Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 56 (Part 1):

‘Although he seems quiet, there’s a sharp and dangerous impression about him. Is that why he was in disguise?’

Nobles value their appearance as much as their demeanor. It wasn’t incomprehensible. What was puzzling was the reason for his visit.

Helmut got straight to the point.

“I was hoping you could tutor me.”

Alea frowned deeply and responded immediately.

“I’d rather not.”

“Why not?”

‘Are you really asking me?’ Alea looked at Helmut with disbelief. After parting ways with him, for some reason, his sleep had been uneasy. The outright unexpectedness of his request had left him stunned.

“Because it’s bothersome. Why should I bother with such trouble?”

‘I thought he came to Baden for a mission, but tutoring?’

“Were you preparing for the academy entrance exam?”

“No, a transfer. I need to prepare for the written exam.”

“Transfer or not, I’m not tutoring. I absolutely detest teaching idiots. And filling a vacant knight’s head with knowledge is even more repulsive.”

Alea wasn’t short on money. Moreover, he was a genius and infamous enough for his foul temper. His patience was too thin to tolerate someone’s lack of understanding. He had no intention of building connections, and detested those who tried to get close with such pretenses. Joining the Zahringen group was a rare exception made only to avoid more bothersome matters. Alea disliked getting involved with people in general.

Helmut decided to use a universal method. He spoke like a wealthy man.

“I’ll pay you.”

“You’ll pay? How much can you offer?”

Alea snorted in derision.

“How much do you need?”

He could have outright said no regardless of the amount, but Alea couldn’t help but challenge.

“I’m expensive. Do you think a mere third-rank mercenary can afford to hire a top student from the magic department?”

Helmut didn’t ponder much. He might not have the wealth, but Ethan Kudrow surely did. Since he had offered to be his guardian, he assumed Ethan would support the tutoring fees.

“Name your price.”

“100,000 marks, no credit. Cash upfront.”

Alea spoke confidently, arms crossed. Helmut replied nonchalantly.

“Fine, 100,000 marks. I’ll prepare it, so no backtalk.”

Alea’s eyes widened slightly.

“Really? Are you serious?”

100,000 marks was a significant amount even for nobility. A family like Zahringen would ponder deeply about it. Perhaps the mercenary was actually the son of a wealthy family. But which wealthy family would allow their not-yet-of-age son to undertake dangerous mercenary work? It didn’t make sense.

“Let’s start the tutoring tomorrow. Where shall we meet?”

Helmut calculated the money he had. Including what he took from the Black Hawk pouch, he had just under 120,000 marks. While he would have to part with some of his belongings, he could afford it. He didn’t mind. Having lived almost his entire life without money, Helmut didn’t feel the lack of it. Money earned in a short time was meant to be spent when needed.

“Alright, come to the dormitory front by 10 a.m. tomorrow.”

Alea looked skeptical. He doubted whether this guy could actually bring the money.

“If you don’t bring the money, there’s no deal.”

Alea got up and left the reception room swiftly. Helmut felt as if he was somehow entangled in this situation.

“That worked out well.”

Helmut muttered as he left the dormitory. The top student of the magic department, was it? He could only think of one person fitting that description, and it was fortunate that this one person was the right one. It would have been troublesome if Alea had refused to meet, but as long as they met, Helmut was confident in his ability to enforce his request. He was almost certain about what Alea’s magic was.

‘I had thought of threatening him if it didn’t work out.’

Threatening a mage wasn’t a good choice. It was easier to resolve with money.

Helmut immediately returned to the inn to pack his belongings, then mounted a horse and headed to Ethan Kudrow’s mansion. The Kudrow family was quite renowned in Baden. Ethan Kudrow lived in a mansion on the outskirts of Baden.

“You’re a guest, I presume.”

After he showed a note, the guard gladly let him in. The mansion had an interior reminiscent of the academy’s faculty rooms, with its antique style. Helmut was promptly led to a room on the first floor. Silk wallpapers and furniture, and a room fragrant with the subtle scent of wood. The soft bedding and cloth felt luxurious compared to the inn, promising immediate sleep.

‘It was a good decision to move.’

Considering the well-maintained mansion, Ethan Kudrow was indeed a wealthy guardian. There would be no discomfort until graduation from the academy.

Later in the evening, Ethan Kudrow returned home. Helmut discussed unfinished matters over dinner with him.

“Did Alea agree to tutor you?”

“Yes, he agreed.”

“Really? That’s unexpected. His temperament is quite infamous. He must have taken a liking to you.”

“I told him I would pay 100,000 marks.”

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