Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 178 (Part 1):

Until the second day, nothing out of the ordinary happened. Despite a brief sense of tension, the festival period was entirely peaceful.

It seems that the problematic High Priest had entered Baden, but there was no rule saying he had to visit Greta Academy during the festival period.

The exact timing of the high priest’s visit was not known. Only the fact that the high priest arrived with a force comparable to a small army, leading knights and priests, was made public.

In the mornings, there were classes, and in the afternoons, the festival was enjoyed. Helmut decided to enjoy the festival, something he was experiencing for the first time, though he made sure to visit the training grounds at dawn to not neglect his training.

Helmut had become so adept at winning prizes from the shops that rumors of him being a “prize butcher” had spread.

From the second day, shops began to reluctantly serve him.

“Customers are not allowed! Our store is running at a loss because of you!”

Faced with a staff student crossing their arms vehemently, Helmut had no choice but to turn away.

With his habit of always claiming the top prizes, a significant amount of merchandise had accumulated. The total value of the prizes reached nearly 20,000 Marks.

Helmut had even given one to Asuka, but the prizes were taking up considerable space in his dormitory room, making him ponder whether to sell them in the second-hand market.

The festival was lively and enjoyable. Although concerned about the high priest’s presence, Helmut was not the only one feeling this way.

However, there was one nagging concern: Alea was nowhere to be seen.

She was in the room next door but hadn’t shown her face at all. It wasn’t that their relationship had become awkward; they often ran into each other at the door and exchanged pleasantries.

“Does that guy not enjoy festivals?”

Asuka grumbled, seemingly expecting Alea to join them, even though she usually acted like a rival. Familiarity breeds fondness, Sian said calmly.

“Alea was like this last year too. Probably dislikes crowds.”

Helmut spoke up after a moment, curious about something.

“You said you wouldn’t dress as a woman, so why suddenly decide to do it?”

Helmut asked, referring to Asuka, who had just submitted an application for the cross-dressing contest amidst the applause of the second-year swordsmanship students.

It was Asuka’s first activity for the swordsmanship department in his two years at the academy.

Asuka, who usually raged and fumed, had suddenly changed his mind, which intrigued Helmut. Asuka simply shrugged.

“Well, Sian was bragging about participating as the representative for the second-year magic department. Said he’s already won and that he’ll be the prettiest.”

Sian seemed to have no aversion to cross-dressing. Sian quickly interjected.

“Of course. Look at my appearance. Isn’t it the epitome of a beautiful boy?”

“Talking like a beautiful boy. Who would say that about you! Anyway, that’s why we decided to bet. As you know, there’s hardly anything I can compete with this guy in, right? Thought it might be fun.”

Due to being from the magic and swordsmanship departments, a direct duel was awkward, so they decided to compete in this manner. It was a good way to entice simple-minded Asuka.

“Embarrassing alone, but not so bad together. Now that it’s come to this, I’ll dominate this contest too!”

“…Right. Good luck winning.”

Helmut offered mild encouragement. After all, if Asuka won, Helmut would gain 3,000 Marks. It was a win-win.

Sian confidently declared.

“What, you’re on Asuka’s side? Just you wait. You won’t even recognize me and end up confessing!”

Asuka showed disgust.

“Such a creepy thing to say. Are you proud of that?”

“Burly guys can’t even participate. It’s the privilege of a beautiful boy.”

“Stop it with the ‘beautiful boy’ crap! Before I shut your mouth for good!”

The day ended with Asuka and Sian’s usual bickering.

*

The festival’s signature events, including the fireworks, were mostly held on the third day.

The first two days were for light enjoyment, culminating in a grand finale on the last day.

There were no classes on the final day of the festival. Originally, there were supposed to be, but the instructors generously canceled them as the students couldn’t focus, being too absorbed in the festivities.

Greta Academy was a wealthy institution. It spared no expense on various events, offering prizes and money. It was almost as if they preferred to distribute funds in this manner rather than through scholarships.

Competitions like swordsmanship contests, where top students naturally excel, were not held. It was a festival purely for enjoyment.

Wesley’s shop seemed likely to achieve first place in shop earnings. This would also benefit the second-year swordsmanship students.

In any case, the swordsmanship department’s second year seemed poised for good results.

The most anticipated event was the cross-dressing contest, with a substantial prize at stake.

“Go Asuka!”

“We’re counting on you!”

“The pride of the swordsmanship department’s second year!”

Cheers poured out as Asuka left the dormitory. He reacted as expected.

“Pride, my foot! Who said I’m doing this for you guys?”

Asuka and Sian were busy from the morning. The others would take care of things like outfits, and they just needed to get ready, but both had their preparations, applying face packs and such, competing in what Helmut considered a somewhat pointless rivalry.

True to their nature as top students, they didn’t want to lose in any aspect.

With both participating in the cross-dressing contest, Helmut, usually caught in their antics, found himself with nothing to do.

Even attempts to win more prizes were futile as shops refused his participation. About to leave, Helmut glanced towards Alea’s door.

‘I haven’t seen Alea once during the festival.’

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