Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 459 (Part 1):

However, the words that spilled from Michael’s lips were utterly unexpected.
“Come back alive.”

Helmut stood frozen, as if time itself had paused. Only belatedly did the meaning of those words sink in.
“…That’s a difficult request, but it’s a first.”

Helmut cast a cold gaze upon him.
“‘Your desires and mine have never aligned.’”

Michael flashed his characteristic gentle smile.
“‘Is that so? But there must have been many times when they aligned without us knowing.’”

Emotions that move people are manifold. Even contradictory emotions can coexist.

Just as Michael had failed to decisively eliminate Helmut, swayed by desires at odds with an inability to fully harden his heart.

Acting halfheartedly often leads to the worst outcomes.

That was the reality Michael faced, and it was something Helmut had experienced as well.

Yet, regardless of how the results manifested for each of them, the distinction between winner and loser was clear.

“‘I won’t set you free.’”

Thus, Helmut had no intention of showing mercy.

If he decided to turn his back, he would have to become ruthless and cruel.

Because the figure before him was an enemy who could strike at his back at any moment.

The only reason he hadn’t killed Michael was that he hadn’t yet given a clear justification to do so.

Michael responded calmly.
“I know.”

“Why the change of heart?”

Helmut asked. When had Michael ever shed his childish malice, and why this sudden shift in demeanor? It was intriguing.

“It’s simple. If you live, I live.”

Though Michael had acted as if he had no attachment to life, it was because he had no choice but to accept his fate.

With a frail body that could give out at any moment, he had been trudging through each day.

But ever since Helmut planted that worm in his heart, Michael had been freed from his wretched illness.

True, he would likely live the rest of his life under Helmut’s command, never again able to aspire to the position of Renosa’s heir, which he had long dreamed of.

Even free of illness, he couldn’t wield a sword or become remarkably robust.

Yet, he could start living again. Even if it wasn’t the life he had envisioned.

For that to happen, Helmut had to survive.

“If you return as the hero who saved the world, no one will be able to use the Seed of Darkness as an excuse anymore, will they?”

Michael’s expression, as he spoke, seemed eerily peaceful.

Snapping out of his reverie and returning to reality, Helmut spoke to Charlotte.
“No matter what that guy says, I don’t trust him.”

“That’s only natural. I feel the same.”

“I’m leaving the rest to you.”

Though he was the heir, Helmut’s place in the Grand Duchy of Renosa was not yet solidified.

In such circumstances, with him about to leave, Charlotte was the only one he could rely on.

Charlotte spoke aloud.
“I wanted to go too.”

Her eyes burned with frustration. Excluding her, everyone who had ventured to the Forest of Roots was part of this mission.

The reason she couldn’t join wasn’t just that Renosa couldn’t spare more people—it was something more fundamental.

Because Charlotte was weaker. Because there were better options than her.

Objectively, Charlotte was no mediocre talent, but she wasn’t at the level to join a mission filled with archmages and swordmasters.

“Guarding the barrier is an important task too. I hope you stay safe.”

Helmut fixed his gaze on her intently.
She was, in the truest sense, his only kin.

Charlotte nodded.
“I won’t overdo it. Please, return safely.”

Only if Helmut and his party succeeded would the barrier have a greater chance of holding back the demonic beasts.

There was a vast difference between an army commanded by the Demon King and a mere horde of countless beasts.

After a few more words were exchanged, the conversation came to an end.

Helmut and Charlotte descended from the castle walls. The night would pass, and when morning came, it would be time to set out.

The third journey to the Forest of Roots. But this time, it was to fight.

All preparations were complete. They would depart in peak condition.

* * *

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•