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Chapter 202: Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (66)

Thud, thud, thud!

Ian’s fists and feet relentlessly pummeled the Imperial Princess.

At first, it seemed like he was just hitting her face, but then he lifted her body and delivered a series of kicks. He proceeded to trample over the feeble girl’s arms, leaving her struggling for breath.

The Imperial Princess, who was screaming, had long since stopped making any sound, either because her throat gave out or because she no longer had the strength.

She just endured the unyielding onslaught from the man without uttering a word.

This scene was so unreal that it left people stupefied.

How could someone assault a member of the Imperial Family in such a manner? 

Even if she had besmirched the honor of the Imperial Family, this level of brutality seemed excessive. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to be summoned to the palace.

Initially, some students attempted to intervene, but soon found themselves unable to speak up.

Ian’s violence was savage and indiscriminate.

While there seemed to be subtle emotions present, fundamentally, Ian’s attitude while assaulting the Imperial Princess was cold. At times, it seemed as though he was acting in a calculated manner, following a predetermined plan.

As the assault persisted, the crowd’s sentiments grew increasingly complex. 

Nobody could fathom what calculations led to such actions. Yet, as the aggression unfolded, the number of individuals casting pitying glances toward the Imperial Princess appeared to increase.

Contrary to the crowd’s perceptions, the Imperial Princess harbored a slightly different perspective.

‘It doesn’t hurt…?’

Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt. Of course, when the hatchet plunged into her shoulder, the pain was undeniable, enough to make her scream. Likewise, being punched straight in the face also hurt. It was painful enough to make her keep screaming.

Even amidst the turmoil in the Imperial Princess’s mind, it took her a few minutes to notice something unusual.

The escalating numbness swiftly transitioned into a complete insensitivity to pain.

Although the fists and kicks provided a sensation of impact, they didn’t stimulate her pain receptors.

The Imperial Princess found herself in the grip of a peculiar sensation, where she could only detect pressure devoid of any pain.

It didn’t take Cien long to figure out the reason as her mind soon became hazy.

The situation was similar to what she had experienced not long ago. It was the effect of anesthetic poison.

This was the central avenue of the academy. Of course, Ian hadn’t used enough anesthetic poison to knock her out so he could abduct her. She could clearly see this fact.

Thus, there could only be one reasonable explanation.

Ian had deliberately used an anesthetic poison to ensure she didn’t feel pain.

Perhaps the blade of the hatchet which had pierced her shoulder had poisonous liquid on it. 

In retrospect, that was the only instance Ian used the blade, hinting at some deliberate motive.

Despite engaging in violence, Ian seemed intent on sparing the Imperial Princess from agony. It was an unusual situation that defied conventional understanding.

Typically, committing violence implied a desire to inflict pain upon the other party. 

It served as a means of releasing pent-up frustration and seeking revenge. However, Ian’s actions were the complete opposite.

While the drawbacks of violence persisted, he nullified any potential benefits.

Cien struggled to grasp this and gazed blankly at Ian. 

Only vague emotions emanated from him – a blend of frustration, remorse, and even concern. 

Amidst the relentless barrage, Cien found herself struck by a sudden realization.

Ian bore no resentment against the Imperial Princess. Upon realizing this, an overwhelming sense of relief washed over Cien. 

Moreover, Ian was sacrificing himself to help the Imperial Princess.

This could be understood simply by observing the shifting currents of emotions among the onlookers surrounding them.

The atmosphere, once filled with enmity towards Cien, now brimmed with concern and apprehension. Their perception of Cien was shifting in real time.

A fragile girl was being assaulted by a formidable man. 

As Cien’s plight grew increasingly dire, the strange sense of anxiety that the Imperial Family might retaliate against them further agitated the crowd.

They were now searching for a new reason.

Their concern and care for the Imperial Princess took over the hatred they had harbored towards her previously.

In doing so, they hoped to mitigate the wrath of the Imperial Family. 

Especially Ian’s audacious actions were gradually imprinting the looming presence of the ‘Imperial Family’ in their minds. 

The notion that the Imperial Family’s fury might extend to them naturally painted a grim picture of their potential fate if they continued down this path.

Cien burst into tears at that realization.

Even now, she detected no malice from Ian. He simply assumed the role of a villain to save Cien.

Despite her gratitude, Cien couldn’t shake off the burden of guilt.

Had it been any other member of the Imperial Family, the reaction might have been different. The outrage at publicly assaulting and disgracing a member of the Imperial Family might have erupted.

But Cien was different because she knew that Ian was the bearer of Dragonblood Script.

Being in possession of the Dragonblood Script essentially made one the Emperor’s proxy. Of course, no one would object if the Emperor himself assaulted the Imperial Princess.

Perhaps there was a sad determination within Ian’s intentions for the Imperial Family.

Hence, Cien was deeply moved.

It was indeed not a misjudgment.

Ian always treated her with sincerity. He was the only ‘real’ one towards her. 

Of course, this man wasn’t some pushover who would just be a sacrificial lamb. 

After several minutes of continuous assault, Ian staggered back a few paces.

Several bloodstains from the Imperial Princess marred his clothes already. His golden eyes, drenched in blood, scanned the surroundings with razor-sharp intensity.

In that instant, the onlookers couldn’t help but lower their gaze.

That was how much Ian’s unrestrained actions made them terrified.

His nearly forgotten nickname resurfaced in their minds.

‘The Academy’s Mad Dog.’

Yes, how could they forget that? 

Ian Percus was uncontrollable. Should he decide to insult someone, even the Imperial Princess couldn’t help but endure. 

All the actions they had criticized him for now seemed justified in a sense.

It was a significant realization, even if they had been aware of it previously.

“…What are you all staring at?”

With a murderous tone, Ian’s words caused the crowd to frantically look away, fearing to meet his gaze and become his next target.

“Aren’t you all the same? Was it only the Imperial Princess who was messing around with me?”

At that sharp remark, some students visibly flinched and trembled.

These were the ones who had often tormented Ian and his friends directly. Observing their reactions, Ian let out a bitter laugh. 

“…Hey.”

With a resounding swish, his hatchet flew through the air like a gleaming streak of light.

It embedded itself in front of the onlookers, the blade sinking deep into the stone ground as if it were mere mud, instilling fear in the crowd.

“There won’t be a next time. Remember that.”

With those words, Ian raised his hand one last time.

The hatchet immediately returned to him with a swift motion.

It was a technique based on the Principles of Movement within Stillness.

Its predetermined trajectory made it easy to retrieve.

With that, Ian departed.

In his wake remained only the sobbing girl and the silent onlookers, enveloped in the aftermath of his presence. 

Among those cautiously observing, a few discreetly approached the Imperial Princess. 

As they helped her up, their expressions conveyed genuine concern as they looked at her wounded body.

“E-even if that’s the case, it was not right…?“

“He’s not a bad person, but he seems a bit terrifying.”

“Your Imperial Highness, are you okay?”

The warmth in their voices was something that she hadn’t heard in a long time, and the princess, still affected by the lingering effects of the anesthesia, wept even more upon hearing it.

Joy swelled in those light gray eyes.

The students supporting her exchanged puzzled glances at her behavior. Nevertheless, the Imperial Princess spoke in a dreamy, hazy tone.

“You’re so impressive, Sir Ian…”

Those who heard her murmuring, including Cien’s supporters, wore expressions of disbelief, for it was an unimaginable sentiment from someone who had just endured such brutality.

Had they misheard?

However, judging by the reactions, they had not. On the contrary, the Imperial Princess continued to murmur, as if reaffirming her declaration.

“He’s so impressive, the best… As expected, there’s only Sir Ian for me…”

Eventually, the public, as usual, interpreted the incident through their own lenses.

Her Imperial Princess appeared to be broken beyond repair.

There was a trace of sad sympathy in their eyes as she confessed her affection for Ian with a dazed expression.

Thus, the man’s unexpected arrival, much like the sudden appearance of the letter, brought about a conclusion to everything.

Of course, Ian didn’t receive insults or resistance as before. The debt owed to him by many was undeniable, and there were no students as brave as him at the academy.

Yet, if anyone were to inquire about ‘Ian Percus,’ the academy members would, without exception, summarize him in one sentence.

“Without a doubt, he is a mad dog.”

While he was incredibly reliable as an ally, as an enemy, he was more terrifying than any other.

Naturally, no one wished to consider him an enemy.

Even the Imperial Princess couldn’t win against him.

**

However, every ending was a prelude to the beginning of a new story. 

The following day, Neris, who came to find Ian, delivered a startling revelation.

“Uh, Sir Ian? The Imperial Family plans to send a high-ranking official to meet with you in a few days….” 

“This is fuckin’ nuts.”

Eventually, what was destined came to pass.