Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 150 (Part 2):

‘It seems I can’t hide it from someone of his caliber.’

“Yes.”

Helmut admitted cleanly. Fortunately, the Palma Knight Commander didn’t demand he dispel his magic. Qualification for this tournament was based on skill. He scrutinized Helmut intensely.

“I’ve seen you fight. What do you think about joining the Palma Knights?”

The question was unexpected. Luke’s eyes widened.

“Commander!”

“I haven’t thought about it.”

“Think about it. Until the end of the tournament.”

With a clear indication of his intent, he turned and left.

“Both of you, I look forward to your performance in the main event.”

After he left, the air relaxed. Facing such an opponent naturally brought tension.

‘He might be stronger than Talon.’

This wasn’t a guess; it was a certainty.

“You must really have skills. The Commander doesn’t show interest in many.”

Interest was evident on Luke’s face. There seemed to be no jealousy. Helmut casually asked.

“The Palma Knight Commander seems to care about you.”

Even for an elite knight order like the Palma, it wasn’t common for the Commander to personally offer encouragement to a member.

“Ah, is that so? Actually, it wasn’t my intention to reveal that I use my great-grandfather’s swordsmanship. He recognized it first. Since then, he seems to have taken a special interest in me. I too respect the Commander as a swordsman of considerable skill.”

‘Was it guilt, or… was he hiding animosity?’

Whether it was the former or the latter was important.

“What did he say about the Sword Saint?”

“He said he had served him for a long time. He disappeared suddenly, and his whereabouts were unknown, but he was glad to meet me.”

Luke’s gaze, which had been upward in reminiscence, flickered for a moment.

“Now that I think about it, he advised me that revealing I’m the Sword Saint’s great-grandson could wait until after I’ve proven my skills. He said this tournament would be a good opportunity.”

The suspicion leaned towards the latter. Upon seeing the great-grandson of Darien, Lutus Cicero must have been vividly reminded of events from over twenty years ago.

When a mistake is revealed, those in power try to erase it.

“I understand. Where are you staying?”

His gaze seemed to question why such curiosity about his whereabouts. By this point, it was reasonable for him to feel suspicious.

“…For now, I’m staying at the Palma Knights’ barracks. My mansion is still under construction. Why, do you have business with me?”

There were indeed matters to attend to, but the timing was still delicate. What to reveal was also a consideration. Helmut decided to postpone it.

“I’m staying at the Golden Leaf Inn. I’ll be waiting for the day we face each other in the tournament.”

“Well, work hard. You might not make it to face me.”

“You’re talking about something that won’t happen.”

“You’re quite confident. But remember, there are other members of the Palma Knights in the main event…”

Leaving Luke’s grumbling behind, Helmut turned and left. The bloodline of Darien. The sentiment felt new. The resemblance to Darien only intensified this feeling.

‘Michael must have returned by now.’

There were no more matches for the day. Roaming around would only invite trouble. It was important not to cause any disturbances during the tournament. Helmut promptly returned to the inn.

***

Michael returned slightly later. He seemed to have stayed to watch the tournament longer.

“I was worried when you disappeared.”

The tone was enough to guilt someone for an absence they didn’t feel guilty about.

“I had business to attend to.”

“Did your business go well?”

“Fairly well.”

Meeting the necessary people for the day was sufficient. From Darion’s descendant to the traitor Lutus Cicero, it had been a productive day, though it also brought many thoughts. He would need to compile and organize the information with what was recorded in the documents.

“”It’s a hassle to go out, shall we have dinner here together?”

It was almost evening. Helmut readily agreed.

“I like Hyde.”

Towards the end of their meal, Michael suddenly spoke.

“Regardless of the outcome of the tournament, I wish Hyde would become one of my people. I guarantee honor and wealth.”

The offer was straightforward and direct. His blue eyes were infinitely serious. This was no joke. Helmut asked lightly.

“Are you asking me to become a knight?”

“No, my man. Not tied to the word ‘knight,’ but fully on my side.”

“I refuse. I have no intention of belonging to anyone.”

His words were not based on consideration of benefits. Even if the emperor of the empire had made the offer, he would have responded the same.

“Did you give the same answer to the Palma Knight Commander?”

“…”

A faint anxiety was detectable in Michael’s voice, as if he was about to lose a prey he had marked.

‘How did he know I met with the Palma Knight Commander?’

Even from a foreign land, his intelligence network was commendable. The question was posed again.

“You didn’t accept, did you?”

“You speak as if it’s obvious the Commander would recruit me.”

“If he has eyes, he would recognize you.”

The appreciation seemed to flatter him. Being recognized felt good by nature.

“I didn’t accept. He told me to think about it.”

“I wish you’d consider my offer too.”

“I intend to refuse that as well.”

“Even if you’re not from Basor, a position in the Palma Knights brings honor and wealth. Why refuse? Is there something more you desire?”

Helmut casually replied.

“Basor is too hot.”

Having experienced it, he decided he didn’t want to settle in a hot country. While he wasn’t at the stage of settling down yet, if it came to that, climate would be a consideration. Michael brightened.

“My place isn’t hot.”

‘Persistent.’

“Then, I’ll consider your side too.”

Helmut compromised appropriately. Michael smiled broadly.

“A wise decision. It’s good to keep your options open.”

Helmut observed Michael thoughtfully.

Perhaps this guy could be useful. Since he’s trying to win him over, he’s not just a simple noble but seems capable and resourceful.

‘I doubt he could deduce much from one piece I throw. Less risky than Black Hawk.’

Helmut spoke up.

“I have something I’d like you to look into.”

It was ultimately up to him to decide whether to help.

“What is it?”

“About the Palma Knights. The commander, the knights, and the dangerous missions they undertake.”

“Are you asking me to compare the Palma Knights’ working environment to others?”

“If you can’t, it’s okay to refuse.”

Whether he could or couldn’t, if it was beyond his capacity, then that was that. Helmut noticed Michael wasn’t too busy. Asking this much wouldn’t overburden him. Eventually, Michael nodded.

“I’ll look into it.”

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!

•