Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 437 (Part 1):

“Hey, Helmut. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

As Helmut stepped out of the Grand Duke’s study, he ran into Sian, whose face looked unusually haggard.

Glancing around, Sian waved a hand in greeting.

Despite being Helmut’s personal mage, Helmut had completely forgotten about him.

“I saw your performance out there. Even from a distance, it was impressive. Quite the spectacle.”

“Yeah. And you?”

It was a question about how Sian had been, but he seemed to take it as a jab.

With an indignant expression, he pointed at his own face.

“Look at me, I’ve lost weight! I wasn’t slacking off. I was pouring everything I had into support magic from the rear. I even used every ounce of strength I could muster. Plus, I was helping treat the injured until just a moment ago! Don’t you think I’ve earned my keep?”

It seemed the implication that he was coasting on his salary had stung.

Helmut replied simply, “Good work.”

As the second-ranked student in Greta Academy’s magic department, Sian was a capable mage, even if he came off as a bit of a goof. It was only natural to expect him to pull his weight.

But Sian’s face betrayed a hint of disappointment, as if he’d been hoping for more praise.

No, that wasn’t it. Helmut realized the source of his disappointment.

‘He was hoping for a raise.’

That explained why Sian had been glancing around, likely expecting some kind of special treatment.

After a brief pause, Helmut spoke again.

“There’ll be rewards soon. Your name’s probably on the list.”

Helmut didn’t know for sure, but if Sian had fought as hard as he claimed, someone would have noticed.

The Grand Duke himself had mentioned the rewards.

“Oh, really?” Sian’s eyes sparkled. Among the four of them, he was the poorest.

Even during their academy days, he’d lived frugally, so it was no surprise he was eager for money.

Fired up, he clenched his fist and said, “Alright, then. See you later!”

Watching Sian’s retreating figure as he hurriedly left, Helmut mulled over his words.

“Later?”

Did he mean at dinner?

Sian was still on duty. Though he was Helmut’s personal mage, with Alea always by Helmut’s side, there was little need for another mage. As a result, Sian had been tasked with all sorts of miscellaneous duties.

But at that moment, Helmut realized he was expected at a banquet later that evening.

Time passed swiftly.

By evening, Helmut, accompanied by Alea—who was dressed in an elegant gown—headed to the banquet hall.

Alea, who had briefly disappeared and returned, had a shadow over her expression.

When Helmut asked what was wrong, she explained.

“Neither Heike nor Antiol are responding.”

Wasn’t the sacred barrier Antiol’s specialty? Alea had tried contacting him first through the communication crystal, but there was no reply.

The same went for Heike. This was a first.

‘Something’s up.’

The only threat to them would be the Temple of Lumen. But the temple, half-destroyed, would likely be too preoccupied with restoring its sanctuary to pose a danger.

There was no reason to think the two archmages were in peril. It seemed more likely that something had caught their attention.

“I left a message, so we’ll wait a few days. If there’s still no word, we can go look for them.”

Alea concluded crisply.

“For now, let’s enjoy the banquet.”

Helmut had assumed the banquet would be a small affair with just the Grand Duke’s family, but he was soon struck by an unexpected feeling.

A grand table was set in a medium-sized hall, where the banquet was already underway.

Due to the injured, this was a modest celebration.

Though they arrived on time, everyone was already seated.

Dishes were being brought out one by one. No one had touched the food yet.

“You’re here. Take your seats,” the Grand Duke’s deep voice resounded.

Helmut bowed slightly, his gaze shifting.

He had anticipated the presence of the Grand Duchess of Renosa and Michael, who had been avoiding him until now.

But Alonso and Sian were there too.

‘So that’s what he meant by “later.”’

Sian, sitting across from Alonso and chatting amiably, waved at Helmut.

Realizing this wasn’t the place for such casual gestures, he quickly lowered his hand.

The commander of the Black Wing Knights was one thing, but Sian, a mere hired mage, didn’t quite belong at this table.

His presence hinted at the Grand Duke’s intentions.

By inviting Helmut’s friend Sian, the Grand Duke was signaling that this occasion, while a celebration of victory, was also for Helmut.

‘I get the intention.’

The Grand Duke was gradually bolstering Helmut’s position as his heir.

Helmut wasn’t yet used to this newfound ally in the Grand Duke.

“Come, let’s sit,” Alea tugged at his arm.

Helmut resumed his steps.

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