Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 346 (Part 1):

Helmut and Alea’s brief quarrel naturally resolved itself over time.

A few hours later, when Alea opened the door and came out, she looked at Helmut with an expression that seemed to say ‘What can I do with this guy?’

“I…”

“It’s fine.”

It was a meaningful “fine.”

[It’s a relief my expectations were low, I suppose.]

From the sofa, Elaga added a snarky remark.

Though Helmut desperately wanted to throw a punch, Elaga wasn’t someone who would take the hit. The atmosphere grew slightly awkward, and then there was a knock, knock, followed by the door opening.

“His Majesty the King is calling for you.”

They were immediately taken to see the King, leaving Elaga behind—no one knew what he might say there.

“Come closer.”

A solemn voice resonated.

It was a not-so-large hall. With about a dozen Palma Knights including Luke Yeager standing in formation, the King sat on a dais.

An elderly man with a long, white beard cascading down to his chest, the King radiated the dignity of Basor’s ruler from head to toe.

The King of Veneta was like that, too—but monarchs, whether weak or strong, give off a distinctly different aura than ordinary people.

“So, you are the ones who got rid of the desert’s troublemakers.”

His voice was rough and raspy. Though his eyes appeared sharp, his physical energy was declining – Helmut could sense it instinctively.

This man didn’t have much time left.

But it is said that the Second Prince is an excellent choice for the throne. With a solid heir, Basor should be safe from major turmoil.

Helmut and Alea bowed their heads. The King posed a question:

“What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a mercenary—Helmut.”

Helmut replied. The King’s gaze shifted to Alea. Although it was enough to unsettle someone, her eyes remained calm.

“I am Alea, a mage from Greta Academy.”

“What brings you to Basor?”

“I’ve been researching demonic beasts. I came to Basor because I was interested in the desert’s demonic beasts—and so I arrived here together with him.”

“Have you any desire to serve Basor?”

It was the typical sort of recruitment line. It seemed like the ruling class would always cast a net when they spotted a promising talent.

“I don’t want to be tied down anywhere. My research on demonic beasts isn’t looked on favorably by the temple. I’d like to leave quietly without drawing attention.”

It was a reasonable explanation. The King nodded.

“I heard you prefer to avoid commotion. Consider this a reward from me—take it.”

The King bestowed upon them a rather substantial sum of money.

Alea accepted the gold coins the King had bestowed, placing them in her subspace.

For some reason, Helmut seemed to have no claim. Strictly speaking, Helmut was the one who had defeated that spider, yet both the beast’s core and the money went to Alea. Of course, he had no right to complain.

The King didn’t appear particularly interested in them. Or perhaps, he simply lacked the energy to show interest.

“I hear from the Knight Commander that you don’t wish for a big celebration.”

They had already said they wished to leave quietly.

Since Helmut might have turned the temple and Renosa into enemies, Luke Yeager accepted his words at face value. It seemed he had conveyed that properly.

Helmut answered,

“That’s right.”

“Even so, I can’t just let those who have done us a favor slip away. Stay in the royal palace for a few days and rest at ease. Word of your achievements will not leave the palace walls. Depart whenever you wish.”

Since they had performed a service, they deserved a reward. The King’s words were formal, almost to a cold degree, but did not stray from official procedure.

Once the conversation ended, they departed. Among the Palma Knights, several faces seemed oddly familiar, but they didn’t seem to recognize Helmut.

After all, Hyde and Helmut differ in hair color, eye color, and even overall impression.

With four years having passed, it would be hard for anyone, no matter how sharp-eyed, to recognize him.

As they stepped outside, Luke Yeager leaned in close to Helmut’s ear and whispered,

“His Majesty only knows a watered-down version of the story—like we nearly had it, and you two simply finished it off. If word spread that you did all the work, His Majesty might become eager to recruit you, and that would complicate things.”

Though demonic beasts aren’t so easily worn out, it was true the creature had been blinded after being chased by the Palma Knights, which made it easier to finish off.

‘But the King didn’t exactly look full of ambition to recruit us.’

However, Luke Yeager didn’t seem to know the King’s true condition. Since it was just speculation, Helmut saw no need to set him straight.

“By the way, you didn’t touch any of the food in your quarters, right? Aren’t you hungry?”

“I’m a bit peckish.”

As soon as they arrived, Alea had been too upset to think about food.

Helmut had also been aware that once Alea had gone into her room and shut the door, he wasn’t going to sit around outside and rustle something up for himself.

Neither Alea nor Helmut were particularly constrained by hunger, but it had been quite some time since they last ate. They were just about at the point of growling stomachs.

“Food is prepared, so let’s go. There’s one more person you should meet. We’ll talk over a meal.”

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•