Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 352 (Part 1):
The movements of Grand Duke Farnese were remarkably swift, as if he intended to give Asuka no time to think.
Asuka was immediately inducted into the Imperial Knights the very next day.
And not just inducted—he was already dressed in the full uniform of the Imperial Knights.
“Starting today, you’ll be serving here,”
said the knight guiding him. His tone was stiff, and It was obvious he didn’t particularly like Asuka.
Asuka, who never forgot a grudge, recognized him immediately.
He was one of the Imperial Knights who had been tasked with apprehending Asuka.
It seemed he was already aware of Asuka’s background.
‘That means his identity is either known within the Knights or is likely to be revealed soon.’
The Imperial Knights were those who followed the Emperor’s orders and protected the Empire. They were bound to be tight-lipped.
However, rumors could still circulate within the Knights. After all, their attitude toward Asuka would give it away.
Asuka was of royal blood but had a confrontational personality, and a foul temper.
If they started saying things like “Just in case” or “This is a secret, but I’m telling you for your sake,” rumors would quickly follow.
“The new recruits who joined three months ago are waiting to welcome the new member. Please be mindful of your words and actions.”
The knight seemed deeply concerned that Asuka would have a negative influence on them.
At this point, it was time for Asuka to start getting accustomed to the Imperial Knights.
“That’s none of your business. Mind your own and get lost.”
Whether he followed orders or not, Asuka wasn’t the type to speak kindly to someone he held a grudge against.
At Asuka’s cold retort, the knight’s face turned red with anger.
But the other party was the son of a Grand Duke. What could he do? The knight swallowed his anger and left.
Bang!
Without knocking, Asuka boldly entered the room.
To him, being an Imperial Knight meant he was surrounded by enemies he needed to beat down.
Inside the spacious room, three knights were seated, engaged in conversation.
As soon as Asuka entered, their gazes turned to him.
Asuka spoke up immediately.
“I’m Asuka. Do you know me?”
He wondered if someone among them had been given a heads-up.
But the three knights simply stared at him blankly.
“What, are you of some high status?” one of them asked sarcastically.
Asuka straightened his back and replied confidently,
“Yes, I’m a big shot.”
As they all looked at him with incredulous eyes, one of them raised his hand.
“Yes, Sir Asuka. Welcome. I’m Ralph, a knight of commoner origin.”
“……What?”
Asuka’s eyes widened. The Imperial Knights of the Empire were supposed to be filled with nobles from prestigious sword families. A commoner? Out of nowhere?
The other knight laughed as if it were no big deal.
“Surprised that there’s a commoner? The Imperial Knights accept anyone with skill and loyalty to the Empire, of course, after passing the entrance test. Though I’m not sure if you took one, given how you just waltzed in.”
“You!”
“What? It’s the truth. I’m from a sword family, and I had to take the test. Just how big of a deal are you to be admitted without one?
I figured something was up when I heard another new recruit was coming today. Ah! Must be some highborn noble from a prestigious family.”
“Right, our training schedule was canceled today because of you.”
“They said it’s easier to manage four people than three, so they probably picked you for that reason.”
Asuka was met with glares. From their conversation, he realized they knew nothing about him.
‘What’s this? Are they really making me experience life as a new recruit? Are they hiding my identity, like at the academy?’
Asuka was young and inexperienced. Moreover, it hadn’t been confirmed whether he had the ability to lead others.
While his exceptional skills would surely stand out even in the Imperial Knights, it was only natural that they wouldn’t place him in a significant position just because he was the son of Grand Duke Farnese—especially since that fact hadn’t been made public.
The problem was that Asuka had already subtly revealed his identity, creating a different situation from his time at the academy.
Asuka forced himself to act nonchalant.
“I’m a special recruit. I was chosen because I’m worth it. You guys are all mediocre, so you had to take tests to be filtered out.”
At a glance, none of the three new recruits seemed to be on par with him in terms of skill.
If all three ganged up on him, it might be tough, but in a one-on-one fight, he could defeat any of them within five minutes.
It was the same at Greta Academy, so there was nothing strange about it.
These knights had skills comparable to the top ranks of the academy’s swordsmanship department.
The remaining knight spoke up.
“Judging by the way you speak so rudely, you must indeed be a highborn noble. My name is Niel. I’m sure you’re not interested in my humble family.”
“Hey, at least you have a family.”
Ralph, who had grown numb to the countless slights from nobles, gave a friendly smile.
Asuka felt strange seeing this.
If he had previously been in the position of a commoner facing off against nobles, now the roles were completely reversed.
It was Asuka who was receiving special treatment and acting like a tyrant.
The feeling of becoming the very person he had once despised was peculiar.