Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 417 (Part 2):

“We’ll need healers.”

Helmut cast a glance at Alonso, leaving the words hanging.

Alonso, the only one who had not joined the fray, nodded heavily.

“Yes.”

Even for someone like him, who had never flinched or fled from any opponent, the scene sent a shiver down his spine.

Had he accepted Helmut’s challenge, he would have been lying among the Black Wing Knights, just as they were now. Alone.

‘Is this the power of the Seed of Darkness?’

No, the monster consumed by the Seed of Darkness four years ago was not like this.

Though it had gained explosive power through demonic energy, its swordsmanship could hardly be called exceptional.

This was Helmut’s skill.

Beyond talent and potential, it was the result of relentless refinement, achieving everything a swordsman could strive for.

No one in history had reached such a level at so young an age.

Alonso, commander of the Black Wing Knights, shuddered.

‘A Sword Saint in Renosa.’

But such power would inspire fear in enemies.

Especially with the absolute justification of the Seed of Darkness hanging over him.

The Grand Duke of Renosa would not have bet on a losing hand, but in the human world, the Temple of Lumen was an unshakable mountain.

How would they counter the blades the Temple would soon raise? Anxiety gnawed at him.

As the commander of the Black Wing Knights, he would need to prepare for the trials ahead.

Rubbing his chin, Alonso looked at the Black Wing Knights writhing and groaning on the ground.

“Starting tomorrow, we begin intensive training.”

Honing the blades of Renosa—that was the duty of the Black Wing Knights’ commander.

*

Immediately after the Grand Duke’s return with his new heir, the atmosphere in the royal castle shifted dramatically.

Michael had taken to his sickbed once more, and the Grand Duchess had secluded herself as if dead to the world.

After defeating the Black Wing Knights, the Grand Duke of Renosa assigned Helmut a tutor. The formal education of the heir had begun.

And a tutor was assigned to Alea as well.

“What kind of lessons could I possibly need?”

As the head maid approached after dinner, informing her of the Grand Duke’s command to attend lessons, Alea—who prided herself on her proficiency in all matters—narrowed her eyes.

She was well-versed in Renosa’s history and etiquette. But the head maid’s next words left her speechless.

“Social dance lessons.”

It was only natural that Sian, standing nearby, burst into laughter.

Though Alea had taken lessons at the urging of the Grand Duchess Farnese, her dancing had not improved much.

Any progress she might have made during the martial tournament had likely regressed by now.

That the lessons Alea was to receive pinpointed social dancing—her weakest skill—suggested the influence of the Grand Duchess Farnese.

‘Could Asuka have schemed this?’

He was the type to go to great lengths to tease Alea.

“What’s so funny?”

“N-nothing. Nothing at all.”

Noticing Alea’s irritation, Sian clamped his mouth shut and fled like a shot.

*

Four days later, a grand welcome banquet was held to introduce Helmut as Renosa’s heir.

Helmut, who had been forced to rapidly absorb the qualities befitting a Grand Prince in those few days, wore a stiff expression. It was not fatigue but boredom that colored his face.

Thanks to his quick learning ability, he had swiftly met the Grand Duke’s expectations.

As a swordsman, he was so exceptional that the term “outstanding” felt inadequate. For other matters, it sufficed for him to be merely competent.

“Are you ready?”

Helmut extended his hand toward Alea.

Alea, with a regal air, took it.

She wore a dazzling white dress adorned with silver thread, pearls, and lace.

It was a departure from her usual style, but as always, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

At Helmut’s debut banquet, their engagement would also be announced.

While Helmut grappled with the unfamiliar concepts of marriage and engagement—as foreign to him as “standing on his head to drink water”—the Grand Duke had proposed it first.

‘Wouldn’t it be more convenient to announce it together?’

Helmut decided to follow the Grand Duke’s decision for convenience.

This also gave him something to say to Alea, helping him navigate the situation smoothly.

“…You two look like different people.”

Sian, observing Helmut and Alea, wore a bemused expression.

Deep, intense eyes and refined features. Tall, with a lean, muscular frame free of excess.

Clad in a navy-blue ceremonial outfit crafted from the finest fabrics and adorned with lavish jewels, Helmut exuded the aura of a dangerous nobleman.

And Alea, standing beside him. Together, they seemed to exist in a different reality, an almost painterly, surreal pair.

Snapping out of his trance, Sian asked.

“Alea, have you improved your dancing at all?”

Unlike Helmut or Alea, he had led a relatively leisurely life.

Employed as Helmut’s personal mage, he had quickly adapted and found his place.

Having been in Renosa for only a few days, his duties were light—assisting with the castle’s magical defenses and occasionally crafting magical items.

This left him with ample free time to use as he pleased.

‘Leisurely, with time for magical research and a high salary.’

It was a dream job. He was thoroughly satisfied.

“You’ll find out if you dance with me.”

Alea’s icy glare made Sian flinch. Helmut intervened.

“No way.”

“Why not?”

“Just no. I don’t like it.”

“Fine.”

It was a simple exchange, devoid of explanation or reasoning. Yet Alea complied with a faint smile.

Watching them slip into their own world, Sian scratched his arms with a grimace, as if he’d bitten into something foul.

‘Ugh, I have to witness this? It’s too much.’

A year ago, he couldn’t have imagined these two acting like lovesick fools. It was painfully hard to adjust.

Fortunately, the banquet was about to begin. Escorting them was his duty.

With a curt tone, Sian said.

“Let’s go.”

They departed immediately, stepping into the banquet hall.

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