Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 48 (Part 2):

As time passed, the door of the mercenary guild opened with the ring of a bell.

A stern-looking middle-aged man with a hawkish nose and a lean build entered the guild.

Sara, who had been chatting, suddenly closed her mouth and put on a business smile.

“Welcome, sir. Are you from House Zahringen?”

Helmut didn’t know, but Zahringen was the name of a ducal family in the Deus Empire. A demanding client.

If Sara introduced him to such a place, it seemed she thought highly of Helmut.

“Yes, my lady. We were contacted by the mercenary guild, but is this the man?”

The sharp gaze scrutinized Helmut from head to toe. He had an authoritative manner, checking if Helmut had any ill intentions, was unruly, or, most importantly, if he would be acceptable to the lady.

“I heard he was fourteen, thought it was a joke, but he’s tall for his age and has good posture.”

“He’s affiliated with the Pace Mercenary Corps. For his age, he must be a competent recruit.”

Helmut momentarily thought of Finn, but he was likely to pursue a career as a chef, so there was no risk of damaging the reputation of the Pace Mercenary Corps.

“Well, he seems usable enough. What’s your name?”

“Helmut.”

“A third-rank mercenary of the Pace Mercenary Corps? Is there a reason you’re acting independently from your band?”

“I was on my way to Baden and thought it’d be good to take a request if there was a suitable one.”

After a formal exchange, the man nodded.

“Alright, come with me. Just act appropriately in front of the lady.”

It seemed there was still a final hurdle to clear. Helmut had never met a ‘noble lady’ before, so he was curious.

“Do well. See you next time!”

With Sara’s farewell, Helmut followed the middle-aged man. The man, who seemed almost decided on Helmut, began talking as they walked.

“My name is Gilton. I’m the steward for the Zahringen ducal house. Have you heard anything about us?”

“I’m not familiar with noble families.”

Being a duke seemed significant, but Helmut had heard that not all high titles meant a strong house.

“Better not to know than to know poorly.”

He didn’t try to impress, which Gilton found appealing.

Gilton had seen countless people trying to latch onto the Zahringen’s power. A mercenary who simply wanted to complete the request was preferable.

“However, if you’re going to be a mercenary, it’s good to know about the major noble families and the power structures of various countries. It helps to know how to deal with certain situations when you encounter them.”

Gilton subtly hinted that the Zahringens were a major noble family.

“I heard you’ve never been a guard before, but you’ve done convoy missions?”

“Yes.”

“Convoy or guard, there’s not much difference. Just follow what the family knights tell you. Complete the mission, and you’ll get your share.”

“Yes.”

“Your answers are clear. Being reticent is an important virtue for a guard.”

As they conversed, they neared their destination.

The building they approached was much larger and more imposing than where Helmut had stayed the night before.

The interior was dazzling. Marble columns, sculptures adorned with fresh flowers, and the drapes and wallpaper made of silk.

The staff, all neatly dressed, bowed their heads to them.

Only after entering did Helmut realize this was an inn and wondered how much a night here would cost.

‘500? 1,000?’

The lodging fee was likely more expensive than the average mercenary commission.

Helmut realized his client must be truly wealthy.

As they entered, a well-dressed man approached them.

A sword hung at his waist, and he was dressed in armor embossed with the family’s crest.

He looked Helmut over with a puzzled voice.

“Is this the mercenary? He looks young.”

“The mercenary guild has verified him, so there should be no problem. He’s from a well-known mercenary band. Cedric, you can teach him.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Where is the lady?”

“The lady is having breakfast in the dining room.”

“Good, let’s go to the dining room.”

As they walked, a delicious aroma filled Helmut’s nose. The savory smell of a well-prepared breakfast.

They approached a corner of the high-end dining room, with impressive silverware on white tablecloths.

There sat the ‘lady,’ engaged in a lively conversation with someone.

Glancing over, it seemed she had barely touched her food, with most of it left on her plate.

“Oh dear, you’re all so concerned about me. How kind. But no, I’m fine, really. The food here just doesn’t suit my taste. Our family’s chefs are quite skilled, you know. It would be wonderful if Alea could visit our estate sometime.”

The ‘lady’ laughed heartily. Her distinctly dyed golden hair was perfectly curled from the morning’s effort.

And someone hooded next to her. Helmut couldn’t see their face from his angle, but he sensed something.

‘A mage?’

Helmut mumbled internally.

Not a dark mage. Different from dark magic, more like a clear, clean energy. Good magic feels like clear spring water, he had heard.

Given the mage wasn’t hiding their magic completely, they probably weren’t an archmage like Antiol.

Gilton called out to her, fully immersed in her conversation.

“Lady Xenia.”

“Oh, Gilton, what is it?”

She responded with a playful tone, finally turning her head towards them.

Her large, blue eyes were striking, belonging to a girl about Helmut’s age, maybe a year or two younger.

Though her blonde hair seemed artificial, it matched her doll-like beauty.

But her attention seemed still fixed on the mage next to her.

Fortunately for Gilton, he quickly introduced Helmut.

“Lady Xenia, this is the new mercenary we’ve hired.”

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