Luke Yeager's match had ended, and unsurprisingly, he secured a victory.
Helmut had no intention of waiting around to greet him.
On his way out from the waiting area, Helmut received a bouquet from what seemed to be a noble lady, for reasons unknown.
It appeared to be a continuation of the bouquets that had been thrown onto the stage earlier. Examining the bouquet he was handed, Helmut scrutinized it suspiciously, considering it might be part of a plot to harm the semifinalists.
The anonymous lady who handed it over said with flushed excitement, "Mr. Hyde, if you have time, I'd like to treat you to a meal…"
Right then, a tumultuous cheer erupted from afar.
"There he is! Kyaaa!"
"Mr. Hyde!"
It was as if they were chasing prey. The shrill screams and the surge of women in colorful dresses rushing towards him felt overwhelmingly oppressive.
Helmut calmly pulled his hood over his head and dashed off like lightning.
"Mr. Hy-iiiiiide!"
"Don't go!"
Ignoring the calls behind him, Helmut felt it was best to escape whatever was happening. Encountering a situation often faced by Area felt oddly foreign to him.
By the time he reached the Golden Leaf Inn, the entrance was already swarmed by unfamiliar faces.
Fortunately, it was a high-end inn that didn't casually let people in. Despite wearing a hood, some recognized him by his build and attire and called out his name.
"Mr. Hyde? Are you Mr. Hyde?"
'What a nuisance.'
Dodging grasping hands, Helmut made his way into the inn.
Behind him, he could hear the inn staff arguing with the people following him.
"Just a moment, let us call him!"
"How dare you! To treat nobility this way, just a mere servant!"
"This Golden Leaf Inn is a prestigious establishment recognized by the royal family. If you wish to meet someone, please seek permission or wait outside!"
"I am a guest, a guest!"
"What guest? You're chasing after that man!"
The employee Helmut had slapped before seemed to be diligently working this time.
This seemed fair for a night's stay worth 2,000 marks. Since Mihail was covering the cost, it was free for Helmut.
'Quite the gain.'
Pleased with the minor benefit, Helmut returned to the Emerald Room, cooled down with cold water, and relieved himself from the heat.
Having advanced to the semifinals, he was now a bona fide contender for victory. He had been a favorite from the start, but now it was more evident.
'2 million marks.'
He wondered how it would feel to hold that much money. There was still one barrier left to claim the prize.
Using common sword techniques to defeat Luke Yeager. This restriction actually appealed to him. Victory, even with constraints, felt more valuable.
Sitting on the sofa, lost in thought, Helmut sensed Mihail returning.
"Ah, Hyde. You're back early. Didn't have any trouble on your way, did you?"
"I managed to shake them off."
"I had a bit of a hard time. Apparently, it's rumored you're associated with me. Makes sense since we stay at the same place."
Despite saying he had a hard time, Mihail's expression was bright.
"But pretending to collapse on the street worked wonders. They all let me go."
"…"
Helmut imagined how adept Mihail must be at feigning collapses. He hesitated on whether to commend him.
Noticing the bouquet Helmut had casually placed on the table, Mihail inquired.
"What's this bouquet for? Don't tell me you brought it for me?"
"...No."
Mihail seemed somewhat disappointed. Helmut felt a chill.
'Why does he want a bouquet from me?'
Though knights might present bouquets to ladies, Helmut was no knight, nor was Mihail a lady.
"You must be pleased with the popularity among women. Considering the influence of the tournament, you could marry a princess in Basor for the next three months."
"I'm not interested in marriage."
Even if he were to marry soon, fifteen seemed too young. Mihail smiled lightly.
"Anyway, well done today. Congratulations on advancing to the semifinals. The victory is nearly yours."
"Ah."
The reduction in matches meant they didn't have to sit in the sweltering tournament venue for long, improving Mihail's condition noticeably.
There weren't many people left for him to seek out. As of today, besides Helmut, all remaining contestants were from the Palma Knight Order.
Now, it was more about attending for entertainment.
"But, you know, something interesting happened today. Want to hear about it?"
Helmut knew Mihail would speak his mind regardless of his interest. He listened quietly.
Settling into the sofa across from him, Mihail continued.
"Today, a man named Kevin sought me out in the spectator seats. He seemed interested in you. Or rather, your sword."
Helmut, who had been lounging casually, tensed up. Mihail observed him with a keen gaze.
"He's a disciple of a renowned craftsman. Have you heard of Leyton? I think you might be familiar."
Helmut reached out swiftly. His firm grip caught Mihail's neck. Applying pressure could end his breath. Helmut asked coldly.
"What do you know?"
It wasn't an overreaction. Mihail was aware. His gaze and demeanor revealed he knew something.
Despite the threatening atmosphere, Mihail spoke smoothly, revealing everything he knew.
"Your sword was made by a craftsman named Layton. Layton doesn't make swords for just anyone. And that man Kevin recognized your sword."
Mihail's lips moved continuously.
"Darien Defir, the Sword Saint's sword."
Helmut hadn't expected to keep it secret forever. Only one other person had recognized it as Layton's sword before – a blacksmith in Baden.
But that was because Helmut had handed the sword to him for inspection, not because it was identifiable at a glance.
Given that twenty years had passed and the sword's appearance had changed, how could anyone recognize Darien's sword?
'And it had to be Layton's disciple.'
Unfortunately, it was such a person who caught him. Being of that caliber, it wasn't surprising he recognized not only Layton's work but also that it was Darian's sword.
"What's your reason for telling me this?"
Helmut fixed his gaze on Mihail.
Despite the disguise, his gaze was as piercing as his naturally black eyes, revealing the gravity of their secret.
Mihail knew Helmut had secrets not to be trifled with, and until now, he hadn't pried, knowing it could provoke Helmut's ire.
There had been an unspoken line between them, which Mihail just crossed.
Yet, Helmut knew he couldn't kill Mihail right away. The shared room, the tournament participation, all of it weighed on him.
But at the very least, Helmut needed to understand Mihail's intentions and what he wanted.
"...The blacksmith Kevin, who knows this fact, will be taken care of. I'm telling you this because I want you to know."
Mihail smiled gently.
"My silence. And my goodwill."
"You're trying to incur a debt."
"You're not one to repay kindness with malice. And you return what you receive. I know that."
An ally when beneficial but a formidable enemy otherwise. Mihail planned to secure a debt to avoid becoming a complete adversary.
"Think whatever you want. But if it leaks, you die."
Helmut released his grip. Indeed, Mihail had been good to him.
The thought of immediately ending his life wasn't appealing. The secrets he held weren't enough to silence him permanently.
'I've become too human.'
Helmut realized anew. Mihail dramatically reacted.
"Wow, that was intense. You really scared me just now. It must be a closely guarded secret."
No, it was a known fact to Ethan Kudrow.
But he wouldn't have told anyone, not wanting to endanger his benefactor's disciple. So if it leaked, it was Mihail.
'Mihail's name doesn't seem to be an alias.'
Mihail asked casually.
"Just one thing, what is your relationship with Sword Saint Darien Defir?"
For the second time since coming into the world, Helmut disclosed this fact.
"I am Darian's disciple."
"Wow, am I sharing a room with the disciple of a Sword Saint? This is truly amazing."
Mihail's eyes sparkled as he leaned in. It was an overly familiar gesture for someone whose neck had just been grasped.
"Don't make a fuss."
Helmut frowned, reaffirming Mihail as a peculiar individual.
And he had to admit, Mihail was quite a strategist. Turning him into an enemy would be a headache for Helmut too.
Mihail didn't underestimate him. In fact, it seemed he overestimated what he had shown.
Such a person, if turned adversary, would never let his guard down against Helmut.
'For now, stay on friendly terms.'
As long as he was friendly, he wouldn't leak secrets.
There was no need for Mihail to cooperate with Helmut's actions. Helmut wasn't keen on owing him more.
"You think I'm hiding in Basor for the tournament alone."
"Might be a good idea to think about how to pretend you don't know anything."
If Helmut caused trouble, Mihail might get caught in the crossfire.
Helmut wouldn't want this frail man to end up dying uncomfortably in a heated jail.
"That sounds like you're planning something."
"Yes."
Helmut hoped for something to happen. He wanted to conclude this affair swiftly and thoroughly.
Lutus Kikero and Luke Yeager. To resolve all enmities related to Darien.
Then, he wanted to return to the Baden Academy. Whether things would go as planned was uncertain, but he wouldn't lose. He was too strong to lose.
'It might get complicated.'
He aimed to end things without revealing his identity as much as possible. That was his sole determination.
"Sinus."
"Yes, Mihail."
A man stepped forward, standing beside him. Robert grimaced uncomfortably.
Sinus had a cool, subdued aura. He didn't seem like a knight. More like he wasn't walking the path of righteousness.
Mihail smiled sweetly again.
"Sinus, you'll need to take care of this."
Sinus met Mihail's gaze with his own. The command that followed was chilling.
"Kevin is a good blacksmith. A pity, but it can't be helped. Keep him quiet, take care of it when you see the chance."
"Yes."
Sinus accepted the command without protest.
Blacksmiths were busy, and Kevin had no family. Known for missing deadlines, his sudden disappearance wouldn't raise suspicions.
After he left, Robert spoke anxiously.
"Mihail, he makes swords for the Palma Knight Order. A famous blacksmith in the kingdom of Basor. If there's a problem…"
"With the tournament happening now, no one will have the leisure to worry about a blacksmith's whereabouts. Besides, everyone here, keep today's conversation to yourselves."
"Yes."
Everyone promptly complied, and Mihail's gaze returned to the stage.
'He has the Sword Saint's sword.'
The realization was both fascinating and chilling. Hyde used common sword techniques. Was that merely to conceal his skills? Mihail's eyes narrowed.
By then, the match had ended.
Helmut
Chapter 155
Luke Yeager's match had ended, and unsurprisingly, he secured a victory.
Helmut had no intention of waiting around to greet him.
On his way out from the waiting area, Helmut received a bouquet from what seemed to be a noble lady, for reasons unknown.
It appeared to be a continuation of the bouquets that had been thrown onto the stage earlier. Examining the bouquet he was handed, Helmut scrutinized it suspiciously, considering it might be part of a plot to harm the semifinalists.
The anonymous lady who handed it over said with flushed excitement, "Mr. Hyde, if you have time, I'd like to treat you to a meal…"
Right then, a tumultuous cheer erupted from afar.
"There he is! Kyaaa!"
"Mr. Hyde!"
It was as if they were chasing prey. The shrill screams and the surge of women in colorful dresses rushing towards him felt overwhelmingly oppressive.
Helmut calmly pulled his hood over his head and dashed off like lightning.
"Mr. Hy-iiiiiide!"
"Don't go!"
Ignoring the calls behind him, Helmut felt it was best to escape whatever was happening. Encountering a situation often faced by Area felt oddly foreign to him.
By the time he reached the Golden Leaf Inn, the entrance was already swarmed by unfamiliar faces.
Fortunately, it was a high-end inn that didn't casually let people in. Despite wearing a hood, some recognized him by his build and attire and called out his name.
"Mr. Hyde? Are you Mr. Hyde?"
'What a nuisance.'
Dodging grasping hands, Helmut made his way into the inn.
Behind him, he could hear the inn staff arguing with the people following him.
"Just a moment, let us call him!"
"How dare you! To treat nobility this way, just a mere servant!"
"This Golden Leaf Inn is a prestigious establishment recognized by the royal family. If you wish to meet someone, please seek permission or wait outside!"
"I am a guest, a guest!"
"What guest? You're chasing after that man!"
The employee Helmut had slapped before seemed to be diligently working this time.
This seemed fair for a night's stay worth 2,000 marks. Since Mihail was covering the cost, it was free for Helmut.
'Quite the gain.'
Pleased with the minor benefit, Helmut returned to the Emerald Room, cooled down with cold water, and relieved himself from the heat.
Having advanced to the semifinals, he was now a bona fide contender for victory. He had been a favorite from the start, but now it was more evident.
'2 million marks.'
He wondered how it would feel to hold that much money. There was still one barrier left to claim the prize.
Using common sword techniques to defeat Luke Yeager. This restriction actually appealed to him. Victory, even with constraints, felt more valuable.
Sitting on the sofa, lost in thought, Helmut sensed Mihail returning.
"Ah, Hyde. You're back early. Didn't have any trouble on your way, did you?"
"I managed to shake them off."
"I had a bit of a hard time. Apparently, it's rumored you're associated with me. Makes sense since we stay at the same place."
Despite saying he had a hard time, Mihail's expression was bright.
"But pretending to collapse on the street worked wonders. They all let me go."
"…"
Helmut imagined how adept Mihail must be at feigning collapses. He hesitated on whether to commend him.
Noticing the bouquet Helmut had casually placed on the table, Mihail inquired.
"What's this bouquet for? Don't tell me you brought it for me?"
"...No."
Mihail seemed somewhat disappointed. Helmut felt a chill.
'Why does he want a bouquet from me?'
Though knights might present bouquets to ladies, Helmut was no knight, nor was Mihail a lady.
"You must be pleased with the popularity among women. Considering the influence of the tournament, you could marry a princess in Basor for the next three months."
"I'm not interested in marriage."
Even if he were to marry soon, fifteen seemed too young. Mihail smiled lightly.
"Anyway, well done today. Congratulations on advancing to the semifinals. The victory is nearly yours."
"Ah."
The reduction in matches meant they didn't have to sit in the sweltering tournament venue for long, improving Mihail's condition noticeably.
There weren't many people left for him to seek out. As of today, besides Helmut, all remaining contestants were from the Palma Knight Order.
Now, it was more about attending for entertainment.
"But, you know, something interesting happened today. Want to hear about it?"
Helmut knew Mihail would speak his mind regardless of his interest. He listened quietly.
Settling into the sofa across from him, Mihail continued.
"Today, a man named Cavin sought me out in the spectator seats. He seemed interested in you. Or rather, your sword."
Helmut, who had been lounging casually, tensed up. Mihail observed him with a keen gaze.
"He's a disciple of a renowned craftsman. Have you heard of Leyton? I think you might be familiar."
Helmut reached out swiftly. His firm grip caught Mihail's neck. Applying pressure could end his breath. Helmut asked coldly.
"What do you know?"
It wasn't an overreaction. Mihail was aware. His gaze and demeanor revealed he knew something.
Despite the threatening atmosphere, Mihail spoke smoothly, revealing everything he knew.
"Your sword was made by a craftsman named Leyton. Leyton doesn't make swords for just anyone. And that man Cavin recognized your sword."
Mihail's lips moved continuously.
"Darian Defert, the Sword Saint's sword."
Helmut hadn't expected to keep it secret forever. Only one other person had recognized it as Leyton's sword before – a blacksmith in Baden.
But that was because Helmut had handed the sword to him for inspection, not because it was identifiable at a glance.
Given that twenty years had passed and the sword's appearance had changed, how could anyone recognize Darian's sword?
'And it had to be Leyton's disciple.'
Unfortunately, it was such a person who caught him. Being of that caliber, it wasn't surprising he recognized not only Leyton's work but also that it was Darian's sword.
"What's your reason for telling me this?"
Helmut fixed his gaze on Mihail.
Despite the disguise, his gaze was as piercing as his naturally black eyes, revealing the gravity of their secret.
Mihail knew Helmut had secrets not to be trifled with, and until now, he hadn't pried, knowing it could provoke Helmut's ire.
There had been an unspoken line between them, which Mihail just crossed.
Yet, Helmut knew he couldn't kill Mihail right away. The shared room, the tournament participation, all of it weighed on him.
But at the very least, Helmut needed to understand Mihail's intentions and what he wanted.
"...The blacksmith Cavin, who knows this fact, will be taken care of. I'm telling you this because I want you to know."
Mihail smiled gently.
"My silence. And my goodwill."
"You're trying to incur a debt."
"You're not one to repay kindness with malice. And you return what you receive. I know that."
An ally when beneficial but a formidable enemy otherwise. Mihail planned to secure a debt to avoid becoming a complete adversary.
"Think whatever you want. But if it leaks, you die."
Helmut released his grip. Indeed, Mihail had been good to him.
The thought of immediately ending his life wasn't appealing. The secrets he held weren't enough to silence him permanently.
'I've become too human.'
Helmut realized anew. Mihail dramatically reacted.
"Wow, that was intense. You really scared me just now. It must be a closely guarded secret."
No, it was a known fact to Ethan Kudrow.
But he wouldn't have told anyone, not wanting to endanger his benefactor's disciple. So if it leaked, it was Mihail.
'Mihail's name doesn't seem to be an alias.'
Mihail asked casually.
"Just one thing, what is your relationship with Sword Saint Darian Defert?"
For the second time since coming into the world, Helmut disclosed this fact.
"I am Darian's disciple."
"Wow, am I sharing a room with the disciple of a Sword Saint? This is truly amazing."
Mihail's eyes sparkled as he leaned in. It was an overly familiar gesture for someone whose neck had just been grasped.
"Don't make a fuss."
Helmut frowned, reaffirming Mihail as a peculiar individual.
And he had to admit, Mihail was quite a strategist. Turning him into an enemy would be a headache for Helmut too.
Mihail didn't underestimate him. In fact, it seemed he overestimated what he had shown.
Such a person, if turned adversary, would never let his guard down against Helmut.
'For now, stay on friendly terms.'
As long as he was friendly, he wouldn't leak secrets.
There was no need for Mihail to cooperate with Helmut's actions. Helmut wasn't keen on owing him more.
"You think I'm hiding in Basor for the tournament alone."
"Might be a good idea to think about how to pretend you don't know anything."
If Helmut caused trouble, Mihail might get caught in the crossfire.
Helmut wouldn't want this frail man to end up dying uncomfortably in a heated jail.
"That sounds like you're planning something."
"Yes."
Helmut hoped for something to happen. He wanted to conclude this affair swiftly and thoroughly.
Lutus Kikero and Luke Yeager. To resolve all enmities related to Darian.
Then, he wanted to return to the Baden Academy. Whether things would go as planned was uncertain, but he wouldn't lose. He was too strong to lose.
'It might get complicated.'
He aimed to end things without revealing his identity as much as possible. That was his sole determination.
"Sinus."
"Yes, Mihail."
A man stepped forward, standing beside him. Robert grimaced uncomfortably.
Sinus had a cool, subdued aura. He didn't seem like a knight. More like he wasn't walking the path of righteousness.
Mihail smiled sweetly again.
"Sinus, you'll need to take care of this."
Sinus met Mihail's gaze with his own. The command that followed was chilling.
"Cavin is a good blacksmith. A pity, but it can't be helped. Keep him quiet, take care of it when you see the chance."
"Yes."
Sinus accepted the command without protest.
Blacksmiths were busy, and Cavin had no family. Known for missing deadlines, his sudden disappearance wouldn't raise suspicions.
After he left, Robert spoke anxiously.
"Mihail, he makes swords for the Palma Knight Order. A famous blacksmith in the kingdom of Basor. If there's a problem…"
"With the tournament happening now, no one will have the leisure to worry about a blacksmith's whereabouts. Besides, everyone here, keep today's conversation to yourselves."
"Yes."
Everyone promptly complied, and Mihail's gaze returned to the stage.
'He has the Sword Saint's sword.'
The realization was both fascinating and chilling. Hyde used common sword techniques. Was that merely to conceal his skills? Mihail's eyes narrowed.
By then, the match had ended.
"Hyde, victorious!"
Waah―
In the midst of roaring cheers, the match concluded, and Hyde looked up at the sky.
Not a single raindrop in sight. The scorching sun burned his skin.
The sun symbolized the apex. Only one step remained to reach the pinnacle of victory.
'The match with Luke Yeager is the day after tomorrow.'
Lost in thought, his opponent, despite the loss, asked in a somewhat arrogant tone.
"Quite something for a young lad. Have you considered joining the Palma Knight Order?"
To be praised by a loser? Annoying.
"Well, seeing your skill, the Palma Knight Order might need to work harder."
"What? How dare you."
Ignoring the scoffing loser, Helmut turned away neatly.