Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 317 (part 1):

“Come in, Teresa.”

“I am here at your summons, Your Majesty.”

With reddish-brown hair and an alluring presence., she was unforgettable even while dressed in a mage’s robe that covered her completely. Yet Teresa was a woman whose status few could challenge.

But Teresa was a woman of a status few could approach.

She flashed a coy smile, her eyes gleaming. Davis, facing her smile, frowned. Not a frown of displeasure, however.

“You seem troubled.”

Davis ran a hand over his forehead, then asked with a composed expression,

“I can’t fully trust Black Hawk. Is the hostage well-hidden?”

“Of course. The hostage was transported discreetly and placed within layers of barriers. Even Rodril would find it difficult to locate.”

“You said you specialize in barrier magic, correct? Good. But let’s assume they have no intention of negotiating with us. What if, after searching for the hostage in secret, they decide to infiltrate the palace and attack me?”

“Are you afraid?”

It was an impertinent question to pose to a king. The subtle insinuation hardened Davis’s expression.

However, instead of reprimanding Teresa for her insolence or bursting into anger, he responded coldly,

“Who said I’m afraid?”

“Didn’t you already know this when you started? We haven’t even had a proper conflict with Greencana yet.”

“Rodril possesses power that transcends nations. They are fully capable of wielding that power against Veneta.”

“Your Majesty, Rodril wouldn’t make such a choice unless it was absolutely necessary. They have people to protect, and as the Spirit Mage contracted with the Earth Spirit, the most powerful on earth, they carry a sacred duty to wield their power with restraint.”

“Royalty and nobles also have sacred duties. But few uphold them.”

“Rodril have upheld theirs so far, and they will continue to do so. That is their Mage’s Oath. And as I’ve told you…”

Teresa shrugged, adding casually,

“I’m acquainted with Sian, Rodril’s successor. We were both at Greta Academy.”

Teresa was Sian’s senior in the Magic Department. Sian was sociable and generally knew most of the people in the Magic Department.

But since they were only one year apart, Sian and Teresa had naturally collaborated on research projects a few times. Seniors and juniors were often paired together.

They weren’t particularly close, but they were on speaking terms.

The king’s expression changed, this time in a different way.

His composure, unwavering even during his conversation with Talon, faltered slightly.

“It seems your acquaintance is quite close, judging by your confidence.”

“That’s the nature of academic connections. Working together on research projects often leads to camaraderie. At the very least, they would listen to me. If they know I’m from Greta Academy, even without Sian, Terra wouldn’t attack without hearing me out.”

Terra was also from Greta Academy.

Attacking someone you knew or were connected to was inherently difficult, especially if they were from the same academy.

Attending an academy in Baden was often for the purpose of networking, so being a Greta Academy graduate carried significant weight.

“Rest assured, the king I serve. Your victory is my victory.”

Teresa bowed gracefully. The king gazed at her long, elegant eyelashes. Teresa Fidelis, the confident and skilled mage.

Her beauty was striking, but her magical prowess, honed as the top graduate of Greta Academy, was even more remarkable.

Hailing from a prestigious mage family in Veneta, she had always been loyal to Davis.

Her decision to support Davis during the succession war, despite her family’s neutrality, stemmed from her belief that it was best to quickly stabilize the nation as the war dragged on.

She had discerned that Davis, the least favorite among the princes, was the most suitable successor to the throne.

However, not all of House Fidelis had supported Davis.

‘You made your choice, so you must bear the consequences. No matter what happens, House Fidelis will not assist you. Your life now depends on the victory of the successor you chose.’

Duke Fidelis, instead of insisting on neutrality, hadn’t interfered with her choice.

She had aided Davis not as a member of House Fidelis, but as a noble and a mage serving her lord.

And after Davis ascended to the throne, she received the reward for her wise choice: control over House Fidelis.

The king knew what she had risked. That knowledge became trust. If he had a most trusted subordinate, it was Teresa.

However, that trust wasn’t devoid of personal feelings.

Davis suppressed those feelings and shook his head.

“You are a brilliant mage. Matters concerning magic are your domain, so I’ll trust you with this as well.”

“You flatter me.”

Teresa thought to herself,

‘Brilliant… Yes, that’s what they said. But during my time at the academy, I met someone, a true genius, who made me realize how insignificant I was.’

“However, it’s time to offer a deal within the next few days, without further delay. As you said, it will surely be effective.”

“I’ll prepare as you command.”

This wasn’t an impulsive plan. It was calculated. Davis had seized control of Veneta, but only on the surface. His throne wasn’t yet secure.

He had won the succession war and ascended to the throne, but only because there were no other contenders left. Many still didn’t truly acknowledge him.

He was the seventh prince, after all. The prince no one had expected to ascend to the throne before the succession war erupted in earnest due to the king’s illness.

“And I’ll also monitor Black Hawk’s movements.”

That was why he had no choice but to involve Black Hawk. Every action had a price.

“…Very well, Teresa. You are dismissed.”

Once she left, Davis’s face returned to its usual coldness.

He buried himself in the mountain of documents once more. The king had a multitude of duties to attend to.

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