Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 316 (Part 2): Veneta

A century had passed since the establishment of Black Hawk. An ambition had blossomed within its leadership.

The ambition to rise above the surface, rather than remain hidden in the shadows.

The ambition to exist as an official organization recognized by all nations, like the Mercenary Guild.

The leaders of Black Hawk weren’t born into high status or wealth.

On the contrary, they had clawed their way up from the bottom with their own abilities. Their yearning for the light was immeasurable.

Even those in the shadows could rise to the light. If they had the power.

The leaders of Black Hawk were acutely aware of this reality. Therefore, they recruited even criminals with skill and ability, laundering their identities and incorporating them into their ranks.

The power they had amassed was something any ruler would covet.

It was Black Hawk’s judgment that the time had come to transform from an illegal organization into a legitimate one.

They sought a way to achieve this ambition. And that way was the King of Veneta.

The seventh prince, intelligent but lacking in power, destined to perish in the succession war.

Moreover, the Kingdom of Veneta, where Black Hawk’s branches were already actively operating in secret, was neither too large nor too small, making it an ideal base.

If Davis ascended to the throne, they would be able to bring Black Hawk into the light in the Kingdom of Veneta as their reward.

But Davis was smarter than they anticipated, and more kingly. He not only secured their cooperation but also manipulated them like his own limbs, skillfully wielding both carrot and stick.

‘And some of those carrots were undeniably sweet.’

Black Hawk had unofficially received authorization from the King of Veneta to operate as an information guild.

The agreement they had made was documented with the king’s seal.

Recently, a Black Hawk branch had been established in the royal capital. Things were progressing smoothly.

This meant it was time to draw a line with the King of Veneta.

To truly be an independent entity, like the Mercenary Guild, unaffiliated with any nation’s power.

Davis’s voice softened.

“I understand your concerns, but I want you to handle this matter to the very end.”

He, too, had a certain degree of trust in Black Hawk. Having raised them from the shadows, Black Hawk wouldn’t turn against him unless pushed to the extreme.

For a king to officially recognize a group of outlaws like Black Hawk was an extremely unconventional act.

There had been rulers who dealt with Black Hawk, but none had treated them as equals.

To rulers, Black Hawk was nothing more than errand runners and servants to clean up their messes.

To allow them to emerge from the shadows, change their image, and operate openly…

For a king to officially recognize this with his seal? It was preposterous.

But it was precisely because he was capable of such a preposterous act that Black Hawk had chosen Davis.

Their mutual interests intersected without needing to be spoken. That relationship hadn’t yet been broken.

Talon’s voice softened slightly as he inquired,

“Tell me what you require.”

“I hear there are newcomers in Greencana. With distinctive appearances.”

“We’re investigating, but it doesn’t seem like they entered through the surrounding villages.”

That meant they had entered Greencana through teleportation magic, likely mages.

“It wouldn’t be surprising if Rodril befriended skilled mages. Perhaps…they’re even preparing for war.”

Davis’s eyes turned cold.

Newly acquired power was unstable. It was too early to say it was completely within his grasp. The first thing a newly empowered ruler must do is solidify that power as if it had always been theirs. Davis, King of Veneta, was simply being diligent in this regard.

He bore no particular grudge against Rodril. Or perhaps…

‘It’s just irritating that they possess unique power beyond anyone’s control. Especially if that power is substantial.’

Davis smiled coldly.

However, torrential rain and typhoons never obeyed human will. He knew that Spirit Mages were such beings.

Those who wouldn’t side with anyone. In other words, those who wouldn’t become his allies, but wouldn’t become anyone else’s either.

But because this unbiased nature could act as a variable, from a monarch’s perspective, having such individuals within his territory was unsettling.

But if asked whether he desired to crush Greencana and force Rodril’s loyalty…

‘Of course I do. But is that even possible?’

Spirit Mages were still mages. Mages weren’t swordsmen. They were a breed incapable of pledging loyalty to anyone.

They were so untrustworthy that they even created a “Mage’s Oath” to prove they wouldn’t betray someone.

“Rodril are not the type to wage war. They never have been.”

“But they’ve never had a hostage taken either. Rodril are also human, passed down through generations. Couldn’t this generation’s Rodril be particularly impulsive? What if they make a bold attempt to infiltrate this palace and threaten me?”

“That won’t happen. Because they have a hostage. And Rodril prioritize the protection of Greencana above all else. They prefer peaceful solutions over risky ventures. And so far, the hostage’s safety hasn’t been compromised. They know that.”

Davis frowned.

“Keep the hostage well hidden, somewhere a Spirit Mage can’t find him. And…we’ve applied enough pressure; now it’s time to propose a deal, before they become uneasy and take action. And as for the newcomers…”

“They’re residing in Greencana. Currently, it’s impossible to infiltrate Greencana. They’re on high alert.”

“I thought the blockade had sealed everything off, but I suppose not… Well, I have someone useful for such occasions. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes.”

As he watched Talon’s retreating figure, a deep smile spread across Davis’s lips. He immediately summoned someone else.

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