Did his great-grandfather still harbor resentment towards Darien? Considering how harshly the talented Helmut was treated, one could imagine the treatment Darien's talentless son received.
Being his own flesh and blood, he would have been treated even more harshly, like a possession. It's reasonable to think he harbored resentment, having kicked away his side and severed ties.
"You use the Sword Saint's swordsmanship, right?"
"You know that too? My father wasn't interested in swords, but I had a talent from a young age... I was taught by my great-grandfather. He wasn't a knight, but he kept himself trained, so he remembered the swordsmanship."
He shook his head as he cut himself off.
"Anyway, if it's not widely known, I'd appreciate it if you kept it quiet. I'd rather not attract attention for being the descendant of the Sword Saint. I am Luke Yeager, and I want to be recognized for who I am. The commander of the Palma Knights wishes for the same."
'Would that knight commander really want his silence for such a reason?'
"Well..."
The boy responded with a nuanced tone. Luke frowned.
"Besides, why do I have to share this story with someone I've never met before?"
"There might be a reason for that."
Perhaps instinctively feeling that he should talk to this person. He seemed to be getting better at engaging in conversation. Helmut was pleased with his learning ability. Mihail was also helpful.
Luke scanned Helmut from top to bottom.
"Too bad you're not a woman; you'd be exactly my type."
Expressing regret that he wasn't. Helmut looked back at him without batting an eyelid.
"You know quite a bit about me. Why are you interested?"
"I'm interested in the Sword Saint. His swordsmanship and descendants."
It was too early to bring up the Palma Knight Commander. It wouldn't do for Darien's descendant to be struck down unaware.
"I have no interest in men. But I'll make an exception for you."
"That kind of talk is for those who see themselves superior to their opponent."
Helmut smiled slightly, an arrogant smile. Luke finally realized who the young man in front of him was.
"Right, Hyde. You're the one who stood out among the preliminary contestants, right?"
"I'd probably finish your matches quicker than you."
"Cheeky. But arrogance isn't a sin if you have the skill."
Luke casually accepted the bait. Perhaps because he wasn't from Basor, he didn't immediately show aggression towards Helmut. He seemed to be of noble birth, but his manner of speaking was casual and his personality seemed affable.
Memories are often idealized. More so for a lion. But Helmut's memories of Darien were not old enough to be idealized.
Darien's great-grandson was much more personable than Darien. Helmut, although stoic, knew Darien was a violent and stubborn old man.
Thus, he made up his mind.
"If you need help, let me know. I'll help you out, even if it's risky."
Luke frowned.
"What are you talking about? Why would I seek help from you?"
"We'll talk about that later."
"I'm not into riddles. I prefer to force answers out of people."
"But you'd choose whom to force, wouldn't you?"
"Wow, you know a lot. If I win in the tournament, will you tell me? Those random things you said to me. What's the reason?"
"It's better not to make that condition. Even if we fought, I would win."
Luke's brow twitched. His competitive spirit was aroused. Even if he was more genial, a contender of his caliber wouldn't lack pride.
But before he could say more, a blast of hot air rushed in. Someone had entered the tent.
A man standing against the backlight exuded an enormous presence, making the skin tingle, and instinctively, hands reached for the sword. A voice filled with authority and power shook the air.
"Luke Yeager!"
"Commander."
Luke bowed his head. A stern-faced middle-aged man approached and patted his shoulder.
"Congratulations on advancing to the main tournament."
"It's not a place worthy of the commander's visit."
"I've been watching the tournament. Many think it's natural to start from the main tournament. Your attitude sets a good example for them."
"Your praise is too generous."
Luke must also be of noble birth. Helmut watched the interaction between the two closely.
'This man must be the Palma Knight Commander.'
Lutus Cicero. Despite being a traitor, he had the demeanor of a typical knight. His authority as a knight commander was palpable, and his tone was heavy.
But at such a level and status, he would be skilled in concealing his true nature.
'Luke Yeager respects him.'
It's hard to gauge his strength. Maybe it's because he's the commander of a powerful nation's knights. His presence is significant, yet his inner power is completely controlled.
Helmut reconsidered his earlier underestimation. Being a traitor doesn't necessarily mean weakness.
Lutus Cicero's gaze turned to him.
"The main tournament contestant, Hyde, correct?"
"Yes."
"Using magic to conceal your identity?"
'It seems I can't hide from someone of his caliber.'
"Yes."
Fortunately, the Palma Knight Commander didn't demand he dispel the magic. The tournament's eligibility was based on skill. After staring intently, he asked.
"I've seen you fight. What do you think about joining the Palma Knights?"
An unexpected question. Luke's eyes widened.
"Commander!"
"I haven't thought about it."
"Consider it. Until the tournament ends."
With those words, he turned and left.
"Both of you, I look forward to your performance in the main tournament."
Once he was gone, the tension eased. The presence of such a figure naturally induced stress.
'He might be stronger than Talon.'
A certainty, not just a guess.
"You really must be skilled. The commander doesn't often show interest in someone."
Luke's face showed interest, not jealousy. Helmut casually asked.
"The Palma Knight Commander seems to favor you."
Despite Palma's status as an elite group, it was unusual for the commander to personally encourage a knight.
"Ah, that? It wasn't me who revealed it, but he recognized that I use my great-grandfather's swordsmanship. Since then, he seems to take special care of me. I also respect him as a skilled swordsman."
'Out of guilt, or to hide hostility?'
Whether it was the former or the latter mattered.
"What did he say about the Sword Saint?"
"He served him for a long time. It was a shock when he disappeared suddenly, and he was glad to meet me."
Luke's gaze, which had been reminiscing upwards, wavered momentarily.
"Actually, he advised that revealing I'm the Sword Saint's great-grandson after proving my skill wouldn't be too late. This tournament is a good opportunity, he said."
The intuition leaned towards the latter. Lutus Cicero must have vividly recalled the memories from over twenty years ago upon seeing his descendant, who resembled Darien.
Powerful figures tend to eliminate what threatens to expose their faults.
"Where are you staying?"
Luke looked suspicious. By now, it was reasonable to find it odd.
"Currently, I'm staying at the Palma Knights' quarters. My residence is still being built. Why, do you have business with me?"
There was business, but the timing was delicate. What to reveal was another matter. Helmut decided to postpone.
"I'm staying at the Golden Leaf Inn. I'll be waiting for the day we face each other in the tournament."
"Work hard. You might not make it to face me."
"Talking about something that won't happen."
"Confident kid. But there are other Palma Knights in the main tournament..."
Leaving the grumbling Luke behind, Helmut turned and left. Darien's bloodline. It was a fresh sentiment, especially because he resembled Darien.
'Mihail must have returned.'
With no more matches left, wandering around would only invite trouble. It's best not to cause any issues during the tournament. Helmut headed straight back to the inn.
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Mihail returned slightly later. He must have stayed to watch the tournament a bit more.
"I was worried when you disappeared like that."
His voice carried a hint of guilt that wasn't there.
"I had business."
"Did your business go well?"
"Fairly."
Having met the person he needed to, that was enough for today. Between Darien's descendant and the traitor Lutus Cicero, it had been a productive day, though it also brought many thoughts. He'd need to compile and review the information, including what was written in the documents.
"Why don't we dine in? Going out seems bothersome."
It was almost dinner time. Helmut readily agreed.
"I like you, Hyde."
After finishing their meal, Mihail suddenly spoke up.
"That's why, regardless of the tournament results, I'd like you to be mine. I guarantee honor and wealth."
A direct and straightforward offer. His blue eyes were earnest. No joke. Helmut asked lightly.
"Do you want me to become a knight?"
"No, my person. Not bound by the title of knight, but entirely on my side."
"I refuse. I have no intention of belonging to anyone."
It wasn't about weighing benefits. Even if the emperor of the empire had said it, the answer would have been the same.
"Did you give the same answer to the Palma Knight Commander?"
"..."
A faint sense of urgency was detectable in Mihail's voice, as if he was afraid of losing his prey he had marked.
'How did this guy know I met the Palma Knight Commander?'
Even abroad, his information network was commendable. Mihail pressed again.
"You didn't accept, right?"
"Assuming the Palma Knight Commander would recruit me, you speak as if it's obvious."
"If he has eyes, he'd recognize you."
Being so highly regarded wasn't unpleasant. Everyone likes to be recognized.
"I didn't accept. He said to think about it."
"I hope you'd consider my offer as well."
"I plan to reject that too."
"Even if you're not a Basor native, joining the Palma Knights would bring honor and wealth. Why refuse? Do you want more?"
Helmut responded lightly.
"Basor is too hot."
After experiencing it, he concluded he couldn't settle in a hot country. Though not yet at the stage to settle down, he'd consider climate when the time came. Mihail's face lit up.
"It's not hot where I live."
'Stubborn.'
"Then, I'll consider your side too."
Helmut compromised. Mihail beamed.
"A wise choice. It's good to keep options open sometimes."
Helmut quietly observed Mihail, lost in thought.
Perhaps this guy could be useful. He's trying to win his favor, after all. Not just a noble young master, but seemingly capable and skilled.
'If I throw him a piece, he won't guess much. Less dangerous than Black Hawk.'
Helmut spoke up.
"I have something I want you to check."
It was up to him whether he could or would do it.
"What is it?"
"If it's too much, feel free to refuse."
Whether he could or not, if it was impossible, it was impossible. From what Helmut observed, Mihail wasn't too busy. This shouldn't be too much of a burden. Mihail eventually nodded.
"I'll check it out."