Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 149 (Part 2):

“How did it seem to Hyde? That person seems quite skilled too.”

“I saw him properly. He’s a candidate for victory.”

“Does that mean he’s stronger than Hyde?”

Michael asked casually, but it was a sensitive question. Helmut was not displeased.

“I’m also a candidate for victory.”

He didn’t feel like he would lose. Excluding Darien and the rulers of the Forest of Roots regions, he hadn’t met anyone who gave him a sense of inevitable defeat. Michael seemed intrigued.

“Does that mean, you have to fight to know?”

Helmut stood up without answering. He left with only one sentence.

“I have to go.”

***

The young man, Luke Yeager, returned to the waiting area with a grin. Today, he felt exceptionally good. Was it because his advancement to the main event was confirmed? But that was already expected, like the outcome of the duel just now.

‘Maybe something good is about to happen.’

“Isn’t it unfair for a member of the Palma Knights to participate in the preliminaries?”

Morgan, the preliminary participant who had just lost to him, grumbled. Being a mercenary against a noble opponent, he had to be wary. Luke merely shrugged.

“Waiting for the main event to start makes me itch. It’s better to get some practice, but unfortunately for you, our paths have crossed .”

Actually, those with a guaranteed spot in the main event wouldn’t normally bother with the preliminaries. There’s the risk of an unexpected strong opponent leading to an early exit, which would be embarrassing.

But Luke had no such fears.

He was a strong contender. The possibility of defeat was not something he needed to consider.

“Push harder. If you’re lucky, you might make it back in through the loser’s revival match. Everyone finds their place according to their skills.”

“So you’re saying if they’re skilled enough for the main event, they’ll make it. Well, you’re right.”

Morgan shrugged, continuing the conversation.

“There are others as young and as formidable as you. And that kid is even younger than you.”

“Ah, I’ve heard about him. That Hyde kid, right? Have you seen him?”

Luke’s eyes sparkled. Already a celebrity in the royal capital, Hyde was the talk of the town. Blonde hair, blue eyes, as delicate as a doll collected by noble ladies, more suited to holding a book than a sword.

Yet, despite being only 16, his skills were formidable. No one could last more than three exchanges against him.

‘That’s enough talent to be a part of the Palma Knights.’

If they had met in the preliminaries, even Luke might have found himself in a tight spot. Not that he expected to lose.

“I haven’t seen him… but I just did now.”

“Eh?”

“He’s coming this way.”

Luke turned around. The boy’s approach was remarkably silent. Yet, his appearance was strikingly conspicuous. Blonde hair, blue eyes, he shone even amidst the crowd.

Contrasting with the dark hair and rough skin of the people here, looking frail enough to be bullied in Basor.

But Luke Yeager wasn’t raised in Basor.

‘His steps are regular, his posture stable.’

His brow furrowed. The young boy making waves wasn’t famous for nothing.

His walk towards them showed no hesitation. Luke realized the boy had come for him.

‘Did he see my duel just now?’

If he had, it made sense for him to come over, impressed by Luke’s skills. Luke felt awkward but proud.

“I’ll go now, good luck.”

Morgan, who had to prepare for the loser’s revival match, left after bidding farewell. Luke addressed the approaching boy.

“So you’re Hyde.”

What was this kid doing here? His curiosity was piqued, but the next moment, Luke’s expression hardened at the words that came out of the boy’s mouth.

“Are you the great-grandson of the Sword Saint?”

Luke’s hand shot out. An attempt to cover the boy’s mouth was swiftly blocked by a quick hand.

The unfamiliar boy looked at him with a cold gaze, as if asking for a fight.

Luke glanced around hurriedly. Fortunately, the few people waiting were focused on the match outside the tent.

Luke sighed in relief, but the boy pressed on with another question.

“Why don’t you use the name Deferth?”

“You, keep it down! How did you… Is it already out?”

“I doubt it. Not everyone knows.”

“Hey, that’s a secret. The commander told me not to talk about it carelessly.”

“…Is that so.”

The boy seemed to ponder for a moment before adding calmly.

“You don’t need to worry. It’s not widely known. I happen to have unusually good information.”

As Talon had assured, Helmut could find out state secrets if needed. Luke frowned, looking troubled.

“Okay, then, Hyde. What brings you to me? Surely not to ask that?”

“You haven’t answered yet.”

If he wanted his mouth shut, he needed to answer. The boy’s attitude was surprisingly high-handed. Luke looked around and replied.

“My grandfather severed ties with the Sword Saint and left home. Claiming the Deferth name now would be laughable. The Deferth side branch knows, but they seem wary, thinking I might claim a right to the family’s wealth.”

“But you became a knight in Basor, right? Then using the Deferth name would be more advantageous for you.”

Although technically the rightful heir to the Sword Saint, there was no issue with him leveraging Darien’s reputation for his benefit. It could be useful. That was Helmut’s thought. Luke shrugged.

“Living here is fine, the Palma Knights are a good order. Anyway, I have nothing to do with Deferth. My grandfather wouldn’t be pleased if I used the name. I am Luke Yeager of the Yeager family.”

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