Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 157 (Part 1):
From the Second Prince, a sudden aura of majesty was felt. It wasn’t oppressive but subtly pressing down. It was different from the pressure exerted by those with formidable martial power. It was the kind of momentum a monarch might possess. For Helmut, it was a distinctly unfamiliar type.
Luke Yeager hesitated to respond. He knew he had to refuse, but formulated in such a way, refusal seemed difficult.
Helmut became certain. The Second Prince must know that those who harmed Sword Saint Darien are in this place, Basor, and that he himself might be in danger. Even the fact that the traitor was Lutus Cicero.
‘He must know. After all, narrowing down who benefited from Darien’s death makes it obvious.’
“I suppose you should agree,” he concluded.
Encouraged by Helmut, who had decided to help the Second Prince.
The Second Prince wore an odd expression, while Luke Yeager appeared utterly taken aback.
“If you say I should agree, then should I just agree?”
“Don’t feel like it? Let’s make a bet then. If you lose to me in the final, you’ll go see the Prince then.”
Betting was perfect for getting someone to do something they disliked. Helmut suggested it based on his experience.
“What, you really!”
Luke Yeager couldn’t help but get riled up by such words.
Helmut stared at him intently. His gaze was inscrutable, almost dismissive.
“Doubting yourself?”
“Who said I am? Fine, let’s do that. But what if you lose?”
“If I lose, I’ll answer any question you have. Whatever it may be.”
“Deal.”
The bet was made on the spot. Immediately after, Helmut declared,
“Luke Yeager will go see your Highness. It might be best to support me.”
Luke gritted his teeth, and the Second Prince wore an astounded expression.
“You have…”
“Let’s just say I have a good intuition.”
The Second Prince stared intently at Helmut. However, he only furrowed his brow and did not inquire further. Soon after, the Prince excused himself and disappeared.
“I’ll be off then. I’m looking forward to the final. I hope both of you put on a good match, worthy of the expectations.”
Immediately after the Second Prince left the room, Luke Yeager abruptly seized Helmut’s shoulder firmly.
“What are you thinking? Do you even know who that man is?”
“I know, His Highness the Second Prince.”
“Why are you so eager to push me towards him, despite my objections! You’re manipulating without even giving a reason!”
Luke seemed genuinely angry. Perhaps he regretted agreeing to it after all.
“More importantly, I’m curious.”
A question followed, filled with bewilderment.
“Is a member of the Palma Knights a slave to the Knight Commander?”
“What nonsense are you spouting!”
“Then why can’t you decide for yourself whom to support?”
Luke appeared to be caught off guard. Clearly, he also thought the First Prince wasn’t the right choice. It’s common for people to see things similarly.
“It’s not that simple! I’m still young and have only recently joined the Knights! Even seniors can’t speak against the Knight Commander, how can I oppose supporting the First Prince?”
“Is that so. What’s your opinion on the Palma Knight Commander?”
“I cannot judge my superior.”
However, Luke’s expression remained unrelaxed. Even Lutus’s son supported the Second Prince, and the members of the Palma Knights were reluctant to support the First Prince. Did the Knight Commander know this? Was he ignoring it and supporting the First Prince anyway? The answer was obvious.
“Did he see some royal qualities in the First Prince that others didn’t, supporting him?”
“Stop it.”
Luke Yeager grimaced uncomfortably.
“Then think about why he can’t withdraw his support for the First Prince.”
Helmut sowed doubt. Luke trusted the Palma Knight Commander.
But there was one thing that nagged at him. The inexplicable support for the First Prince. That was what he needed to dig into.
“Is the Palma Knight Commander involved in some back deal? Or is he being extortion?”
“It could be both. What will you do if that’s the case?”
“That’s… not something I can decide right now. I’m not in a position to…”
He was wavering.
“Luke Yeager might think that way. But if you are the descendant of the Sword Saint, it’s different.”
He underestimates his position. Unaware of the dangers his future might face just because he is the descendant of Darien.
After all, in this nation of Basor, built by Darien, how could his descendant be threatened?
“Just know, I have reasons to act on your behalf.”
“…”
“Think over what was said today. Not just by me, but by the Second Prince as well.”
The aftermath would follow the final.
Helmut turned away, not expecting much.
But getting Luke Yeager to think was enough.
By planting seeds of doubt early, revealing the truth later would be smoother.