Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 351 (Part 2):

The Grand Duke asked.

“Did you not think about how your mother would worry?”

A hint of guilt flickered across Asuka’s face.

“No, you’re making it sound like I disappeared without a word, but I clearly said I’d go on a trip and come back.”

“Yes, without any idea of when you’d return.”

The Forest of Roots was a treacherous place. If luck hadn’t been on his side, that could have been his epitaph.

Everything Grand Duke Farnese said was undeniably true.

“I heard the friend over there is the second-ranked in the magic department and a spirit mage of Rodril. I thought you’d finally made a proper friend.”

“Who said I picked friends based on that? You see what you want to see.”

“But a true friend would have persuaded you to do the right thing, not indulged in your recklessness.”

Grand Duke Farnese’s gaze shifted to Sian. Sian hurriedly defended himself.

“I didn’t know. I didn’t know about Asuka’s status or that he hadn’t properly informed his parents.”

Actually, he had known about the latter. But he figured it was Asuka’s business to handle.

Grand Duke Farnese’s gaze returned to Asuka.

“Asuka, you are a member of the imperial family, and though lower in the line of succession, you still hold the right to the throne. You have an obligation to inform us of your whereabouts in case of emergencies.”

“No, that’s why I’m quitting the imperial family! I’ve always said it, I don’t want this royal life!”

Asuka shouted, and after a brief silence, the Grand Duke asked.

“Does that mean you’re giving up on the Grand Duchess of Renosa?”

‘So he did hear.’

Sian sighed. Grand Duke Farnese was extremely cold and efficient in achieving his goals.

Listening to their conversation, it was easy to see why Asuka and his father didn’t get along.

Grand Duke Farnese probably wanted to secure a more advantageous position before engaging in the conversation.

That’s why he’d confined them here and observed their behavior.

Asuka’s eyes widened.

“How did you know that? Wait, were you eavesdropping on our conversation? That’s so sneaky!”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

‘Does that mean you’re giving up on the Grand Duchess of Renosa?’

Recalling that question, Asuka clenched his mouth shut. His feelings for Charlotte probably occupied a larger place in his heart than even his determination to save Helmut.

He couldn’t bring himself to lie and say he’d give her up. Asuka was oddly honest like that.

“If you wish, I can propose a marriage alliance with Renosa. Of course, given that you’re somewhat lacking compared to her, I can’t guarantee they’ll accept.”

It was an incredibly objective statement to make about one’s own child.

But from Grand Duke Farnese’s perspective, someone like Charlotte was more than qualified to be paired with his son, so it was worth considering.

“Don’t do that.”

Asuka spat out through gritted teeth. He shouted again, sounding utterly fed up.

“Stop interfering in my life, please!”

“You don’t understand what it means to be a member of the imperial family, what you can enjoy as one, or what kind of life you can lead in the empire. In this state, you’ve only experienced fragments and are rushing to make hasty decisions.”

Sian, sitting on the sofa, nodded.

From his perspective, Asuka was incredibly fortunate. Reluctantly, he had to admit Asuka was good-looking and physically outstanding.

He had talent in swordsmanship, and though he was simple and didn’t think much, his mind worked well.

On top of that, he was a member of the imperial family and had graduated at the top of Greta Academy’s swordsmanship department with genius-level talent.

‘What the hell? He’s got everything!’

As Sian meticulously went through the list, he felt an inexplicable sense of betrayal.

There was only one thing Asuka was lacking at: his terrible temper.

Asuka responded with a sneer.

“So what? I’ve already made up my mind. You shouldn’t have pushed those people on me in the first place.”

“I admit I share some responsibility for what you’ve experienced. So it’s also my duty to give you a proper experience.”

After a short pause, as if he’d already thought of a solution, Grand Duke Farnese nodded.

It was surprising that someone of his stature could remain so calm with a brat like Asuka. It was as if he had no emotions.

He spoke again.

“Spend some time in the imperial knight order. You’re a swordsman, and you’re skilled enough to join the knight order, so it shouldn’t be a problem. See if what you’ve imagined matches what you experience and feel there.”

“Why the hell should I do that?”

He hadn’t forgotten his promise to meet Helmut.

There was no time to waste here. But Grand Duke Farnese’s response was cold.

“Don’t you understand? You have no choice.”

Grand Duke Farnese glanced at Sian but didn’t mention him. He probably had no intention of harming Sian.

But he could certainly keep him confined for a long time.

In a way, Sian was a criminal who had coaxed a member of the imperial family to run away. A charge could easily be fabricated. Asuka knew that too.

‘Just agree already!’

Not wanting to be the shrimp whose back gets broken in a whale fight, Sian urged with his eyes.

Finally, Asuka spat out through gritted teeth.

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

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!

•