Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 54 (Part 2):

“Oh, my God. Is he still alive?”

“No, he passed away not long ago due to natural causes.”

Speaking of Darien’s death felt odd to Helmut. It had been only a short while since he had been with Darien in the Forest of Roots, yet now he stood in a room within the Greta Academy.

“I see.”

Kudrow’s expression turned somber. If his grief was genuine, it indicated a deep sense of loss. However, his demeanor soon became resolute.

“Do you have proof that you’re his disciple?”

“This sword. He said you’d recognize it.”

Helmut drew his sword, its exceptional quality evident even to the untrained eye. Kudrow nodded in recognition.

“I remember. It’s definitely his sword.”

“Sword Saint Darien Deferth, he’s been missing for over twenty years. In my youth, I owed my life to him and vowed to repay that debt. He said he would remember my name, but the opportunity never came. He’s passed, and now only his student stands before me.”

This meant Darien’s honor and status were not tarnished by his disappearance. Those who sent him to the Forest of Roots lacked justification.

“Now, tell me why you’ve come to me.”

“I wish to enroll in the Greta Academy.”

That was Darien’s last wish, for Helmut to learn the ways of human society. The Kudrow family, with its lineage of sages, had served Baden for generations, and Ethan Kudrow had been an assistant at the academy when he met Darien. It was fortunate he was still here after all these years.

“And to convey that Darien hoped you would take care of me? I’m not sure if that’s the correct phrasing.”

‘I’m not a child in need of care.’

Helmut was technically a minor but considered an adult by the standards of the Forest of Roots, where reaching the age of fourteen was significant.

“…You mean you require a guardian.”

“Is that what it means?”

“Why seek admission to the academy? As a disciple of a Sword Saint, there’s no better teacher than him. Why pursue swordsmanship here?”

“The academy teaches more than just swordsmanship.”

The opportunity to mingle with peers of different temperaments, to acquire knowledge essential for life, and to experience a sense of belonging—all encapsulated within the academy. Darien wanted Helmut to learn to live among people, a wish he had expressed quite directly.

“I grew up alone, lacking social skills. He suggested the academy might help me become more sociable.”

“…I see your point.”

Kudrow nodded.

“How old are you?”

“Fourteen. Soon to be fifteen.”

With only a month left in the year, Helmut was close to turning fifteen.

“Then you should take the transfer exam, not the entrance exam. It’s better to start at your age.”

Surprised by the suggestion, Helmut inquired about the exam.

“Do I need to take an exam?”

The notion of an exam was new to him. Xenia had mentioned taking entrance exams, involving extensive study. Although Xenia’s focus wasn’t on swordsmanship, the prospect of a new challenge intrigued Helmut.

Kudrow misinterpreted Helmut’s reaction.

‘A disciple of a Sword Saint worrying about academy exams?’

Kudrow noticed Helmut’s exceptional aura and posture. This boy was chosen by a Sword Saint to inherit his sword, a privilege that granted him a certain arrogance.

“…Even as an instructor, I can’t simply place you in the Greta Academy, a prestigious institution. Recommendations are strictly prohibited, though the headmaster can make exceptions.”

After some thought, Kudrow continued.

“If I reveal you’re Darien Deferth’s disciple and vouch for your skills, the headmaster might allow your transfer.”

“I won’t reveal my connection to Darien for now.”

“Why is that?”

“Because his disappearance was due to betrayal.”

Helmut spoke firmly.

“It wouldn’t be beneficial for it to be known he has a disciple.”

Kudrow looked shocked.

“Betrayed? How could anyone harm the Sword Saint? I haven’t heard anything about this. No such fact has been made public.”

“I’m not asking for your help with that. Darien didn’t seek revenge, nor does he want me to avenge him.”

Helmut decided to withhold further details. Darien had trusted Kudrow enough to recommend him, despite having been betrayed once. This might mean Kudrow was exceptionally trustworthy, or perhaps it was an indication of Darien’s misplaced trust.

‘Maybe someone who’s been betrayed to that extent would only recommend someone utterly reliable.’

Helmut pondered this as Kudrow asked.

“I can’t intervene, but are you saying you’ll just let it be?”

Kudrow’s expression suggested indignation at the injustice. His commitment to a vow made 26 years ago indicated a man of strong convictions, who believed in retribution regardless of the perpetrator’s identity. Helmut shook his head.

“If they target me, it’s a different story. But for now, no.”

Facing those who had wronged Darien would require more strength and experience than Helmut currently possessed. It wasn’t too late to confront them later, provided they hadn’t all aged to death by then.

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