Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 43 (Part 2):

There was a reason to show courtesy to Antiol. Unlike encounters with black magicians like Erugo, Antiol had changed Helmut’s impression of mages.

Nothing was clear, but he seemed to know which path he should take. And what Antiol said aligned with Darien’s words.

‘Be human.’

Helmut had lived in the Forest of Roots, interacting only with Elraga and Darien.

To experience more humans, to undergo relationships, to belong to the species of humans. His destination was decided.

‘This mercenary corps isn’t bad either. There might be a chance to get involved later.’

As they left the forest path, they found themselves back where the magic had begun.

In front of the old tree. The delivery of the requested items was complete. Now it was time to return.

Escorting Miles to the Butan Trading Company was an afterthought.

Helmut had no intention of joining them.

“Here it is, 80%. Check it.”

Miles immediately began the settlement. According to the contract, it should have been 100,000 Marks, including the demonic beast’s corpse, based on the 130,000 Marks initially mentioned by Antiol, but the amount turned out to be surprisingly large.

“80% of 150,000 Marks is 120,000 Marks.”

The amount was more generous than expected. It was uncharacteristic of Miles. Usually, he would try to take a bit more for himself.

When Phien showed a hint of suspicion, he cleared his throat.

“I had a lot to be sorry for. It’s only right to do it this way, given the discussion.”

“Well, that’s fine. It’s fortunate that we were able to conclude the request without any mishaps. Thank you for your hard work. I’ll escort you to the Butan Trading Company on the way.”

Miles boarded the carriage, and Phien divided the money pouch into two.

“Here you go. This is your share.”

A hefty money pouch was handed to Helmut. 70%, or 84,000 Marks.

After confirming the division was correct, Helmut tucked the pouch into his pocket. With the settlement complete, Helmut was now a wealthy traveler.

“So, will you proceed as planned?”

“Yes.”

He had already answered the question of what he would do next night by saying he had to leave. Finn, who was completely unaware of this, asked in surprise.

“Wait a minute! You’re leaving here?”

“I have a place to go.”

They all noticed he hadn’t lost his memory.

Noble in appearance and outstanding in skill, he was extraordinary in every way. If they were asking for discretion, there must be some unspeakable secret.

The members of the Pace Mercenary Corps had agreed to remain silent about Helmut until death.

Finn held on with a full expression of regret. Whether he was a formidable friend or not, it had been a long time since he made a friend of his age. He didn’t want to let him go.

“Shouldn’t you at least visit the Pace Mercenary Corps once? You even made a mercenary certificate. You might like it more than you think. There’s no better place to be a mercenary than our corps.”

“My destination has nothing to do with mercenaries.”

“You mean you won’t do mercenary work?”

“For the time being, yes.”

He might become a mercenary again someday. But at least for a few years, no.

Phien chimed in as if remembering something.

“That, the new certificate we made for you, you can keep using it if you want. We set it to 3rd grade because that’s the highest level it can certify you for. Now you’re a silver-medal mercenary guaranteed by the Pace Mercenary Corps. You’re free to take requests as a nominal member, but if you want to rank up, you’ll have to go to the mercenary guild.”

“That’s enough.”

Becoming a 2nd-rank mercenary would increase the fee for requests, but becoming a 2nd-rank mercenary at fourteen would be too conspicuous. For now, this was enough.

Finn clung to Helmut’s arm and whined.

“Hey, what about the treat you promised? You’re just going to leave like this?”

Perhaps Finn was more concerned about the treat than Helmut himself. Helmut was slightly doubtful.

He had never said such a thing, but decided to leave some room for possibility.

“Someday.”

“That means we’ll see each other again, right? Where are you going?”

“Finn, stop it. Are you Helmut’s girlfriend or something!”

“No, I can ask if I want to!”

Tanya grabbed Finn by the nape of his neck as he persisted in asking. It wasn’t right to pry into someone’s circumstances without permission.

Helmut had decided not to stay with the Pace Mercenary Corps. When leaving, it was best to send him off without asking anything.

That way, he could return without hesitation.

This boy, who seemed destined for a rough path, Tanya hoped his future wouldn’t be lonely.

“Thank you for everything.”

This was sincere. Tanya smiled broadly, her characteristic lively smile.

“I should be thanking you. I lived because of you. I hope we can meet again.”

Helmut didn’t answer, just gave a slight bow.

He wouldn’t forget the kindness she showed when he was most vulnerable, when he had lost consciousness. Not just her, but the Pace Mercenary Corps as well.

“Helmut, take care!”

“Stay healthy!”

“Hey, you have to come to my store later! Got it?”

As farewells poured from the Pace Mercenary Corps, Helmut began to walk away.

A part of his heart felt a bit sore. Meeting these people in the human world had been lucky. Though brief, he felt a bit attached. Feeling this way meant something.

But there was nothing good about entangling them with himself, who possessed the seed of darkness. Since he didn’t know what the future held, it was best to leave it at this.

That’s why he didn’t say where he was going. Helmut’s destination wasn’t really a secret.

‘Someday.’

Helmut repeated to himself. As long as he lived as a swordsman, there would come a day when he would meet them again.

Now the journey was his alone. Not as a member of a mercenary corps.

It would take about a fortnight to reach his destination. A fourteen-year-old boy traveling alone would be an easy target for bandits.

‘I’m looking forward to what will happen.’

A fierce smile crossed his lips. Ideally, he would have a reason to draw his sword.

With a deadly resolve, Helmut embarked on a new journey.

Otaku_Tensei

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