Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 182 (Part 1):

‘We both avoid the temple and hide our identities while at the academy.’

Holding hands might be a good idea, but there was still no certainty. Perhaps one day, they will be able to speak openly.

Having lived hidden for so long, the secrets have become heavier.

‘Six months is too short.’

It was too little time to get to know someone and trust him. There’s still a long way to go until graduation. Eventually, the moment to speak will come.

Alea thought that moment might not be too far off.

*

“Hey, Helmut! Have some shaved ice before you go.”

“I’ll give you a special 20 percent discount. And your girlfriend too!”

Despite the busy rush, as Helmut passed Wesley’s thriving shaved ice shop, everyone looked his way and spoke to him.

In truth, if Asuka wasn’t around, everyone was too anxious to strike up a conversation with him. It was fortunate that Asuka was always by his side.

“Want to try some? There’s a discount.”

“No, how can I trust what those guys make?”

Alea flatly refused. She felt oddly. Naturally, she was the type to attract attention just by passing by.

She hadn’t realized it before, but Helmut also seemed to draw quite a bit of attention. There were glances wherever he went, and especially the students from the swordsmanship department always tried to talk to him.

‘Well, he is the top student of the swordsmanship department after all.’

Being the strongest in the department meant being at its center.

Helmut looked at the clock tower.

“Is it almost time for the cross-dressing contest?”

“Why exactly are your friends participating in that?”

It was both absurd and slightly intriguing. Neither Sian nor Asuka seemed the type to be awkward in drag.

And one more.

“…Why aren’t you participating?”

Alea surveyed Helmut’s face with curiosity.

Even though he was conscious of his looks at times, Helmut had a sharp, handsome face that didn’t seem feminine, but with the right makeup, he might just be able to aim for victory.

‘It’s not that I want to see him like that.’

Alea quickly denied it.

“It’s because if someone unpleasant shows up, I might have to jump off the stage.”

“Ah.”

‘It’s because of the High Priest.’

Only then did Alea nod.

He would be searching around the magic department building, and it would be quite absurd for someone as high-ranking as the High Priest to show up at a cross-dressing contest. Though it was unlikely he would come this way, one could never be too sure.

“Let’s go. It’s going to be crowded.”

And it was indeed. Even though there was still some time before the contest began, the cross-dressing contest venue was bustling with people. Over half of the seats were already taken.

It was a well-established event at the Greta Academy. It was very popular.

Together, they entered the venue for the cross-dressing contest. The venue was not inside a building but was an outdoor stage with chairs set up.

Since the place was swarming with students from the swordsmanship department, all sorts of people approached them as they passed.

“Hey, Helmut. Is that your girlfriend?”

“Is she from our academy or another? Introduce us.”

“If you have a girlfriend, you should introduce her. And introduce her friends too…”

“That guy has ulterior motives!”

‘The swordsmanship department guys are so noisy.’

Alea frowned. It seemed they wouldn’t just let them pass without a fuss.

Helmut responded simply.

“She doesn’t like to be introduced to you guys.”

Alea was taken aback as she looked at him. It was true that Helmut probably didn’t know Alea’s name either. As if reading her mind, Helmut added.

“She just wants to watch the contest quietly.”

“What, so you’re telling us to go away?”

“Got it, she’s shy.”

No one could really force Helmut to do anything. They all looked curiously but backed off willingly. It was a display of the power dynamics within the swordsmanship department.

Sitting down, Alea sneakily glanced at Helmut. He was usually expressionless, but his expression seemed subtly pleased.

‘Is he actually looking forward to the cross-dressing contest?’

Come to think of it, he had seemed quite entertained by a puppet show earlier. His tastes were enigmatic.

Indeed, Alea was right. There were no such amusements in the Forest of Roots.

Helmut was experiencing a new world at the festival, having won prizes at various stalls.

It was his first time watching a performance like a puppet show. He had participated in martial arts tournaments, but this was his first cross-dressing contest, so he was understandably excited.

There was little conversation between the two. Alea, who had unconsciously clasped her hands together, asked.

“…Aren’t you curious about my name?”

Helmut couldn’t have introduced Alea earlier. He didn’t know the name of the girl with lavender hair beside him either.

They were strangers who knew nothing about each other, yet they were wandering around together as if they were close.

Helmut, without taking his eyes off the stage, answered.

“I’m curious.”

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