Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 326 (Part 2):

In the afternoon, Teresa arrived, exuding an air of authority. She appeared wearing the robes of a royal mage and mounted on a horse adorned with ornamental armor, leading knights and soldiers.

The position of commanding the king’s subordinates seemed to fit her as naturally as her own skin.

As if to show ‘Look how successful I’ve become after graduating from Greta Academy!’ She would be a great role model for her juniors.

Of course, as the daughter of the Duke of Fidelis, Teresa Fidelis had only ever known a path paved with gold.

Still, reaching such a position in such a short time was undeniably her own achievement.

Teresa dismounted her horse in front of the Rodril people who had come out to the village entrance.

“I come bearing the orders of the King of Veneta.”

Even faced with an envoy carrying the king’s orders, everyone met her with cold gazes rather than showing proper courtesy.

Most were people from Rodril. Except for a few, all the Greencana villagers had stayed inside their homes.

There was one unexpected development. Teresa smiled and said:

“This is a show of our sincerity and trust.”

From among the soldiers, a man stumbled forward. It was Ubert the herbalist, who had been taken hostage.

Though his complexion was pale, he appeared unharmed. His wife, Amanda, ran out and embraced him.

“Darling!”

“Amanda!”

They quickly disappeared toward their house, as if afraid he might be captured again.

Even after witnessing this touching reunion, Terra’s expression remained cold.

“You arbitrarily take someone captive, then release them and speak of sincerity and trust.”

Teresa responded with a brazen face.

“He paid the price for illegally entering the king’s forest. Surely you haven’t forgotten that the area around Greencana belongs to the Kingdom of Veneta?”

“This mountain range existed before it belonged to the Kingdom of Veneta, and the earth spirit existed before that too. What use is humanity’s brief history before the power of great nature?”

“However, aside from Rodril, the humans of Greencana are still just that—humans. In any case, we have released the hostage. No violence was inflicted upon him. Although there was a small accident during his capture, the herbalist received treatment from a royal mage – treatment far above his station.”

“I’m not pleased with my junior’s arrogance, but I acknowledge that you took at least basic measures.”

Though she was the king’s subordinate and Duke Fidelis’s daughter, Teresa was also a junior graduate of Greta Academy.

Teresa immediately understood Terra’s words, as she had used that school connection with Sian to pull this stunt.

“You underestimate my sincerity. But it would be best not to dwell on minor disputes now.”

“That would be in your favor. So, what do you want?”

Terra calmed down her tone. She had no intention of confronting Teresa immediately anyway.

If Terra was to show anything, it would be before the King of Veneta.

Teresa dismissed the surrounding knights and stepped boldly toward Terra.

“I would like to speak with Lady Terra privately.”

As Teresa approached, Terra extended her hand. A thin layer of dust rose from the ground.

A wall that blocked all sound now surrounded them, isolating them from others.

“His Majesty wishes for the earth spirit Rodril to visit the royal palace. He wants to see you all in person and determine whether you pose a threat to Veneta. As you know, he came to power after a succession war, so he’s cautious and wary. He doesn’t want any potential threats within his domain.”

“How can I trust that this isn’t a trap? He could very well decide we’re a threat after meeting us.”

“He’s someone who can judge people’s true nature. Once he sees Lady Terra, he will surely understand.”

Terra looked exactly like a gentle village housewife. Of course, she looked much younger than other women her age and possessed an inexplicable majesty.

She definitely didn’t look like someone who would actively harm or threaten others.

“I will personally ensure you are welcomed with the utmost respect. All you have to do is have a conversation with His Majesty and listen to a small request in a comfortable, gentle atmosphere.”

That alone would serve as visible proof that the earth spirit Rodril was friendly toward the current King of Veneta.

Or that they acknowledged him, which would serve as a visible testament. From there, Teresa would handle the diplomatic

Terra clicked her tongue.

“So you want us to bow to the king and listen to his requests as if they were commands.”

“It won’t be difficult for you, Lady Terra. I know what you’re considering, but it’s not confirmed, so it’s hard to say more now. However, you will receive what you desire. You probably don’t want a title, so how about the king’s guarantee?”

“Guarantee?”

“The Kingdom of Veneta will recognize Greencana’s right to self-governance. We won’t demand taxes, will allow free trade with villages in Veneta’s domain, and this will remain valid as long as the Kingdom of Veneta exists. How does that sound? We’ll certify it with a document bearing the king’s seal. Also, if you wish, some wealth as well. This would be a gift from a Greta Academy junior, not from His Majesty.”

Using not just school connections but money too. She was a proper mage in the sense that she used every means at her disposal to achieve her goals.

Terra was slightly taken aback, but understood. Teresa wasn’t just any mage – she had graduated top of the magic department.

Her personality made sense; Terra could understand that, having been through the academy herself.

Because she had encountered such people before.

‘It brings back old memories.’

In any case, Terra had already decided to agree. She nodded without much difficulty.

“I understand what you’re saying. But we can’t fully trust your side either.”

“You’re welcome to bring companions. Greencana’s fighting power turned out to be more than I expected.”

Teresa smiled meaningfully as if she already knew who had visited.

But Terra knew one thing: whoever Teresa counted as fighting power, it didn’t include Elaga and Igrelle.

“I accept.”

“Then I’ll give you time to prepare. I’ll visit again tomorrow. You’ll be transported directly to the royal palace through magic. I must now report to His Majesty.”

Teresa concluded with a smile.

“May you have a peaceful day.”

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