Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 458 (Part 2):

“She’s only three months along. That’s why they didn’t say anything before. But then I was chosen to enter the Forest of Roots, and they had to tell me. My mother fainted from the shock.”

The gloom in Asuka’s face carried the weight of his family’s struggles.

He revealed that fierce debate had raged before he was selected as the final member of the expedition into the Forest of Roots.

Even with the Crown Prince’s backing, it was far from a simple matter.

Other nations strongly opposed it.

Choosing their own candidate was difficult enough—the risk of losing a promising heir was too great.

But letting another country claim that last seat was equally unbearable.

It was a once-in-history chance to produce a hero.

Though such decisions shouldn’t be made by calculating gain or loss, the Deus Empire had invested heavily in hosting the summit and constructing the barrier, pouring enormous sums from its treasury.

Thus, the Empire insisted on taking that final place.

The problem was that Asuka was the candidate.

Grand Duke Farnese and the Grand Duchess opposed it.

But they couldn’t overrule him when he had a legitimate claim.

Instead, Asuka was forced into a deal with his father.

“If you return alive, you must serve faithfully as my successor within the Empire. No more delays. Do you understand?”

Burning to throw himself into peril, Asuka agreed without hesitation.

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

The Grand Duchess had wept and pleaded, but in the end, she too had no choice.

Though it left him uneasy, suddenly having a younger sibling gave him some relief as well.

Sian nodded.

“Maybe that’s why they let you go—because now you have a sibling.”

With the Earth Spirit on his side and two younger siblings, Sian had faced relatively little resistance.

As Grand Duke Farnese’s son, Asuka was cherished, but he was also Imperial royalty.

The Duke’s concerns about succession took precedence. Had Asuka been the sole heir, he never would have been sent.

“Good thing. Even if I die, someone else will remain.”

He said it lightly, but it was clear he had considered the possibility of dying.

“I won’t let you die. I’ll protect you.”

Sian crossed his arms with bravado.

Asuka scoffed.

“Protect me? Worry about yourself first—you’re the coward here.”

“That’s only in certain situations. How’s that magic sword treating you?”

“Well enough, I suppose.”

Asuka had fought in the comprehensive martial arts tournament against a bizarre opponent wielding such a blade.

At the time, he had dismissed the man as a sly cheat.

But when he himself received one, his perspective changed.

‘Even if bought with gold, strength is strength.’

He now possessed a national treasure of a sword, bought at staggering expense.

Even Alea had acknowledged it as a top-tier artifact.

Relying solely on the sword would eventually stunt his growth, but for now becoming stronger immediately was what mattered.

And Asuka had mastered its use.

“Tomorrow’s the day. Let’s rest.”

At last Helmut spoke, who had been silent until now.

It was their final night. Time to gather their thoughts, steel their resolve, and prepare for tomorrow.

The mood turned heavy with tension.

They broke off in pairs. Helmut went with Alea.

When they returned, someone was waiting in front of their quarters.

“I thought you’d return early. Did you enjoy the banquet?”

It was Charlotte.

Alea glanced at her, nodded, and went inside—sensing the siblings had words to share.

“I’ll head in.”

“Yes, please rest well.”

Charlotte fixed Helmut with a steady gaze.

“May I borrow you for a moment?”

“No need to put it so stiffly.”

They were family, after all.

Helmut and Charlotte climbed up onto the barrier wall—the very spot he had inspected earlier.

The sky was cloudless, and because of that the black night was pierced by countless bright stars.

Even in pitch-black despair, there was always light to be found.

That was Helmut’s life.

Born and raised in darkness, he had always reached for the stars.

Even when clouds passed over, just as stars never leave the sky, he continued walking in shadow.

And just when he thought he had finally grasped one, another darkness fell.

But even in the Forest of Roots, that abyss, he would clutch the light.

Perhaps his luck was already spent—but he felt no despair.

He had survived the Forest of Roots twice. Why not a third time?

Of all their party, Helmut was the most optimistic about the mission ahead.

Not just the monsters—even Elaga.

“I never imagined you’d go back there.”

Charlotte broke the silence.

Helmut nodded.

“Neither did I.”

“I heard you spoke with the Grand Duke.”

“I did.”

Helmut’s gaze, which had been fixed on the sky, dropped onto Charlotte.

It was heavy and intense.

“If I die, you will inherit Renosa. I will never give that position to Michael.”

It would have been simpler if the Grand Duke or Charlotte had killed him themselves.

Even the Temple no longer considered Helmut a threat.

There was no longer any need for him to prove his morality.

But Michael was cunning.

On his last visit to Renosa, Helmut had confronted him.

“You once told me you’d grant me a single indulgence.” Michael had said.

Was it in Basor? Helmut searched his blurred memories.

That had meant: even if Michael wronged him once, he would forgive—or if he asked for aid, he would give it.

And since then, Helmut had owed him another debt.

Michael had killed the blacksmith who recognized the Sword Saint’s blade, silencing him.

“You’ve gone far beyond what that indulgence could cover.”

So if Michael asked him to eliminate his insect before departing, Helmut would not oblige.

Instead, he had left him with an ample supply of medicine, considering the chance he might not return.

At least it would allow Michael to put his affairs in order.

“Is that so? Still, I think you might grant me this one request.”

Michael had smiled as he said it.

Helmut’s sharp gaze fixed on him.

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