Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 65 (Part 2):

“Your scabbard looks old but seems to be of good quality. A luxury item.”

Helmut looked at his scabbard. In the Forest of Roots, he lived in a shabby hut not even a commoner would stay in, but Darien must have been wealthy here. His assets were said to be in the bank.

“It’s an inheritance.”

“Then how about we just repair and refurbish the exterior?”

“That sounds good.”

Helmut agreed. Upon entering the smithy, the blacksmith greeted them politely. Rather than a meticulous craftsman’s workshop, it felt more like a store. This was Baden, and the clientele was mostly noble. The young blacksmith showed a commercially friendly demeanor.

“This sword, it’s very fine. Despite not being well-maintained, its sharpness… This smithing technique is… um…”

The blacksmith’s gaze bored into Helmut.

“Could you be royalty?”

“Not really.”

Probably not. Before the blacksmith could delve further into guessing the sword’s owner, Helmut snatched it back.

“Is it that great of a sword?”

Alea tilted her head. It seemed Darien was quite wealthy. Could this sword be a legendary masterpiece? Even Ethan Kudrow had recognized it.

“Yes, it could be considered a royal treasure. I’ve only heard about it, but this forging technique, the patterns on the blade, it’s likely made by Layton, a renowned craftsman. And Layton doesn’t make swords for just any swordsman.”

“Does that mean it’s expensive?”

“Not just expensive. Layton won’t sell or make a sword unless he feels inclined. He only crafts swords for swordsmen he deems worthy.”

“Quite picky, isn’t he?”

“Occasionally, Layton’s weapons that lose their owners and come up for sale fetch an enormous price. They’re incredibly durable and retain their sharpness and edge even after being neglected for a long time.”

Alea looked at Helmut.

“You’ve got a good sword.”

“Yeah.”

‘It’s Layton’s craftsmanship, after all.’

Alea thought researching the weapons made by Layton might reveal who passed the sword to Helmut. Thus, they could learn more about Helmut.

‘But why should I investigate him?’

It wasn’t out of a moral dilemma. She was curious but knew she shouldn’t be. Keeping distance while being together like this was ironic, but becoming further involved with him was undesirable. Alea suppressed her curiosity and threatened the blacksmith.

“If it becomes known that he possesses Layton’s sword, I’ll know it came from your lips.”

“Oh, dear customer. That’s basic. Of course, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Well, for now, that’s settled. I’d like the handle and sheath attended to.”

“A fine sword deserves a fitting handle and sheath. Polishing the handle will take a moment, but you’ll need to return tomorrow for the sheath. It’s quite damaged, but how about we smooth out the surface and engrave some patterns like this?”

After consulting with the blacksmith, they left the smithy. Helmut’s sword was temporarily housed in a wooden sheath. The greased and polished handle regained its original form, simple yet elegant.

They said it was fine to pay when picking up the sheath. Ethan probably sent Helmut without payment, knowing it would be postpaid.

The smithy seemed to be the last stop. As they left, Alea said,

“I should head back now.”

Suddenly checking the time, it was nearing evening. The thought of magic research came to mind. Forgetting about magic research for so long was rare for her.

‘Have I gotten used to chatting?’

Having shown off and accompanied Helmut around Baden, his future outings might become more challenging. The followers of Alea, glancing over at them even now, wouldn’t leave him alone. While she felt slightly guilty, it was Helmut’s burden to bear.

“Take care.”

“Yes, and from now on, pretend you don’t know me. I’ll also do the same.”

“Alright.”

Alea and Helmut turned away from each other as if they had never walked together. Alea headed to the academy dormitory, and Helmut to Ethan Kudrow’s mansion. He thought he heard women calling him from behind, but Helmut hurriedly walked away, pretending not to notice. He sensed that getting caught would only be troublesome.

It was the first time he had spent so long with someone, not on mercenary business. Whether or not it was useful, the time spent was neither boring nor unpleasant. It felt strange, new, and somewhat enjoyable, much like practicing with a sword.

“Did you visit the shops?”

Upon returning to the mansion, Ethan greeted him.

“I met Alea, and he guided me to the smithy. We decided to have my sword sheath and handle fixed.”

“That one again? Strange. He doesn’t seem like the type. Despite being a magic department student, he’s quite famous…”

“What kind of rumors?”

“Beautiful but cold and temperamental, nobody dares to approach him.”

“Seems the rumors are true.”

“But why does he hang out with you?”

“Maybe because he’s used to teaching me something?”

Ethan looked incredulous.

“Could that be the reason? Maybe you’ve become friends.”

Ethan nodded, satisfied. Starting with one friend wasn’t so bad.

Helmut thought differently. Do friends usually tell each other to pretend not to know each other next time? Probably not.

But Helmut was well aware that he couldn’t fathom Alea’s true intentions. He barely understood ordinary humans’ psychology, let alone Alea’s, who was complicated and whimsical. Warm one moment, cold the next, seemingly close yet distant. Reluctantly, he admitted that Alea, his first sort-of friend, was nothing like Finn. Annoying as it might be, every meeting with Alea left him feeling strangely affected.

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