Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 59 (Part 2):

Not for nothing Alea was the entrance exam’s top scorer. Nearly 80 percent of the questions were from the areas Alea had emphasized. The moral questions also appeared similar to what Alea had mentioned, so it seemed he would at least pass the cutline.

‘A tutoring worth 100,000 marks.’

Indeed, hiring Alea was a good choice.

‘Now, all that’s left is the practical.’

The content of the practical exam varied slightly every year. Since the period was short, knowing in advance wouldn’t allow for preparation anyway, and due to fairness issues, Ethan couldn’t provide any information. Ethan Kudrow was a scrupulously honest instructor.

“I can’t tell you about the practical exam, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for you.”

“Okay.”

“Ah, take it easy. Showing too much aggressiveness could count against you.”

Ethan added as if he had just remembered. Helmut tilted his head. But it was useful advice.

“I’ll do that.”

Helmut, having answered, decided to enjoy his rest for today. It had been a fast-paced fortnight.

The next day, Helmut could see his name on the bulletin board at the Academy’s main gate. In the evening, when Ethan Kudrow returned from work, he said that the average score was in the 70s, which was quite decent.

“The moral score was also decent. It was 58. The other scores must have been high.”

It was a somewhat awkward score to call good, but passing more than half was an achievement. Helmut felt relieved that he had improved in the part he found most difficult.

“You’ve worked hard for the past fortnight. Now only the practical remains.”

Ethan Kudrow patted his shoulder. Only one step remained.

For the practical exam, Helmut headed to the Academy the next morning. This time, he was guided to a place inside the Academy that was not a lecture hall. There was a bench under a pavilion without walls, and there were already applicants who had arrived before Helmut. Helmut went to an empty seat and sat down. While quietly thinking about what to do after the results were announced, he considered putting effort into training, perhaps touring Baden or visiting nearby places. It seemed good to be more active now that he had come into the human world.

“Hey, look here.”

Suddenly, someone spoke to him. Helmut, who didn’t know anyone here, didn’t initially realize he was being called.

“Hey.”

Seeing a large hand waving in front of him, Helmut finally shifted his gaze. It was an unfamiliar face. Given that Helmut knew only a few people in Baden, it was natural. The boy had thick golden eyebrows and a ruggedly handsome face, but it was so heavily made up that it felt somewhat greasy. The boy pointed at himself with a self-assured face.

“My name is Sabbat Rugal. The second son of the Rugal family.”

He spoke as if saying “Rugal” would make it obvious who he was. Helmut observed him as if assessing. Was this an introduction? Why? It was the first time Helmut had experienced someone approaching him to introduce themselves, especially in such a situation before an exam.

Sabbat Rugal, who had introduced himself, tilted his head and smiled.

“What, you can’t speak because of the Academy’s rules? It’s fine, we haven’t enrolled yet. They won’t nitpick about this.”

‘What Academy rules?’

Confused, Helmut replied directly.

“I don’t understand why you’re talking to me.”

Helmut’s appearance, with his jet-black hair and eyes and his expressionless, noble-looking face, was quite aristocratic. Moreover, having lived in luxury at Ethan Kudrow’s mansion recently, his face had gained a healthy glow, and his newly purchased clothes were of high quality.

Sabbat Rugal was convinced that such a person couldn’t be a commoner. Helmut himself was unaware, but he stood out among the applicants. It was rumored that he was a student tutored by the famous Alea of the Academy. Such a person couldn’t possibly have an ordinary background.

Sabbat interpreted Helmut’s response differently.

“No need to be so wary. Those with skill will pass. Right?”

His tone perfectly embodied arrogance. Sabbat Rugal had reason to be. He came from one of the Empire’s renowned sword families. His father, including the captains of the Imperial Knights, were among the notable knights produced by his family. His brother was also studying at Greta Academy, leading his grade. Although Sabbat’s arrival at Greta Academy was delayed due to family matters, his skills were outstanding among the applicants.

Except for Helmut, of course. Sensing Sabbat to be a tiresome individual, Helmut replied indifferently.

“Helmut.”

“What’s your family name? Where’s your family from?”

Family name? Helmut recalled the surname engraved on his mother’s pendant.

‘Margret Irene. Irene, then…’

Since he didn’t know his father’s name, that was the only family name he knew. However, it was also a fact he shouldn’t mention. Helmut wished his mother had told him his surname before sending him off to the Forest of Roots. But knowing at least his name was better than nothing. It would be greedy to ask for more.

“None.”

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