Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 156 (Part 2):

The waiting area was quiet. There weren’t many matches left.

Luke Yeager’s opponent, who had returned to the waiting area with Helmut and Luke, seemed displeased and went outside. He was also a member of the Palma Knights.

“Do you also have a bad relationship with that person?”

“…Yes. Except for the commander, those from Basor sword families don’t like me.”

“Do you have friends?”

“What do you think I am? You seem more like someone without friends!”

That was true. Luke Yeager named a few friends among his close colleagues.

The Palma Knights seemed to be divided between those from prestigious sword families and those who were not.

‘It’s similar to the Academy.’

In a rough country like Basor, respect in a force like Palma would ironically be detrimental.

But Luke Yeager wasn’t the type to bully or look down on someone weaker than himself.

Someone skilled but young and unpolished like Luke could be easily underestimated.

“Now, your turn to say.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Your friends’ names.”

Whether he was childishly playing or trying to deduce Helmut’s identity through the names of friends, mentioning Alea, whose name was well-known, would have given him away.

Helmut neatly ignored it.

“…It seems the Second Prince is coming.”

Just then, footsteps were heard from outside. It seemed a number of knights had come with him.

But only one person entered.

“Wait outside for everyone.”

With a soft voice, the Second Prince entered, a figure with a warrior’s build.

Helmut was certain.

‘He could join the Palma Knights easily.’

But he couldn’t participate in the tournament because of his status. Who in Basor would dare to swing their sword properly against a prince in a duel?

Seeing Luke, the Second Prince’s lips curved into a smile.

“You’re not avoiding me today, Luke Yeager.”

He hit the nail on the head. Luke’s face showed discomfort, but he promptly showed respect to the prince.

“I greet the Second Prince.”

“I greet the Second Prince.”

Helmut followed suit, bowing his head. He had learned to follow the customs of the country.

After all, the prize money was provided by Basor. He had to show respect to the one giving the prize.

“You have company. The finalist, Hyde, right? Because of you, our Basor knights’ pride has been hurt, I hear.”

“If they’re weak, losing is natural. They just have to accept reality.”

“This guy.”

Luke elbowed him quietly. The other party was a prince.

But the Second Prince, true to Basor’s love for the strong, smiled it off.

“You have the right to say that with your skill. The matches so far have been very impressive. I expect the same in the final. Personally, for the honor of the Palma Knights, I hope the winner is Luke Yeager.”

“He says he’ll only accept the cheers of women.”

“What? Hahaha!”

The Second Prince burst into laughter. Luke’s face twitched. It was already an awkward relationship.

‘What in the world is this guy saying in front of the prince.’

The Second Prince, quickly regaining his composure, tilted his head and asked.

“But it seems you two are unexpectedly close.”

“Absolutely not!”

“It’s not like that.”

Despite being the first to deny it, Luke Yeager glared somewhat at this side. Helmut ignored it lightly and asked the Second Prince.

“What do you think of the Sword Saint, Darien Deferth?”

Despite the sudden change in topic, the Second Prince smoothly responded.

“A person worthy of respect. When I was young, my dream was to receive sword training from him. Unfortunately, I was refused.”

“Why?”

“He said my talent was insufficient to pass on his sword. Even princes have no exceptions.”

“That old man was quite direct even with the prince.”

Luke Yeager murmured inadvertently. The carelessly spoken words were negative. Darien Deferth was a national hero. The Second Prince showed a slight displeasure.

“Do you talk about your great-grandfather like that?”

It wasn’t a noble’s tone. After Luke coughed, he said.

“No, actually, my grandfather keeps calling him ‘that old man,’ so it stuck. What did he say to my grandfather? ‘You may be lacking, but since you’re my son, receiving swordsmanship training is a sacred honor.’ He often said that.”

The Second Prince nodded with a smile.

“His personality is quite straightforward.”

After giving a generous assessment, he suddenly looked sharply at Helmut.

“Did this boy already know? He doesn’t seem surprised.”

Luke Yeager had a realization. Helmut quickly replied.

“I knew.”

“It’s not what I told him. He already knew! I don’t know how, but….”

“It’s fine even if you did tell. I respect your desire to be recognized for your skill rather than hiding the fact that you’re a descendant of the Sword Saint.”

‘That’s not it.’

Luke, who ended up giving the impression of a blabbermouth to the Second Prince, had a dead expression. But it was the Second Prince who had revealed it.

“Anyway, revealing it after the tournament ends seems appropriate. What do you think?”

“If I win the final, I’ll reveal it.”

‘I’ll have to wait until next year.’

Helmut thought leisurely. He didn’t plan to participate next year. The 2 million marks were tempting, but Basor was too hot.

“I see. But the reason I came to see you, Luke, is that there’s something you need to hear. After the tournament, come see me. This isn’t the right place.”

The Second Prince’s gaze lingered on Helmut for a moment. An opponent who didn’t seem to plan on leaving. Assessing how much to reveal, he became serious.

“This is about your safety.”

Helmut’s gaze fixed on the Second Prince. He immediately understood what he was about to say.

“Wouldn’t it be safer for me not to come to you? I am a member of the Palma Knights. I cannot go against the commander’s will….”

Luke’s expression became serious as well.

Given the commander of the Palma Knights supports the First Prince, appearing close to the Second Prince was problematic. The Second Prince shook his head.

“I mean to come secretly. I’ll send someone.”

He added cautiously.

“It’s a very important matter. It won’t harm you.”

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!

•