Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 354 (Part 1):

After ending the communication with Sian, Alea immediately turned to Helmut.

“There’s a problem with Asuka and Sian.”

Helmut was slightly surprised upon hearing Alea’s words.

“The Empire? The son of the Emperor’s younger brother Grand Duke Farnese?”

“Yes, a member of the imperial family.”

“…So that’s why he hid it.”

Even though it was somewhat expected, it was still surprising. If he had gone to such lengths to hide it, it was reasonable to assume he wasn’t from an ordinary family.

But Asuka didn’t seem like someone from the imperial family at all. His speech was rough, and he didn’t appear to be particularly wealthy.

Above all, Asuka was the type who would get angry at nobles who looked down on commoners and beat them up.

Was it because he was from the imperial family that he wasn’t afraid of retaliation from the nobles?

But even so, Asuka never revealed his imperial identity, not even when he was attacked by Black Hawk in Baden.

‘He’s an incredibly stubborn guy.’

However, it’s only natural that Grand Duke Farnese wouldn’t let go of Asuka, his only child.

Helmut’s thoughts differed from Alea’s and Sian’s.

Asuka had, after all, joined Helmut in coming to the Forest of Roots to rescue him.

Granted, he didn’t do anything especially significant once he got there, but he didn’t just sit idle either—he took some risks and put his life on the line.

Helmut owed him. Whatever choice Asuka made, it was his to make.

‘It would be nice if he chose something that benefits me, though.’

But that was just a wish; Helmut had no intention of intervening.

“More importantly, are you okay?”

Alea tilted her head and asked. Helmut replied briefly.

“Of course.”

“I don’t doubt the outcome. I’m just worried that the Second Prince might have other thoughts.”

“He’s a prince. He knows how to give up what he can’t have. Just like he did four years ago.”

“I suppose so. Then show them what you brought from the Forest of Roots.”

Alea smiled. It was a beautiful smile that seemed to radiate light. Helmut silently gripped his sword.

As he had told Sian, it wasn’t over yet. If asked if things were going well, he would say they were.

There hadn’t been any clashes. They had smoothly held a conversation with the Second Prince, a powerful figure in Basor.

It was a productive conversation since their goals aligned.

Basor had debts to repay to the Temple, and Helmut was a good justification for them to act.

But just as the Second Prince was opening up and the conversation seemed to be concluding, the prince’s expression hardened, and he suddenly brought up something else.

“Basor is willing to help you. However, I must point out one thing.”

“What is it?”

“All you’ve shown us so far are words and, no offense, this lovely lady.”

The Second Prince’s gaze lingered on Alea. Alea maintained her cold, expressionless demeanor without flinching.

Helmut tilted his head.

“I showed my abilities sufficiently four years ago.”

“To some extent, in the martial arts tournament. But I only heard about you defeating the Red Scorpion and the former Palma Knights Commander through Luke Yeager.”

“Are you saying you don’t trust the Palma Knights Commander?”

Despite Helmut’s provocative tone, Luke Yeager’s expression remained calm. He even chuckled lightly. He seemed more at ease.

“There are things in this world that trust alone isn’t enough for. I need to see it with my own eyes, and the Palma Knights Commander agreed.”

If Luke Yeager agreed? Helmut knew the answer. The Second Prince’s eyes narrowed.

“I don’t know if you’re aware, but there’s only one way to prove oneself in Basor.”

A duel. Proving oneself by defeating the opponent with a sword.

A smile formed on the Second Prince’s lips. That testing expression—Helmut didn’t like it.

But no matter how much Helmut was the disciple of the Sword Saint and had achieved great feats, Basor supporting him was another matter.

If a decision that could determine the fate of a nation could be won with just one duel, it would be a small price to pay.

Helmut’s dark eyes deepened. Like the aura of an abyss, the stark contrast between the whites and blacks of his eyes gave off an eerie feeling.

“Then it would be best to hold the duel unofficially.”

Before anyone could speak, Helmut added lightly.

“I’ll win anyway.”

Luke Yeager grinned. It wasn’t anger but a face filled with competitive spirit.

“Listen to him, talking like that to the Palma Knights Commander.”

“I defeated the Palma Knights Commander four years ago.”

“I’m stronger than he was back then.”

It was a confident statement. Helmut could tell just by looking at him. Luke Yeager had surpassed Lutus Cicero.

It was only natural. Luke Yeager was obsessed with the sword and had the talent Helmut acknowledged.

“There’s no need to compare whether the desert or the Forest of Roots is better for becoming stronger.”

“That’s a fair point, but…”

“No need to argue. You’ll find out when the time comes. I’m really looking forward to it. The Palma Knights Commander seemed very enthusiastic about the duel.”

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