Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 160 (Part 2):
The gaze towards Helmut turned hostile. This was not a place or opponent to be taken lightly, even if a young one blabbers as he pleases.
But they did not punish Helmut because he was a finalist in the martial arts tournament.
That brought about a reluctant respect from the people of Basor.
“I prefer fairness in the process rather than in words alone. Am I wrong?”
In a tense situation, Helmut replied with a brazenly unflappable attitude.
‘His heart is certainly steadfast.’
Luke Yeager was so dumbfounded he forgot his anger. A unique and therefore more suspicious individual.
He was slowly realizing why Helmut insisted on acting together with him.
‘Because I might be ambushed by someone?’
But the reason for such care was unknown. Helmut and he had met for the first time in the martial arts tournament of Basor. They hadn’t spent enough time together or had enough conversations to build such a relationship.
It seemed unlikely they had any connection before coming to Basor. Then why?
Luke Yeager quickly had an epiphany.
‘That’s it. The irresistible charm that even attracts men to me…’
Being attractive was indeed a sin. He had received a tremendous amount of courtship from ladies since advancing to the final of the martial arts tournament, which had led to an excessive confidence.
Internally nodding, Luke Yeager’s mood naturally lifted. It was a great relief that Helmut couldn’t read his mind.
Lutus Cicero spoke in a stern tone.
“Luke Yeager has no experience participating in beast subjugations. Your volunteering to act together with him is because you have a friendship with him, isn’t it? It’s not a task so trivial that you can fool around with a close friend.”
“Friendship? What does that have to do with anything? I’m not joking either. A prize of 2 million marks is at stake.”
Helmut emphasized strongly, and it sounded plausible. 2 million marks was a significant amount, worth risking one’s life for some.
“A person who values money over performing their duty does not fit the knight’s position.”
Someone sneered mockingly. It was Horten Cicero. Resentment could be felt.
Helmut retorted lightly.
“Those who do not fit the knight’s position are those without skill.”
“What did you say!”
He rose abruptly from his seat. This time, even the Vice-commander couldn’t stop him. He approached as if ready to strike.
‘Such provocation to respond to. Quite the pampered young master, aren’t you?’
Helmut thought disdainfully. Lutus Cicero glared at him coldly.
“Sit down! Acting so impatiently is useless.”
“This… this!”
It seemed he couldn’t ignore the commander’s words, no matter what. He sat down with a face flushed red, his gaze towards this side filled with hatred.
“So what now? Weak as you are.”
The opportunity to hunt demonic beasts could also be a chance to discreetly eliminate someone, not just for the Commander of the Palma Knights but for this side as well. Helmut’s eyes turned fierce.
But now was the time to conclude.
“I’ve caught quite a few beasts. There were many where I lived.”
The Forest of Roots was teeming with demonic beasts. There was a brief stir.
Lutus Cicero looked at Helmut with an unfathomable gaze.
“Not in the desert, I presume.”
“I’m confident.”
“I hope that confidence does not end just as confidence. Alright, as you wish. It is also to honor the winner of the martial arts tournament.”
The commander of the Palma Knights conceded. Though there was a moment of overreach, it seemed it didn’t matter in the end.
‘Either confident in sidelining me, or confident in dealing with me as well.’
He was curious about what Lutus Cicero had prepared. The commander of the Palma Knights must have half-realized Helmut’s capabilities by now.
Whatever the Palma Knights had prepared, it was likely to be a crisis Helmut had never experienced before.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Helmut recited the polite words he had learned at the academy. A faint smile formed and then disappeared from his lips.
Now, they were to depart.
*
To reach their destination as quickly as possible, they rode day and night for three days, sparing no use of recovery magic scrolls on their horses, indicating the urgency of their march.
Basor was a wealthy country. The cost of deploying the Palma Knights could be afforded.
‘I did well to modify this cloak.’
Helmut clicked his tongue. Thanks to the cloak that maintained a cool body temperature, he could endure riding in the blazing sun.
Though his body ached from riding all day, Helmut, accustomed to enduring pain, found the scorching heat to be the real issue.
Without the cloak, he might have gone berserk from the heat.
‘I envy that cloak. I should get one myself.’
Luke Yeager, who had turned completely dark from the sun over a few days, said sincerely.
The members of the Palma Knights had small artifacts as part of their supplies to somewhat cool themselves, but their efficacy wasn’t great.
That’s why, during short breaks, a few members of the Palma Knights, all close to Luke Yeager, annoyingly clung to him because they felt the cold emanating from him.
‘Like Luke Yeager said, there are quite a few who are close to him. Even if the commander of the Palma Knights orders it, there will be those who won’t follow.’
There were more allies than expected. It wouldn’t be easy for the commander of the Palma Knights to act.
During the journey of several days, Helmut observed the relationships and hierarchies within the Palma Knights. This would surely be helpful.
They managed to cover the distance of five days in nearly half, arriving at their destination on the morning of the third day.
It was a large city called Deser, located close to the desert. To the south of Deser was nothing but small villages surrounding oases. The attacked village was one of them.
Deser was close enough to reach within a day’s ride.
Accommodations to welcome them had been prepared in the city. People sent by the lord of Deser greeted them.
“Today, we rest here. Everyone should replenish their stamina.”
Despite his advanced age, Lutus Cicero showed no signs of fatigue and remained firm.
Following his command, all the members of the Palma Knights breathed a sigh of relief.
While the knights rested, he would receive reports from the lord along with a few subordinates.
Even the lord of such a city was of lower rank than the commander of the Palma Knights.
Helmut took note of the loyal followers of the commander. They were potential enemies.