Chapter 40: Chapter 159
Helmut had hardly any luggage, thanks to his cloak enchanted with spatial expansion magic.
His belongings, not meant for others to see, were numerous, hence he never left them unattended.
However, one thing that couldn't fit into the cloak was his horse at the inn.
Though not as adept as Basor's horses or camels in the desert, his Junma was adaptable and had become accustomed to the path, making it preferable to bring along.
Heading to the Golden Leaf Inn, Helmut encountered Mihail.
Amidst the commotion, an early returnee, Mihail, greeted Helmut warmly.
Helmut had been thinking of informing him, a courtesy towards his provider of board and lodging. Somehow, it felt like the right thing to do.
"...That's what happened."
Mihail wasn't surprised by Helmut's brief explanation.
"An early monster subjugation, I see. I was watching the match when that giant bird flew in, startling me. Initially, I thought it was an event, but given the reaction, it seemed like an extraordinary occurrence even for Basor. It's a shame the final was ruined."
'So, I wasn't the only one who thought it might be an event.'
To outsiders, such incidents seemed not out of place for Basor.
"It's curious, monster activity at such a time."
Mihail murmured, seemingly unbothered by the gruesome sight of the bodies on stage, only perturbed by Basor's scorching heat.
'For a noble's son, he's bold. Even swordsmen from prestigious families wouldn't be this unfazed.'
However, Mihail's curiosity wasn't the priority. The immediate concern was the monster subjugation.
No, not the subjugation itself, but Ciceros's scheme targeting Luke. Helmut needed to be on alert too.
'I should review the documents on the Palma Knights again.'
It was uncertain how many Palma Knights would participate or turn a blind eye.
He had undertaken escort and guard missions before, and Luke was a decent charge.
This time, however, the adversary was formidable.
'I won't just be facing Ciceros.'
Darien had fallen while hunting Scorpion's offspring.
Darien wouldn't have moved if it weren't for a tangible enemy. There must be a powerful monster acting as the leader.
'Considering the bird's behavior, it might be under control.'
Using the corpse to provoke in such a manner was uncharacteristic of monsters, and the timing was too precise. It felt orchestrated by humans.
'A temple's doing? Or a magician? Unclear. It's beyond a swordsman's capabilities.'
Ciceros might possess a special power Helmut couldn't guess.
Furthermore, the Palma Knights followed him.
If Ciceros ordered Luke's elimination, even without explanation, some would likely comply.
'Monsters and Palma Knights alike.'
All were adversaries. This might be a situation requiring Helmut's full effort.
Mixed feelings of eagerness and heaviness surged within him.
Mihail spoke up from his reverie.
"But deciding the winner like that seems unfair. You'll be with the Palma Knights, who might favor Luke, naturally skewing opportunities to amass merits towards him. It's disadvantageous for you."
"I suggested it."
"Why? Is there a special reason?"
Choosing between splitting 2.5 million marks and risking the entire 2 million for a chance he might not even have seemed irrational.
Mihail knew Helmut detested Basor's heat.
So, if Helmut ventured into the desert, it wasn't just for the prize money.
"Is it related to Luke? What is he to you?"
The nuance was peculiar. Misinterpretation could make it unpleasant.
Helmut offered a similar explanation as he had to Ciceros.
"Job shadowing."
"Eh?"
"Monster hunter and Palma Knight. A good opportunity to experience both."
"...You don't expect me to believe that, do you?"
"Exactly."
"Just tell me what has Luke caught you with."
Luke seemed to intrigue Mihail. Helmut raised an eyebrow.
"I don't like that expression."
Just then, someone knocked loudly on the door.
"Hey, you're not done yet?"
Mihail turned towards the door.
Helmut had come to the Golden Leaf Inn with Luke, following Ciceros's instruction to prepare together. After gathering his things here, they planned to visit Luke's quarters.
Impatient, Luke had come looking for Helmut.
"We're done."
Helmut quickly opened the door, relieved to escape Mihail's interrogation.
"Why so long? Were you praying together or what? Oh?"
Luke's gaze fixed on Mihail, his eyes widening.
"Is this a doll?"
He reached out to touch Mihail's head, then recoiled in surprise.
"He's a person?"
"...You're exceptionally rude."
Mihail delicately removed Luke's hand from him as if discarding filthy hair.
Helmut pushed Luke out the door, feeling they shouldn't mingle.
Luke, puzzled, remarked.
"Why do men look so delicate these days? Rare sights all at once."
"Not only rude but also as superficial as your appearance?"
"What's wrong with how I look?"
Luke casually stroked his face.
Objectively handsome, Luke had gained immense popularity among Basor's women due to the tournament.
Mihail responded with a cold smile.
"Let's leave it at that."
Seemingly implying Luke was shallow. Clearly, Mihail didn't care for him, whether due to his rudeness or Helmut.
Mihail's smile then warmed as he addressed Helmut.
"Take care, Helmut. I hope you return safely."
As if saying he'd wait for Helmut's return. Helmut was about to decline when the door closed. Cut off cleanly, without a chance to refuse.
'Wait if you want.'
It didn't matter. Mihail didn't seem in a hurry to leave Basor.
Descending the stairs, Luke placed a hand on Helmut's shoulder and asked.
"What's with your friend? He seems off."
"He's not my friend."
"Not a friend, then? Oh, I've heard rumors of someone serving you."
"It's not like that. Just...a provider of room and board...?"
After a brief explanation, Luke nodded without further questions.
"Really? An unusual relationship. What does he do?"
"I don't know. Didn't ask."
"Looks pretty but too aloof for his age. Not cute at all. Ah, you're the same."
"I don't particularly want to appear cute to you."
"You? Address me properly when on duty. Call me Sir Luke."
He spoke with a hint of boastfulness.
"...Alright, Sir Luke."
"Good, remember that from now on."
Luke strutted ahead, his demeanor slightly inflated.
Helmut's eyes narrowed.
Luke was also just 18. Despite his mature appearance, he was still young, freshly into adulthood.
His genial nature aside, his reaction to formal titles wasn't surprising, especially given Palma's prestige in Basor.
Of course, Helmut, who had been offered entry by the Palma commander at 15, didn't find it particularly impressive.
But there was no need to belittle him openly.
"Let's hurry."
The stage set by Ciceros was about to begin. Helmut's heart raced with anticipation and a bit of anxiety.
Eager yet cautious, he willingly stepped onto this new stage.
As an unpredictable variable.
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After leaving the inn and Luke's quarters, an unfamiliar man approached them.
"Sir Luke."
"Who's this?"
"I come with a message from a noble person. Please accept this."
The messenger-like man handed over a note and disappeared.
"Now men too?"
Jokingly, Luke unfolded the note. The sight of the second prince's seal instantly sobered him.
He turned away from Helmut to read, his expression growing serious.
"What's this about?"
Glancing at Helmut, Luke seemed to ponder. His hesitation was brief, perhaps suspecting Helmut knew something.
"Do you know what this means?"
Helmut read the note extended by Luke.
'Heard you're leaving for monster subjugation. Can't speak in person, so I leave this message. Don't take it lightly, watch your back. Don't trust any knight with your life. Remember this if you value your life. I'll await your safe return.'
The prince seemed to sense the sudden event's gravity, though uncertain himself.
Helmut translated simply.
"It means he's worried you might get stabbed in the back."
"Why worry about that? Wait, this implies someone in the Palma Knights might target me?"
'Specifically, the commander targeting you.'
If Luke knew, he'd be terrified. Preemptive warning could expose him, making him more vulnerable.
For now, while Helmut was with him, ignorance was safer. The truth could wait for the right moment.
"...I've made no enemies. Why would the prince think so poorly of me? I know some dislike me."
'Because the commander targets you for reasons beyond dislike.'
"Maybe because you're a non-Basor finalist, irksome to Basorians."
"To betray a comrade over that?"
"Betrayal has many faces, some trivial."
While Ciceros's reason for betraying Darien was plausible, Helmut wasn't certain.
To assume Ciceros coveted Darien's position seemed off; Ciceros wasn't known for greed.
Rather, his reputation, aside from supporting the first prince, was decent.
Ciceros had dutifully played his role as a model knight and Palma commander.
Thus, Luke and other Palma Knights followed him.
But reasons for human betrayal are myriad.
Helmut knew only that Luke risked repeating Darien's fate.
Luke murmured.
"Uneasy before even leaving. The final was a mess, and now it feels like trouble's brewing."
"Just be cautious, maybe?"
Luke seemed to embrace caution. That was enough.
"Right."
Their conversation ended, but Luke's furrowed brow remained.
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