Chapter 133 Thought It Was A Blessing, Didn't You
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Translator: JayM
Chapter: 133
Chapter Title: Thought It Was A Blessing, Didn't You?
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Ingrid Redtail.
A working mom who guarded the labyrinth entrance day and night.
After giving birth to Karin, she lost her husband and had to lead the Beast-person Alliance alone.
She had dedicated herself to protecting the union from external threats and internal conflicts for a long time.
Therefore…
She had always considered the thriving Beast-person Alliance and her precious daughter, Karin, to be her greatest pride. Feminine charm had never been a part of that equation.
But she had been mistaken.
After meeting Skar, her priorities had shifted…
To something more personal.
More specifically…
Her figure.
Her unnecessarily large breasts and hips had become a source of pride to her as a ‘female.’
Her heart pounded whenever Skar glanced at her breasts.
And whenever she smelled his sweat, her head spun and her face flushed.
It was because of the indecent massages she had received.
She was aware that the place that had once held Karin had been defiled by this man’s hands, crossing a point of no return.
She also knew that Skar desired her humiliating submission.
…And that her daughter was attracted to him.
Even so…
She was confident that she wouldn’t crumble, no matter what Skar’s plans were.
Why?
Because she was the leader of the Beast-person Alliance, a veteran of countless battles.
But…
Gnash.
Ingrid gritted her teeth softly.
‘I never expected this.’
She hadn’t imagined that he would become such a sharp, beautiful boy.
She wouldn’t have recognized him if her daughter hadn’t mentioned it.
A slender face, well-defined features, innocent-looking eyes, a beauty mark under his eye…
…And his damp hair, fresh from a shower.
He looked like a young incubus.
‘He’s scary.’
For the first time, she felt fear towards a ‘man.’
She couldn't predict how far this man would shatter and twist her sexuality.
Ingrid wiped her nosebleed with a trembling hand.
“I-It’s been a while.”
“Yes, Ingrid. Are you alright? Your nose is bleeding.”
The pretty boy looked at her with concern.
“I-I’m fine. Just tired from working long hours.”
Ingrid’s heart pounded as she stammered.
This wasn’t right.
If she had to be with someone, it should be at least someone of Karin’s age.
Her, a veteran of countless hardships, was flustered by a mere boy?
It was unthinkable…
“Mom…?”
She turned around to see Karin staring at her.
Her daughter’s narrowed eyes were full of suspicion.
She couldn’t let Karin find out.
It would be the end of her as a mother if she found out.
Ingrid spoke calmly.
“Skar, did you bathe with Lin just now?”
Jeong Yoo-shin nodded.
“Yes. I even lathered her up and washed her thoroughly.”
“Hooo!!! I-Is that so?”
Ingrid’s body twitched slightly, and her voice trembled.
Thoroughly...
That word alone made her mind melt.
She imagined the boy, his body lathered with soap, massaging himself with his own gentle hands…
Naked.
A part of Ingrid’s leopard-print panties became damp.
‘C-Calm down. Don’t fall for this little devil’s seduction!!!’
Ingrid crossed her legs and fanned herself frantically.
Her body burned as if she had a fever.
“Mom…?”
Karin’s eyes narrowed even further.
Ingrid regained her composure and cleared her throat.
“Ahem. Let’s get down to business.”
“About Lin’s massage… I apologize. I haven’t been able to take care of her properly because I’ve been away from the city.”
“I-It’s fine. I know you’re taking good care of her.”
“Is that so? But how…?”
Skar tilted his head while looking puzzled.
Ingrid’s heart skipped a beat.
“Th-There are things I just know! That’s not important.”
“Yes?”
“Skar, you know about the Labyrinth City Council, right?”
“Yes. I have a general understanding. They’re responsible for protecting Labyrinth City, right?”
Why was she suddenly bringing this up?
“That’s right. And my term is almost over. The next council member will be taking over soon.”
Jeong Yoo-shin pondered.
He knew that the council members took turns guarding the labyrinth.
Spring was Luke Wiseman, the Spirit Teacher.
Summer was Ingrid Redtail, the Beast-person Alliance representative.
Who was next?
“Who is it?”
“Lilith, the Monster Queen.”
“…”
The ruler of the Eastern District. He had heard the name but had never seen her.
“I see.”
“Lilith won’t come in person. She always stays in the underground of the Eastern District. She’ll send a representative.”
“Okay.”
“One of Lilith’s subordinates seems to be interested in you. Be aware of that.”
“Huh? What did I even do?!”
“I heard that you were quite active during the last festival.”
“Well… That’s true, but…”
“They won’t harm you, so don’t worry. And there’s no guarantee that they’ll even meet you. They’re quite fickle.”
Jeong Yoo-shin nodded.
“I understand.”
“That’s all. I need to talk to Karin for a bit, so can you excuse us?”
“Alright.”
“Leave Lin here.”
“Okay.”
Jeong Yoo-shin carefully placed Lin on the table and stood up.
Ingrid watched Skar leave, then turned to her daughter.
Karin’s eyes were sharp.
“Mom…? Don’t tell me…”
Karin stared at her in disbelief.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You’re not attracted to my boyfriend, are you?”
Her daughter’s question was blunt. She was usually so obedient.
Had she become rebellious after spending time in Labyrinth City?
Ingrid’s crossed legs tightened.
Her damp leopard-print panties dug into her.
“Karin, what are you talking about? And boyfriend? What nonsense are you spouting without my permission? You have a status to maintain, even if you’re an explorer right now.”
“I need your permission for that too? That’s weird!”
“Karin, I know that you might be infatuated with him. I’m just worried that you’re rushing into things. Did Skar agree to be your boyfriend?”
“Well… not yet.”
Karin stammered, unable to answer.
“Did you forget what you said before coming to Labyrinth City? You said that you would follow in my footsteps, make a name for yourself as an explorer, prove yourself capable of standing on your own, and then inherit my position. And now you’re suddenly talking about boyfriends? Is that the extent of your resolve?”
“…”
Karin bit her lip at Ingrid’s words.
Her mother was right.
Her reason for coming to the labyrinth…
To prove that she, like the heirs of the high-ranking families in the Central District, could become an explorer and stand on her own.
It was the ‘minimum’ requirement for a leader.
“Think carefully. This is advice from the head of the Redtail family.”
Ingrid stood up, held Lin tightly in her arms, and left the inn.
Creak.
Thump.
The inn door closed.
Karin crossed her arms and sighed deeply.
“Sigh. I really need to prepare myself.”
To achieve her original goal.
And to not become a burden to Skar.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Jeong Yoo-shin sat cross-legged on his bed.
“Hmm.”
There were three items on the bed.
The elven single-edged sword imbued with the ‘Gale’ spell.
The elixir called Mage’s Tears.
And the top-grade magic stone.
Even now, he didn’t understand why that old man had given him such expensive items.
Was it because, unlike other barbarians, he was living a righteous life?
It was possible.
He had heard that the old man had been in Labyrinth City for a long time, so these items might be pocket change to him.
‘After being unfairly treated so many times, I guess I can receive some unearned kindness. Overthinking it will only drive you crazy, Yoo-shin.’
He told himself and picked up the elven single-edged sword.
An antique scabbard engraved with elegant golden patterns.
Shing.
He drew the sword, and the cool blade emerged.
Unlike ordinary swords, it was sleek and straight, like a jian, without any curvature.
‘Can I move quickly with this?’
The barbarian grandpa had said it was fast.
And since someone who looked so strong said that, it must be incredibly fast.
How fast?
He wanted to try it.
But he could only use it three times.
He decided to save it for a life-or-death situation.
He sheathed the sword and examined the next item.
The top-grade magic stone.
A red magic stone radiating a cool aura.
Since Karin hadn't been able to save money because she was buying underwear that suited his tastes, he thought that he should sell this magic stone and buy her some equipment.
He couldn’t sell Karin’s panties.
Karin’s panties…
Would they sell well?
He didn’t know.
Anyway, it was decided that Karin would join his party.
If she refused, he would try to persuade her no matter what.
Finding a trustworthy intermediate-rank explorer wasn’t easy.
Especially since the barbarians’ bad reputation might still linger in the Central District.
He was recognized as harmless in the Southern District, but the Explorer Headquarters in the Central District would be different.
It would be difficult to find trustworthy explorers there.
‘Connections are important.’
He now understood why Iron Mask had been running around Labyrinth City like a madman.
Anyway…
He held the top-grade magic stone in his hand and turned it over.
‘Where should I sell this to get the best price?’
It was obviously a valuable magic stone, but he wasn’t sure where to sell it.
He could sell it to the Explorer’s Guild, but it would attract unwanted attention, and he would have to explain how he obtained it. He might also attract unwanted hangers-on.
He would have to rely on Snout or Aldein to sell it discreetly.
‘I need to go out and meet people.’
Just entering and exiting the labyrinth and training wasn’t enough.
Good equipment and trustworthy companions wouldn't just fall from the sky.
He decided to postpone selling the magic stone until he met Aldein.
Lastly…
Mage’s Tears.
“Hehehe.”
The sky-blue liquid sloshed inside the bottle.
Just looking at it made him smile.
Even his elf master had been surprised.
He had talked to Ashur briefly after Ragna had left.
When he told him that he had received valuable items…
‘Skar, you’re lucky. Anyone would think you were Ragna’s grandson.’
‘That was what I thought too. Why is he being so kind?’
‘Who knows? Maybe you charmed him.’
He stopped his thoughts and picked up the elixir.
His elf master had told him…
To drink it when he was alone after his training was complete. And not to tell anyone. That it would cause bloodshed.
“This is my chance.”
Pop!
He composed himself and removed the cork from the bottle.
“Sigh.”
He felt strangely nervous.
How much would his mana increase?
It would be perfect if it increased enough for him to use Sacred Weapon and Venom Protection freely.
He put the bottle to his lips and drank the elixir.
Gulp. Gulp.
The sky-blue liquid spread a refreshing fragrance in his mouth and flowed down his throat.
It tasted like a slightly bitter Milkis soda. Not bad at all.
Glug.
He drank it all in one go.
“Sigh.”
He placed the empty bottle on his bedside table and looked down at his body.
There was no change.
Strange.
‘Could it be…?’
Did that old man trick him?
Just as his suspicion grew…
His stomach churned, his body flushed, and he began to tremble.
An excruciating pain surged through him, starting from his feet and slowly rising upwards.
“Ugh!!!”
Jeong Yoo-shin gritted his teeth.
Wasn’t it just a mana-boosting elixir?!
‘What the fuck is happening?!’
He writhed on his bed like a worm, consumed by pain.
He couldn't even speak.
‘It… wasn’t a blessing?!!!’
Jeong Yoo-shin screamed inwardly as he convulsed on the bed.
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T/N - Lol, you’d think the MC would have learned his lesson by now. For him, there’s no such thing as easy power-ups.
Also, is it an oyakodon with Karin and Ingrid? Who knows. But what I do know is that Ingrid’s gonna have a fun night that night since she took Lin with her. 😏
Lastly, I’m kinda curious about the representative the Monster Queen is sending. Are they a monster-person? What kind? Are they a bro or a harem candidate?