Iron Blooded Hound

John Barrymore has been a loyal butler to the Baskeville family for four generations.

"I will provide you with daily updates, my lord," he said to a middle-aged man with a sharp nose bridge, thick beard, and cold eyes.

Hugo Le Baskevilles, the renowned swordsman of Baskeville, listened to Barrymore's report on the battle with the Morgue family in the ruby mines of Red Cane Mountain.

The Baskervilles and the Morgue family, known for their magic, were in a territorial dispute over the ruby mines in the west.

Hugo expressed little interest in the report, occasionally frowning in irritation.

When Barrymore mentioned Master Vikir's top ranking in the early childhood evaluation, Hugo showed a rare change in expression.

The practical test for children was scheduled to start in five days, with most Guardian Knights of Fang Castle away on a trip.

Barrymore mentioned that the Fang castle would be empty, causing Hugo to show a slight lift in expression.

"The next news I have to report is..."

When Hugo expressed interest, Barrymore's voice became more energetic.

"It is said that there was a phenomenon where two suns rose in the sky above Fang Castle."

"Two suns?"

Hugo's eyes widened slightly at the news.

The Baskervilles were known for their belief in superstitions.

"Is this an auspicious sign?"

"First of all, since the sun has risen two times, isn't it? There is also a rumor among the Gasols that a little sun was born to assist the children."

"...Hmm. Couldn't someone have been playing around with mana?"

"At the time, all those skilled enough to play such pranks were on the trip to prepare for the practical exams for the youngsters."

"Well, then that's not a bad sign. Another sun."

Hugo quietly nodded his head.

The rising of two suns, known as Chae-un, was considered an auspicious sign.

"When such things appear clouds rise, good things always happen to the family. I don't know what might happen in the Fang castle."

Then Barrymore's expression darkened.

"That is...Something happened."

"Is that the bad news I told you about? Tell me."

At Hugo's words, Barrymore continued his report with a calm demeanor.

"There was a big fight between the young boys."

At those words, Hugo's expression changed completely.

"A big fight? How many died?"

"...No one died, but Master Hivero's teeth were all damaged, Master Mivero's jawbone was caved in, and Master Lovero's right index finger was amputated. Of course, now everyone has been treated and restored to his original health."

"Then it's a small quarrel. Siblings naturally grow up fighting each other."

Hugo seemed relieved and leaned back in his chair.

Then he murmured as he flipped through the reports on the triplets.

"Since we're the only ones that are close to each other, there's no way we could have..."

"What? He's younger? So you're saying only one 8-year-old did this?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Upon hearing those words, Hugo's eyes lit up once again.

And in the subsequent report from Barrymore, they became even more excited.

"The perpetrator of the first place in the earlier written test, Master Vikir, is the one."

Vikir van Baskeville, who is 8 years old this year.

He received a call from the head of the family and made his way to the hidden family room in the depths of the mansion.

As he opened the door and entered, he saw the imposing figure of Hugo Le Baskevilles.

"Please have a seat."

Although he didn't display any particular aura, the energy emanating from him was intense.

Vikir moved cautiously, making sure not to reveal the mana hidden within his body.

"I'm confident in concealing my mana."

The warriors who had endured battles with demons and the long era of destruction were skilled in concealing their mana.

The method to completely conceal mana like this was currently unknown.

It wasn't a matter of strength, but rather a matter of skill.

However, even that had its limits, and if there was a stronger mana present, it would inevitably catch Hugo's attention.

"I'll have to find a way to reveal myself sooner or later."

Vikir sat down on the small chair in front of him, pondering over various thoughts.

Hugo spoke up.

"You've grown a lot while I couldn't see you."

Upon hearing this, Vikir was slightly taken aback.

Hugo's voice, which was usually sharp like a blade and seemed capable of cutting through anything, sounded rather dull today.

And the conversation itself felt peculiar as well.

Pigs always seem small and messy to me, even though they're huge.

Before, Hugo always said that.

He used to watch the livestock grow impatiently, like a butcher waiting to sell them quickly. But today, he looks at them warmly, as if expecting something.

When Vikir greeted him as 'Patriarch', Hugo found it strange.

He thought for a moment, then changed the subject.

Hugo mentioned that he heard about triplets in the senior class who seemed to have some issues.

Vikir didn't seem bothered by Hugo's words and made a bold statement about carrying three swords instead of one master sword.

Hugo was surprised by Vikir's words and realized that beating up his brothers might have been wrong.

Why am I incorrect?

"Huh? Did you not create chaos for your brothers?"

Vikir looked puzzled at Hugo's question.

"Why is that a mistake? I am more powerful."

"...what?"

Vikir turned the question around on Hugo, who looked confused.

How can a powerful person be in the wrong?

Confidence in oneself. A society where being weak is seen as a sin.

Could that be Baskeville?

Not yet.

"..."

Hugo Le Baskeville's lips started to twitch.

He found the scene in front of him endearing.

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