Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 66 (Part 1):

Helmut redirected the question.

“Instead, for the remaining month, there isn’t anything in particular we need to prepare for, is there?”

He wasn’t talking about advanced studies or swordsmanship training. Those were things Helmut did as part of his daily routine, especially the latter.

“Yeah, the dormitory room assignments will be coming up soon, but since you don’t have much luggage to pack, there’s nothing you need to prepare. It might be best to buy the academy uniform after you’ve been assigned a room.”

“That’s good to hear.”

The nuance in those words intrigued Ethan, prompting him to ask.

“What are you planning to do?”

“Is there a mercenary guild in Baden as well?”

“That’s right.”

Surely he’s not…? Ethan’s pupils dilated in surprise.

“I’m thinking of taking up mercenary work. It seems like a good way to make money during my free time.”

Helmut had kept himself busy even in the Forest of Roots, his days packed with activities. Trying something new meant it couldn’t be anything related to leisure or laziness. He felt restless. Seeking out something useful to do was a habit ingrained in him. Thus, Helmut decided to make use of his mercenary status.

“Running non-stop is one thing, but mercenary work? What if you get injured before even starting at the academy?”

“Me? I don’t get injured.”

Helmut spoke with confidence, arrogance filling his dark eyes. The arrogance of someone who believes there is no one here who could match him. He who had taken down two second-rank mercenaries. Was it even possible to get injured on a mission in Baden? Even if he did, his recovery abilities would quickly mend any wounds.

However, Ethan was a noble. He couldn’t just stand by and allow the fifteen-year-old boy he was supervising to engage in dangerous work to earn money. He searched for a counterargument.

“What kind of mission could you possibly take on in a month?”

“You suggested I do something. I’ll look into what missions are available in Baden. If there aren’t any, then that can’t be helped.”

“If you need money, I can support you. I am your guardian, after all.”

“I have my own money. I’m not lacking.”

Helmut’s firm response conveyed a clear boundary. He was under Ethan’s care but remained an independent entity. He sought help minimally. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. More than feeling upset or disappointed, Ethan felt a sense of pity. People don’t live in isolation. He had hoped that during his stay at the Kudrow mansion, Helmut had begun to open up a bit, but Ethan felt a lingering sense of regret. He sighed deeply.

‘He’s like a wild beast that prefers solitude. I wonder if he’ll ever open up to someone.’

“Fine, if that’s how you want it. But if you decide to take on a mission, you have to tell me.”

As a disciple of a benefactor, Ethan was fully committed to supporting Helmut, this young boy who didn’t even know his own birth date.

The next day, Helmut went to the smithy to pick up his sword sheath. The old and worn sheath had been transformed beyond recognition overnight. Its surface, now painted black and filled in with gold in the carved patterns, looked luxurious.

“Are you satisfied?”

The blacksmith beamed, pleased with his work, and Helmut nodded, fitting his sword into the new sheath.

His next destination was the mercenary guild. He had passed by it at the edge of the bustling area the day before. The guild was quite busy, a sign that students were returning to the academy. Mercenaries who had completed their escort missions were leaving Baden in search of new assignments.

“Welcome, are you here to request a mission?”

A boy around Helmut’s age, manning the reception desk, looked up at him with wide eyes.

‘Is he a young master from some noble family? He has quite the fierce look in his eyes.’

Luxurious accessories can significantly influence one’s stature. Helmut looked noble not only in appearance but also in his attire, further accentuated by the gold-trimmed sheath at his waist, making it hard to believe he was a commoner.

“I’m here to take on a mission.”

“Y-Yes? Are you a mercenary?”

“Yes.”

“Then, please wait in line over there.”

The burly mercenaries in line behind Helmut looked at him curiously. To them, he clearly looked more like a client than a mercenary. But no one bothered to speak up. Mercenaries typically mind their own business, especially within the guild, where completing a mission is all that matters.

When Helmut’s turn came, the boy from earlier greeted him.

“Third-rank mercenary, Helmut.”

“You’re affiliated with the Pace Mercenary Corps.”

It was handy to claim affiliation with the Pace Mercenary Corps, despite having only taken on a mission with them once. Unless they had worked together on that mission, even fellow Pace mercenaries wouldn’t recognize him. Helmut nodded slowly.

“What kind of mission are you looking for? We have a lot of requests lately.”

“It shouldn’t be far from Baden. Preferably within Baden, should be completed within a month, and offer a substantial reward. I don’t mind if it’s dangerous. The bigger the reward, the better.”

Leaving Baden would be opposed by Ethan. Helmut was willing to take on a challenging mission out of greed for money. After all, moving into the dormitory and purchasing various items would require funds.

A chuckle came from the back of the line. The mercenaries who were waiting laughed, thinking this noble young master was being overly ambitious.

“Very specific. I’m not sure if we have such a mission, but I’ll look.”

The boy rifled through the documents in front of him and soon spoke up again.

“There are some missions available in Baden, but they’re mostly simple tasks suitable for fourth-rank mercenaries. There’s one, though, with a decent reward. It’s a bit tricky.”

‘Not dangerous, but tricky? What’s that about?’

Helmut tilted his head.

“Tell me about it.”

“Well, it’s a request from the Greta Academy that came in last year. No one has been able to solve it so far. The mission is…”

After listening to the boy’s explanation, Helmut nodded.

“I’ll take that one.”

“Really? But if you fail, you won’t get any compensation, and it’ll be recorded as a failure. It’s a well-paid mission, but that’s why no one wants to take it.”

“I’ll take the risk.”

“Okay, if you say so… I’ll register it for you. The deadline is in two weeks. If you want to extend the deadline or give up on the mission, please come back here.”

Helmut nodded, took the documents the receptionist handed him, and left.

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•