Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 146 (Part 1):

“……”

Needlessly sharp. Helmut had no hobby of enjoying being dissected by others. Michael continued the conversation smoothly.

“My sister is also attending an academy. If she’s at the Baden Academy, perhaps you’ve met.”

It was a vaguely unsettling comment. He hoped his sister wasn’t attending the Greta Academy. Despite his drastically changed appearance, he wondered if he would be recognized.

Michael casually took a seat in the chair in front of Helmut.

“How old is Hyde?”

“Sixteen.”

He aged himself by a year, sticking to the age listed on the martial arts tournament application form.

“I’m fourteen. I can’t wield a sword because I’m frail, so I enjoy martial arts tournaments. You can feel the dynamic energy of swordsmen fiercely battling each other.”

Michael said with a hint of envy. What would it feel like to be weak? Helmut, who had been strong since birth, couldn’t understand.

“Of course, that’s not why I came to the Kingdom of Basor. Instead of strength, I have intellect. Recruiting useful talents is also a noble family’s duty.”

A fourteen-year-old engaging in talent scouting must have been recognized for his discernment by his family, Helmut thought.

‘Is he the heir of some noble family?’

He only mentioned being a noble, without specifying which one. Michael smiled lightly.

“I should rest now. You use the room on the right. Feel free to leave your things as you wish. I won’t touch them. Anything else we need to decide?”

The way the room was divided seemed fine. There were two bathrooms attached. Important items could simply be kept in his cloak, so there was no worry about them being tampered with.

“I’ll use the courtyard in front. You can use it when I’m not there.”

“You need a training ground, then. Let’s do that.”

The desire to rest was mutual, having been under the hot sun all day. His body was sweaty. It would be nice if he could cast a cleaning spell, but he had heard that no commercial artifacts for that existed.

‘I should have requested that feature from the dean.’

He felt regret in various aspects.

Just when the conversation seemed to be over, Michael suddenly said,

“In truth, I’m selective about people. I don’t make such offers to just anyone.”

“……”

“This might sound strange, but Hyde feels strangely familiar to me.”

Helmut almost agreed. He felt the same.

‘Is it because I now have blonde hair and blue eyes?’

Because of the resemblance. Or because he was used to being surrounded by delicately featured people at the academy?

The natural affinity he felt towards this peculiar boy was hard for Helmut to explain. So, he didn’t agree.

‘A strange guy.’

That was Helmut’s judgment of Michael.

Helmut revised his opinion of Michael within a day. Michael was a generous person.

At this expensive inn where a night’s stay cost 2,000 Marks, covering the meal costs was not trivial. Michael suggested they eat together the next day around lunch.

“Would Hyde like to join me for a meal?”

Michael, who had mentioned his frailty, hardly went out. He slept soundly and only woke up late in the morning.

When he made the offer, Helmut had been practicing with his sword, putting off his tour of the capital before the martial arts tournament.

“Sure.”

“What would you like? Feel free to eat whatever you want.”

Helmut wasn’t familiar with Basor’s cuisine. When he left the decision to Michael, a lavish meal enough for five was soon prepared.

The servers busily brought food into the room. Michael subtly pushed some dishes towards Helmut.

“I’m a bit picky about food.”

Asuka would have wanted to smack him on the back of his head for nibbling so pretentiously, had he seen.

But Michael, true to his appearance, did eat delicately. It was odd for someone so frail.

On the other hand, Helmut ate well, finishing almost 4.5 servings by himself.

‘Tasty, but this is a bit much.’

It would digest soon enough with some sword swinging. As he was about to get up, Michael asked,

“Will you keep training until the martial arts tournament? You’ve been working hard.”

Helmut knew Michael had been watching. Since he couldn’t use anything but the basic sword techniques in the tournament or otherwise, there was no need to hide his training.

He’d been practicing Darien’s swordsmanship the entire journey, so he needed to focus on general techniques now. He might face an opponent of first-rank mercenary level.

Helmut responded indifferently.

“Probably.”

There was only one other thing to do. Helmut was waiting for a message from Talon.

He needed to go to the mercenary guild to pick up documents once the message arrived.

It was unlikely that the documents would arrive before him. Talon would need time to complete his investigation. Documents could be transferred magically, though.

“Why not go out with me? Since we’re in Basor’s capital, I thought about looking around.”

“Aren’t you too trusting?”

Suddenly acting friendly as if they had become close after sharing a room for one night was strange. It was also odd that he chose to dine with Helmut, disregarding his own entourage.

“Like I said yesterday.”

“Familiarity aside, on what basis do you make such an offer to someone you met yesterday?”

Following one’s senses recklessly without a plan was more Asuka’s style. Helmut pondered whether he seemed too approachable. Safe enough not to be suspicious to a stranger?

“Don’t overthink it. You’re participating in the martial arts tournament, and you’re not interested in me. So, you won’t harm me. Plus, being an academy student, you wouldn’t want to cause trouble.”

“Think what you want. But let me give you some advice.”

Helmut stood up, adding coldly,

“Your judgment might not always be right. It’s better to minimize risk.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Michael replied with a calm face. Despite seeming like a well-to-do noble, it was unclear why he was trying to get close. Helmut left him and went back to the training room.

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•