Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 362 (Part 1):

Guarding the Crown Prince turned out to be less monotonous than expected, thanks to a certain guest who arrived a few days later.

The Crown Prince was handsome, but compared to the visitor, he seemed quite masculine.

Blonde hair and blue eyes, a noble yet luxurious demeanor—the man radiated an angelic aura as if wrapped in a divine glow.

As Asuka took in his appearance, a name came to mind immediately, though he’d never seen this person before. He had heard plenty of stories, though.

‘No way…’

The guest greeted the Crown Prince with familiarity.

“Your Highness, how have you been?”

“As always. It’s been a while.”

Their exchange was warm yet formal.

“Michael.”

The name fell like a resounding thud. Asuka, momentarily forgetting he was on guard duty, glared at the visitor.

Neil, standing beside him, subtly elbowed Asuka in the side.

“What’s wrong this time? What’s the problem?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

But Asuka’s sharp gaze didn’t waver.

‘So this is Michael.’

The cunning younger brother of Helmut and Charlotte’s twin. There was no room for any sense of camaraderie while staring at his future brother-in-law.

Still, the situation was oddly disorienting. Having met Helmut’s enemy, Asuka felt he should harbor hostility. Yet Michael’s virtuous demeanor made it confusing.

Placed side by side, anyone would accuse Helmut of being the villain. Even as a friend, it was hard to deny.

‘If someone like him claimed Helmut was a bad guy, anyone would believe it. He does look a bit frail, though.’

Still, the fact that Michael had traveled all the way to the Empire suggested he was in reasonably good health. Asuka had heard that there were magic circles connecting Renosa to the Empire, so the journey likely wasn’t too strenuous. Still, he wouldn’t have come without a reason.

‘Renosa is also of royal bloodline. I’ve heard they frequently interact with the imperial family, but why is he here?’

Asuka’s mind whirred, calculating the purpose behind Michael’s visit. Was it just to strengthen his ties with the Crown Prince? That seemed unlikely for someone of his status as the Grand Duke’s son.

The answer came from the Crown Prince.

“Let’s move somewhere private. It seems we have important matters to discuss.”

The Crown Prince led Michael to a parlor where he often held one-on-one meetings. The room was soundproofed, so the knights outside couldn’t hear their conversation.

‘Are they close?’

If he was dismissing the knights to speak privately, it implied he didn’t consider Michael a threat. Indeed, Michael’s slender wrists suggested that a single push from the Crown Prince could knock him over.

Their conversation was neither overly long nor short, lasting about an hour. When they emerged, Michael made his farewell.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

“Alright, next time, I hope you bring better news. Not these troublesome matters.”

“I hope so too.”

Michael turned to leave, but as he did, his gaze locked onto Asuka.

Earlier, he had passed by without even glancing in Asuka’s direction.

Though it was natural for someone of his status to disregard a mere imperial knight, Michael smiled faintly at Asuka.

As if he had intentionally ignored him earlier.

“Pardon me, but didn’t you graduate from Greta Academy?”

Michael’s question was gentle. Asuka scrutinized him with a sharp glare, unable to discern any ulterior motive.

“Yes, I did.”

“I have a preference for strong swordsmen and tend to keep track of talented individuals. That includes those from prestigious academies. You’re Asuka, the top graduate of Greta Academy’s Swordsmanship Department, correct?”

“That’s right.”

A ripple of murmurs spread among the nearby knights. While the Crown Prince had known, the others were clearly unaware of Asuka’s credentials.

“I never expected to see you here. I’ve also heard you’re acquainted with my sister.”

Though his expression remained friendly, his words hinted at probing intent.

“We were seniors and juniors in the same swordsmanship department.”

“So you know who my sister is.”

Michael’s broad smile made Asuka realize his mistake. Only a handful of people knew that Charlotte was the Duchess of Renosa. Among the students, you could count them on one hand.

Asuka’s reaction betrayed him.

“There’s one thing I’m curious about.”

Michael stepped closer to Asuka, now standing just a step away.

Asuka raised an eyebrow, his icy blue eyes meeting Michael’s.

Up close, there was no resemblance to Charlotte. He looked nothing like Helmut either.

Yet, somehow, there was a similarity between the three siblings. Perhaps the bloodline of Renosa gave them a unique aura.

‘Is it because they’re all so good-looking?’

Beautiful people often share certain traits.

As Asuka’s thoughts wandered, Michael lowered his voice and asked, “Then, perhaps you could tell me where she went after leaving the academy without permission?”

‘He already knows.’

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•