Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 360 (Part 2):

“A direct communication crystal orb. It’s functional. You can use it to speak with the Grand Duke.”

She handed the orb back to Ethan Kudrow. Only then did his attention shift to Alea.

“Right, but I still can’t get used to your appearance.”

Ethan looked at Alea with an awkward expression. Though overshadowed by his reunion with Helmut, he had been quite surprised to learn that Alea was a woman.

He had heard the full story from Susan and Sarah, but even then, it was hard to believe.

A female student disguised as a male, attending the academy, and even graduating!

Knowing that the dean had orchestrated this, Ethan felt a deep sense of disillusionment as a faculty member and his trust in the head of the Academy was shaken.

It was a matter that could warrant reporting the dean. But Alea was a public enemy of the temple, and he understood that it had been a necessary measure to ensure the safety of an outstanding magic student.

Whether he understood or not, seeing Alea, now clearly a woman, walking around was still hard to adjust to.

“Well… And to think the two of you are in that kind of relationship. I had no idea.”

There was a lot Ethan Kudrow didn’t know about Helmut. Perhaps it was a good thing he was learning the truth now.

Even though he understood the circumstances, he couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

“Anyway, after going through so much and taking such a long journey, you’ve finally returned. Let’s have a meal to celebrate your return. It’s been a while since we’ve eaten together.”

A smile appeared on Ethan Kudrow’s lips. The dinner at the Kudrow mansion was something to look forward to.

He had already instructed the chef to prepare a special feast for their esteemed guests.

Helmut and Alea both readily agreed to the proposal.

“Sounds good.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“By the way, did I hear wrong earlier? That cat seemed to be talking. Alea, is it one of your magic experiments?”

Ethan Kudrow tilted his head as he looked at Elaga, who had perched on the armrest of the sofa where Helmut was sitting.

He hadn’t heard much about Elaga. Elaga bristled with anger.

[Who are you calling a magic experiment? How dare you speak to Lord Elaga that way, you insolent human!]

Ethan’s eyes widened.

“So I was right. The cat really is talking!”

[That’s right, I’m talking. What’s the problem? A cat can talk if it wants to!]

“N-no, ordinary cats can’t talk. What exactly is this cat?”

Ethan firmly retorted and turned to Helmut for an explanation. Helmut stared intently at Elaga, who was hissing.

For some reason, Elaga seemed to harbor hostility and wariness toward Ethan.

From Elaga’s point of view, he was the one who had groomed and raised Helmut. Now here was Ethan Cudro acting as though Helmut belonged to him, which rubbed Elaga the wrong way.

Moreover, Ethan was taking care of Susan and Sarah.

Normally, one would be grateful for such care, but Elaga felt the opposite. He felt as if something had been taken from him.

‘I was the one who did all the hard work, and now they think just providing a home and food is enough….’

Helmut grabbed Elaga by the scruff of his neck. Cats freeze when held by the scruff, and Elaga was no exception.

“We’ll explain over dinner.”

There was still more to explain. Ethan Kudrow nodded with a serious expression.

He had no idea that Elaga was the strongest demonic beast in the Forest of Roots.

***

While Helmut and Alea were enjoying their reunion at Ethan Kudrow’s mansion, Asuka was having a meeting of his own.

Though, from his perspective, it was a rather uncomfortable one.

“Greetings, Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Four new imperial knights bowed their heads in unison. This time, Asuka had no choice but to bow as well.

No matter how much of a royal he was, failing to show proper respect to the Crown Prince would result in severe punishment.

“So these are the new knights.”

A languid voice echoed through the room. Asuka glanced suspiciously at the person before him.

His cousin, whom he had never met before. The Crown Prince was the complete opposite of Asuka.

‘He looks like a girl.’

That was Asuka’s first impression of the Crown Prince. It was a rather disrespectful thought to have about the Crown Prince.

Asuka had been told he looked girlish when he was younger, but as he grew, he exuded such masculinity that it was hard to imagine his former self.

He was often called handsome, but no one called him pretty anymore.

But this guy probably still got those comments, even now.

If there was anyone who could say such things to the Crown Prince, that is.

With neatly tied golden hair, the Crown Prince had a face that was undeniably beautiful. Translucent, fair skin and a graceful smile that highlighted his refined features—a bearing that radiated elegance.

He looked more like a noble suited for high society than a swordsman or scholar.

Crossing his legs and looking over at Asuka, he was dressed in a pristine white outfit befitting a noble.

‘Ugh! He’s like when Alea disguised as a man.’

Of course, Alea was prettier, but this guy wasn’t bad-looking either.

Could he also be a woman disguised as a man?

Asuka couldn’t hide his suspicion. The Crown Prince, too, immediately showed interest in Asuka.

As if he already knew who he was. No, of course, the Crown Prince would know.

“You there, with the blue hair. What’s your name?”

“Asuka.”

Their eyes met briefly. It was an intense stare, as if they were sizing each other up—a fierce battle of gazes between cousins.

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