Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 268 (Part 1):

“Igrelle, please come with us. Even if you go to the Central Region with us, you won’t have to fight with Elaga. We’ll groom your feathers as much as you want throughout the journey.”

This was Alea’s clever plan. First, traveling with Igrelle ensures their safety.

In the world of demonic beasts, it’s survival of the fittest. No beast would dare target humans in the presence of Igrelle, the ruler of the South, which would lighten their burden considerably.

It was a method of avoiding danger with danger.

Moreover, being with Igrelle would make it easier to meet Elaga.

If Igrelle appears in his territory, Elaga would have no choice but to show up as well.

‘Helmut spoke as if he trusted that leopard called Elaga.’

Almost like family. Demonic beasts are different from humans. If they mention Helmut’s name, that beast called Elaga won’t attack them.

Elaga should know where Helmut is. They might even be together.

‘It’s not that there’s no way to find Helmut.’

However, it was uncertain whether that method would work in this Forest of Roots, which interferes with magic. Even if it did work, it would only be effective at close range.

It was a method that couldn’t be used before reaching the Central Region.

Igrelle immediately understood Alea’s meaning.

[So you’re asking me to protect you all the way to the Central Region? You’re a cunning human.]

“It’s a mutually beneficial method that will satisfy both Igrelle and us.”

[What makes you think I’d trust you and go to Elaga’s territory? Are you trying to get Elaga to harm me?]

Alea replied with irritating calmness.

“Are you afraid?”

Igrelle’s wings fluttered. He threateningly brought his beak close to Alea.

As Asuka and Charlotte tensely reached for their swords, Alea calmly met Igrelle’s gaze. As if asking what the problem was.

[Listen, that Helmut guy isn’t normal. Right after returning to the Forest of Roots, his core went berserk, oh right, you humans call it the ‘Seed of darkness’? He was rampaging all over the place because of that.]

For a moment, Alea’s expressionless face changed.

“Is… that so, is he alright?”

The emotion that briefly flashed in her trembling voice was intensely earnest.

‘Well, well, she really seems to be that Helmut guy’s mate, doesn’t she?’

[I don’t know. He’s probably alive since he didn’t die. Well, Elaga raised him like its own cub, so I’m sure it took care of it somehow?]

Igrelle continued speaking indifferently.

[Even if he’s alive, humans change easily. Are you still friends to that Helmut? He might try to tear you apart the moment he sees you. Unless it’s a demonic beast of my level, they become ferocious when influenced by demonic energy.]

‘Oh, that’s a bit…’

Asuka and Sian looked at each other as they imagined a ferocious Helmut. It was a situation they’d rather avoid. But Alea answered cleanly.

“It doesn’t matter.”

[It doesn’t matter? Even if you die?]

Looks that said “we do care” were directed at Alea, but she didn’t waver.

“I won’t die, and if I was afraid of death, I wouldn’t have entered the Forest of Roots in the first place. Igrelle.”

Alea bowed her head to the giant bird before her.

“Please.”

She started off strong and then softened her attitude. It’s a method that works quite well in the human world. Igrelle couldn’t refuse when a human of its liking approached it like this. It reluctantly agreed.

[…Well, alright. A journey with humans, huh. That’s unique in its own way. But in return, you must diligently groom my feathers every single day!]

The adventure in the dangerous Forest of Roots suddenly turned into serving a giant bird.

It became more troublesome, but the danger certainly decreased.

Asuka brightened up as she remembered something.

“Then, will you carry us on your back and fly?”

Riding such a large bird, looking down at the Forest of Roots while flying, would be a rare experience. A sense of excitement washed over her.

However, Igrelle immediately flapped his wings angrily.

[Insolent fool! How dare a weak human try to climb on this beautiful and noble body!]

Charlotte asked, as if genuinely curious.

“Then, will you walk with us?”

Igrelle realized its mistake. That was the problem with going together.

Humans are land animals, and Igrelle is a sky animal. Igrelle’s flying speed is incredibly fast.

It often thoughtlessly flew through the sky and entered other regions of the Forest of Roots.

But since the concept of regions is closer to the ground, the rulers of other regions didn’t pay much attention to the rainbow-colored bird floating in the air.

That’s how Igrelle learned about Helmut’s news too.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Igrelle blurted out.

[Y-Yes! I will walk! Follow me!]

Igrelle started walking ahead as if to show off. Somehow, walking through the forest felt awkward.

Anyway, the problem was solved, and after glancing at each other, the group followed behind Igrelle.

Asuka grumbled inwardly.

‘This isn’t even a pigeon. Why is a bird walking on the ground?’

Fortunately, this time Asuka didn’t say it out loud. It was because Alea gave him a cold look to watch his manners.

‘If only that guy had kept his mouth shut, we might have been able to persuade it to let us ride.’

Asuka was being a nuisance every time he opened his mouth.

And so, their adventure resumed smoothly.

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