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It seemed like she was trying to put on a show, but my surprise attack had already ended, and there was no way catching me now would do her any good. With that in mind, Topersion’s bravado just seemed ridiculous.

I had to be mindful not to burst out laughing.

“You aren’t surprised?”
“I thought it was possible you’d be here. Despite everything, I didn’t want to believe it. After all, I confirmed your death myself. I even saw your ashes. So, would you mind telling me how you’re still alive?”
“Beats me. When I woke up, I was like this.”

What I said wasn’t entirely a lie. After all, I had been prepared to die. However, fate had taken its course, and I was reborn as a Demigod.

Princess Topersion studied me closely, her expression suggesting she thought she could read me like an open book.

“You seem to be neither lying nor telling the full truth.”
“I could explain, but you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway. That aside, can I ask why you suspected I was still alive?”
“Fine. Our victory is already assured this time. But know this—if you try anything funny, I’ll have you captured immediately.”

(Her victory is assured?)

This likely meant that she either had the heroes or knights on standby. But since the spirit had to remain hidden, it was more likely the heroes, since they could be silenced more easily.

If that was the case, the heroes were probably waiting just around the stairs.

Additionally, it seemed Topersion believed Ichinari alone would be enough to deal with me, Toriyama Makoto. That must have been why she declared victory so confidently.

This also implied that my former classmates already knew Toriyama was still alive.

“Sure, I’ll behave. I doubt you could capture me, but I’ll listen calmly.”

(Did I use to talk like this? Well, whatever—it’s good we’re at least talking.)

Topersion let out a mocking laugh and responded.

“You made two mistakes. The first was making the queen suspicious.”
“I made her suspicious?”

“Yes. My mother has been concerned about the spirit’s weakened state, which is why she’s always kept a close watch on the key to this room. She realized something was off as soon as she finished her bath.”

“So you don’t actually have any proof.”

“Mother doesn’t even let the maids touch the key. That alone was enough to raise suspicion. If nothing had happened, it would’ve been fine, but we can’t afford to take risks where the spirit is concerned. Now, tell me—how do you know about the spirit? And how did you unlock that Magic Tool?”

Princess Topersion’s brow furrowed as she questioned me. Since the existence of the spirits wasn’t widely known, it made sense she’d be curious about how I had learned about them.

Now it was my turn to respond. Feigning ignorance wasn’t an option. I was already standing here, so denying my knowledge would be pointless.

“I heard about it from the top. I was also given the tools to bypass the Magic Tool, so although it took some time, I managed to unlock it.”
“So someone used forbidden magic to bring you back to life?”

Forbidden Magic—a type of sorcery long ago banned by God. It was generally accepted that only forbidden magic could bring someone back from the dead. But such spells didn’t restore a person as they were—they resurrected them as monsters.

It was akin to creating an undead being.

When revived, the individual would initially seem the same as before death. However, over time, their monstrous instincts would take over. Eventually, they’d start attacking people and devouring their flesh. I remembered learning about this in the castle.

However, considering how Topersion had cremated my body, it seemed unlikely that the dead could be brought back without a physical corpse.

But she was off the mark. Though, if she wanted to cling to her misunderstanding, I was happy to let her. There was no harm in her being skeptical.

“Before I answer that, I want to know—what was my second mistake?”
“That’s simple. I don’t know why, but you bought Mika, didn’t you?”
“Strange. I made the owner promise not to tell anyone about me.”
“He didn’t tell anyone. In fact, he couldn’t tell anyone.”
“I see. You’ve already experienced the Contract skill firsthand, haven’t you…”

“That’s right. As far as I know, you’re the only one capable of using that skill. How could I not suspect you? After all, I couldn’t just let you get ahead of us, could I? Once I figured that out, I realized the only opportunity you’d have to act would be during the unveiling of the heroes, when we’d be short-staffed.”

She paused briefly, a satisfied glimmer in her eyes.

“When I discovered your involvement, I had no time to make major changes to my schedule. But I did move my schedule—and that of a few heroes—half a day forward. After all, I was willing to trust my mother’s suspicions and increase security just for today.”

It seemed like she had bet on a very slim chance. Although she called them mistakes, if she hadn’t connected those dots, she wouldn’t be standing here now. The fact that she’d left the unveiling early yesterday was likely to ensure she could finish sooner today.

This showed just how much she valued me. Even though our roles made us enemies, I couldn’t help but feel a certain respect toward her. She was a worthy rival.

(I wonder how many of my classmates actually appreciated me like this.)

“Even before I died, I thought the Fraus Kingdom was the one that appreciated me most. But looking back now, it seems you were the one all along, Princess Topersion.”
“How annoying. Is that supposed to be your last compliment?”
“I mean it. You’ve faced me head-on with everything you’ve got.”

“I suppose that concludes our little chat, then. Oh, but there’s one thing I forgot to ask—” Her gaze sharpened. “Which kingdom brought you back? And how? If you tell me, I’ll make sure you die peacefully.”

“And if I don’t?” I returned her provocation with a grin, and Princess Topersion burst into laughter.

She covered her mouth with a fan, but I couldn’t understand why. Even so, I found a strange sense of satisfaction in hearing her villainous laughter at last.

“Let’s see. If you don’t tell me, we’ll capture you, and we’ll have plenty of time to make you talk. You don’t really think it’s better to stay alive, do you?”
“It doesn’t matter, because I won’t be dying—and I won’t be caught.”
“Are you underestimating me because I’m alone?” she sneered. “To be honest, I do think I could handle you by myself, but I didn’t come unprepared. I brought our weapons with me.”

Her tone was laced with mockery.

(So even Princess Topersion believes she can take down Toriyama Makoto? I guess I really was weak. But it makes sense—a princess of a kingdom should be strong enough to protect herself. Not that any of this matters to me right now.)

Just as those thoughts ran through my mind, I heard her yell:

“Seize him!”