Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 416 (Part 1):

“Alonso, I’ve heard the atmosphere in the knight order isn’t great.”

Before visiting the knights, Helmut addressed the commander of the Black Wing Knights. Alonso nodded slowly.

“There’s been some talk, as you may have heard. However, as you know, I cannot assist you.”

He drew a clear line. Alonso acknowledged Helmut’s swordsmanship.

He even admitted that this young man, who carried the blood of the Grand Duke, was stronger than him.

It wasn’t a pleasant realization for him.

But that didn’t mean he could vouch for Helmut’s skills to the Black Wing Knights.

Winning their hearts, regardless of skill, was Helmut’s responsibility—and it was the Grand Duke’s will.

Moreover, if most of the Black Wing Knights were closer to Michael, Alonso leaned toward Charlotte.

He had no intention of opposing the Grand Duke’s decision, but neither did he feel compelled to actively support Helmut.

He was merely an observer.

The corner of Helmut’s mouth curled slightly upward.

“I’ll give you a choice, Commander.”

“What choice do you mean?”

“Will you duel me? If I defeat the commander, they’ll have no choice but to accept me.”

His abyss-black eyes pierced Alonso as if they could see through him.

Helmut knew only one way to command submission.

To show he was the stronger one and make them accept it.

It was the same with Alonso.

Only when someone realized another was stronger, and felt fear, would true loyalty emerge.

That loyalty was far more powerful than anything soft and intangible like character or sentiment.

Alonso was not on Helmut’s side. But if Helmut could make him submit, Alonso would have no choice but to become his ally.

Humans, in a way, were beasts, and beasts followed the strong.

“But wouldn’t that damage the commander’s reputation?”

Alonso’s expression subtly twisted. His eyes gleamed sharply.

The title of Black Wing Knight Commander was not one to be taken lightly.

No one dared to look down on him.

Not even the Grand Duke of Renosa.

The commander’s position could only be claimed by the strongest swordsman in Renosa.

Yet the person standing before him surpassed Alonso not only in status but in skill as well.

The strongest swordsman in Renosa. Now that Helmut had come to Renosa, that title belonged to him.

Alonso felt that truth vividly. He spoke, his lips taut with tension.

“…If it is your command, I will comply.”

“No. On second thought, it’d be better for them to experience it themselves.”

Helmut, withdrawing his smile, strode forward.

They were already nearing the training ground where the knights had been summoned.

Upon arriving, Helmut surveyed the Black Wing Knights, who bowed in greeting.

Some knew him, others did not.

Some were captivated by his exceptional swordsmanship, and some held goodwill toward him, but most felt the opposite.

Young enough to be called boyish, his refined appearance was that of a nobleman.

There was a certain coolness to him, but he wasn’t overwhelmingly intimidating or exuding a fierce aura.

Having not grown up in Renosa, where could he have properly learned the sword?

And to claim he was a swordsman on par with a Sword Saint, no less.

Their initial shock at his striking resemblance to the Grand Duke quickly gave way to suspicion and hostility in their gazes.

Familiar looks. A familiar situation. And a familiar way to overcome it. Knights were as simple as demonic beasts.

“You know who I am, so there’s no need for introductions.”

Helmut gazed at them coldly and declared,

“All of you, draw your swords.”

He would show them exactly what a Sword Saint was.

Soon, a sword was drawn from Helmut’s grip. A trajectory, swift as a flash of light, embroidered the air.

It was a vivid, intense gold.

*

At that moment, Alea, summoned to an audience, stood before the Grand Duke of Renosa.

Sharing the same air as the Grand Duke, whose regal dignity was palpable, could have been uncomfortable, but Alea was at ease.

No, she was even pleased. To see the Grand Duke of Renosa so closely.

‘It’s like seeing Helmut’s future self.’

That thought sparked a slight fondness for the Grand Duke.

Though this meeting was meant for the Grand Duke to assess her, Alea was observing him just as intently.

It was the habit of a mage. And the attitude of a mage destined to become an Archmage.

To pursue the unknown through magic and transcend limits, one had to be detached from all that defined humanity.

“Your name is Alea, I recall.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“I hear you’re an exceptional mage.”

“The word ‘exceptional’ doesn’t do me justice.”

The Grand Duke’s eyes narrowed as he observed her, exuding confidence that bordered on arrogance without a trace of hesitation.

He wanted to determine if Alea was suitable to be the Grand Duchess of Renosa.

On the surface, Alea was flawless. She was strikingly beautiful, with a refinement distinct from that of noblewomen.

Not the soft, delicate elegance of a flower, but a commanding dignity.

However, her demeanor was, frankly, ill-suited for a Grand Duchess.

She seemed better fit to be a mage employed by the Renosa family.

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