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Chapter 29: Febreezy (3)

‘If it was preparing to be a Demon five years ago, then it might already be a Demon by now. This is getting worse and worse.’

The situation was much more serious than Henry had expected. If Black had already evolved into a Demon, then there was a high probability that it had ventured out into the depths of the Demonic Beast Forest rather than remain in the 6th district.

“Do you have any other information you can tell me?”

- There is, but I can’t say that I’m certain about it…

“Anything. No matter how trivial it may sound, any information you have is valuable right now.”

Encouraged by Henry’s words, Holtervelt began to describe his death in greater detail.

- So… right before I was killed, Black came toward me, wearing the skin of my comrade. Mm… so that was right before it entered me, too. It seemed amused by how terrified I was, like some kind of deranged killer. Right then, it told me, “Know that it is an honor to be eaten by me, for I will soon become a Demon.” Then it entered my mouth. It felt like everything happened very quickly, you know? How should I put this… it kinda felt like I was hypnotized, or in a daze…?”

“You think it was using hypnosis?”

- Yes. For a moment, everything in my mind was a total blur, as if I was drunk… Anyway, once it entered me, I could feel the entire process very vividly, you know? Especially when it penetrated my mind, it felt like some kind of parasite was crawling around inside my brain.

“When you say it penetrated your mind… honestly, I am having trouble picturing it, could you explain it with a little more detail?”

-?Mm… it felt like our souls were being united.

“Union of souls…”

- The moment it entered my head, I could see some of its memories. No, it was perhaps more like I could feel its emotions…? Anyways, I suddenly felt an intense sense of pleasure… ah, yes! That scent! The scent was why it attacked us.

‘Scent?’

Holtervelt’s explanation was getting more and more difficult to understand. Nevertheless, he continued.

- Its emotions merged together with mine once it took over my body. I could feel the same pleasure as Black. It might have derived that pleasure from killing, or perhaps it was the lust to conquer a body and the craving for that scent.

Within Holtervelt’s esoteric explanation, Henry finally caught on to an important clue.

“What kind of scent was it?”

- It was a deodorant.

“Deodorant you say?”

- Yes, the sensation was so intense that I am certain of it. It was the scent of a deodorant that we had bought from a trader. Only my comrades and I had used it.

“But shouldn’t deodorants get rid of smells?

“Normally, yes. But the one we used had a slightly distinct scent.”

Water was a precious resource. Most people could only afford enough to bathe using a wet towel to wipe themselves down. This resulted in the invention of deodorants, which, even in small quantities, could get rid of the awful smell of sweat.

- As you may already know, the deodorant that’s provided by the army doesn’t work very well, it’s just sticky. So, as soon as I got my first payment, even though I was stretching my finances a bit, I committed to purchasing a good deodorant.

“So you think that you were attacked because of that deodorant?”

- Yes. I don’t know why, but the smell of that deodorant seemed to simulate its desires intensely. At least, that’s what I felt.

Holtervelt argued that the trace amount of fragrance contained in his deodorant was the cause, but something felt off. Before any soldier was sent out into the forest, they were required to apply a camouflage scent that hid their scent from demonic beasts.

“That’s strange. The scent of a deodorant usually dissipates as soon as it is applied, and on top of that, the camouflage scent should have been applied on top of it. Is it possible for a deodorant to penetrate the camouflage scent like that?”

- I can’t say for certain, but that’s what I felt. Also, in case you’re not aware, demonic beasts’ sense of smell is very sensitive, unlike us humans.

He was correct. No matter how well Henry knew the demonic beasts in the forest, he didn’t understand them well enough to understand their individual preferences.

‘To think that a deodorant was what started all of this…’

It was a little disappointing to discover that this entire tragedy had been set into motion because of a simple deodorant. However, it also made things a lot easier.

“Do you remember the name of the deodorant?”

- It’s so famous, you’ve probably heard of it too. It’s called ‘Febreezy’.”

“You mean the one that comes in that turquoise bottle?”

- Yes, that one. I don’t know if it’s still popular, but it was quite a big deal back in my day. Everyone wanted a bottle, even if it meant stretching our finances a little bit.

Even Henry knew about Febreezy. Henry tried to get more information out of Holtervelt, but that was all he had.

- I just have one request for you. I don’t even expect revenge. Just, if you find Commander Carter, can you please just convey my thanks?

“Of course. And don’t worry. I will rescue him, and I will get you your revenge too.”

- Thank you. Oh, and one more thing…

- Hey there. Enough.

Hector, who had been silently listening to their conversation, suddenly interrupted Holtervelt.

- Sorry?

“Hector, what’s the matter?”

- It’s already enough that you’re making promises to him. Listen here, Holtervelt. I know that you have a lot of regrets about your past life, but let’s end this here, shall we?

- …Yes. Perhaps I am being too greedy. Well then.

At Hector’s resolute remarks, Holtervelt dispersed into the air like a mirage and disappeared from view.

Immediately after he disappeared, Henry snapped at Hector. “Why are you like this? Surely, it would have been okay for him to ask me for a few favors? He provided me with some crucial information.”

- No. He may look innocent, but I could see in his eyes that he had many regrets. The more favors you grant him, the bigger his requests will grow, and eventually, he’ll become cursed.

“Just like you?”

- Pfft, if you see it that way, then I have nothing else to say. All I can say is that’s not it.

“Selfish bastard.”

- Why, you!

“Fine, fine. I get it. You did butt in at the right time. If it wasn’t for you, I would have been listening to him all day.”

Hector’s argument held some truth. If he hadn’t intervened, Henry would have ended up in a never-ending cycle of favors for Holtervelt. Ultimately, he might have cursed the pendant, just like Hector had done with his memento.

‘As expected of black magic…’

Once again, Henry had been reminded of the dangers of black magic.

“Anyway, as soon as the sun comes up, I’ll have to get my hands on a bottle of Febreezy.”

- So, you’re finally done? Then, let’s resume our training. It’s already late.

“Sure. You’re right, we spent way too much time investigating the witness.”

Having secured the information he needed, Henry trained until the sun rose.

* * *

The next day, after breakfast, Henry went to the administrative office to attend the morning meeting. Two officers were already seated in the administrative office, Solomon and Borg.

“Good morning,” said Henry.

“Yes…” Solomon replied timidly.

This was their first time speaking after the skill test. Regardless of the awkward atmosphere, Henry casually looked around for one of the officers who wasn’t present.

“Is Commander Hugo still not coming?”

“...He’s decided to take a break for a while.”

“Is he sick?”

“He’s not si-... well, the thing is… mm… yes, he is.”

Judging from their response, it was obvious that Hugo’s pride had been seriously damaged. Henry clicked his tongue disappointedly at the thought of an officer taking sick leave for such a thing.

“I wasn’t able to tell you because you weren’t there that night, but I have been tasked with chasing after Black.”

“Black? Do you mean that Black?”

The two men looked up in surprise.

“Yes, I am under special instructions from the Captain. The horses we borrowed yesterday have been returned to the stable, and everything has been thoroughly recorded.”

“I-I mean, that’s good and all, but Black? Do you even know what kind of monster Black is?”

“I’m lacking information. So, I’m researching it in my own way, starting from scratch. That’s why I have to visit Captain Iselan again. Also, I am here to ask you for your permission, sir.”

“Uh, uh, permission? Of course, you can go… but how will a new officer like you go after Black…” Solomon stuttered, still in disbelief.

Henry frowned slightly and turned sharply toward Solomon.

“Company commander, sir.”

“Oh, uh, yes?”

“Didn’t you promise that you would no longer take issue with my skills, or the fact that I’m a new officer?” Henry warned.

Solomon’s face turned slightly red. “...Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. Then, with your permission, I’ll make my way to the Captain.”

With that, the meeting was over. Henry quickly left the administrative office. Now there were only two people left in the office.

“Sir… are you okay?” Borg cautiously asked.

Solomon let out a long sigh. “I’m okay. Of course, I’m okay… how did things turn out like this?”

* * *

The reason Henry was visiting Iselan was simple. Non-military issue items, such as Febreezy, had to be purchased outside the fortress. On principle, however, officers in the process of their military service were not allowed outside of the fortress walls.

“So, you’ve come to find me this morning just to get some deodorant?”

“That’s correct.”

Iselan shook his head. “Crazy bastard. Can you hear yourself right now? Do you think that makes any sense?”

“It’s just that I don’t want to miss out on even a small opportunity.”

Iselan’s face was full of disbelief, but Henry had expected this reaction. It was difficult to believe that months of tragedy could originate from something as benign as a bottle of deodorant. However, Iselan had entrusted Henry with this mission. After some contemplation, he made the call.

“Even so, I can’t allow you to go out. If I allow you to leave the fortress because of some nonsense reason like that, the rest are sure to cause a scene about it. Our regular trader will be arriving in a couple of days. Wait until then.”

Iselan was right. No matter how important Henry’s mission was, the issue was a matter of fairness. However, Tini, who had been listening silently, suddenly spoke up.

“Uh, I’m sorry to interrupt, but Commander Henry, perhaps this?is the deodorant you are talking about?”

She cautiously raised a turquoise bottle.

“What the… Tini! Why do you have a bottle of Febreezy?” asked Iselan.

“Collecting deodorants is my hobby, and Febreezy is one of my favorites. I just happened to bring one to work today. What are the odds of that!”

She smiled brightly and gave the bottle a little shake.

“That will do, Captain,” said Henry.

“That will do?” Iselan said, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes.”

Iselan pointed at the bottle of Febreezy. “Tini, how much for that? I can buy a few more for you when the trader comes.”

“Don’t worry about that. I can just give it to him. I want something else, though.”

“Something else? What is it?” asked Iselan.

Tini turned toward Henry. “Henry, sir?”

“Yes, Tini?”

“You’re the one that needs this, not Captain Iselan, so I want you to pay for it.”

“Of course. What do you need? Just name your price.”

“Will you have lunch with me next time I have a day off?”

“Excuse me?”

“Or not.”

“Oh, no. Of course, I will. That won’t be a problem.”

“Really? Then, do you promise?”

“I promise.”

And with that, Henry was able to obtain Febreezy in exchange for a meal.