Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 262 (Part 1):

Alea asked with a cold face.

“So, why are you telling me this?”

“Senior Alea, you’ll be a genius who will leave your name in the history of Greta Academy. I’m a swordsman, and I don’t know how to break through the barrier of the Forest of Roots. But you’re different. And you’re… Senior Helmut’s friend. I thought Senior Alea could help me.”

A cynical smile flashed across Alea’s lips. It was ironic that one of the Renosa family members, who had betrayed Helmut, was now shamelessly asking for help by saying ‘You’re Helmut’s friend’.

“Help? What am I supposed to help with?”

Charlotte didn’t mince words.

“Going to the Forest of Roots and rescuing Senior Helmut from there. That’s my goal. Senior Alea, please help me.”

Alea couldn’t help but react to her directness.

“That’s nonsense—”

“Senior Alea, you’re wary of me. When I talked about what happened in Ratona, you didn’t seem surprised. It was as if you were hearing something you already knew.”

It seemed like she had hit the mark. Charlotte was also a member of the Renosa Grand Ducal family. She was raised as a ruler among the nobility. Her observational skills couldn’t be poor.

Alea didn’t waver. It was impossible for Alea to easily trust someone in the first place.

“My face is always like this. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you said. I feel bad for Helmut, but I don’t want to cause trouble with Renosa.”

Even if Helmut were to burn down the royal palace of Ratona, Alea would support him.

However, that was still far off, so she intended to keep quiet until then.

The dagger held in one’s heart is not to be shown carelessly.

‘I have to wait for the right time.’

Charlotte didn’t back down. Her face was still serious.

“Please help me. Researching the sacred barrier would be valuable for a mage too, wouldn’t it? I’ll provide the research funds.”

“I don’t need it. Neither your research funds nor your support.”

Alea noticed that Charlotte had come with the intention of persuading her, even if she didn’t have any ulterior motives. That subtly softened her heart.

However, Alea still spoke coldly.

“Even if I had the mind to save Helmut, how could I trust you?”

“Senior Alea, you have a close relationship with Senior Helmut. But he… is also my blood relative.”

“His blood relatives betrayed him. Why would you be any different?”

Determination glinted in Charlotte’s eyes. The emotion that formed that determination was complex. Sadness, anger, helplessness, betrayal…

But it was solid precisely because it wasn’t just one emotion.

“I couldn’t prevent something that shouldn’t have happened. Even though Senior Helmut saved my life. I need to repay that debt.”

“A life debt, huh.”

“If you won’t help me, I’ll find another way to do it.”

“Anyone can make pretty speeches.”

“Do I look like I’m lying to you?”

At that question, Alea stared at Charlotte.

Alea had rarely interacted with Charlotte. But since she was a close junior friend of Helmut’s, she had already investigated her.

Charlotte’s reputation was consistently good. A diligent and reliable model student.

During her year at the academy. In that time of about one year, which is short if short and long if long, Charlotte had consistently shown what kind of person she was.

She was a steady and consistent type of person. Therefore, even if she had some intention, she wasn’t the type to approach in this way.

Alea decided to drop a hint.

“If you want to talk about something, wait until you graduate from the academy. By then, I might become interested in the Forest of Roots. Don’t go around stirring things up and spreading rumors.”

Charlotte immediately understood the meaning of those words. But doubt appeared on her face.

“Wouldn’t that be too late…?”

“Helmut isn’t that weak. He survived there in the first place. So you, don’t think unnecessary thoughts and just focus on honing your swordsmanship. With your current skills, even if you go to the Forest of Roots, you’ll only be a hindrance.”

Charlotte’s body flinched at the possibility Alea hinted at.

She looked at Alea with wavering eyes.

“And don’t misunderstand. When that time comes, it won’t be me helping you, but you helping me.”

Alea turned her back after cutting off the conversation. That was their last conversation.

But for those few years, Alea consistently watched Charlotte.

Wondering if she might inform Renosa about her, or if her heart might change.

The latter wouldn’t have been a problem. Alea could just pretend she had lost interest in the Forest of Roots.

‘Nothing is as untrustworthy as the heart of a noble.’

But as Alea had seen, Charlotte didn’t change.

And one day, as Alea’s graduation approached, she unfailingly came to find Alea.

Finally today.

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