Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 318 (Part 1):

“What approach should we take to propose the deal?”

Humming a tune as if singing, Teresa stepped off the magic circle. She had transported herself from the royal palace to Fidelis.

In this kingdom, performing any significant magic often required borrowing the power of her father, the Duke of Fidelis.

Not due to any lack of political power but because her father was the strongest mage in Veneta.

He wasn’t an Archmage, but his power was just below that level. Of course, Archmages weren’t called Archmages for nothing, so the gap was distinct.

The standards for a mage’s rank were determined by the Mage Association, which assessed the amount of magical energy, control over magical energy, magical skill, research accomplishments, and achievements.

But the most crucial factor was always the mage’s skill.

Mages were typically scholars. Many of them spent their days glued to their studies, and among them were those lauded as geniuses.

Yet, mages who could reach the rank of archmage were extremely rare. It was a realm that transcended hard work and entered the domain called talent — the talent to wield magical energy.

Teresa didn’t yet know if she possessed that talent. It was something even the greatest could not be certain of until they became an archmage.

Still, some prodigies existed who were considered future archmages even before they reached that rank.

“Father, you summoned me?”

Teresa greeted as soon as she entered the Duke of Fidelis’s study.

She had received a message from her father while still at the royal palace, urging her to return as soon as possible. It seemed he was concerned she might delay.

‘Did he think something would happen with His Majesty?’

The duke, who looked barely in his thirties, turned to her from the window where he stood with his hands clasped behind him.

He had a noble, sharp appearance that hinted at a sensitive nature in his youth.

Like Teresa, he had reddish-brown hair, Although his appearance differed from Teresa’s, who strongly resembled her mother, they shared that single trait.

Even the distinct aura of a mage that emanated from both of them.

“Did Davis summon you for another meaningless errand? Why did it take so long?”

The duke clicked his tongue disapprovingly. The Fidelis ducal residence was connected to the royal palace via a teleportation magic circle, allowing instant travel.

Teresa had told him she was going to the palace and had returned within just three hours.

Teresa raised an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips, facing her father directly.

“He is the king, Father. You should not speak his name so carelessly. Do you still not recognize him as king? Or do you find it displeasing that I hold full authority over House Fidelis?”

“No, I acknowledge him as king. And you hold authority over House Fidelis because you proved your choice was correct, and it was my decision, so I have no complaints about that. However, he covets my daughter, and I don’t like that.”

“His Majesty? You’re misunderstanding. He only speaks to me about official matters. Though, of course, who could resist having their heart stirred when such a beautiful woman is nearby?”

Teresa smiled faintly, an unreadable expression. The Duke of Fidelis spoke with a stern face.

“Do not think the authority given to you stems solely from your skills and abilities.”

“That sounds like you’re belittling me.”

“Royalty doesn’t trust people, especially those who have survived succession wars. But Davis chose to listen to you and take risks. Do you think he did so purely because of your eloquence or abilities?”

“Because he’s listening to me? Well, I don’t think so, and since you do, let’s leave it at that. Don’t try to determine who’s right.”

“Teresa.”

“That is my name, even if you don’t call me that way. By the way, the reason you summoned me. That wasn’t all, was it?”

The Duke of Fidelis, barely hiding his displeasure, conjured an image in midair for her to see.

“These are the individuals who entered Greencana. It’s the earth’s memory, read from afar, so it’s blurred, but I could clearly identify one of them. That junior of yours.”

Amid the hazy image, only half of Sian’s face was clearly visible.

“Sian? It seems he wasn’t in Greencana after all. I wonder what he’s been doing all this time?”

“If Sian Rodril, your junior, is there, it simplifies things. Look closely at the others. You might recognize someone.”

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