Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 225 (Part 1):
That day, an argument broke out between the faculty of Matesis and Greta.
Though it wasn’t a physical altercation, it was an unpleasant dispute.
Matesis did issue an apology, but it was insincere.
“We apologize. However, you seem to be shielding your students like noble ladies. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.”
That day, Instructor Alan, unusually losing his composure, told the selected Greta students not to even think about losing to Matesis.
Previously, he tried not to burden them, hoping they would showcase their skills admirably. This time, his reaction was completely different.
At that time, Helmut didn’t think too deeply about it.
Wasn’t it a dispute that could happen anywhere?
In fact, despite what Instructor Alan had said, Helmut was inclined to just drop out appropriately.
The important thing was to do it without it being obvious.
Having never been sick since birth, it was hard for him to drop out due to illness.
‘What excuse should I use to drop out?’
Given his skill, where he could defeat most opponents with a single strike, it was difficult to lose as long as he could stand on the stage, even if he had a high fever.
Helmut couldn’t find a suitable excuse, and neither could the clever Alea.
“Why don’t you just say some urgent matter came up and leave, then come back later?”
“What urgent matter?”
“Just run away and come back later, saying it was a family matter and keeping quiet?”
“Would the faculty let me off?”
Helmut had come here as a representative of the Greta Academy’s swordsmanship department.
Such behavior could lead to disciplinary action. He might even lose his eligibility as a selected member.
In that case, meeting his mother with a clear status would become impossible.
“Well, that’s true. How about this? What if someone put a laxative in your drink?”
“If that happened, I’d become famous in another way.”
There would be a fuss about finding the culprit, and Helmut would be known as the selected member who ran to the bathroom after taking a laxative at the swordsmanship tournament.
Helmut didn’t want such dishonor, and Alea agreed.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
In the end, it was up to Helmut to find a suitable way to drop out.
Although there were some glares, there were no further clashes with Matesis.
The uncomfortable coexistence of Matesis, Loen, and Greta continued.
A few days later, the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament finally began.
The opening ceremony was lively with all the academy members attending.
The Greta swordsmanship students, wearing their famously stylish uniforms, definitely stood out.
Especially the attention focused on Charlotte was overwhelming. She was the only girl among the selected members of the eight academies. Fortunately, no one seemed to recognize her.
The opening ceremony, though interspersed with grand trumpet sounds, flowed as boringly as a dean’s sermon.
The Grand Duke of Renosa did not show up. Although it was a swordsmanship tournament involving eight prestigious academies, it wasn’t as grand an event as the Basor Martial Arts Tournament.
Helmut looked around the audience and the noble seats to see if he recognized any faces, but aside from a few nobles he’d seen in Basor, there was nothing noteworthy.
The reason Helmut didn’t see Michael that day was simple. Michael had fallen ill again.
Moreover, the Grand Duke of Renosa wouldn’t have brought Michael, who wasn’t yet confirmed as the heir, to this event.
Helmut focused on another fact.
‘Has the High Priest not arrived yet?’
Whether they were delayed or had other matters, the two High Priests who were supposed to come to Renosa were nowhere to be seen.
It might be better to confirm and be vigilant today.
He couldn’t be sure if that was a good thing. It would be best if they didn’t come at all.
‘I haven’t received any contact from Talon yet either.’
Since he wouldn’t directly deliver the documents to the lodgings, he’d have to go look for Ratona’s mercenary guild.
Helmut still didn’t have information about Renosa’s high-ranking officials.
Right now, the tournament was all that lay ahead. He had familiarized himself with the new sword and swordsmanship techniques just in case.
And soon the matchup bracket was announced. Helmut and Charlotte could only face each other in the finals based on the bracket.
This tournament had no losers’ bracket. Mistakes would not be permitted.
‘But my first opponent is……’
It didn’t specify the academy, only the name.
‘Taren?’
If there was no one else with the same name, Taren was the Matesis selected member who had a conflict with Charlotte.
Though he had no grudge, he remembered. Of all the opponents, he had to face him first.
As soon as the matchups were announced, Instructors Patricia and Alan grabbed Helmut’s shoulders with serious eyes.
“You must win!”
“We’re counting on you.”