Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 53 (Part 2):

Baden was a large, thriving academic city. Established by a famous sage for the purpose of learning, this city has maintained strict neutrality over generations, belonging to no country—a sort of independent city-state. Here, three prestigious academies, committed to attracting and nurturing talent from any nation, stood.

The quality of education offered by the academies in Baden was unparalleled. Many renowned mages, knights, and scholars hailed from Baden. Even royalty and heirs to the throne sought education in Baden, a well-known fact.

Admission to Baden’s academies was not restricted by social status, and graduates were assured of honor and wealth, making it a direct path to success for commoners. However, entry was as difficult as passing through the eye of a needle. Competing against nobles who had received early education from childhood, commoners found it extremely challenging to gain admission. The entrance exams were conducted on an equal footing.

Baden was filled with excellent students, and the term “genius” was sparingly used. In Baden, those who were considered geniuses elsewhere were just ordinary students. It was truly a city of gathered talents.

And so, Helmut had finally arrived in Baden.

After the bandit attack, the journey proceeded smoothly. Upon arrival, they checked into a luxurious inn. Despite the expected high cost of accommodation and full bookings, only those with reservations were accepted.

‘I wanted to try staying here.’

Having earned a significant amount of money recently, Helmut felt a bit disappointed. Upon arrival, Gilton distributed the mission fees to the mercenaries. Helmut received his share, along with additional rewards.

“As for the promised reward, how about I give you the horse you’ve been riding? It’s a fine horse, worth at least 10,000 Marks. But it seems to follow you well. If you don’t like it, you’re free to sell it.”

“Thank you.”

Since being subdued by Helmut, the white horse had become docile. Helmut liked the animal, but he would be staying in Baden for a while, with no need for a horse. Finding a place to keep it was a concern, but he could sell it later if necessary.

“You’ve worked hard. I’ll speak well of you to the Mercenary Guild.”

A commendation from Zahringen could be beneficial for future escort missions, as the guild tends to assign well-regarded mercenaries to important clients.

Gilton extended his hand. Helmut, staring blankly, realized belatedly it was an offer to shake hands. It was rare for a steward of a noble house to treat a mercenary this way. The mission fee was generously topped up. Having undertaken just two missions, both with wealthy clients, Helmut had been fortunate. Though the missions were perilous, they posed no problem for him.

After parting with Gilton and leading the horse out of the inn, Helmut witnessed a scene.

“Lord Alea, please take care.”

Xenia, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief, personally saw off Alea. Does pain mature a person? Her chubby cheeks had slimmed down, seemingly aging her by a few years. Standing in an awkward position to pass by, he stopped.

Xenia tightly held onto Alea’s hand.

“Will we meet again?”

“I will be in Greta.”

Of course, that didn’t mean he would meet her. Alea extricated his hand and bowed slightly to her before turning away. Xenia, crying profusely, was helped up the stairs by the maids. Alea, heading towards the entrance, noticed Helmut standing with the horse. Alea’s eyebrows raised.

‘3rd rank mercenary, Helmut.’

A man of many suspicions, but what could be done now? With the journey over, he longed to rest. Moreover, Helmut’s pinpointing had made Alea want nothing more to do with him.

‘I didn’t expect him to notice.’

So what? He is a mercenary, and Alea is a student. They wouldn’t cross paths again. Alea left without acknowledging him, and Helmut followed at a distance. Unlike Alea, who thought it was over, Helmut seriously considered confronting him with a knife to his throat, out of mere curiosity.

The magic still enveloping Alea wrapped him in a thin barrier. As Alea stepped out of the inn towards his destination, his steps halted momentarily. His gaze lingered somewhere briefly. Helmut’s eyes followed Alea’s gaze.

‘What’s that?’

Alea quickly withdrew his gaze. As if nothing had happened, he walked away. Left alone, Helmut stared intently at the spot Alea had glanced at.

The flower shop next to the inn. Humans exchange these inedible plants or use them for decoration. Alea’s gaze had lingered on a small pot of brightly colored flowers, perfect for a windowsill but otherwise useless.

Suddenly, a realization flashed through Helmut’s mind. He understood the nature of the magic the mage was using.

‘Such magic exists?’

Though curious, magic defies the laws of physics. It wasn’t impossible. His intuition aligned with his realization. Helmut felt he could now comprehend the strange sensation he had felt from the mage, Alea. Why he used such magic was unclear. Being unfamiliar with the human world, Helmut knew this wasn’t ordinary.

But was it any of his concern? Or, perhaps it was?

‘Greta Academy, right.’

Helmut had someone to meet in Baden, as Darien had instructed. And then…

‘Maybe we’ll meet again.’

It was a premonition. Likely to become reality.

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