training, and adaptation. As I said, this is a long-term endeavor, so for today, we’ll stop here. I have other matters to attend to."

"......"

"Enjoy the peace you’ve regained for now. We’ll begin your 'treatment' tomorrow. Headmistress?"

"...Very well. Princess Alicia, we’ll take our leave."

With a soft glow, they vanished.

After the Headmistress and Yujin left her room using spatial magic, Alicia was left alone.

"...Haa."

She collapsed onto the sofa as if her strength had drained out of her, staring blankly at the ceiling above.

"...A demon..."

Reaching out a hand, she gazed at her outstretched palm before shaking her head and clasping both hands over her chest.

"No, I’m human..."

***

Meanwhile, outside the women’s dormitory, the Headmistress wore a slightly conflicted expression.

"...I’m not entirely sure this is the right thing to do."

Yujin responded with a calm tone.

"Are you referring to the plan to allow the princess to ascend as a demon?"

"...Yes. Even if it is a way for her to survive, is it truly right for her to live as a demon? I don’t know."

"It was her choice. We should respect that. As for me, I’ll simply do my best to fulfill our contract."

"...May I ask one more question about that?"

"Go ahead."

When Yujin nodded, granting permission, the Headmistress asked hesitantly, "I understand that you’re not obligated to help the princess for free, but... was there a particular reason you proposed a contract? It doesn’t seem like there’s anything you need from her."

"Haha, the answer is in your question."

"Pardon?"

"You mentioned it yourself—helping someone for free. Doing so might bring nothing but personal satisfaction."

"...That’s true, but..."

"If I had offered my assistance for free, do you think the princess would have trusted me? And even if she did, wouldn’t she eventually start seeing my goodwill as her right? Can anyone guarantee what happens when unpaid goodwill runs its course?"

"That is a fair point, but still..."

"I understand your real concern, Headmistress. You might be wondering why I asked for such a small price in return, considering it seems like I don’t need anything from her."

"...Yes, to put it bluntly, that’s what I thought."

"And why is that?"

"...What?"

"Once the princess completes her transformation, she will become a transcendent, a being on par with gods and demons. Why would you think there’s nothing I could possibly need from such a being?"

The Headmistress’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, and Yujin smiled knowingly as he continued.

"That’s the point. Some might argue I could have just enslaved her outright, put a leash on her, and made her a servant. But that’s unnecessary. One favor is enough."

"...I see."

"Does that answer your question?"

"...Yes. I realize now that I lacked foresight."

"There’s no need to be so hard on yourself. It’s not easy to imagine such a rapid transformation, especially for someone like the princess."

"True... I suppose that bias may have influenced my thoughts."

The Headmistress nodded in agreement, acknowledging Yujin’s reasoning. Yujin, smiling faintly, said, "Well, now that we’ve cleared that up... I believe it’s time to introduce myself to the other professors."

The Headmistress glanced at him and said, "There haven’t been any lectures for the past week since the exams ended, so all professors were free today. I’ve already summoned them."

"Efficient. When did you notify them?"

"Before you came to fill out the paperwork, I sent them messages through enchanted communication stones."

"I see... That explains it. By the way, the students seemed unusually active despite the lack of lectures."

"Many students reside on campus even when classes aren’t in session."

"Hmm, I see."

After exchanging a few words, the two made their way to the conference room where the professors were gathered.

***

In the professors’ conference room:

"Have you heard the news?"
"You mean the new magic professor being the author of that space-time magic thesis?"
"Yes, the Headmistress confirmed it herself."
"Is that true?"

The room buzzed with conversation as professors discussed the rumors.

Among them, Reina Sahart observed the scene with subdued eyes, her expression tense.

‘So the Headmistress couldn’t find any evidence after all... But who knows what might happen to the princess. I need to find a cure as soon as possible.’

Feeling a tinge of anxiety, she bit her lip discreetly.

"You don’t look well, Reina."

"...Rinne."

Reina turned to see a calm-faced woman with ash-gray hair and blue eyes looking at her with a languid expression.

"If it’s the stress of overwork, would you like me to prepare a potion for you?"

"...No, that’s not it. But thank you for your concern."

Rinne Eneria, the academy’s alchemy professor and Reina’s longtime friend, offered the suggestion in her gentle voice. Reina shook her head with a small smile.

"...You seem healthy enough. Then, is there another reason for your expression?"

"...Well..."

Reina hesitated before glancing at Rinne.

The woman’s expression was unreadable—calm yet distant.

Should I tell her? Reina wondered. Should I explain that I encountered a dark magician trying to manipulate the princess yesterday?

And that the very same man was about to be introduced as the academy’s newest professor?

Even if Rinne believed her, would sharing this information put her friend in danger?

While Reina deliberated, Rinne watched her thoughtfully. Finally, with her usual calm tone, Rinne said, "Whatever it is, you don’t have to carry it alone. Let me know if you need help."

"......"

Seeing her friend’s serene smile, Reina opened her mouth as if to speak, hesitated, and then finally decided.

"Actually, the truth is..."

"Apologies for being late."

At that moment, the Headmistress’s voice echoed through the room, cutting Reina off.

Reina and Rinne turned toward the door, where the Headmistress and Yujin were entering.

"I was delayed by some business. I hope you’ll forgive me for the wait."

"It’s no problem, Headmistress," said an elderly professor, shaking his head. The others nodded in agreement.

Although she hadn’t been late by much, the Headmistress commanded such respect that no one dared to complain.

"Thank you. Now, let me introduce someone."

The Headmistress gestured toward Yujin, prompting the gathered professors to turn their attention to him.

"This is Professor Han Yujin, recently appointed as our new professor of magical studies. Many of you may already know him as the author of the space-time magic thesis."

Gasps and murmurs spread through the room.

"Silence," the Headmistress said, and the room instantly quieted. Her authority was evident.

"Thank you, Headmistress." Yujin stepped forward, smiling. "It’s an honor to meet all of you. My name is Han Yujin. As some of you may have guessed, I am indeed the author of the space-time magic thesis."

The room erupted into whispers again, even though they’d already heard the rumors. Hearing it from the man himself carried a different weight.

"Please, no more interruptions," the Headmistress said firmly.

Yujin nodded and continued, "Thank you, Headmistress. As I was saying, I have a dream."

The sudden proclamation left the professors silent, their curiosity piqued.

"......"

Reina, observing him, felt an unexplainable sense of foreboding creep over her.