Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 357 (Part 2):

Grand Duke Farnese, who had captured Sian to get to Asuka, would he really overlook the fact that Alea had helped Asuka escape?

‘He doesn’t know where I am yet, but if he investigates me, there could be trouble down the line.’

To prepare for the worst, she had purposely not told Sian and Asuka of her whereabouts.

Even if they used mental magic to try and find out where Asuka had gone, it wouldn’t be impossible, but no matter how strict a father he was, he wouldn’t go that far.

After all, Grand Duke Farnese was someone who could be reasoned with.

Helmut stated firmly.

“Then, we should focus on our own tasks. There are people we need to meet in Baden.”

Alea nodded readily.

Their next destination was Baden. Although there were some variables, they would proceed as planned.

*

Asuka was adapting quite well to the Imperial Knights.

In fact, aside from the stricter discipline, it wasn’t much different from his life in the swordsmanship department at Greta Academy.

Training, attending knight events, and more training. Knights didn’t do menial tasks.

Patrols were frequent, but the palace’s security was so tight that it was almost like taking a stroll.

Occasionally, familiar faces would glance at Asuka, but they passed by without a word, as if they had already been briefed.

They were the knights who had been tasked with capturing Asuka. Naturally, they were his seniors in the Imperial Knights.

But since there was some resentment, Asuka didn’t show them the respect they deserved, though he refrained from outright confrontation. Grinding his teeth all the while.

“Just how can you be so stiff-necked?”

Neil, a senior knight, asked in disbelief after Asuka gave him a curt nod.

Ralph and Gannon had similar looks in their eyes.

What kind of guy joins the Imperial Knights and acts so arrogantly?

“I’m not stiff-necked. I just don’t bow to those weaker than me.”

Asuka declared confidently. It sounded plausible when he said it.

He had never bowed to seniors at Greta Academy either.

Gannon crossed his arms.

“You’ve lived your whole life without a care, huh?”

“That’s right.”

“Well, it must be nice. A big shot like you doesn’t need to take responsibility and can act however you want.”

This kind of treatment was still unfamiliar. But Asuka couldn’t immediately refute it.

It was true that he could act this way in the Imperial Knights because of his royal status.

‘But when I lived as a commoner, I took responsibility for my actions.’

So, it was unfair. During his first year at Greta Academy, countless people had targeted Asuka, and he had defeated them all.

No matter how underhanded his opponents were, he had never once complained to Grand Duke Farnese.

It seemed reports had reached Grand Duke Farnese, but he had never intervened.

“There’s always a reason for my actions.”

“A reason like doing whatever you feel like?”

At Neil’s retort, Asuka smirked.

“If you’re so upset, why don’t you try beating me?”

At that, Neil, Gannon, and Ralph all fell silent.

On the very first day, Asuka had proven his skills to them through sparring.

He was, after all, the top graduate of Greta Academy. Even without Helmut, he had surpassed the skills of upperclassmen while still a junior.

They had each achieved excellent results at their respective academies or been recognized for their skills to join the Imperial Knights, but in front of Asuka, they were like scarecrows.

Asuka had proven that he deserved to be specially recruited.

But being an Imperial Knight wasn’t just about skill. Asuka had also proven that he was a mess in every other aspect.

Neil, frowning, pointed out.

“Don’t try to justify yourself with strength.”

“Instead of flapping your mouth, why don’t you work harder? When will you ever catch up to me?”

Asuka watched with amusement as the pretentious guy’s face twisted.

There was a certain satisfaction in crushing him.

Ralph interjected awkwardly.

“Uh, let’s just go. The Knight Commander is waiting. It’ll be trouble if we’re late.”

Asuka glanced at him and nodded.

“Fine.”

For some reason, Asuka felt weaker in front of this true commoner.

It had been ten days since he had been paired with Neil, Gannon, and Ralph. The deadline for the promise he had made with the Grand Duke was drawing near.

Surprisingly, the three hadn’t tried to trick or torment Asuka. As if such things were childish.

Having proven his skills in sparring, they seemed to have reluctantly accepted him, though it still rankled.

They even tried to tolerate Asuka’s foul temper.

Though they had arguments like the one just now, conflicts never escalated further. Ralph always mediated. It wasn’t entirely smooth, but they managed well enough.

Sian, who was living a restricted life, seemed content with using the palace library in the meantime.

‘But why did the Knight Commander suddenly call us?’

A sense of foreboding crept in, as if something troublesome was about to happen.

Asuka furrowed his brow and moved forward.

After all, he was currently an Imperial Knight, and he couldn’t refuse the Knight Commander’s summons.

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