Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 152 (Part 1):
One fact Helmut knew was that Darien was unfriendly towards the temple. Aligning with the king’s stance, perhaps even more influential than the king himself.
‘It would have been in the First Prince’s interest to eliminate Darien for political reasons.’
On one hand, to maintain his position as the heir, and on the other, to secure the position of the Palma Knight Commander.
The consistent mention of a friendly relationship between the Palma Knight Commander and the First Prince in information gathered from both sides left no room for doubt.
Helmut, noticing Michael had perhaps hurt his leg, asked him as he sat on the sofa.
“Does the support of the Palma Knights significantly affect the succession?”
“Being supported would be advantageous, yes. But it’s not absolute since the First Prince, who is half-foreign by blood and behaves uncharacteristically for a Basor, has a rather poor reputation within Basor.”
“What about the First Prince usurping the throne?”
“The Palma Knights have sworn loyalty to the king. They would not support a usurpation. However,”
Michael emphasized, cutting off his words.
“If the First Prince and Second Prince were to wage a war of succession, the side backed by the Palma Knights would have a definitive advantage. Though such an act would be unthinkable while the king lives, the story might differ if the king were to designate the Second Prince as his successor and then pass away.”
The throne left vacant. In the absence of an owner, the Palma Knights could make any choice. That choice would lie with the Knight Commander.
“The Palma Knight Commander has controlled the knights for over 20 years. If the king were to pass, it’s likely they would follow him, even if he took extreme actions.”
Betraying Darien to seize the position of Palma Knight Commander. It felt like a contradiction that such a person has a high reputation.
Even Luke admitted he was a remarkable knight. However, the eyes of knights and the eyes of others see differently.
Helmut decided to trust Michael’s judgment.
“What is your opinion of him?”
“The Palma Knight Commander seems less rigid and stubborn than I thought. He appeared to be someone mindful of public opinion. If he were truly backing the First Prince, he could simply convince the king directly. But even as a Knight Commander, he can’t overtly support the First Prince, who is internally unpopular among the members. Yet, he still supports the First Prince, probably due to some deal between them,”
Michael sharply probed with a smiling face.
Helmut thought that even Alea, who inwardly considered her peers foolish, couldn’t help but acknowledge this guy.
“How is the Knight Commander’s position decided?”
“The Palma Knights represent Basor. It follows the law of Basor.”
Michael stated firmly.
“The strongest among Palma becomes the Knight Commander.”
“So, if someone defeats Lutus Cicero, he could become the Palma Knight Commander?.”
“No, only if the position of Knight Commander is vacant. In Palma, once someone becomes the Knight Commander, they remain so unless there’s a significant reason otherwise.”
The position of the Knight Commander that must be won through competition after 20 years. Perhaps he couldn’t wait that long.
From Lutus Cicero’s perspective, choosing to remove Darien when he was next strongest wasn’t odd. There might be other reasons, though.
‘The conclusion is Lutus Cicero betrayed Darien and sided with the First Prince.’
The temple’s involvement means it can’t be separated from the First Prince.
The king would be unaware. If he knew, he would have dismissed the First Prince and named the Second Prince as his successor.
Helmut suddenly became curious. This guy probably represents the perspective of the empire’s nobility.
“What about you? Between the First and Second Prince, who would be better to ascend the throne?”
“I have no intention of involving myself in Basor’s political issues. Despite his age, Basor’s king is still strong. It’s not a concern for the next few years.”
Michael concluded calmly.
“But from Basor’s standpoint, the Second Prince would be preferable, and from a foreign standpoint, the First Prince. The Second Prince is recognized as a legitimate heir.”
“You.”
Helmut started to say something but stopped. Michael, who freely shared what he wanted to know, suddenly seemed incredibly kind and nice.
As smart as Alea, knowledgeable, and not hesitating to share. A counterpart whose value couldn’t be measured in money.
Helmut found what he wanted to say.
“I’ll allow it once. Within a reasonable limit.”
Meaning, even if he wronged Helmut, he would overlook it, or if he asked for help, he would provide it. A statement applicable broadly or narrowly. That was the extent of the favor Helmut could offer at the moment.
Michael responded with an ambiguous smile.
“I’ll remember that.”