Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 373 (Part 1):

While Charlotte’s trip to the empire was being decided, Helmut, Alea, and Sian spent some time at Grand Duke Farnese’s mansion, each going about their own routines.

Sian wandered in and out of a section of the imperial palace library, Alea immersed herself in her magical research as usual, and Helmut practiced swordsmanship just like he always did.

Elaga, meanwhile, roamed freely outside the mansion every day, basking in the affection of the capital’s people who were more cat-friendly. The Deus Empire’s capital was one of the largest and most dazzling cities in the world—a place that easily captured Elaga’s interest.

In short, everyone’s day resembled the routine they had grown accustomed to at the Academy days. Except for Asuka, the very heir to Grand Duke Farnese, who was forced into an unwanted daily routine of lessons. Every day, as he changed into his brightly colored outfits, Elaga watched him with curious amusement.

[Humans’ clothing is such a useless yet fascinating thing. To create such vibrant, varied facades… truly remarkable.]

Elaga couldn’t help but lecture smugly.

[If you had fur as beautiful as mine, there’d be no need for all this artifice. It’s only hairless barbarians who require artificial shells.]

“I don’t even know why I have to wear these things. It’s such a bizarre custom.”

Asuka muttered under his breath with a scowl on his face.

“Oh dear, you exude such presence that anything you wear looks splendid—truly a delight to behold! You should really get used to it by now,” came a voice nearby.

“Mother.”

All eyes turned toward Asuka’s mother, a woman exuding grace and refinement despite her commoner origins. She carried herself with an elegance that sharply contrasted with the rougher demeanor of her son. One couldn’t help but wonder, when compared to the dignified Grand Duke Farnese and Grand Duchess, where on earth had a hot-headed fellow like Asuka come from?

“Ah, you must be Asuka’s friends. I hope you’ve been enjoying your stay here,” she greeted warmly.

In the middle of their conversation, Asuka’s mother revealed that the grand duke himself had instructed her to ensure the guests were comfortable. Clearly, the family was aware of their presence.

Asuka leaned close to whisper something in her ear.
“Mother, could we maybe give someone a smaller room?”

This comment was clearly aimed at Alea. Despite being Helmut’s girlfriend and a fellow survivor of the Forest of Roots, Asuka and Alea didn’t get along well—likely due to clashing personalities from the start.

Her mother shot him a disapproving glance.
“How dare you treat our guests like that?”

“Hmph.”

Apparently, Asuka had hoped to use his status as the host to exact some revenge on Alea. However, his mother surprised everyone by showing favoritism toward Alea instead. She seemed to recognize that her son had issues and believed anyone he disliked might actually be decent.

“Oh my, what a lovely young lady! Top of your class in Greta Academy’s magic department? That’s impressive indeed!” she exclaimed. Then, she assigned Alea the best quarters among the group.

Though Asuka resented his mother’s overt preference, there was little he could do about it. But her kindness wasn’t entirely welcome on Alea’s part either. Throughout their stay, Asuka’s mother kept trying to engage Alea in conversation.

“You simply must join us for tea sometime,” she insisted, leaving Alea no choice but to humor her. ‘After all, we must secure the Empire’s cooperation.’ Alea rationalized, knowing that currying favor with the grand duchess could benefit their mission. Besides, she understood that access to the Imperial Library—which she desperately needed—could only come through the Farnese family. Infiltrating it covertly so soon after the Crown Prince had been attacked would have been far too risky.

The problem arose when Asuka’s mother refused to let Alea go easily.
“Why don’t you attend a ball while you’re here? I’ll even find you a dress that fits perfectly.”

“It’s fine, thank you.”

“Our social circles are quite glamorous. It could be a valuable experience.”

“I don’t know how to dance, nor do I see any reason to learn.”

“Oh, perfect! Then you can practice with Asuka—he’s learning too. And since you’re so clever, I’m sure you’ll pick it up quickly!”

“I don’t mind skipping it…”

“I thought the same when I was younger. But meeting my husband opened me up to many new opportunities.”

The grand duchess’s eyes sparkled knowingly. She seemed to understand the situation better than most. If Helmut were to become the Duke of Renosa, Alea would inevitably enter high society—and formal events like balls would become unavoidable responsibilities.

“Helmut should learn as well. Etiquette and dancing are essential skills. These are standards set by the empire, and mastering them will serve you well in the future.”

Her words carried subtle implications: perhaps the Farnese family tacitly supported Helmut becoming the Duke of Renosa. Still, nothing official had been decided yet.

“Very well then.”

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