Chapter 206
Chapter 206
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 206
Chapter Title: It's Not Over 'Til It's Over
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There's a saying that it's not over until it's over. Naturally, it was a catchphrase from my third senior brother, who was obsessed with famous quotes...
To be honest, the situation was nearly resolved, so even I had let my guard down a bit.
Who could've expected such a question out of nowhere at this final moment?
It wasn't that I'd fallen for some psychological ploy or trap—it just felt like I'd been hunted.
Like wandering aimlessly through a pitch-black forest, finally escaping, only to turn around and come face-to-face with a wolf's gaping maw.
'This isn't the time for such thoughts...'
My mind raced in that split second.
The Iron-Blooded Duke doesn't mince words.
Though phrased as a question, he was likely convinced deep down that I'd encountered Leone.
'And on top of that.'
He bore the Blessing of Truth, so ordinary lies wouldn't work.
Anything spoken aloud had to be the truth...
"Yes."
It felt like I'd pondered for ages, but only about three seconds had passed.
Any more hesitation could be dangerous, so I nodded and continued.
"Dean Alderson built a structure called the Tower of Execution at the academy. That's where I met Leone... or rather, the puppet who called herself Leone."
The Iron-Blooded Duke had the Blessing to discern truth from lies.
Of course, it wasn't invincible.
There were probably limitations to its use. Like all Blessings, it couldn't be wielded infinitely.
Still, mixing in lies was too risky.
So, just like in the [Chamber of Judgment] before, I opted for no lies—but also no full disclosure.
"You must know Leone handles instruments."
"Indeed."
"And the reason you didn't tell me."
"Well..."
I had to hesitate here, though not for long.
I scrambled for an excuse and barely came up with one.
"I also met Father's puppet from that era alongside Leone. Father's during his academy days, that is."
"..."
"He felt quite different from now. I worried bringing it up might be rude."
Was it a decent excuse?
The Iron-Blooded Duke's expression grew subtly strange.
His usually sharp eyes seemed to soften slightly at the corners, somehow reminiscent of Delac during his academy days.
It was decades ago, but his appearance hadn't changed much. He just looked a few years older now.
"My academy days. Not particularly fond memories."
"..."
"What did you discuss with Leone?"
"I encountered a legion commander in the underside world of Hardenihar. The thing had Dean Alderson imprisoned and under surveillance. It was too much for me to handle alone back then. Leone helped. If I'd fought solo, I wouldn't have won."
All true, and my honest feelings.
"You knew Leone handled instruments."
"I did."
"Then Dean Alderson must as well."
"True, but I'd rather you not press him on it."
"Why?"
"He's already starting to forget Leone. I don't know why..."
I trailed off, glancing at the Iron-Blooded Duke.
Did he know something about it?
"..."
He seemed lost in thought for a moment.
I couldn't tell if he was parsing my words or pondering something else.
"I see."
He reached some conclusion alone and turned to me.
"So, is there anything else you're hiding?"
His violet eyes gleamed more intensely than usual.
A chill started at my forearms and raced up my spine. Good thing I was wearing long sleeves.
'This... definitely the Blessing of Truth.'
No doubt.
I couldn't say how many times he'd used it before, or if at all.
But for this question? One hundred percent.
What now?
Risk it and hide, or reveal the truth.
Which was better?
No real choice.
"There is."
"..."
"But first, one thing."
"What?"
"I'll clash with the Dark Cult countless times ahead. As I said before, taking down one of the Demon Kings is my goal."
"Wouldn't expect less."
"Yes. But Family Head, I have no intention of sharing every bit of intel, achievements, or secrets I gain with the family."
The Iron-Blooded Duke's eyes blinked slowly.
The air against my skin felt colder, but I laid my heart bare.
"I'm not your subordinate."
The Iron-Blooded Duke was terrifying.
Exposing this could make him snap my tendons, imprison me like Ryzen, or—unlikely as it was—take my life.
So what?
As a martial artist, pride gets bruised sometimes. There are times to endure and times not to.
This felt like the latter.
If I just answered straight here and let him lead, I'd wear the Bednicker shackles forever.
Compared to that, the secrets I was hiding were secondary.
'Shackles.'
Yes. Shackles.
The family name I'd craved in my past life was nothing more than that now.
The Iron-Blooded Duke spoke.
"I promised you the vice head position."
"Never wanted it. If you plan to leash me with it, reject it here and now."
"No interest in Family Head?"
"None."
"Becoming Bednicker Family Head means power beyond your imagination."
"If I want it, I'll seize it myself. Glory means nothing without that."
"..."
"Of course, I owe the Bednickers. If repayment's demanded, I'll pay. We'll figure out the terms later."
Heat edged my voice. Pure sincerity.
In this moment, Leone, the instrument inside me, my High Priest identity—none mattered.
I just wanted him to understand my truth.
Normally, I wouldn't say this...
But I recalled the Iron-Blooded Duke from the rooftop.
This man who seemed so ruthless.
I hoped a father's heart lingered in him, however faintly.
Of course, his reaction was unpredictable.
He could draw his sword any second. If so, I'd fight back fiercely.
Regret it on the brink of death—'Damn... shoulda kept my mouth shut...'—and regress.
The Blessing might not trigger, but who cared.
Lost in such thoughts, I watched him...
He spoke slowly.
"You're saying not to demand info one-sidedly. Fair enough. You earned merit, but I acknowledge my tone felt like a reprimand."
"..."
A disarmingly straightforward admission.
"What would make you share your intel?"
Hadn't thought that far.
I hid my fluster and replied off the cuff.
"Give to get. Share some family secrets."
"For example."
"For example..."
Impudently, I voiced the question burning since meeting Leone.
"What your relationship with Leone was."
"Hm."
His jaw tightened faintly.
"I see."
Was he actually going to answer?
The tide had unexpectedly turned.
Sometimes acting on emotion yields good results. Was today that day?
But the Iron-Blooded Duke said something odd, against expectations.
"The vice head role would be useful to you."
"Pardon?"
"If Bednicker is a shackle, vice head is a shield."
"I said I don't need it..."
He wasn't the type to miss the point, so despite grumbling, I focused on his next words.
"Your exploits are too well-known now, Ruan. Even if you wish it, leaving the family cleanly won't be easy. You've caught their eye."
"..."
Their eye?
His tone excluded himself.
Hearing it snapped me back to a vanished past, a talk with Asad.
- Kid, you know nothing about the Bednickers. Their true power and secrets.
"The Council of Elders?"
"They're mere underlings."
He gave a faint, icy sneer. A smile for foes, not directed at me.
"You asked for secrets. Not much I can reveal yet, but one thing."
He whispered.
"Kusett lives."
* * *
The tense confrontation—and interrogation—with the Iron-Blooded Duke fizzled out inconclusively.
Leaving new questions in its wake.
'Kusett lives.'
Kusett the Black Elf.
Bednicker progenitor. Hero who ended the [Dark Ages].
The archetypal hero, history's most famed elf.
'Such a figure still alive?'
From at least a millennium ago?
Sure, some elves live long spans...
But still. Hard to buy.
Maybe ask the Martial God later.
"This place is done for."
Maxim muttered, surveying the ruined auction house.
No kidding.
The brutal clash between the Iron-Blooded Duke and Maxim, plus my assist, had trashed it beyond repair. Better to rebuild.
Maxim puzzled.
"That side wasn't even in our fight—why's it wrecked like that..."
"Sir Maxim, your wounds alright?"
"Hm? Told you, fine. See?"
Distracted by my smooth pivot, he bared his chest. Shockingly, it was already healing well.
"What..."
It was a gash that should've scarred for life.
At this rate, it might heal scarless.
"Excuse me, but you really are a monster."
"Born tough. Pain's pain, though."
Maxim glared sharply at the Iron-Blooded Duke, who nodded.
"I'll procure some top-grade elixirs later."
"Oh. Make it two?"
"Not hard. For your disciple?"
"Something like that."
He'd tried prying extras but got called out—yet laughed heartily, unembarrassed.
Maxim eyed me.
"So, off to Heros now?"
"Not immediately, but soon."
"Outstanding juniors always welcome. When you visit Heros, drop by [Sky-Cleaving Sword Division] anytime."
"Sky-Cleaving Sword Division?"
Unexpectedly, the Iron-Blooded Duke spoke with faint displeasure.
"Maxim, Ruan's already slated for [Black Rose]."
"What? Really?"
What were they on about?
Clueless, I kept quiet.
Silence covers half the ignorance in unknowns.
Taking my quiet as confirmation?
Maxim muttered, stunned.
"Amazing... Hundreds of young heroes begged for Black Rose, all rejected. It was a one-man army. Why change now?"
"..."
"Hard to say? Fine. Pretend I didn't ask. My bad."
From the gist, Heros had elite units like imperial knights...
Both Maxim and the Iron-Blooded Duke led one each.
And he'd never taken a single member till now.
'Trying to bind me? Or help?'
Unclear, but refusing Black Rose later probably wouldn't get me killed.
The Iron-Blooded Duke asked the grinning Maxim.
"So, what's your next move?"
"Wander the capital a few more days, then next mission."
"Good. Thanks for today. I'll repay this debt."
"Elixirs separate?"
"Separate."
Maxim departed with booming laughter, disciples in tow.
Haro scoffed.
Zial paused before leaving, telling me.
"Heros enlistment exam's brutal this time. Be careful."
"Not taking it. Already a hero."
"Yeah. D-rank, though? Basically apprentice. Need C-rank minimum for real hero status."
"Oh... Exam grants that rank too?"
"Up to A, based on score. Rare historically, but..."
Her gaze lingered on the Iron-Blooded Duke.
Ah. He was one of those rarities. Peerless suited him best—no surprise.
"Thanks for the tip. I'll buy you a meal later."
"Haha. Looking forward to it."
Zial laughed amiably.
Decent guy, especially next to the prickly Haro.
Alone with the Iron-Blooded Duke again.
Maybe because I'd bared my soul once, or seen his human sides today.
It wasn't awkward.
"Enlist in Heros, and we'll take a mission together."
"A mission?"
"There's one on Spirit Mountain."
"!"
I stared at him, stunned.
"When was it posted? Deadline?"
"No deadline. Posted at least a century ago."
"Huh?"
"On the [Heros Bulletin Board] about a hundred years back. No one's cleared it."
"..."
"Plenty attempted. Few returned."
He smiled ambiguously.
"What can you do?"