Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 177 (Part 2):

Reluctantly, Alea took the box back to her dormitory room.

If there was anyone in the academy who found the word “festival” utterly uninspiring, it was Alea.

This festival was no different; Alea planned to immerse herself in research about magic. It would be a bit noisy outside, but…

‘It would be troublesome if the High Priest noticed.’

Especially since the High Priest was visiting. Alea had chosen Greta Academy in Baden precisely because it was unaffected by the temple’s influence.

Alea, as much as Helmut, had reasons to avoid the High Priest.

If the High Priest were to see through the magic cast upon Alea, it could be a significant problem. Not only could he see through it, but if he associated Alea’s appearance with Heike, it would be a huge issue.

They were related in a way that could not avoid suspicion.

Alea placed the box on the desk. After using a few spells to confirm there was nothing unusual with the box, she slowly opened it.

“What on earth did she send?”

Upon seeing the object inside, Alea narrowed her eyes. It was a small bracelet, and beside it was a folded note. Alea read the note.

‘Alea, how’s academy life? I believe you’ll be at the top of your class this semester as well. It’s only natural for my disciple. But since it’s the festival, have fun. Also, I heard a High Priest is visiting Baden? I made this thinking you might need it. It’s an item that temporarily enhances the magic cast on you. Just wear it for a moment and then take it off. The effect will last for a day. Even the High Priest won’t notice, but try not to get too close. Take care.’

Alea frowned. Among magicians, Heike had a unique talent for creating artifacts.

She wasn’t particularly strong in one-on-one combat, but her home, filled with various artifacts, was impregnable, even if the temple marshaled all its forces against it.

If Heike had made the artifact, it was likely as she claimed, and even the High Priest might not see through the magic on Alea.

Heike could be considerate when she wanted to be. That considerateness often went in odd directions, but at least she was helping Alea conceal her identity.

After all, Heike was the reason Alea needed to hide in the first place.

‘Hopefully, there are no ulterior motives.’

Doubtfully eyeing the bracelet, Alea decided to store it for now, planning to wear it when necessary.

However, the experience Alea had upon wearing the bracelet was entirely unexpected.

*

The festival at Greta Academy was in full swing. After morning classes, students from all faculties were busy enjoying the festival.

Even students from other academies sneaked in to have fun, and tourists who came for the festival were also seen, given the open admission.

Wesley’s shaved ice shop was a hit, and nearby, the festival market street was bustling with people handing out flyers and soliciting customers.

Even the usually snobbish Greta Academy students set aside their dignity for the festival.

Some magic department students performed delicate illusion magic shows on the prepared stage, collecting money in hats, much like street performers.

‘More diverse than I thought.’

Helmut browsed the market street. It was a rare peaceful moment for him.

Having gone to Basor, he had nothing to enjoy but the martial arts tournaments.

The temporarily set up festival market street of Greta Academy had a different, lively, and somewhat clumsy charm compared to Basor’s market street.

“Hey, Helmut, you want some of this?”

Asuka, seemingly excited, handed him butter-grilled corn. The butter corn sprinkled with a little sugar had a rich taste.

Asuka, visibly more generous in his mood, was busy buying and eating with Sian, enjoying the festival to the fullest.

‘Like a kid.’

It wasn’t just food on offer; there were gambling games too.

“swordsmanship department’s second-year top student, Mr. Helmut! Show us your excellent skills!”

Someone flattered and grabbed Helmut as he passed by, handing him darts. The closer to the center of the target, the better the prize.

The game was obviously rigged, with a long distance to the small central circle of the target, but during the festival, there were plenty of easy marks.

“Alright, I’ll play!”

Asuka, for no apparent reason, raised his hand. 200 marks for three attempts. Helmut also happily paid the 200 marks.

Certainly, the festival prices were steep. 200 marks was not a small amount.

“Got it!”

Asuka, on his third dart, hit the third circle from the center and raised his fist in victory.

His prize was five academy meal tickets. Since a meal ticket was worth about 10 marks, it was hardly a profit.

But Asuka seemed quite satisfied with his prize.

“Your turn. You’re good with a bow, after all. Try for first place.”

Darts and archery were entirely different, but Helmut managed to hit the center of the target on his third try.

The watching students cheered.

“The swordsmanship department’s top student indeed!”

“So handsome!”

The correlation was unclear, but the applauding dart shop’s student employees handed him his prize.

“Congratulations! Here’s a teddy bear worth 1,000 marks!”

Receiving a teddy bear nearly as big as his torso, Helmut was skeptical.

“This costs 1,000 marks?”

Though its fur and clothes were of high quality, 1,000 marks seemed excessive. Did it have a special function? The student explained.

“It also has a magic alarm function.”

There was a clock attached to the back. You could set the time with the hour and minute hands, and press a button to make it ring at the set time.

The student demonstrated the alarm for him. From the blinking teddy bear came a lively voice.

“Hello, friend? Time’s up! Don’t be lazy, get moving!”

“…”

That this was worth 1,000 marks was beyond the newly wealthy Helmut’s understanding. After all, it wasn’t edible.

Then, one person who did understand raised his hand.

“Wow, this is really cool. Can I have it? I’ll buy you a meal next time.”

“Sure, take it.”

Helmut easily handed the teddy bear to Sian. Asuka seemed disappointed, likely wanting it for himself.

“I should have asked.”

“Too late now!”

Sian, holding the teddy bear, genuinely looked happy.

Helmut was momentarily at a loss for words.

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