My Past Life is Riddled With Many Sins - Chapter 78
She stabbed him because she was certain he wasn’t human, but the sight of the black liquid still sent chills down her spine.
So it was indeed a devilkin from the Demon Realm, breaking the non-aggression pact and appearing in Middle Realm. This incident at the academy where a creature was spotted wasn’t a coincidence—it’s clear they are hiding everywhere.
If they had successfully infiltrated into places as significant as the academy and even the Imperial Palace means other areas are likely compromised too.
When the knights finally snapped out of their shock and approached, they restrained her. The restraint was somewhat awkward. It was likely they had not received the orders yet.
She did not resist.
The Crown Prince stepped forward.
“Explain the situation.”
She had hoped to expose this. She could have sneaked around and dealt with the devilkin secretly. But if a mere commoner claimed to have seen devilkin, would anyone believe it? They’d likely think her insane.
It was the choice that contradicted her desire to live as inconspicuous as possible. But she couldn’t keep silent about the potential of another invasion from the Demon Realm to Middle Realm.
If war broke out again without any preparation, countless lives would be lost. She could not prioritize her safety over the lives of many.
“Not long ago, I encountered a monster at the academy. It took the form of a black bird, and when I cut it, it dissipated into black smoke. I knew from my studies that beings from the Demon Realm don’t leave corpses behind, so I identified it as a monster. Today, I sensed an energy at the imperial banquet and acted without permission. I thought to prioritize the safety of the Crown Prince present here. Please forgive my indiscretion.”
Of course, that was a lie. No one would have believed her otherwise, she needed to show them.
If she had simply used negative words to accuse that unknown middle-aged noble of being a devilkin, everyone in the hall would have dismissed it as nonsense. More likely, she would have been executed for slandering a noble.
“When did you first notice the monster at the academy?”
“About two weeks ago.”
“Did you report this to the temple?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“It happened so suddenly, and I was the only witness. The body vanished immediately, and as time passed, I began to doubt what I had seen. I was hesitant to report without more certainty.”
The Crown Prince easily saw through Regina’s lie. Her actions were too decisive for someone supposedly confused. It was a movement full of confidence without hesitation. It was clear she was looking for an opportunity because a mere claim without confidence would get her dismissed at the temple.
“Going forward, make sure to report even if you are not certain.”
“Understood.”
As Regina responded mechanically, a man interjected into the conversation.
“She might be colluding with the devilkin!”
Regina turned her head to where the sound came from. The strict looking male noble flinched as she met eye contact. But he still expressed his suspicion.
“Isn’t it suspicious that an academy student alone felt something when there were a few outstanding knights here? It may have been a premeditated act by the two to win Your Highness’ trust. We need to check if that girl is a devilkin, too!”
The room buzzed after his speculation.
Regina realized something odd then. She wasn’t the most skilled swordsman here; why didn’t Bliss, more capable than her, notice the demonic energy? If he had, he would have acted before she had a chance.
Bliss wasn’t the only one—none of the empire’s elite knights had sensed it. It seemed only she had felt that unsettling presence.
‘How could that be?’
Did she alone feel what a Sword Master’s keen sense hadn’t caught? It was inevitable she was being suspected under these circumstances. She glanced at Bliss. Shrugging, he scanned the room then looked back at her. Asking as if he should clear up the mess.
If it’s difficult, should I just take care of it all? His eyes had said so.
She was horrified.
‘Is he insane?’
He hadn’t been called the Crazy Eyed Sword Demon in his previous life for nothing. Regina shook her head in distress. How should she explain this?
The habits from her past life, ‘of course I’m the best because I alone noticed things others didn’t now embarrassed her.
“It does sound reasonable.”
“Even the notable knights didn’t catch on, but a mere student did? It certainly raises some eyebrows.”
“Yes, especially since there’s a swordmaster here.”
“Did Dean Bliss sense something? It seemed like he was helping the student.”
“But then, why didn’t the Sword Master himself handle it directly…”
Suspicions and skeptical glares poured from all directions. Regina broke out in a cold sweat.
‘It seems like I’m doomed.’
Of course there was no way to clear her name. There was a simple, albeit blunt way, but she wanted to avoid that route if possible.
“Regina Heather, will you counter Count Gerald’s accusation?”
The Crown Prince formally offered her the chance to defend herself.
“I am not in league with the devilkin.”
“Can you prove that?”
Regina’s head throbbed. This was a classic case of ‘devil’s proof’.
The existence of a devil can be easily demonstrated. She could simply present one, but proving its non-existence is impossible.
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