The warmth that seeped into the heart came from the small hand behind, flowing to the limbs and bones.

Like the warm spring breeze, or the winter sunshine—these unattainable luxuries spoken of only in tales in the Western Border, seemed to be bathing him now.

Acceptance, empathy, care—these beauties never experienced in a long life, dared not hoped for, were continuously given by that small hand.

Though he knew it was merely an illusion brought by the other's Magic Power, he couldn't help but want to immerse himself in it.

A tangle of thoughts, piercing heartache, at this moment, melted away like snow in the sun under this warmth, leaving behind a peace and tranquility never possessed.

For a long time, when the Winged People Clan Leader almost believed it was all a dream, that soft hand suddenly left his back. A sense of loss surged in his heart, waking him up instantly.

"…It's done, open your eyes."

Following the instruction, the Winged People Clan Leader turned around, and the girl's posture came into the sight of his now clear eyes.

She was gently wiping the thin sweat off her forehead, breathing slightly due to fatigue, and the Crystal Armor covering her skin appeared somewhat broken.

But the feeling like bathing in spring wind just now, indeed was just an illusion. Her Emerald Eyes held no warmth, instead a trace of caution; while his body still ached vaguely, although his broken wings had been repaired, enough to stand, but far from completely healed.

It's just...

"Hmm?" Noticing the gaze, the Hero raised an eyebrow.

The Winged People Clan Leader's throat moved slightly, but he said nothing, merely lowered his head, seemingly unwilling to meet those Emerald Eyes.

Beside him, the Key Changing watched this scene with interest, then spoke:

1.5. Now let's continue our history lesson

2.6. Does the Clan Leader have anything to say?

3.7. Is this love?

4.8. Hero, there's no need to worry

9. Is the Clan Leader not going to question the King?

10. Great Success/Great Failure

D10=d10(8)=8

♛: "Hero, no need to worry."

The Key Changing's voice rang out with Agility, breaking the silence.

"The Clan Leader has lost his Battle Intent.

"After all, if the Miss Hero hadn't informed me about that Noble Lady's intelligence, the Clan Leader might not know, his clansmen were merely treated as useful expendables."

Hearing this, the Clan Leader clenched his fist, the dead skin on his charred joint peeled off with force, revealing the Newborn skin healed by the Hero.

But he did not refute anything, instead raised his head again to face the Hero.

"…Did you come to save that sacrificial child?"

"Yes, so what?" The Hero spoke flatly, her Emerald Green eyes carried some scrutiny.

She did not lower her guard just because of the other's low postured query. Despite feeling no malice from the Clan Leader now, she hadn't forgotten what had happened earlier, and everything in this Royal City.

She's still unclear about the secret history of the Winged Race.

But regardless of any hidden secrets, their actions now are utterly evil.

If not for the Key Changing's timely words, she would've already killed the person before her.

Though she seriously healed him earlier, that was out of necessity. And even if the target were a Goblin, she wouldn't engage in undue torment.

"Nothing... just confirming."

The Hero's indifference was not unexpected, the Winged People Clan Leader replied with a still hoarse voice.

"I will find a way to order the transferred clansmen to retreat."

His expression carried fatigue and undeniable melancholy, previous fury and fighting spirit were entirely gone.

"After all, no matter the final result, our race no longer has a place in this Kingdom."

If the Kingdom wins, the rebuilt Kingdom would likely view the Winged Race as deeply sinful enemies, exterminating them. If the Kingdom fails, they were just expendable pawns, unable to escape utter depletion.

As the Key Changing said, upon knowing the truth, their battle lost its meaning.

"Well, that's good."

After hearing the Winged People's Clan Leader's promise, the Hero's brows finally relaxed slightly, nodding with undeniable happiness.

The Winged Clan Leader gazed at the girl's smile, seemingly receiving a great reward. Deep within, some emotions quietly surged, yet he hid them in silent solitude.

"Given this, let me heal you again so you won't fall before retreating." The Hero offered.

"...No need, just resting is fine." The Winged People Clan Leader's gaze moved, but he still shook his head, turning around laboriously, picked up his dented heavy sword, and slowly sat down.

"You continue onward. I'm not like your Human Race Ancestor, I will keep my promise."

"In that case, why don't you come along, Clan Leader?"

The Key Changing suddenly interjected.

"Earlier, my riddle game with the Hero was interrupted by you, she still has only half-understood this city's history. If you supplement, the Hero can grasp it quicker, after all, she is to confront the King."

"...Understood, then I will follow you."

So the Winged People Clan Leader stood up again, his attitude unnaturally compliant.

The Hero glanced at the Winged People Clan Leader involuntarily, his manner vastly different from when they first met, even carrying a sense of near-submissive compliance.

Though strange, the Hero did not enquire aloud.

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