Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 454 (Part 2):

The hand of Alonso, Commander of the Black Wing Knights, twitched.

He was undoubtedly qualified, not inferior to Luke Yeager.

But that would mean four from Renosa alone.

Setting aside Sian, who was temporarily employed, Helmut and Alea were the future Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Renosa.

Was it appropriate for one nation to bear such responsibility?

Would other nations, or the Empire, not take issue with it?

As the Commander of the Black Wing Knights, Alonso had to consider the political implications, not just his personal desires.

And it wasn’t as if there were no other comparable warriors.

With Basor’s Palma Knights and Renosa stepping forward, shouldn’t the Empire’s Imperial Knights Commander do the same?

But unlike Luke Yeager, the Imperial Knights Commander required the Emperor’s approval and could not act immediately.

Perhaps someone from another nation, then?

Grand Duke Farnese spoke up.
“If there are no objections to the nine selected, we should set aside personal ambitions and proceed with a fair selection process. However, the selection must not take too long.”

Levina nodded.
“The plan to enter the Forest of Roots itself requires review and preparation.”

“Have each party submit candidates’ documents, and let the nine already chosen review them to decide the final member,” the Crown Prince calmly concluded.

Though opinions were formally sought afterward, no one stepped forward.

There was no need for a vote; the matter was promptly settled.

“Four days from now, we will hold a second meeting here. At that time, we will discuss the proposed plan, the final member, and the establishment of the frontline barrier.”

With that, the meeting adjourned. A chaotic atmosphere followed.

Unexpected opinions had led to unexpected decisions.

It was both bewilderingly new and unfamiliar.

Yet, they were not wandering blindly in the dark but forging a path forward.

That, at least, was a positive sign.

Helmut quietly left the conference hall with his companions.

His proposed strategy had been accepted, and the roster was nearly complete.

Now, they needed to devise a way to make it a reality.
Because this was a matter of life and death—for them, above all.

That night, key figures from the Empire, Renosa, the Temple, and Basor gathered, including the nine selected members.

Though they had long shared information and coordinated plans, large and small, this was the first time Basor had joined them.

While their strength was formidable, their intelligence was lacking.

Basor’s territory was some distance from the Forest of Roots.

Their expertise in slaying demonic beasts in their desert was commendable, but beyond fighting, their role seemed limited.

Still, the Palma Knights would play a significant part in establishing the frontline.

“Welcome,” Heike said with a smile, greeting Luke Yeager, Commander of the Palma Knights, and the Second Prince of Basor.

The Second Prince, acting on behalf of the king, bore the full authority of Basor.
“I never imagined we’d meet like this,” he said, casting a pointed glance at the High Priests.

The High Priests, accustomed to hostility by now, showed little reaction.

Heike responded in their stead.
“You’ll get used to it. We’re no strangers to discomfort ourselves.”

Heike, the Temple’s public enemy. She had lost her son and daughter-in-law to the Temple.

Yet, her smiling face betrayed no emotional turmoil.

Was her remarkable composure due to her status as an Archmage?

Before her, Basor’s anger—born of losing the Sword Saint and witnessing the Temple’s machinations—seemed trivial.

Even Luke Yeager’s grudge, having nearly died to the Temple’s schemes, paled in comparison.

He turned his gaze to Helmut.
“You’ve been through a lot.”

Helmut tilted his head.
“That doesn’t sound like you.”

Naturally, he was referring to the tone. It was far too polite for Luke Yeager.

Luke chuckled.
“I’m the Commander of the Palma Knights, and you’re the Grand Prince of Renosa, aren’t you?”

“For a Palma Knights Commander, you sure jumped in without much consultation.”

Helmut was poking at the Second Prince’s earlier attempt to restrain him. Luke Yeager, however, was utterly unabashed.

“That’s allowed in Basor.”

As long as it didn’t tarnish the honor of the Palma Knights’ Commander.

“He says he’s confident because he’s slain plenty of demonic beasts,” the Second Prince said with a sigh.

“Now that it’s come to this, there’s no helping it. If we must proceed with this strategy or whatever it is, I only hope it succeeds safely.”

Much like Helmut, who was being sent to the Forest of Roots for the third time, Luke Yeager’s situation was no ordinary one.

To think that the descendant of the Sword Saint, now Commander of the Palma Knights, would follow in his ancestor’s footsteps to the Forest of Roots.

It was a moment of history repeating itself.

“I’ve dried up Basor’s demonic beasts for my experiments, so you needn’t worry about our forces being stretched thin,” Heike said with a kind smile.

The Second Prince nodded.
“Basor’s knights, even beyond the Palma Knights, are adept at handling demonic beasts. They will be of great help in establishing the frontline.”

“As for the final member, do you have any guesses?” the Second Prince asked, turning to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, his expression tinged with concern, replied, “Since applications are to be submitted, we may yet see unexpected names. But whoever it is, no matter how powerful, it must be someone able to build trust with those already chosen.”

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