Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 159 (Part 1):
Helmut hardly had any luggage with him. After all, he had a cloak with a space expansion magic spell on it.
Inside his luggage were items best kept away from prying eyes, so he never left them unattended.
However, the horse that couldn’t be placed in the cloak was left at the inn.
Though it may not perform as well as Basor’s horses or camels in the desert, it was a Junma, known for its adaptability. Having ridden it here, it was better to keep it with him as it had gotten used to the path.
Heading to the Golden Leaf Inn, Helmut encountered Michael.
Michael, who had returned early amidst the chaos, welcomed Helmut warmly.
He had been thinking it was about time to speak to him, as a matter of courtesy to his provider of food and shelter.
For some reason, it felt necessary.
“…That’s what happened.”
Michael was not surprised by Helmut’s brief explanation.
“It seems you’re taking on demonic beast subjugation earlier than planned. I was watching the competition when the giant bird suddenly appeared; I was startled. At first, I thought it was an event, but given the reactions, it seemed like an unusual occurrence in Basor. It’s a shame the final was ruined.”
‘It seems I wasn’t the only one who thought it was an event.’
To outsiders, such incidents in Basor might not seem unusual.
“Demonic beasts activity at such a time. How strange.”
Michael murmured, seemingly unfazed even by the ghastly sight of corpses dropped on the stage.
Outside the searing heat, there seemed nothing to worsen Michael’s complexion.
‘Bold for a noble’s son. Even those from sword families aren’t usually this daring.’
However, concerns about Michael were not immediately pressing. The current priority was the demonic beast subjugation.
No, not the subjugation itself but the plan of the Palma Knights’ commander targeting Luke Yeager. Now, Helmut also had to be on alert.
‘I need to review the documents on the Palma Knights again.’
It was uncertain how many of the Palma Knights would participate in or turn a blind eye to this matter.
He had performed escort and guard duties before. Even protecting the weak, Luke Yeager was a decent enough person to guard.
This time, however, the opponent seemed formidable.
‘I’m not just up against the Palma Knights’ commander.’
Darien had gone to catch the Scorpion’s offspring and got caught instead.
It’s unlikely Darien, the former commander of the Palma Knights, would move for an unsubstantial target. There must be a powerful demonic beast at play.
‘Given the beast’s movements, it’s probably being controlled.’
The way it provocatively dumped bodies was uncharacteristic of demonic beasts. Moreover, the timing was impeccable. It felt orchestrated by humans.
‘An act of the temple? Or a mage? Hard to say. Not something a swordsman could do.’
Helmut considered the possibility of the Palma Knights’ commander having a special power unknown to him.
Moreover, the Palma Knights followed him.
If the commander orders them to eliminate Luke Yeager, some would follow without needing a reason.
‘Demonic beasts and Palma Knights alike.’
They were all enemies. This time, he truly needed to exert his full strength.
A heavy yet willing feeling washed over him.
Lost in thought, Michael spoke again.
“But deciding the winner like that, it seems a bit unfair. Going with the Palma Knights, won’t they favor Luke Yeager? The chance to earn accolades would naturally tilt in his direction. It’s disadvantageous to you.”
“I chose to do so.”
“Why? Is there a special reason?”
Splitting 2.5 million marks or taking 2 million for oneself, the prize money differed by 750,000 marks.
But it was hard to believe that Helmut would risk losing 2 million marks just for that.
Michael knew Helmut detested the heat of Basor.
So, if Helmut was willing to follow into the desert, it wasn’t solely for the prize money.
“Is it related to Luke Yeager? What is he to you?”
The nuance was peculiar. It would be unpleasant if misunderstood in a weird way.
Helmut responded with something similar to what he had told Lutus Cicero.
“Job shadowing.”
“Pardon?”
“Demonic Beast hunter and Palma Knight. A good opportunity to experience both sides.”
“…You don’t expect me to believe that, do you?”
“It’s true.”
“Just tell me how Luke Yeager has captivated you.”
Michael seemed convinced there was something about Luke Yeager. Helmut raised his eyebrows.
“I don’t like that phrasing.”
At that moment, someone knocked on the door loudly.
“Hey, aren’t you done yet?”
Michael turned his head towards the door.
Helmut had come to this Golden Leaf Inn with Luke. Since the Knight Commander had instructed them to prepare together, Helmut had decided to pick up his things here first. They planned to visit Luke’s place afterward.
Luke, who had urged Helmut to hurry when they came up, seemed to have grown impatient with the lengthy conversation.
“We’re done.”
Helmut quickly opened the door, relieved to escape Michael’s probing.
“Why did it take so long? Were you offering prayers together or what?”
Luke’s gaze fixed on Michael, his pupils dilating.
“Is this, a statue?”
Luke reached out to touch Michael’s head unconsciously and then flinched.
“You’re a person?”
“…Utterly rude.”