Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 319 (Part 1):

“It would be better to change our appearance first. We’re attracting too much attention…”

A slight frown crossed Alea’s brow. Even though the spell that drew people to her had lost its effect, her extraordinary appearance still stood out.

Besides, Helmut was standing next to her. The two of them, side by side, were as strikingly different as black and white, drawing even more eyes.

At the outskirts of the city, in a less populated area, they changed their appearances.

Helmut transformed into a young man with blond hair and blue eyes, resembling his former self, Hyde. Alea’s hair turned a light lavender, and her features became more ordinary.

The disparity in their transformations was natural. Casting a spell on oneself required less power and could be done more effectively.

“This is still eye-catching… but using a stronger spell might alert the Duke of Fidelis. We should have changed our appearances earlier.”

Alea murmured as she tucked her robe into her subspace.

The clothes she wore underneath were luxurious travel attire, nothing too conspicuous.

But, given that Helmut, who stood by her side, would draw attention no matter what he wore, it probably wouldn’t matter much.

Helmut looked at her and asked.

“Is there a place you’d like to go?”

“There is.”

The response came surprisingly quickly. The moment Alea’s answer followed, Helmut’s brow twitched.

“A bookstore. Fidelis is a city governed by a mage family. The city naturally reflects the lord’s tastes. So, it’s only natural that the bookstores in the region are substantial. I’m curious to see how this region’s bookstores differ from others.”

‘Why would she be curious about that?’

Helmut genuinely wondered.

He was the type to read books out of duty, not enjoyment.

If given a choice between reading books for ten hours or swinging a sword, Helmut would eagerly choose to sweat it out training with his sword.

But it wasn’t as if he didn’t know that Alea liked studying and reading books. He had just half-forgotten.

“Let’s go.”

Alea seemed a bit excited. She didn’t appear to expect any objections from Helmut. Truthfully, she didn’t seem too interested in the current affairs of Greencana.

Technically, it was Sian’s and Rodril’s business, not hers.

Even though she was staying for a while, Alea wasn’t obligated to take their side.

“…Alright.”

Helmut nodded reluctantly. Alea had an uncanny ability to know exactly where bookstores were located in such cities.

Before long, they entered a large bookstore in Fidelis. Although the store was quiet, the staff appeared quite busy due to someone issuing a flurry of questions and requests.

The scent of paper was strong inside the bookstore, which was lined with books up to the ceiling.

To prevent the books from deteriorating, the light was somewhat dim inside, casting a shadowy ambiance.

Alea quickly became absorbed in her reading. One by one, books began to pile up in the basket next to her.

Helmut watched her for a moment before sifting through some books himself.

On Helmut’s shoulder, Elaga yawned.

[Why is she reading that? It smells odd. It’s such a nice day, can’t we go outside?]

That was exactly what Helmut wanted to say.

But he also knew that Alea’s favorite type of date was the kind where the two of them sat and read together.

Their tastes differed greatly in that regard.

After a while, an employee approached Helmut.

“Sir! Pets are not allowed in here.”

The look in his eyes said, ‘What kind of inconsiderate person…?’ Before Helmut could react, Elaga spoke to Alea.

[Hey, Alea. They say no pets allowed. I’ll head out, so you watch over this weakling. Got it?]

Elaga’s eyes sparkled with excitement. This was an opportunity to escape the bookstore.

After all, he was there to guard Helmut, and this place didn’t seem particularly dangerous.

Alea glanced up from her book and gave a brief nod.

“Alright.”

Her gaze showed she had no intention of keeping tabs on whatever mischief Elaga might get up to outside.

[Well then, you weakling, don’t wander around and stay put! Good luck. Hmph!]

“……”

Elaga left Helmut behind, who now felt a mix of jealousy and irritation, and walked out of the bookstore.

Sunlight poured down outside. It was the perfect day for a stroll.

*

“The weather is splendid today.”

Teresa had arrived at the bustling street. A few who recognized her bowed politely in greeting.

Walking confidently in her mage robe, she was none other than the daughter of the Duke of Fidelis. Here in Fidelis, she was like a princess.

The city boasted good security, and Teresa was more than capable of handling most threats on her own.

‘The problem is that Black Hawk is trying to establish a foothold in Fidelis.’

They were said to be educating their members strictly to adhere to rules and reinvent their image from shadow to light.

But nature is hard to change. They were still a group born from thugs, gangsters, and criminals. That’s why the authorities kept a tight grip on them.

‘It’s worrisome, but I have no choice since we made a promise.’

However, Black Hawk’s activities weren’t her main concern right now.

Otaku_Tensei

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