Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 321 (Part 1):

Before long, they entered a spacious room in an inn near the Fidelis estate.

Entering the Fidelis estate itself would be akin to stepping into enemy territory for Sian and his companions.

Though not a mage’s dungeon, the Fidelis estate was the domain of the Duke of Fidelis.

And the Duke was a mage more powerful than Sian. Even with Asuka and Charlotte present, it would still be dangerous.

“What does the King of Veneta want?”

Sian jumped straight to the point as soon as he sat down. Teresa responded with a smile still on her lips.

“Greencana has benefited from the grace of the Veneta Kingdom for many years without cost. Perhaps it’s time to repay that debt?”

Sian’s eyebrows shot up.

“Is the Veneta Kingdom so desperate that it would sever ties with neighboring villages and exert pressure just to extract an unprecedentedly large tax from the small town of Greencana?”

“The succession war, though brief, was quite draining on resources.”

“It’s not money you’re after. Stop skirting around it and say what you want.”

Asuka looked at Sian, surprised by his unusual boldness. Teresa’s expression turned serious.

“The King was only the seventh prince. No one expected the seventh prince to ascend to the throne. But he did.”

Even though the two strongest princes had killed all their other brothers and wounded each other in their struggle, the seventh prince’s abilities were undeniable.

However, things were never that simple.

“There must be nobles who don’t acknowledge him. So, you plan to use Greencana to solidify his position?”

“Yes, it was my idea and my plan.”

Bang!

Sian’s fist struck the table between him and Teresa. A slight grimace of pain flickered across his face.

Noticing this, Asuka muttered mockingly from the side.

“Why hit the table with your weak little hands?”

Useless comment! Sian’s sharp gaze shot toward Asuka. Charlotte stepped in at that moment.

“Senior Asuka, be quiet!”

Asuka’s mouth shut instantly as if he were a dog muzzled by its master.

Charlotte scolded Teresa coldly.

“Senior Teresa, you’re acquainted with Sian. You plan to use Rodril, even knowing Sian is from Greencana?”

Teresa, legs crossed, looked at her with a haughty expression.

“How much significance do you think my academy friendships hold after graduation? I’m a mage, a noble, and a servant of His Majesty. I did what was necessary for my king.”

Charlotte fell silent, meeting Teresa’s gaze with eyes that blazed like fire.

Charlotte, with her pitch-black hair, seemed to radiate heat, while Teresa, with her reddish-brown hair, remained elegant and composed.

Sian, having calmed himself, sighed deeply.

“As expected of a mage. That’s so like you, Senior Teresa.”

He hadn’t expected much anyway. At least she hadn’t intended to stab them in the back.

Sian hadn’t approached Teresa with expectations that would leave him feeling betrayed.

Hoping for human decency from the top student in the Magic Department would be foolish. While graduates from the Swordsmanship Department seemed to share a bond, the same could not be said for the Magic Department.

“Well, fine. Rodril is a symbolic figure. I understand why the current King of Veneta would see value in using him that way. But why to this extent…?”

His gaze seemed to criticize her for not choosing a more moderate approach.

Teresa’s smile deepened.

“Rodril isn’t just a symbolic figure. It’s a legendary spirit mage. The king needs to project the image of a ruler so powerful that even Rodril bows to him. That’s what would solidify His Majesty’s power. And Greencana wouldn’t negotiate any other way.”

Sian’s expression twisted.

“To be in a position where such a show of submission is necessary is far from reassuring.”

“State your demands. Whether it’s a title, the status of an independent state, or wealth. I can make sure it’s all in official documentation.”

“…I’ll discuss it with my parents. I don’t have the authority to decide.”

“I thought so. You were only meant to be the messenger. I’ll visit Greencana soon myself.”

Her tone had an oddly unsettling edge. Teresa quickly added,

“The hostages is safe. I can promise you that much.”

“He better be. But you haven’t said how. What exactly does the King of Veneta want Rodril to do? He’s not expecting him to swear an oath as a mage, is he?”

“It’ll be something manageable. Nothing more than a slight bow.”

“Will you tell him that directly in Greencana?”

“Yes.”

Sian’s expression turned doubtful.

“…I’m not sure if I should trust you and tell my parents. But as a senior, you must be aware of Rodril’s power. I’ll trust you for now.”

“Yes, clashing with the spirit mage Rodril wouldn’t benefit us either. And we’re still fellow Greta Academy alumni, aren’t we? Trust in your fellow alumni.”

Teresa winked playfully at Sian.

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