Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 383 (Part 1):

“This information was delivered to me by the Commander of the Black Wing Knights, who serve directly under the Grand Duke of Renosa. He does not support Michael, and even if Michael were to falsely claim the title of Grand Duke and plot something, this commander would never join him.”

The name “Commander of the Black Wing Knights” carried a distinct weight. For a knight commander to betray his liege was not a scenario one could imagine lightly. After all, the Grand Duke of Renosa was no mere figurehead.

“From what I hear, the scale of this swordsmanship tournament…will likely surpass even the annual martial arts competition held in Basor.”

Charlotte concluded her explanation with a crisp, clear tone.

“The choice is yours, Senior Helmut.”

She did not call it an opportunity, nor did she urge Helmut to participate in the tournament. But the very fact that she had come all this way herself spoke volumes.

‘Swordsmanship tournament.’

Helmut turned those words over in his mind. He had always stood at the very top of every competition he entered.

The victor always wins something. In Renosa, although he had indeed gained something, he had lost far more.

One thing was certain: a swordsmanship tournament could become exactly the stage he desired.

The troubling part was that the Grand Duke of Renosa’s intentions were shrouded in mystery.

There was also the question of how much he knew about Helmut.

From the moment Charlotte left the academy until now, it was possible—though not guaranteed—that the Grand Duke had learned about Helmut. After Helmut left the Forest of Roots, he had hidden his whereabouts for a while, but not thoroughly. He had met many people since then.

‘If he’s trying to help me, it’s too much of a risk.’

Would the ruler of Renosa really make a choice that could shake the entire region? That was precisely Helmut’s concern.

In a low voice, Alea spoke up.

“If it’s the Grand Duke of Renosa, he might use an even bigger trap than Michael’s if he intends to destroy you, Helmut.”

It sounded like a warning, reminding him of the danger.

Charlotte’s expression faltered. Her eyes flickered with a desire to protest.

‘The Grand Duke of Renosa wouldn’t do something like that.’

The Grand Duke of Renosa wouldn’t do such a thing. That was a belief she had never held for her mother, the Grand Duchess of Renosa.

He was a swordsman and a remarkable ruler. There was no room in that greatness for the kind of cruelty that discarded loyalty or gratitude.

Helmut had saved the father who had abandoned him. The Grand Duke of Renosa was the sort of man who would give a fair reward, even to a so-called traitor who rescued him.

Yet Charlotte could not possibly voice her faith in front of someone whose own faith had once been betrayed.

How could she tell Helmut to trust Renosa?

If the hand that is extended cannot be trusted, can one truly grasp it?

But then again, Helmut had never waited for a perfectly safe, completely trustworthy situation before acting. He was the type who would risk any danger. Even if it meant stepping into a whirlwind, Helmut would take that risk.

Just as he was about to open his mouth, the cat perched on the windowsill hopped down to the floor.

*Thud!*

Elaga, tail held stiff, turned to Helmut and declared, as if to say *What are you hesitating for?*

[I don’t know what this is about, but don’t be scared for no reason. If you want to do it, then do it. Grand Duke or whoever—if they backstab you, I’ll protect you.]

He was a demonic beast who lived a simple, the life of a being born of dark energy.

Elaga could not understand why humans became so needlessly complicated and overthought everything before taking action.
Why not just beat everyone to the ground in dramatic fashion and make it clear?

Regardless of how different human society was from the Forest of Roots, its essence was ultimately the same.

[True strength solves everything. That’s why I keep calling you weak. The problems you face exist only because you’re not strong enough! Sure, you’ve been working hard, and you’ve gotten a little stronger than before, but it’s still not enough. But you don’t need to worry, because I’m perfect—and I’m right here beside you.]

His straightforward, simple logic had no apparent flaws.

For a moment, Helmut was at a loss for words. By Elaga’s standard—raw power—he was indeed flawless. Helmut couldn’t even be certain anymore if anyone stronger than Elaga existed.

Pressing the space between his brows, Helmut looked straight at Charlotte and said,

“I’ll participate in the swordsmanship tournament. You’ve done well, Charlotte.”

Charlotte’s face brightened slightly, but before she could say anything, Elaga snorted a rebuke.

[Right, was that so hard to say? You sure took your time. Just say ‘Got it’ right away next time!]

Clearly, Elaga was dissatisfied with how long it took Helmut to decide. Helmut responded coldly,

“I was going to say I’d participate anyway.”

[Then why act like such a coward, hesitating? You always think too much, but with me watching your back, you should just say, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ ]

Every word jabbed at Helmut’s nerves in the same old way. He couldn’t stop a trace of exasperation from escaping his lips.

“Elaga watching my back was obvious from the start. You’d follow me even if I told you not to care.”

Since leaving the Forest of Roots, Helmut had always considered Elaga his most powerful asset. However, a man bearing the Seed of Darkness openly joining forces with a demonic beast was a recipe for complications; he wanted to avoid that scenario as much as possible.

Catching his meaning, Elaga smacked his tail against the floor.

[You childish brat! I’ve spoiled you by looking after you for so long. Don’t take my protection for granted!]

“…”

Helmut found himself wondering yet again: ‘How long until I can catch up to Elaga and finally shut that mouth of his?’

As he recalled all the days he’d honed his swordsmanship, a surge of gloom and something close to despair washed over him.

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