Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 354 (Part 2):

Anyone from Basor enjoyed martial arts tournaments or duels. The Second Prince genuinely seemed to be enjoying the situation.

So did Luke Yeager, the participant in the duel.

“The duel will be held three days later at the Palma Knights’ training grounds. Unofficially, as you said. Rest well until then.”

The Second Prince concluded softly. Although unofficial, it meant it wouldn’t be as publicly announced as a martial arts tournament.

High-ranking officials, including the Second Prince, and members of the Palma Knights would be present.

Even as the future king, the Second Prince couldn’t make major national decisions without consulting his subordinates.

They needed to see Helmut’s abilities firsthand to accept the Second Prince’s decision.

For Luke Yeager, it was a significant risk. It was a position where his honor could be tarnished.

The Palma Knights Commander wasn’t in a position to show weakness to anyone.

But if Helmut demonstrated sufficient strength and defeated Luke Yeager, his loss would be diluted.

It would mean Helmut was that strong.

In some ways, the people of Basor are simple. The strong have the right to claim anything.

Helmut just had to fight and win.

And so, Helmut found himself facing a duel.

Both Helmut and Alea were confident he would win, but what came after was uncertain.

Basor had a strong monarchy, so Helmut thought settling things with the Second Prince or the King would suffice, but the Second Prince seemed to think it wasn’t something to be handled so casually.

Alea naturally grumbled.

“They say it’s a warrior’s country, but they’re really too simple. A duel, of all things.”

“When in Basor, follow Basor’s laws.”

“You almost sound like you’re happy about this?”

“There aren’t many in the human world who can match me.”

Luke Yeager was one of those rare few. It was a good opportunity, and there was no reason to refuse.

A strange excitement pulsed through him. The fact that two disciples of Darien’s swordsmanship were facing off was meaningful in itself.

Helmut smiled faintly. It was a small smile, like a predator satiated.

“Luke Yeager will probably feel like he’s facing his great-grandfather, whom he’s never seen before.”

Darien’s back had seemed as tall as a mountain. But a living disciple would eventually step over their deceased master’s back.

Saying Helmut had surpassed Darien might be too bold, but he had at least reached a comparable level.

Now, Helmut no longer looked at Darien. What he needed to look at now was…

[Is the story over? What took you so long? I thought something had happened.]

As they returned to the room, Elaga sauntered over to Helmut. Igrelle also fluttered and perched on Alea’s shoulder.

The two demonic beasts naturally found their places.

After briefly hearing about the situation, Elaga made a fuss.

[A duel? A duel? Hey, isn’t that Palma Knights Commander guy supposed to be the strongest swordsman in this country?]

“That’s right.”

[And he’s a descendant of that old man Darien!]

Just like a sturdy leopard tends to produce equally robust offspring, Elaga spoke as if it were certain.

[Then you’re going to lose!]

No matter how many times he heard it, Helmut couldn’t get used to that reaction and sound. His eyebrows raised.

“…Who’s going to lose?”

[You are. Absolutely, definitely! Because you’re weak. Pathetically weak, you’ll definitely lose!]

Without realizing it, Helmut struck with his sheathed sword. It was an instinctive move to hit Elaga’s head.

[What do you think you’re doing!?]

“Can you just be quiet? Always like this…”

Helmut gritted his teeth. This was definitely revenge.

Elaga had complained that raising Helmut shortened his own lifespan. Even after Helmut was grown, Elaga still griped about that time.

Elaga was a petty leopard. He never forgot and always paid back like this.

[Why? It’s the truth. Calling a weakling weak, what’s wrong with that! You’re not even worth one bite.]

“Transform into your true form. Let’s settle this.”

For the first time ever, Helmut blurted something out without considering whether he could win or not.

His sheath persistently targeted Elaga. Swish! Swish! Elaga nimbly dodged Helmut’s sheath.

Helmut wasn’t even using Vis, but Elaga’s teasing movements were impressive.

[Puhaha! Slow, slow! You think you can catch a mosquito like that?]

Igrelle, who had been watching silently, tilted her head.

[Hey. What do you think about men who bully small animals? It’s really the worst, isn’t it?]

Igrelle whispered in Alea’s ear in an amused tone.

Alea replied indifferently.

“Ah, it’s not a great sight.”

At those words, Helmut’s movements stopped abruptly. From any angle, it was a violent scene of a grown man chasing a fleeing cat with a sheath.

Except that the cat wasn’t an ordinary cat.

Alea, who valued reason, sighed softly and said.

“Helmut, don’t get worked up over such trivial remarks. It’s not like this is the first time he’s done this.”

[Yeah, it’s embarrassing.]

Igrelle clicked her tongue and shook her head. In any case, Helmut didn’t seem to have any allies.

‘Elaga.’

Helmut repeated that name to himself.

Now, there was only one. Since Darien had strength comparable to the ruler of the Forest of Roots, Igrelle could be set aside.

Now, the only one Helmut needed to focus on was Elaga.

But the path to that goal seemed even longer than the one he’d traveled so far.

[It’s tiring playing with a kid.]

Elaga grumbled as he stretched his legs on the sofa. Helmut just stood there, watching him with dark eyes.

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