Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 267 (Part 1):

The reaction to Igrelle’s demand was cold.

‘What is this crazy monster saying?’

‘This bastard!’

Especially Asuka, who wasn’t the type to tolerate such arrogance from others.

However, even the mad dog of the Swordsmanship Department had the eye to recognize an opponent stronger and more dangerous than himself.

[Don’t like it? If you don’t, why don’t you try to get past me? I believe humans call it tag? That would be fun.]

Igrelle’s eyes gleamed as it lowered its head towards them. Its beak glistened threateningly.

This was its domain. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the fate of the humans before it was in its hands.

Alea made the decision.

“Let’s do it.”

And so, just a few hours after entering the Forest of Roots, they found themselves grooming a demonic beast’s feathers.

***

[Yes, there! That feels good!]

‘Should I just stab him with my sword?’

Asuka gritted his teeth. Igrelle’s body was massive, so vast that even with all four of them working on different sections, it was still overwhelming.

The glossy, colorful feathers looked perfect for plucking and using as hat decorations.

Despite being from a demonic beast, the feathers weren’t particularly tough. On the contrary, they were soft and silky, making them pleasant to stroke.

But the demonic energy within strengthened the bones, muscles, and even the surface flesh.

An ordinary sword wouldn’t be able to penetrate it, likely slipping off the glossy surface.

Asuka combed the feathers with a brush that Alea had thrown to him from who knows where, harboring discontent.

‘I didn’t train to death at the Academy for this, did I? It’d be better to fight fiercely.’

The only reason Asuka didn’t do so was because of Alea’s message conveyed through magic.

“The probability of victory is less than 40%. Even if we succeed in escaping, significant damage on our side is expected, so let’s comply for now.”

40% was actually a generous estimate. They had never faced such a powerful demonic beast before.

Of course. In the outside world, there were no demonic beasts as powerful as Igrelle.

Igrelle, who was lying on the ground almost flat, leisurely enjoying the grooming, provoked Asuka, who seemed to have the worst temper.

[You there, clean more delicately. Blue hair, your handiwork is really rough and unskilled!]

Asuka asked gruffly.

“How long has it been since you last washed?”

Igrelle was silent for a moment. Asuka withdrew her hand and scrunched up her face.

“Ah, please wash yourself! With all this fluffy fur! How filthy.”

[Fluffy… fur? Filthy??]

Igrelle was dumbfounded by this unprecedented criticism.

This was Igrelle, who had lived proudly as the ruler of the southern region until now.

Just as he was about to get angry, another voice cut in.

“Bird feathers naturally need some oil to shine. You’ve managed them excellently. I can sense the dignity befitting the ruler of the South from these feathers.”

Asuka looked at Sian with an incredulous expression. Sian winked slightly, giving Asuka a hint.

[This one seems to know something.]

Igrelle boasted.

[I sense a strange power from you. Something like what dwells in the forest. Oh yes, that’s a spirit. You humans have diverse powers.]

They must be quite strong in the human world.

But unfortunately, as soon as they entered the Forest of Roots, they met this Igrelle. Igrelle chuckled inwardly.

At that moment, Alea stood up.

“I’m finished.”

[Oh, you, your skill is remarkable. As expected, the beautiful ones are also talented. Very good.]

The feathers that Alea had groomed were perfectly aligned, shining brightly.

As expected of a model student, Alea had focused and finished the job.

“I’m glad you’re satisfied.”

Alea replied indifferently and looked at the others. It was a urge to finish quickly without further ado. She had no intention of helping.

Igrelle’s focus shifted to Charlotte, who was quietly grooming his feathers.

[You, the quiet black-haired human woman. What’s your relationship with Helmut? Are you his kin?]

“That’s correct.”

[I thought so? You smell similar to that guy. Blood ties can’t be hidden.]

“I see.”

A bitter smile flashed across Charlotte’s face.

Although blood ties couldn’t be hidden, it was none other than that blood that had betrayed Helmut.

Charlotte herself couldn’t be free from that sin either.

In the silence, Igrelle leisurely enjoyed the humans’ touch.

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