Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 52 (Part 2):

Alea moved towards the knights. The ropes that had been tying the sleeping men began to slither open, then flew up and tied the remaining thieves together, like snakes come to life.

“Your name was Helmut, right?”

After finishing his task, Alea glared straight at Helmut, who had been watching.

“How did you not fall asleep?”

Alea always casts a purification spell on all food before eating. It’s a high-level spell that not only purifies poison but eliminates all other effects. That allowed him to detect the situation and hide. But Helmut was different. He’s a mercenary who doesn’t use magic.

“I didn’t drink from that spring.”

“I saw you drink with my own eyes. If you want, I can read the earth’s memory and show you.”

Helmut casually replied, not wanting to get into it.

“I have a peculiar constitution.”

“Really? How peculiar. You’ve been suspicious from the start.”

Alea’s body surged with magical energy, and a white aura rose like mist. Helmut reached for his sword, instinctively knowing what was coming next. The stage right before casting a spell. His eyes shone brightly.

“You’ll have to explain properly. Otherwise, I might just dissect you to find out.”

Helmut realized that despite Alea’s calm appearance, he was quite impulsive. Helmut reconsidered his options. To subdue and then threaten, or to kill? But the mage was not an easy target. Although he didn’t think he’d lose, if Alea managed to escape, it would be troublesome.

‘I can’t kill, but I need to get paid.’

If it had been the old Helmut, he would have chosen to fight. But now, he had restrictions. Helmut decided to counter Alea’s attack.

“And you, always using magic, what’s your scheme?”

“Me, using magic?”

“Don’t play dumb. From the start, you’ve been using it. I felt the magical power surrounding you. If that’s not magic, what is it?”

Alea’s lips, which had been proud, sealed shut. He seemed to realize he had been correctly called out on hiding something. The mage glared menacingly at Helmut.

“What does that have to do with you?”

“Turn that question around. It doesn’t concern you, so let’s agree not to meddle in each other’s business.”

Helmut proposed a truce. Both had secrets they were hiding. It would be easier for both if they agreed not to pry into each other’s matters, as it seemed neither had any intention other than their current involvement with the group.

“Fine, for now.”

Alea accepted Helmut’s proposal for a ceasefire, his aggression seemingly deflated by the tacit admission. He had made his judgment as well. Fighting amidst the encampment with people lying unconscious around them wasn’t appropriate. And from his observations, Helmut, this mercenary, wasn’t an easy opponent.

“We should wake the others.”

‘Next time.’

Opportunities could be created. Alea cast a purification spell on a few of the sleeping individuals. Casting it on everyone would consume too much magical power. With the suspicious individual around, he couldn’t afford to deplete his magical reserves.

“That was a close one.”

Gilton, having woken up and assessed the situation, calmed his startled heart. He had been too complacent, putting the precious lady at risk by falling into such a trap. Had anything happened to her, he couldn’t have forgiven himself as a steward of Cheringen. He bowed deeply in gratitude.

“We owe you a great deal, Mage.”

“Don’t mention it. I did what I could as a fellow traveler.”

Alea’s nonchalant acceptance belied the fact that he had said it wouldn’t matter if Xenia died. It wasn’t a thoughtless comment. Giving in to the hostage situation would weaken his position. He hadn’t planned to let Xenia die immediately. And if it didn’t lead to her immediate death, he could always use healing magic to save her, although that situation would be regrettable for Xenia.

“Besides, over there.”

Alea pointed. His finger accurately singled out Helmut, who sat idly on a tree stump.

“That mercenary also helped me. For some reason, he didn’t fall asleep.”

His tone was suspicious. Helmut, under Gilton’s gaze, replied with the same nonchalance as Alea.

“I have a unique tolerance to such things.”

Gilton nodded without suspicion.

“I’ve heard of such constitutions. Impressive. When it’s time to pay the fee, we’ll make sure you’re compensated fairly.”

The noble’s reward was something to look forward to. Helmut began to calculate how much it might be. Two thousand? With the original fee, it might come to that. It was good he had saved the client. Internally, Helmut felt satisfied.

However, as soon as Xenia regained consciousness, she rushed to Alea.

“Oh, Mage, you were incredible. To maintain consciousness and face the thieves alone, what an ordeal it must have been.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

Even knowing Helmut was awake, Xenia seemed to ignore him completely, her eyes shining even brighter with admiration than before. It was as if she was even more smitten.

She seemed unaware of what had almost befallen her during her unconsciousness, including Alea’s actions. Perhaps that was for the best. Had she known, she might have wanted to deny the reality.

But she didn’t stop at merely thanking Alea for saving her life.

“Oh, Alea, to think we met by chance and you even saved my life. This must be fate!”

Alea’s arms goosebumped at the sudden talk of fate. Zahringen is a renowned noble family within the empire, possessing both wealth and status. Any man would typically not refuse the affection of such a beautiful young lady, but Alea was an exception. Even if the empire’s princess had expressed affection for him, he would have declined. Alea maintained a cool demeanor, though his lips twitched slightly.

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