Chapter 62: Chapter 62

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Translator: Vine

Chapter Title: The Dragon's Remnant

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Click-clack.

Inside the completely dark room.

A man was visible, staring at a monitor.

He would sometimes get annoyed, sometimes sigh, as he gazed at the monitor.

Yet, occasionally, he would laugh, as if greatly amused.

I quietly watched the man's back.

His right arm was horribly shattered.

His expression wasn't normal either.

Symptoms of facial paralysis.

'He shouldn't have looked like that back then.'

Perhaps it was because it was a dream.

I must have always thought of his arm and face as having been broken a long time ago, even in my mind.

"Is that fun?"

I asked, opening my mouth unconsciously.

The man stared blankly at the screen before replying.

"It's my favorite game."

Hearing that, I smiled faintly.

"Alright, then that's good."

I still like this game.

Flash—

My eyes snapped open.

A ceiling came into view, along with sweat beading on my face.

'...A hospital room?'

Realizing where I was, I let out a soft breath.

'Someone must have found me.'

I remembered collapsing on the way up to the 4th floor of the Demonic Palace.

After that, I'd intended to regain consciousness and return, but it seemed I hadn't managed to wake up in the end.

'That was too dangerous.'

Although I'd poured all my strength into countering the Ancient Dragon's magic, I should have at least saved enough stamina to get back.

'I had less leeway than I thought.'

I blamed myself.

If I hadn't been found by chance, I would have died right there.

'Nikita...'

Did she manage to meet up with Nia?

She might resent me for keeping Nia's matter a secret.

'And since my identity as Vikarmen was exposed...'

She might be displeased that the man who liked her went that far.

'I should have remained as Hanun for as long as possible.'

Swallowing a sigh inwardly, I thought, 'I made a mistake.'

'First, let's assess the situation.'

Thinking that, I was about to get up.

"Huh?"

I belatedly realized my body was being held by something.

A strangely soft sensation came with a sweet scent of roses.

Turning my head to see what it was, an familiar face was there.

A long-haired cat with a hint of decadent beauty.

This description suited her best.

The Third Imperial Princess, Iris Heisirion.

She was holding me tightly.

"...Ah, Lady Iris?"

I called her name, my voice filled with bewilderment.

"Mmm."

Iris only hugged me tighter, showing no intention of waking up.

Why was she sleeping with me in my hospital bed?

As I struggled to comprehend, I felt a gaze on the back of my head.

The back of my head tingled sharply, almost painfully.

Unable to withstand the gaze, I slowly turned my head.

There stood a girl with peach-colored hair.

Her eyes were distorted, like those of a demon.

I knew very well why her eyes looked like that.

Hania Rapidia.

The daughter of the Imperial Knights Commander, she was one of the people who loved Iris.

"You're awake?"

Hania spoke, a smile on her face.

That smile was so chilling it made even me flinch.

"...I can't sleep forever, can I?"

"I could put you to sleep permanently, though."

"No thanks. I'll decline. I still have a lot to do."

Hania snorted, "Hmph."

"So, can you explain the situation?"

I still couldn't understand why Iris was sharing my hospital bed.

When I asked, Hania pulled her knees to her chest.

"The rescue team attempting to breach the ice wall on the 4th floor recovered everyone who had collapsed as soon as the wall shattered.

In the process, the scene where Nikita Cynthia targeted Lady Iris was also discovered."

"Senior Nikita herself?"

"She disappeared. According to those who investigated, she failed her assassination attempt and was ultimately consumed by the Ancient Dragon's magic."

That wasn't enough.

As I felt a pang of disappointment, Hania added further explanation.

"While that was happening, additional traces of the Ancient Dragon's magic vanishing were found, so her body wasn't recovered. But the conclusion was that Nikita Cynthia must be dead."

Only then could I finally let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

Fortunately, it seemed the conclusion regarding Nikita was that she had died from this incident.

'The First Imperial Prince's side must have pulled some strings, subtly.'

It was highly likely Nia had actively requested it.

"Nikita Cynthia, she's alive, isn't she?"

At that moment, Hania pointedly remarked.

My eyes slowly turned to Hania.

She stared directly at me.

Her eyes held a will to punish lies and seek out the truth.

Looking at her, I smiled faintly.

"Who knows."

"Don't smile like that with my face."

Right, I was still in Hania's form.

Since this was a private hospital room, Hania seemed to have removed her Hanun disguise too.

"I've sworn to exclude anything that could harm Lady Iris."

Hania wielded her sword for Iris.

Her sword moved solely for Iris.

Nikita had targeted the life of such an Iris.

In fact, if I hadn't been there, she could have taken Iris's neck.

"Hanun Airey."

A sharp killing intent emanated from Hania.

"Is Hanun an enemy of Lady Iris?"

After Nikita, it was now Hania threatening my life.

I had defended Nikita.

Hania, who was involved in this incident, was not unaware of this fact.

If I were an enemy, she would definitely have to eliminate me.

"No."

I had no intention of becoming an enemy of Iris.

Even if she served as a boss in the final chapter.

I would save her in Lucas's stead.

Hearing my firm answer, Hania was silent for a moment.

Then she let out a breath and withdrew her killing intent.

"Then that's fine."

She understood surprisingly easily.

"Don't misunderstand. It's not because I trust Hanun."

Hania's eyes fell on Iris.

"Lady Iris is extremely sensitive. She would never show weakness in front of someone who harbors ill will towards her."

I agreed with that.

Iris showed a flawless image to others.

But the Iris behind me was so deep in sleep she showed no intention of waking.

"However, she shows such a side to Hanun. It's proof that Lady Iris feels no animosity from Hanun at all."

This was Iris, imbued with the power of the Evil Lord.

She would be more sensitive than anyone when it came to hostility and malice.

Hania's judgment was definitely correct.

"Of course, even considering that, this sight…"

Grind—

Hania's teeth ground together as if they would shatter.

"...is hard to understand."

Looking at me, held in Iris's embrace, she struggled to suppress her rage.

Don't get angry.

It's scary.

"It's force majeure. I don't even know why I'm in this state in the first place."

"Lady Iris said she liked hugging Hanun because he was warm."

It wasn't like I was a dog with a high body temperature that was good for cuddling.

I was dumbfounded.

But I generally understood why.

'The Flame of Fire, absorbed by the Steel Skin, must have remained inside my body during the process of it becoming a Steel Body.'

The Steel Skin had absorbed the Flame of Fire for quite a long time.

Although it had the characteristic of expelling heat to prevent melting.

The Flame of Fire penetrated even this characteristic and deeply embedded itself in my body.

Thus, the heat from the Flame of Fire was flowing throughout my entire body.

'This should be good for suppressing the Ancient Dragon's remnant.'

Inside my body, the Ancient Dragon's remnant had seeped in.

Moreover, since it had already awakened once due to the Ancient Dragon's remnant, it would eventually move to consume me.

For now, it would be effective in suppressing it.

"So, please stay like that until Lady Iris wakes up."

She was basically telling me to act as a human heater.

"It's been a long time since she slept so comfortably."

Hania looked at Iris with pitying eyes.

Hania was the one who had watched Iris struggle with nightmares by her side for the longest time.

Therefore, she could do anything if it meant Iris could sleep peacefully.

I also knew that Iris had suffered from sleep in the Demonic Palace.

Having no choice, I decided to stay still until Iris woke up.

Anyway, Iris couldn't sleep for long due to nightmares.

It wouldn't take too long for her to wake up.

"More importantly, Hanun, you and I have a problem to solve."

"What problem?"

Was there still a problem left?

As I showed my confusion, Hania smiled faintly.

"Well, we're dating now, aren't we?"

Ah.

"That was just supposed to be an act in front of Associate Professor Barkov, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it definitely should have been like that."

Hania rested her chin on her knees, smiling widely.

A considerable amount of exasperation could be felt in that smile.

"Until Associate Professor Barkov spread rumors everywhere, that is."

I roughly guessed what had happened.

Barkov, that bastard.

He really screwed me over.

"So."

"Since the rumors have spread, there are many eyes watching us. It would be best to keep up the act for now.

After all, rumors only sparkle for a short while; they'll naturally die down with time, so we can break up then."

"Barkov's causing trouble for a lot of people."

I had already agreed to help Hania with her situation anyway.

Hania and I were in the same Martial Arts Department.

Acting together wouldn't be difficult if we coordinated.

"More importantly, are you okay with the rumors?"

All the rumors involving me were bad.

Although my skill seemed to be somewhat recognized now.

Most people in the Martial Arts Department still viewed me negatively.

Especially in the Magic Department, I had become a mortal enemy.

If she associated with me, Hania's reputation would also fall.

"Rumors related to Hanun? I don't care. Hanun isn't that kind of person anyway."

"To say I'm not that kind of person, I've done quite a few things."

It wasn't just once or twice that I'd clashed with Isabella.

"I judge that with my own eyes."

But Hania's reaction was that such things didn't matter.

"More than worrying about me, Hanun should be worrying about himself, shouldn't he?"

"Worry about what?"

Hania smiled faintly.

"There are a lot of people in the academy who like me, you see."

Her words were filled with immense confidence.

The problem was, just as she said.

Hania had a power to attract people, regardless of gender or age.

Not a few people harbored feelings for her.

"I can't guarantee what those people might do."

"So, he who takes the beauty must bear the weight, huh?"

"...Pfft, yes, I am a beauty, aren't I?"

A hint of pride entered Hania's expression.

Regardless, I leaned my head back on the pillow.

'After a few days of vacation, it'll be the second semester again, I guess.'

The first semester of my second year had been full of twists and turns.

Now, having finished it, I closed my eyes, recalling the fourth act that was about to begin.

Even if only to advance to the fourth act, I needed to rest sufficiently.

And at this time, I didn't know.

The contract couple relationship I'd formed with Hania for the time being.

That it wasn't just the people who liked Hania who would be a problem.

* * *

Iris finally woke up.

I also returned safely to my dormitory, and a day passed.

As the incident had been so massive in scale.

Even after returning to the dormitory, I had to sleep as if I'd collapsed.

And the next day.

"Ugh."

I opened my eyes, a pain throbbing in my right eye.

"Hanun, what's wrong?"

Card, hearing my groan, yawned and asked.

"Ah, nothing."

I quickly replied to Card and hurried to the bathroom.

Then, as I was about to splash water on my throbbing eye, I froze.

In the mirror.

Something wriggled and moved within my right pupil.

A moment later, it became a lizard's eye, staring clearly back at me.

My eyes widened.

That was the Ancient Dragon's remnant I'd taken from Nikita.

'I knew the Ancient Dragon's remnant possessed will, but...'

I didn't expect it to become conscious and manifest so quickly, even with the heat of the Flame of Fire still lingering.

'This isn't good.'

I still hadn't found a way to resolve the Ancient Dragon's remnant immediately.

If the Ancient Dragon's remnant tried to take over like this, it would become a huge problem.

'If I'm to deal with this right now...'

A certain individual flashed through my mind.

As soon as she came to mind, I quickly changed my clothes.

If I used the Curtain Bandage, I could hide it even if the Ancient Dragon's remnant activated.

After securely covering my eye, I headed straight out towards the girls' dormitory.

On the way.

The girls' glares, as they furtively glanced my way, felt sharp.

It wasn't common for a male student to visit the girls' dormitory in the morning.

Especially today, the first day of classes after the Summer Demonic Palace incident.

Visiting the girls' dormitory on a day like this was no different from asking to go to class together.

But I didn't care in the slightest about such gazes.

This level of brazenness was now my daily routine.

Arriving at the dormitory entrance, I happened to spot a maid sweeping the yard.

"Excuse me."

"Yes, young master."

The maid stopped sweeping as soon as she heard my call and approached me.

"There's someone I'd like to call."

At that moment, the maid looked at my name tag and smiled faintly.

"Shall I call Lady Hania?"

For a moment, the thought, 'Why Hania?' crossed my mind.

'Oh, right, Hania was my girlfriend now.'

As expected, a maid with keen ears for rumors.

Academy students told their friendly maids all sorts of school stories.

So, it was safe to say that the maids practically knew all the academy's information.

"No, not Hania. Please call Sharyn Sazalys."

"Pardon?"

The maid's eyes went wide.

It was as if she was thinking, 'Why *her*?'

A man who had just gotten a girlfriend was asking to call another woman.

There was nothing strange about finding it strange.

"It's urgent."

The maid's blank expression turned resolute, and she nodded.

"...Understood. I will ask Lady Sharyn to come out as quietly as possible.

In the morning, there are fewer people by the back door, so I will guide you there."

She seemed to have misunderstood something.

As the maid left, she quietly whispered to herself, 'A scoundrel of his time...'

I wanted to correct the misunderstanding, but...

The situation was urgent.

I decided to do that later and waited quietly by the back door.

A moment later, Sharyn was half-dragged out by the maid.

Sharyn, still weak to mornings, had a face full of sleep.

More than that, she was in her pajamas.

"Uuugh, Hanun, it's hard to eat bread in the morninggg."

Why was she treating me like her personal errand boy?

I stared at Sharyn with a dumbfounded expression, then met the maid's expectant gaze.

I couldn't carelessly talk about the Ancient Dragon's remnant.

When I subtly gestured, she retreated with a regretful look.

"Sharyn."

"Mmm?"

"I need to suppress the Ancient Dragon's remnant. Can you help?"

"The Ancient Dragon's remnant?"

"It's the Ancient Dragon's curse. It holds the Ancient Dragon's magic."

Sharyn's sleepy gaze changed in an instant.

"...The Ancient Dragon's magic, no. The location where that Ancient Dragon's remnant manifested is..."

"My right eye."

I removed the Curtain Bandage.

Sharyn firmly held my face with both hands and stared intently into my right eye.

Her face was close enough that I could distinctly smell Sharyn's unique scent.

Soon after, the starlight of Sharyn's pupils manifested, beginning to emit a starry glow.

After examining it for a long time, she finally frowned.

"So it's the Ancient Dragon's remnant. It's certainly rough."

"Do you think you can do something about it?"

"Who do you think I am?"

Sharyn smiled faintly.

"I'm Sharyn Sazalysss."

Yes, just like the best mage I knew.

"But I don't think it'll be done overnight. It'll take some time."

"Can I ask you to do it?"

"Yeah, I'm interested in Ancient Dragon magic too. I think I'll learn a lot by picking apart the remnant."

Thank goodness.

As I finally felt relieved, Sharyn touched my eye area.

A faint starlight flowed from her grasp.

"As a temporary measure, I'll minimize its movements. Then, you won't have pain or vision impairment."

"Thanks. I'll repay you next time."

"Okayyy."

After finishing her work, Sharyn let out a long yawn.

Then, a thought suddenly struck her, and she looked back at me.

"Oh, right, Hanun."

"Hm?"

"Bell is..."

"Sharyn, you."

At that moment, a voice interrupted Sharyn's words.

"Ah."

Sharyn let out a quiet sound.

Sharyn and I turned our heads simultaneously, and there stood a woman with honey-blonde hair like the sun.

For some reason, her eyes were wide open.

My face and Sharyn's were almost pressed together as she worked on solving the Ancient Dragon's remnant.

This was perfectly conducive to misunderstanding for anyone who saw it.

"...What are you two doing?"

Isabella Luna.

Her eyes held a strange, inexplicable anger.