Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 181 (Part 1):

“Oh, look at the way she speaks.”

Teresa lifted the corners of her eyes.

Whenever she pretends to be weak and clings to Helmut, she shows her temper as soon as he leaves. The look in her eyes facing her was sharp.

‘These eyes… they seem familiar.’

She couldn’t pin it down. Regardless, Teresa wasn’t the type to back down just because her opponent wouldn’t respond.

“None of my business? Just answer the damn question, are you an academy student or not?”

An unknown girl sticking close to Helmut. Since Helmut is a commoner, she couldn’t be nobility.

Alea, overwhelmed with irritation, did not reply.

Normally, she wouldn’t hesitate to fight even if her opponent was the top student of the Magic Department’s third year, but not now. Using magic could expose her.

“Again, none of your business.”

Alea turned away, ignoring her, but her shoulder was sharply grabbed by a thrusting hand.

“Won’t you show me your face? I’m curious if I know you.”

The tone suggested she wasn’t likely to let go. A completely unprovoked provocation, but there was a venomous indifference in Teresa’s eyes.

“Let go, I don’t want to.”

“Why? What’s the harm in showing your face? Is there a bounty on your head? Too bad. I really need to see your face.”

Energy gathered in Teresa’s hand—a simple spell that didn’t require chanting, merely manipulating physical forces.

Alea shook off her grip and defended herself against the incoming magic using the same method. Teresa’s expression changed.

“Oh, a mage, are you?”

It seemed she might possess some magical power, but it was faint. Her skills were obviously mediocre.

“Dare to use a defensive spell against me, the top student of the Magic Department’s third year?”

Pitiful. There was a hierarchy of power in the Magic Department, not unlike the Swordsmanship Department.

Teresa was at the pinnacle of the third year of the Magic Department. If her opponent was a mage, she had even less hesitation to crush them.

“I’ll make sure to see that face that seduced Helmut, even if I have to burn that mask!”

The venom in Teresa’s face deepened. Her gaze was nearly murderous.

However, at that moment, someone intervened.

“What is going on here?”

It was Helmut. Alea hadn’t come, so he had returned. He saw Teresa using magic. It wasn’t a powerful offensive spell, but it was too serious for a mere jest.

Helmut’s gaze turned icy, an eerie sensation emanating from his eyes.

“Oh, Helmut. It’s been a while.”

The startled look on her face quickly disappeared as Teresa squinted her eyes and greeted him casually.

Helmut seemed about to say something but frowned and turned to look at Alea.

Of course, Alea was furious. Her expression was cold enough to be seen even beyond the mask.

‘She’s persistently annoying even after I humiliated her last time.’

Teresa seemed determined not to let go of any girl clinging to Helmut. Instinctively, Alea also felt on guard.

But in reality, Alea could not afford to be openly aggressive. She knew she was weaker! It was just a matter of time before she had to take care of it.

But not today. Alea abruptly spoke up.

“Let’s go.”

Picking a fight here would do no good. If the commotion escalated, the High Priest might come running.

Helmut hesitated as well. Even though most people had cleared out, it was no place to kill someone and cover it up.

His thoughts toward the woman who liked him were somewhat brutal.

‘If anyone’s obsessive, it seems to be her.’

Helmut knew Teresa wasn’t normal. It was hard to tell if it was fondness or malice. The latter seemed more likely.

“Yeah.”

Helmut and Alea turned away, ignoring Teresa. If she attacked again, they were ready to counter.

But Teresa could not bring herself to do so now that Helmut was present. Instead, her voice sharply rang out from behind.

“Wait! Helmut, what’s the deal with that girl? She’s not your girlfriend, so why do you stick so closely?”

Her tone was accusatory, almost demanding a denial of a romantic relationship.

Helmut replied with apparent annoyance.

“Exactly.”

Alea flinched, surprised. But more surprised was Teresa.

“Girlfriend? How did that suddenly happen?! Did you fall for each other over the holiday?”

The voice was full of betrayal. Helmut did not answer, and neither did Alea.

The two left Teresa in shock and quickly exited the scene. Once they reached a secluded area, Alea finally spoke.

“Caught by a nasty one, you too.”

A smile formed on her lips. The anger caused by Teresa had dissipated.

Helmut briefly glanced back at the building where the puppet show had taken place.

“What happens if a Swordsmanship Department student and a Magic Department student fight?”

“Just a fight.”

“Suspension?”

“…Maybe? Depends on who started it. But she doesn’t seem like she’d attack you.”

“Right.”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Helmut’s face. He was used to dealing with adversaries, but those who became docile in his presence and problematic otherwise were always a hassle.

Alea ventured a question, her tone light but curious.

“So… since when was I your girlfriend?”

The question seemed to hang in the air, sparking a strange tension. It was just a response to Teresa’s persistent questioning, but it sounded so natural coming from him.

Otaku_Tensei

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