The Return of the Iron-blood Sword Hound

Chapter 251: Aftermath (2)

“Vikir.”

Dolores came out onto the terrace after pulling back the curtain, and she called Vikir in a low tone. Vikir’s response to such calls was always brief.

“Yes.”

Dolores silently observed Vikir’s face for a moment. Eventually, she approached him, leaning against the railing where Vikir was seated.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Just… for everything.”

The reason Dolores was able to achieve the rank of 1st place this time was, strictly speaking, due to Vikir. In the early to mid-phase of the competition, Vikir cleverly lured Hohenheim and Bakilaga into facing each other, causing them to deplete their strength and achieve the triumphant moment of capturing Hohenheim.

Even if Vikir hadn’t been betrayed and eliminated by the triplets from Baskerville in the latter half of the competition, Vikir could have been in the top 5.

Dolores said, “If it weren’t for Baskerville’s triplets, your rank could have been much higher.”

“It’s already over.”

“…You’re always so calm. It seems like you have no regrets or disappointments.”

Dolores stared into Vikir’s eyes, wondering. Despite being a freshman who had recently enrolled, there was a familiarity as if she had known him for a very long time.

She spoke again, “What I thanked you for earlier wasn’t just about this competition.”

“Oh?”

“Yes.”

Dolores rested her chin on her hand and bowed slightly, leaning against the railing, looking up at Vikir.

“…It’s fascinating. Where did you even come from?”

“Just an ordinary freshman.”

“An ordinary freshman achieving and outperforming professors in research, even defeating third-year students in the competition? And you for real?”

“I was lucky.”

Vikir’s nonchalant response left Dolores momentarily speechless.

Colosseo Academy is a vast place of about 20,000 people, including students, professors, and staff.

As a gathering place for those who boast of being geniuses, there are many outstanding individuals. While Vikir’s achievements are truly remarkable when listed, they aren’t particularly noteworthy compared to other seasoned individuals at the academy. Just considering Dolores, from her freshman year, she achieved feats similar to what Vikir had done, bringing her to her current position.

Moreover, her rivalry with Hohenheim, Bakilaga, Lovegood, and others during her freshman years was even more colorful.

“Moreover, the 2nd years, 3rd years, and 4th years who received her as a freshman achieved even more remarkable feats,” Vikir emphasized this point in his words.

“’The likes of Bakilaga, Hohenheim, and Lovegood, whom we encountered in this competition, were also extraordinary talents. I’ve learned a lot.'”

This admiration was somewhat sincere. It wasn’t easy to become a Graduator or ascend to the 4th class at the age of 20.

Of course, if Vikir’s accomplishment of becoming a Sword Master at the age of 18 became known, the world’s reaction would likely be quite different.

On the other hand, Dolores silently watched Vikir. “Why does it sound like your words are an excuse?”

“…?”

“To disguise your extraordinaryness by disguising it as ordinary.”

Dolores narrowed her eyes and continued, “People in this world are busy exaggerating their abilities, but you’re peculiar. You seem busy hiding what you already have.”

“…”

“Are you scared of someone recognizing you?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“Your way of speaking is so military-like.”

Dolores’s words carried a strong curiosity about Vikir’s background and identity.

“Your archery skills are impressive. I saw you moving around, capturing other kids in the competition. Most of your shots were not reflected in the stats since they were grenade-induced shots, but…”

“I was just lucky.”

“…It seemed like that. The forest was dark, and being able to hit enemies by bouncing off rocks or logs is not a skill possessed by many archery experts in the world. But luck is also a skill. You were the one who provided covert sniper support to Tudor, Sancho, and Figgy, right?”

“They did well on their own.”

“The Baskerville triplets, right? Yes, they are the most prominent stars in this competition.”

Dolores turned to look at Vikir.

“But why is that?”

“…?”

“Why do I feel like you’re hiding behind the Baskerville triplets?”

Vikir’s expression stiffened momentarily at her words.

“If someone observes only you, it’s natural to seem unusual…”

“No. You’re exceptional. Otherwise, you wouldn’t catch my eye wherever I go. Why do you seem to hide behind the Baskerville triplets?”

“…?”

“Why do I, of all people, see you only hiding behind them? Are you avoiding being recognized?”

Vikir’s expression remained unchanged.

“Tell me. What are you hiding?”

For a moment, Vikir remained silent. On his left wrist, Baby Madam gazed at him with a worried expression.

As if asking, ‘Shall I eliminate her, Master?’ Baby Madam looked at Vikir, pressing against him. Vikir sighed deeply, about to respond.

At that moment, Dolores approached Vikir closely. In a hushed voice, she whispered, “You… Are you the Crown Prince?”

…?

Vikir was momentarily stunned. What kind of nonsense is this?

As Vikir remained silent, Dolores spoke again, “The current Emperor has unfortunately lost all his children due to accidents.”

“…”

“But there are rumors that only one illegitimate child survived and entered Colosseo Academy.”

“…”

“It’s you, right?”

Vikir was aware of that rumor. However, it was a rumor that had circulated even before he returned, and the truth had not been proven, so he paid little attention to it.

Ignoring Vikir’s thoughts, Dolores continued, “The Emperor reportedly possesses a mysterious power that can predict the future. If you inherited his blood, you might have a similar ability. If you can foresee future test questions or incidents, it would explain all your achievements so far…”

“Stop.”

Vikir interrupted Dolores’s baseless speculation. In a firm tone, he asserted, “I have no connection with the royal family.”

“Lies.”

“I swear on my father’s honor and before the all-knowing Rune (Dolores’ God) that I have no such connection.”

Vikir’s resolute words caused Dolores’s gaze to waver. To assert something so strongly, he must have been truly indifferent to his father Hugo’s honor.

However, Vikir’s lack of interest in his father’s honor didn’t mean he could associate it with anything.

On the other hand, Dolores seemed shaken by Vikir’s firm response. She showed a hint of surprise at his decisive denial.

“Then open the door to your heart! Let me know who you are!”

Dolores wanted to read Vikir’s soul. Most people left their doors to the heart somewhat open, but not Vikir, it’s as if he had closed, locked and ate the key.

Of course, from Vikir’s perspective, it was naturally unacceptable.

Even though revealing Baskerville’s status wouldn’t matter much, now that Osiris had expelled Seth’s minions from within the family…

“If that happens, Night Hound’s identity will be revealed too.”

He didn’t think he could keep it hidden forever.

However, according to the plan he had in mind, it was still a bit early.

‘…It won’t be long now.’ Night’s hound. The moment his true identity is revealed, a great crisis will unfold. Vikir quietly closed his eyes.

Dolores, witnessing Vikir’s reaction, opened her mouth in inexplicable anxiety. “What are you going to say…”

Just then…

“…Open up! Open up!”

“…Demand the right!”

“…For freedom!”

Loud voices echoed from outside the fence of the dormitory, where Colosseo Academy students were staying. It seemed like a gathering of people staging a protest.

…?

Dolores was puzzled and turned her gaze for a moment. There, an astonishing sight met her eyes.

Professors from Colosseo Academy were struggling to block a crowd. A massive number of people were bustling, attempting to enter the dormitory. They all held sparkling glow sticks with picket signs and wore red ribbons around their heads.

And leading them all was a face Dolores knew well.

“…Merelini Lovegood?”

The student council president of Temisquira Women’s College.

All those with her were students from Temisquira Women’s College. They vigorously clashed with Colosseo Academy professors, advocating for their freedom.

Dolores grabbed the terrace railing, trying to listen more closely.

Temisquira Women’s College. Their academic atmosphere, which pursued the sacred and static, was completely different from what was happening now.

The sight of the girls, with their hair wildly flowing, rushing forward, resembled enraged beasts.

“What’s happening?”

Vikir, effortlessly shifting the conversation, made Dolores glance at him curiously.

“Just listen to what they’re saying…”

Dolores concentrated her ears. The shouts of the protesters began to separate and clarify.

At the same time, Dolores could feel the fervent emotions of those girls.

“We will find our freedom!”

“Come on, everyone! Gather!”

“Humanity unites for noble goals! That sets us apart from animals!”

They were turning into justice warriors, fiercely clashing with the professors.

Dolores held the terrace railing and strained her ears even more.

“Colosseo Academy’s students, let us participate in the after-party!”

“We don’t need everything! Just show us Vikir!”

“We want to congratulate Vikir too!”

“Open the after-party at Colosseo Academy to students from other schools! Open up!”

“Let’s have the after-party together! Vikir-Nim!”

“Joy doubles when shared!”

“I fell in love with your sexy appearance on the Train!”

“Your Sis dosen’t want to part like this!”

“Sis? We’re at least five years younger than him!”

“I don’t care, if he’s handsome, he’s an oppa! Kyaa-”

It seemed like the students from Temisquira Women’s College wanted to join Colosseo Academy’s after-party. Whatever their intentions were, it was quite explicit.

“….”

“Do you hear what they’re saying?” Vikir again asked Dolores.

“Huh? Uh….”

Dolores quickly turned her back, trying to act nonchalant while letting go of the railing.

“Well, they say… Oh, there’s no hot water! I need to check it out! You’re late, so just go to bed!”

With that, she hurriedly ran off somewhere.