Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 412 (Part 2): Knots, and Turmoil.

Even the Imperial Crown Prince remained unmarried these days, but at Helmut’s age, it was time to consider engagement. He was the heir of Renosa, after all.

With nobles and royals often attending academies, marriages tended to happen later.

But Helmut already had a clear partner, with no need to look further.

Though he had many challenges ahead to establish himself as Renosa’s heir, a simple engagement seemed appropriate for now.

For someone of a grand ducal family, immediate marriage was rare.

Typically, an engagement period of at least six months preceded the wedding, as their marriage was a national event requiring time to invite distinguished guests.

Given Alea’s ambiguous status in Renosa, an engagement would be prudent, at least from the perspective of Renosa’s Grand Princess.

It would also make it easier for Alea to adjust to life in Latona than remaining in an undefined role.

When neither responded immediately, Charlotte’s eyes widened.

“Is it too early for such a question? I thought you’d already discussed it.”

Their bond seemed strong enough to have warranted such discussions.

She realized she had spoken of unplanned matters in front of the parties involved, a rare lapse in tact.

Helmut and Alea exchanged a brief glance.

Alea’s look seemed to ask what he intended to do, but Helmut’s mind grew tangled.

Marriage or engagement—human rituals and ceremonies were unfamiliar to him.

It felt as though an unexpected task had been thrust upon him out of nowhere.

Though he knew such things existed, the concept had never truly applied to him.

In the Forest of Roots, the word “marriage” was practically nonexistent.

But Helmut knew he couldn’t respond carelessly here.

‘Saying I’ve never thought about it or that it doesn’t matter… neither seems right.’

He had learned through experience that answers closest to his true feelings were often far from correct.

At that moment, a resolute voice cut through.

[I haven’t given my permission yet.]

It was Elaga. As if sensing Helmut’s predicament, the napping beast had spoken.

[I haven’t approved. Engagement, my foot.]

“Why do I need your permission, Elaga?”

[Doesn’t someone’s opposition make you want it more? Humans never listen otherwise.]

So, he was taking on the role of the opposition.

At the absurd logic, both Helmut and Alea raised their eyebrows.

[You two seem clueless, so I’ll oppose it. That’ll light a fire under you.]

It was bizarre reasoning, and it was equally strange that he openly admitted his intentions.

Sian, dumbfounded, asked.

“Are you saying you *want* Helmut to get married, Elaga?”

[Wouldn’t their offspring be cute?]

Offspring. It sounded almost like an insult. To Elaga, marriage wasn’t the point—Helmut’s “offspring” were.

It was as if a master were eagerly awaiting their pet’s litter.

Charlotte pointed out.

“That’s a rather crude way to put it.”

But Helmut shot back without missing a beat.

“I think Elaga’s offspring would be cute too.”

A white leopard cub would be adorable. Given Elaga’s size, feeding it would be costly, but still.

Elaga grumbled sulkily.

[Where am I supposed to find a mate? Bring me a beautiful female leopard my size.]

Though not as overtly aesthetic as Igrelle, Elaga had standards.

If he was beautiful, his mate had to be as well.

“If we consider demonic beasts a single species, what about Igrelle? She’s beautiful. You two would make a good pair…”

*Kyaaak!* A sharp cry rang out, and a paw shot down from above, swiping at Helmut’s forehead like lightning.

Helmut tilted his head back just in time to dodge.

But no sooner had he evaded than a second strike came.

*Shaaak!* The sound of the air being sliced was no joke.

Yet Helmut dodged this one too.

Thankfully, a cat’s legs are short, or it might have drawn blood.

Elaga growled fiercely.

[You! One more word of that nonsense, and you’ll regret it!]

“…Alright, calm down. As for the engagement…”

Dodging the issue entirely would be a problem too.

“I’ll discuss it with Alea.”

Alea’s expression remained unchanged. This answer seemed to pass muster, more or less.

Amid the minor commotion, the carriage continued steadily toward its destination. And soon after, they arrived in Latona.

Four years ago, Helmut had discovered his lineage in this city—and had also been betrayed.

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