Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 209 (Part 1):

Instructor Alan frowned.

“So, are you saying you don’t want to participate in the Comprehensive Swordsmanship Tournament? I think it would be a waste of your skill if you don’t participate.”

His words were sincere, but on the other hand, it was also a relief.

If Asuka decided to step back on his own, Instructor Alan had no objections.

Asuka was more than skilled enough to represent Greta Academy, but he posed problems in other ways.

A separate meeting was planned to discuss those issues, under a topic like ‘Measures to Restrain Asuka.’

“Well, yeah. Even after thinking it over, I can’t do it. I can’t spend my golden vacation in a place like that, no matter how scenic Renosa is.”

Asuka casually dismissed the opportunity that almost everyone in the swordsmanship department coveted.

Unless it was for tourism, he had no interest. Besides, Asuka had no desire to compete against students from other academies.

This wouldn’t be the last Comprehensive Swordsmanship Tournament, and there would be another chance next year. He had calculated this in his mind.

‘It’s better for someone who wants to go to go. Based on merit, that one will probably end up third.’

If he gave up, the opportunity would naturally go to the third-placer.

Since Charlotte was from Renosa, she would have to go to Renosa anyway.

“Fine, if that’s the case, there’s nothing we can do.”

Instructor Alan nodded. There would be no need for another round, just an announcement to Charlotte.

“Any more questions?”

When they both answered no, Instructor Alan told them to rest and readily turned his back.

As Asuka watched his retreating figure, a sudden thought struck him.

‘Wait, that means Helmut and Charlotte will be going together!’

For some reason, he didn’t like it. Asuka glared at Helmut, realizing how strange he was being.

Why would it bother him whether those two were together or not?

‘What does it have to do with me?’

Asuka changed his mind. It was silly for him to be concerned.

After all, Helmut had a girl who came with him during that festival.

But Asuka couldn’t let it go and asked,

“Helmut, you’re not interested in Charlotte, are you? I mean, do you like her?”

“I already told you I don’t.”

“Yeah, I figured.”

Asuka nodded. But soon he asked again, seemingly doubtful.

“Well, what if you end up developing an interest in her from being around her?”

Helmut cut off Asuka’s probing words without hesitation.

“There’s no reason for us to be around each other.”

While there might be some conversation, Charlotte was also mindful of rumors. There wouldn’t be many opportunities to get close.

All the selected participants would travel to Renosa for the tournament. Just because they were selected together didn’t mean they had to act together. They would be separated due to accommodations.

There were few girls in the swordsmanship department at Greta Academy, but Instructor Patricia was also expected to accompany them to Renosa.

‘Why is he so persistent?’

Helmut stared at Asuka. Feeling Helmut’s gaze, Asuka explained defensively,

“No, I was just worried you might develop feelings for Charlotte and bother her. She seemed uncomfortable with the rumors.”

Helmut cut him off sharply.

“Unnecessary worry.”

“Fine then!”

The way he waved his hand and turned his back seemed unusual. As if something had struck a nerve.

‘I suppose so.’

In any case, it didn’t matter to Helmut whether Asuka went or not. In fact, it was better this way.

Like before he got along with Sian, Asuka would try to cling to him, and whenever Helmut tried to do something, he would grumble about him wandering off alone.

That could get annoying, so it was more freeing to go alone.

Even if Asuka had feelings for Charlotte, it wasn’t his concern.

Thus, Helmut and Charlotte were chosen to represent the first, second, and third years of the swordsmanship department at Greta Academy.

Everyone at Greta Academy, including the instructors, felt relieved that Asuka wouldn’t participate.

They couldn’t predict what kind of trouble he might cause at the Comprehensive Swordsmanship Tournament.

Only one person was suspicious about the whole situation—Charlotte, who was going to Renosa.

She approached Asuka and asked,

“Is it because of me?”

“What are you talking about?”

Asuka frowned, aware of the gazes from the swordsmanship department students watching from a distance.

Charlotte, true to her straightforward nature, asked directly,

“If you’re giving up because I’m from Renosa…”

“What nonsense. Do you think I’d care about something like that?”

Asuka responded aggressively.

“I just don’t want to go. I have things to do during vacation too.”

By saying this, no one would suspect any other intentions.

Charlotte seemed to accept his words as she raised her eyebrows.

“Won’t you regret giving up such an opportunity?”

“It’s a great opportunity for you, but not for me. There’s always next year. Missing it once isn’t a big deal.”

Asuka spoke confidently. No matter how hard the first, second, and third-year students tried, they wouldn’t reach his level by next year.

Charlotte, still doubtful, said,

“If that’s the case, then good.”

Asuka seemed annoyed.

“Don’t misunderstand, I’m not one of your followers from the swordsmanship department!”

Charlotte was highly popular not only among first-years but the entire swordsmanship department.

She was a rare female student, skilled, and had a gentle personality. She was an unusual type.

Because of this, she had a following, and being treated as one of them hurt Asuka’s pride.

“I never thought that. Understood.”

Charlotte bowed and turned away. Asuka scratched his head as he watched her go.

He felt he had overreacted, but couldn’t pinpoint why.

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