Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 396 (Part 1):

At that moment, the golden-eyed holy knight, Servant, was facing someone.

Having periodically maintained contact with the temple, he hurried to leave as soon as the tournament ended but soon found himself surrounded by representatives of the event organizers.

“You’ll have to come with us.”

Their tone left no room for refusal. This was practically enemy territory.

He momentarily grew wary, but this summon was impossible to ignore—especially given who it came from.

While the one he had just defeated was merely an imperial family member, the one calling for him now was not only royalty but also the host of the tournament itself.

‘Even if they discovered my identity, would they dare raise their swords against the temple?’

Servant was confident. Even after the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince, they hadn’t dared march troops against the temple.

A direct confrontation was something even the Empire avoided. Moreover, even if surrounded, he was confident in his ability to break through and escape if necessary.

The moment he stepped into the room, a clear voice rang out from the other side.

“You’ve taught my younger brother quite the lesson.”

His tone was surprisingly casual when referring to Asuka as his brother. Elegant golden hair adorned his splendid ceremonial robe.

He was a picturesque nobleman praised in high society. Servant immediately recognized the disgruntled figure resting his chin on his hand and glaring at him.

The Crown Prince.

Unpleasant as this summons was, Servant replied without even bothering to greet him.

“He’s not even your real brother.”

The Crown Prince didn’t criticize his rude behavior. He already knew exactly who Servant was.

“I have so few siblings, so a cousin is practically the same.”

A shameless remark from someone who had openly declared he would steal his ‘practically real brother’s’ woman.

“I heard that the Grand Duke Farnese’s heir was studying at the academy and only recently appeared in the empire. I didn’t realize you two had grown so close.”

“The temple’s information is truly impressive. To know the Empire’s details so thoroughly.”

A faint smile appeared on the Crown Prince’s lips, but his eyes were icy cold.

Servant had expected this scenario. When facing Asuka, he had momentarily used holy power. Anyone sensitive enough would recognize its true nature.

‘To summon me like this…’

The room was spacious, but not distant enough. Recently, the Crown Prince had nearly lost his life due to the temple’s covert operation.

Thus, Servant felt it reckless for the prince to summon him openly like this.

No matter what precautions he had in place, it wouldn’t take more than a single breath for Servant to take the Crown Prince’s life here and now.

‘But I shouldn’t do that. It’s not the right thing to do.’

An assassination. Such a dishonorable act was unworthy of a Holy Knight chosen by the Sacred Sword.

Servant didn’t believe the Prayer Association’s attempted assassination of the Crown Prince represented Lumen’s will.

The fact that it ended in failure proved that.

If the Crown Prince was truly meant to die, it would have been accomplished according to Lumen’s will. His death wasn’t Servant’s concern.

“What exactly do you wish to say?”

“As far as I’ve discovered, neither the current commander of the Holy Knights nor any publicly known Holy Knights possess golden eyes. The temple wouldn’t send just anyone, so are you perhaps a secret asset?”

Servant’s eyes flashed.

“Your Highness seems to know quite a bit about the temple as well.”

“I’ve suffered enough to look deeply into it.”

Tension lingered. Soon, the Crown Prince softened his tone as if trying to ease the atmosphere.

“What reason does a Holy Knight from the temple have for participating in the martial arts tournament?”

“There’s no rule against it.”

“True, but I have the authority to change the rules to disqualify you. And I’m willing to endure the ensuing controversy.”

His eyes sharpened, demanding a straight answer. Patience wasn’t the Crown Prince’s strongest suit.

Irritated at having to explain himself, he furrowed his brow.

“The martial arts tournament is an excellent opportunity for a swordsman to demonstrate his skills.”

Servant’s voice remained calm.

“I have no other motive but to win this tournament .”

“You expect me to believe that the temple sent a secret weapon with no other intentions? You must know the purpose behind this tournament. You must also remember why no temple priests are present here.”

At events like these, temple priests were usually requested for their healing magic, which was far superior to regular mages’.

Holy power was optimal for healing and recovery.

Yet, the temple had been entirely excluded from this tournament .

A Holy Knight secretly participating was understandably unpleasant for the organizers.

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