Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 155 (Part 2):
It wasn’t an overreaction. Michael knew. His gaze and expression revealed that he was aware.
Despite the threatening atmosphere, Michael continued to speak with a smile.
“That Hyde’s sword was made by a craftsman named Layton. Layton doesn’t make swords for just anyone. That’s why Kevin recognized your sword.”
Michael’s lips moved continuously.
“The Sword of Darien Deferth.”
Helmut hadn’t expected to keep it a secret forever. Only one person had recognized it as Layton’s sword before – a blacksmith in Baden.
But that was because Helmut had entrusted his sword to him.
Without closely examining and handling it, it would be impossible to recognize it as Layton’s work just by appearance.
At this point, twenty years after the sword and its owner had disappeared, how could anyone recognize Darien’s sword, especially since its appearance had changed?
Humans Helmut had observed weren’t that perceptive.
‘But to be caught by Layton’s disciple of all people.’
Unfortunately, being someone of that caliber, he not only recognized it as Layton’s sword but likely knew it was Darien’s as well.
“Why tell me this?”
Helmut gave Michael a sharp look.
Despite the magical disguise giving his eyes a bluish tint, they were as chilling as his naturally jet-black pupils, warning that there were secrets not to be tampered with.
Until now, Michael had not probed or unraveled Helmut’s secrets, knowing that doing so would not leave him unscathed.
There were boundaries between them. And Michael had just crossed one. Right now.
However, Helmut knew he couldn’t kill Michael right away.
The complications of being known to share a room with a foreign noble in a tournament were too great.
Yet, Helmut needed to understand Michael’s intentions and what he wanted.
“……Kevin, the blacksmith who knows this fact, will be dealt with. I’m telling you this because I want you to know.”
He smiled gently.
“My silence. And my goodwill.”
“You’re trying to owe me a favor?”
“Hyde isn’t someone who repays kindness with malice. You return what you receive. I know that.”
Being allies with him could be incredibly reassuring, but as an enemy, he could be extraordinarily threatening. So, Michael intended to settle a debt to prevent becoming a complete adversary.
“Think what you will. But if it gets out, you’re dead.”
Helmut released his neck. Indeed, Michael had been good to him.
It was surprisingly unappealing to snap his neck and end his life just for knowing that secret.
‘I’ve become human, it seems.’
Helmut realized anew. Michael exaggerated his reaction.
“Wow, that was scary. You were quite imposing. It must really be a secret, huh?”
No, it was a known fact. To Ethan Kudrow.
But he would not have told anyone. He wouldn’t put his master’s disciple in danger. So, if it leaked, it was this guy.
‘Michael’s name doesn’t seem to be an alias.’
Michael asked nonchalantly.
“Just one thing, what’s your relationship with Sword Saint Darien Deferth?”
Helmut disclosed this fact for the second time since coming to the outside world.
“I am Darien’s disciple.”
“Wow, am I sharing a room with the disciple of the Sword Saint? This is really amazing.”
His eyes sparkled as he leaned in too comfortably for someone whose neck was just gripped.
“Don’t make a fuss.”
Helmut frowned, reaffirming that Michael was a strange fellow.
And he had to admit, Michael was quite a strategist. Making him an enemy would be just as troublesome for Helmut.
Such a person, if turned into an enemy, would never be careless in dealing with Helmut.
‘Friendly, for now.’
While friendly, he wouldn’t leak secrets.
That didn’t mean Michael had to cooperate with whatever Helmut was doing. Helmut was not keen on owing him any more.
“I won’t ask why Hyde is hiding this fact in Basor. But it seems your goal isn’t just the tournament.”
“It would be wise if you think about how you can pretend not to know.”
If Helmut were to stir up trouble, Michael might find himself in a difficult position.
It would be regrettable if this frail fellow ended up dying in a heated prison.
“It seems like something might happen.”
“Yeah.”
He wanted something to happen. Helmut wanted to tie this up quickly and surely.
With Lutus Cicero and Luke Yeager, and all the tangled debts related to Darien.
And he wanted to return to Baden Academy. Whether it would go as planned was uncertain, but he would not be defeated. He was too strong to lose.
‘It could become troublesome.’
He resolved to conclude matters without revealing his identity as much as possible. That was his only resolution.
“Well, then, I’ll pack my bags. Just in case I need to run away. It would be troublesome to get involved in the affairs of another country. As you know, I’m a bit frail.”
“……Alright.”
“Shall we have a meal?”
Thus, the conversation ended on an odd note.
***
-The Semifinal-
The semifinal was easier than the quarterfinal. There seemed to be something like luck in the draw.
The opponent Helmut faced was an older member of the Palma Knights but weaker than Horten.
It was frustrating for him to have been defeated by a boy known to be sixteen.
“Hyde, victory!”
Waaaah―
Welcoming the familiar victory, Helmut looked up at the sky amidst the pouring cheers.
A day without a single drop of rain. The scorching sun was burning his skin.
The sun signifies the zenith. Only one step was left to reach the pinnacle, the victory.
‘The match with Luke Yeager is the day after tomorrow.’
Engrossed in thought, his opponent asked with an imposing attitude despite the loss.
“You’re quite something for a young lad. Have you considered joining the Palma Knights?”
To be called “quite something” by the loser? Annoying.
“Well, seeing your skills, it seems the Palma Knights need to work harder.”
“What? You.”
Ignoring the opponent who was laughing awkwardly, Helmut turned away cleanly.