Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 440 (Part 2):

Having lived a life so accustomed to secrecy, he had to consider whether there was anything significant he hadn’t mentioned.

“Well, not really? Just that I have ties to Black Hawk.”

“That’s enough, then.”

Just as he felt a moment of relief, a new worry arose.

Fortunately or not, this worry wasn’t theirs alone.

“When will Archmage Antiol be able to calculate when the barrier will collapse?”

Heike answered.

“Three days should suffice.”

“We should inform other nations of this first.”

A cold determination settled in the Grand Duke’s eyes. His mind was already racing to devise ways to address the situation.

This wasn’t a crisis Renosa could handle alone.

It would resonate most with nations bordering the Forest of Roots.

Nations bordering the Forest of Roots would bear the brunt—if the barrier fell, demonic beasts would swarm out, devouring everything in their path.

The more perceptive ones might even aim to exterminate the entire human race.

No, not just humans—unlike the Forest of Roots, the animals and plants outside, lacking demonic energy, were weak and vulnerable. Everything could be at risk.

“The Mage Association has likely already been informed. You can use them as witnesses. As a public enemy of the Temple, I can’t step forward openly.”

As an archmage, Heike was a vital asset in such a crisis.

Even the Temple might have to acknowledge her assistance.

“I thank you for your efforts in uncovering this truth.”

The Grand Duke offered words of praise.

Fortunately, having fought the Temple, they were already in direct communication with the Empire and Basor, the two most militarily powerful nations.

Heike frowned.

“The Temple is probably thinking the same thing. They can’t handle this alone either.”

The Grand Duke continued.

“They might end up seeking help from other nations.”

Just days ago, they were at war. It would create quite a peculiar situation.

Elaga muttered.

[Someone went through hell to cross the sacred barrier, and now those guys get to cross it for free.]

“I’m the one who went through hell.”

Igrelle scoffed. Hadn’t Elaga, plagued by a fear of heights, been utterly useless?

[Well, whatever. Maybe there’s nothing to worry about with the demonic beasts.]

Elaga said nonchalantly. Unlike the humans, he had no concern about the demonic beasts.

After all, weren’t they just weaklings he could swat away with a single paw?

“Those pathetic creatures from the Forest of Roots wouldn’t dare come at us—”

Igrelle hesitated mid-sentence.

“But those idiots might not resist the temptation of all that human flesh lying around.”

Moreover, she had a feeling something was happening within the Forest of Roots.

If her instincts were right, once the barrier fell, the beasts that surged out might be beyond anyone’s control.

The two remaining territorial rulers in the Forest of Roots.

What had become of Baharek and Kantara was anyone’s guess.

“I need to go back to the Forest of Roots.”

Igrelle declared, and Elaga chimed in.

[Yeah, me too.]

“…You’re not saying you’re riding me there, are you?”

[Why not?]

“On whose authority!”

As they bickered, Alea cut in.

“Instead of arguing, it’s better if Helmut and I go along. Sian too.”

It would be best to see the situation for themselves.

They roughly sorted out what each needed to do.

Everyone rose and left the room.

As Elaga was about to leave last, he suddenly turned to the Grand Duke.

[So, you’re Helmut’s incompetent and irresponsible father.]

The Grand Duke, who had been organizing his complicated thoughts, flinched at the sudden remark.

Even the Emperor of the Empire wouldn’t dare insult the Grand Duke of Renosa so openly.

But his opponent was a demonic beast. One powerful enough to single-handedly crush the Temple.

“…That’s right.”

[I raised the child you abandoned.]

“Thank you.”

It sounded oddly hollow.

[And now that I’ve raised him well, you think you can just swoop in and take him?]

“If you want compensation for raising him, I’ll provide it.”

The Grand Duke frowned, as if the absurdity of conversing with a cat felt alien.

Elaga raised his tail.

[What would a demonic beast do with money?]

“Aren’t you already freeloading in the castle? I’ve never heard of Helmut having a guest.”

And this was the kind of guest that absolutely needed to be reported.

The Grand Duke spat out quickly, as if trying to shake off his frustration.

“So, what are you trying to say?”

[I’ll be watching. To see if you betray Helmut like his mother did.]

It was brutally blunt. But it was a fair warning.

After a pause, the Grand Duke replied, visibly displeased.

“Do as you wish. But I assure you, that won’t happen.”

[Good, then.]

Having said his piece, Elaga left the room. The Grand Duke’s voice followed him.

“And when I said thank you, I meant it.”

Elaga didn’t respond.

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