Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 373 (Part 2):

It appeared that once inside the mansion, there was no opting out. Before long, Sian found himself dragged into the lessons alongside everyone else. Teaching Alea meant involving the rest naturally—a clever strategy by the Grand Duchess.

“Well, here you are, friend,” Asuka greeted Sian with a wry smile upon arriving at the lesson venue. He radiated a grim sentiment—as if he were delighted at the prospect of enduring suffering together.

Thanks to the Grand Duchess, Sian now wore a pristine green formal suit, though he grumbled incessantly.
“What is this nonsense? I’m a commoner—I don’t need this aristocratic nonsense.”

“Yet you did say you liked new things, didn’t you? Wearing that, you actually look somewhat presentable. If you have any complaints, don’t blame me—blame Alea.”

“Yeah… What on earth is her motive… huh?” Asuka trailed off mid-sentence as Alea entered wearing a flowing white gown. His jaw dropped—not out of admiration, but sheer disbelief.

“You’re insane! Why are you parading around dressed like that? You look like a man in drag.”

Alea shot him a frosty glare.
“Shut up.”

“W-well… uh… hmm… Actually, it does look good on you.”

Sian offered the most normal reaction so far. With her shimmering silver hair cascading down her back and matching lavender flower decorations accentuating her violet eyes, Alea radiated an almost blinding beauty. Should she step into a ballroom, gasps would undoubtedly fill the air.

Finally, Helmut joined them, dressed in a pristine white formal suit tailored to match Alea’s attire. His neatly groomed appearance contrasted sharply with his usual rugged demeanor, yet the inherent danger lurking beneath remained unmistakable. Instead of looking overly polished, he exuded regal authority, reminiscent of royalty or perhaps the rightful heir to the Duchy of Renosa.

“Helmut…?” Sian asked hesitantly, while Asuka fell silent. Only Alea maintained her composure, commenting dryly,
“That suit looks good on you.”

“Same goes for you.”

Their gazes locked, creating an intimate atmosphere that left Sian and Asuka feeling awkward. Just then, a white cat adorned with a red ribbon sauntered through the doorway.

[The hostess gave this to me. Not bad—it makes noise.]

Apparently, the jingling bells attached to the ribbon delighted Elaga immensely.

“Oh my, what a charming group! Everyone looks absolutely stunning,” the Grand Duchess remarked upon entering.

“Then let’s begin your lessons. And kitty, come over here!”

Before Elaga could protest, the Grand Duchess scooped him up, determined to trim his fur despite his protests.

For the rest of the day, the four companions endured rigorous instruction from a strict middle-aged noblewoman. Of the group, Alea proved quickest to master etiquette.
“Excellent, flawless! Your posture and gait are brimming with dignity.”

However, when it came to social dancing, Alea struggled the most.
“No, stop moving so stiffly! Relax your body and move fluidly with the music!”

By the end of the session, the instructor clasped her head in despair.
“My goodness, dancing with you feels like dragging a wooden log.”

This marked the first time Alea had ever encountered failure, leaving her visibly frustrated. Someone incapable of excelling at something was an alien concept to her.

In contrast, Helmut excelled effortlessly, adapting swiftly to the intricate rules of imperial etiquette and mastering the dance floor just as deftly. He summarized the essence of social dancing succinctly.
“Controlling strength and weakness is akin to wielding a sword.”

“Ugh, stop acting like you’ve figured everything out—it’s annoying,” Asuka grumbled. Having started earlier, he progressed steadily, while Sian adapted surprisingly quickly.

As the lesson concluded, the instructor turned to Alea with a sympathetic sigh.
“You’ll need more practice, but partnering with Helmut might help. He seems particularly adept at adjusting to his partner.”

Indeed, Alea trusted Helmut alone enough to relax during their dances. Since Alea was the only woman, all three ended up dancing with her, yet both Asuka and Sian grew exceedingly awkward and stiff each time they partnered with her, making her stiffness worse.

“It’s okay, Alea. You don’t need to be a perfect dancer. I’ll handle it so it doesn’t show…” Helmut attempted to reassure her.

His words, however, struck directly at Alea’s pride. Turning sharply, she glared daggers at him before storming off.

Sian shook his head.
“Helmut, why is it that while your swordsmanship improves, your emotional intelligence never seems to catch up?”

“…….”
Helmut remained silent, unsure what exactly he’d done wrong.

A few days later, as they continued practicing etiquette and dancing, significant news arrived.

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