Blood 23 It seems I must attend a magic academy after reincarnating.

After about a year since entering the Demon Realm, I arrived at the Demon King's Castle.

To summarize the journey thus far: it was indistinguishable from the Human Realm, there is no other way to describe it.

Because it truly was unchanged.

The townscape, architectural style, cuisine—no significant differences. Without being told, one could not tell it apart from the Human Realm.

I had imagined, given the name "Demon Realm," that various races would be mixed together in daily life, so the sheer lack of change was, in fact, unsettling.

The only difference was the language.

But that was not an issue, as I had already been taught by Ariel beforehand.

According to reports, the term "demon race" does not refer to a single species. There are no beings resembling the demons or bestial humanoids I imagined, nor any species with a distinctly monstrous appearance.

I had thought there might be vampires among the demons, but it seems even vampires are absent.

Ariel said,

Vampires? I haven’t seen one in ages. Vampires native to this world went extinct ages ago.

So it is said.

Various shocks had occurred.

Thus, Sophia and Melazofis are the only two vampires in this world.

There was a man who became a Demon Lord as a vampire long ago. He is remembered as the greatest Demon Lord in history, having held the record for the longest reign. Even he was ultimately defeated—completely broken by the heroes. Naturally, after that, vampire hunters were deployed. They were eradicated without resistance. That is the story.

Ariel spoke with a bright tone, yet her words carried a faint air of melancholy.

Ariel had last seen a vampire eons ago. Thus, the likelihood of any vampires surviving was nearly zero.

Without being the True Ancestor, it was impossible not to drink blood. To live in isolation in remote areas was equally impossible. Therefore, no individuals had remained undetected thus far.

Hearing this, one thought arose: How old is Ariel, exactly?

Thus, it was stated that demons, regardless of type, fundamentally comprised a single race.

While goblins occasionally allied with demons, goblins remained goblins and were not classified as demons.

Only those who bore an appearance identical to humans were designated as demons.

Considering this, Ariel’s appearance was indistinguishable from that of humans.

That the Demon King, standing at the apex of demonkind, shared the same form as humans was, therefore, predictable.

Yet this was only half correct, and half incorrect.

"I’m special, you see. My form matches that of humans or demons, but my essence is entirely different. Would you like to see?"

A smirk formed, hinting at malice. I politely declined.

With that, the journey through a demon territory indistinguishable from human territory concluded, arriving at last at the Demon King’s castle.

No lightning flickered behind the castle. It was a white, exceptionally beautiful fortress.

The phrase "Demon King's Castle" did not suit it. Not at all.

Around the fortress, a lively castle town spread out, filled with bright energy.

My internal image of demons shattered, piece by piece.

"Then, we've finally arrived. I think I'll enroll Sophia in school!"

Ariel declared.

"School?"

"Yes, school."

School.

Even that existed.

Demons attending school.

Another piece of my mental image crumbled.

"I intend to enroll Sophia in school—to have her acquire the knowledge of this world. She’s had little opportunity to study, having spent her life traveling. While she retains memories from her previous life, which will help with basic understanding, attending school here is still beneficial if she plans to live in this world. Of course, it won’t be just any school. There is a noble hierarchy among demons, and I’ll introduce her to the finest institution attended by their nobility. What do you think?"

What do you think—though I don’t feel I have a choice in the matter.

True, considering her age, attending school would not be unusual.

A school is not merely a place to study.

The relationships formed there may prove useful later. It is also a prerequisite for integration into society.

Attending a school frequented by noble demons inevitably ties one to high-ranking demons, whether desired or not.

How it functions is up to me, but I believe Ariel is saying that she laid the groundwork for living in the Demon Realm while at that school.

If there is an issue, it's that I'm not good with people.

But even if I am not of noble blood by birth, I am still a proper noblewoman.

Perhaps it is time to completely forget the past life and begin anew.

Understood. I will attend that school.

"OK! Then, while that's happening, Melazofis will work under my command."

“‘What?’”

My voice and Melazophis’s merged into one.

Admission for attendants to the school isn't impossible, but Sophia-chan isn't a noble, even if she is my recommendation. She'll enter under the commoner quota. Assigning an attendant to her under those conditions will be difficult, though.

Such.

I did not hear it.

Sophia is not here.

"Y-"

"Turning back now isn't an option."

I was preempted.

After that, with no room for argument, I was forcibly separated from Melazophis.

The school is fully residential. Melazophis is not here.

Of course, neither is Lady Ariel, nor her master.

Ah, perhaps it's better she's not here—then she won’t be eaten.

No one I know is present.

And I’ve been traveling the world since birth, a girl with no education, no common sense.

Surrounded only by noble demons.

Can I really survive this?