Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 386 (Part 2):

On the other hand, Charlotte chose not to participate in the tournament. She had been ordered to assist in managing the event as a representative of the Grand Duchy of Renosa.

It was a similar opportunity to one Michael had been given in the past.

Charlotte decided she would no longer concern herself with how Michael might feel about that.

It was something she could think about later, after meeting the people of Renosa and those in Madwin.

There was no issue with Charlotte overseeing the tournament.

But for Asuka, there was one element that felt like a problem.

“The Crown Prince is managing the tournament too, huh?”

Since Charlotte would also be overseeing it, the two would naturally come into frequent contact.

They’d end up talking and growing closer, and that gnawed at Asuka terribly.

Sian replied nonchalantly.

“Well, that Crown Prince is weak anyway. With his swordsmanship skills, he couldn’t even participate in the tournament. Someone’s got to take responsibility and manage it, right?”

Even as he spoke of the Crown Prince, his tone was irreverent—claiming that even the Emperor complained about the Crown Prince behind his back.

“That’s not the point…”

“It’s surprising he’s going all the way to Madwin, though. That place is bound to be crawling with dangerous types. Given the nature of this tournament, there might even be criminals with hidden identities.”

“Who said I’m worried about that guy’s safety?”

“Then forget I said it. What, is it about Charlotte? She’ll be too busy thinking about managing the tournament well to even notice the Crown Prince.”

Honestly, if he were Charlotte, he’d have chosen the Crown Prince without a second thought—that was Sian’s carefree opinion.

“That’s true.”

Asuka felt a twinge of doubt about his decision to join the tournament, but there was no turning back.

Even if he canceled, it’s not like he could just barge into the tournament’s management.

“Stop worrying about pointless things and focus on putting on a good show at the tournament. Make Charlotte see you in a new light.”

At Sian’s half-hearted response, Asuka glared.

‘Just wait until you get someone you care about.’

It was a wish for payback he wasn’t sure when he’d fulfill.

In any case, Asuka, Sian, Helmut, and even Alea all submitted their entries for the tournament. Now, they were all competitors.

From the opening of the tournament to claiming victory, a long road still lay ahead.

But Helmut wasn’t anxious.

He was simply walking his path. It was as if he could already see what conclusion this tournament would reach.

At that end, Helmut would seize what he desired.

*

The Temple seemed powerless against the storm brewing in the empire.

They couldn’t stop the Emperor from purging the temple’s influence rooted in the empire or closing several of its branches.

But they had no intention of standing by idly.

“Lumen has granted me a revelation.”

High Priest Levina placed a hand on the man’s shoulder with a solemn expression. It wasn’t a touch laced with affection.

Her hand patted his shoulder lightly, as if to encourage him.

“I believe in you.”

“I will carry out this glorious mission without the slightest negligence.”

The man’s eyes shone with a vivid golden hue.

High Priest Levina gazed at those eyes—where Lumen’s power was manifest—with a look of rapture before adopting a serious expression.

Great causes were always accompanied by hardship. But this trial was particularly severe.

‘How did it come to this?’

She was a noble High Priest who had always lived according to Lumen’s will.

She hadn’t interfered with how Lumen’s followers, other High Priests, or priests acted, so long as it didn’t harm the temple.

She believed their actions, whatever they might be, were part of Lumen’s grand design.

That faith in those who served Lumen had been her foundation.

Even if her lax oversight had caused problems, it wasn’t her responsibility.

As a High Priest who wielded Lumen’s power, she was beyond shame or reproach.

Yet she had never imagined things would unravel this badly.

It was a mournful and wretched situation. The temple had provided ample explanations, yet the Emperor openly rejected Lumen’s followers while inviting mages—who could side even with the Demon King at any moment—into the empire. It was something she could neither comprehend nor accept.

‘Even if evil slumbers, it doesn’t mean it ceases to exist.’

A thousand years ago, Lumen had defeated the Demon King, who sought to drive the world to ruin, and established a sacred barrier to protect humanity.

But now, that sacred barrier was trembling, and nations were showing signs of turning against the temple.

It was the first crisis since the sacred barrier’s creation.

She looked at the man before her. His golden eyes burned with resolve.

He was young, devout, and above all, possessed awe-inspiring talent and skill.

‘Lumen’s holy sword chose him.’

It was a once-in-300-years event. The commander of the holy knights had awakened the power of the sacred sword, which chose only those deemed worthy.

Unlike the renowned Black Wing Knights of Renosa or the Palma Knights of Basor, Lumen’s holy knights operated in secrecy, their strength shrouded in mystery.

The sword of the divine was drawn only at the final moment. It wasn’t a blade meant to be wielded against the mortal world in the first place.

‘But this time, Lumen’s sword will be revealed to the world.’

Levina closed her eyes gently. If this man won the tournament, the Emperor’s carefully laid plans would crumble.

With a mission that must be fulfilled, the man responded in a low voice.

“I will show them Lumen’s sword. Please, High Priest, do not worry.”

Suppressing an ominous feeling, Levina replied in a calm tone.

“May Lumen’s blessing be with you on the path you must walk.”

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