Chapter 3: The Head of the Helmut Family

Mornings in the Helmut household begin early.

That’s because everyone rises at dawn to train in the courtyard, or in the gardens, or on the walking trails.

After morning exercise, there is a family meal.

 It’s the only time of day when the entire family gathers.

The family head, Arandel Helmut, placed great importance on this moment.

“…….”

Today’s breakfast was the same as usual.

Four sons and one daughter took their seats.

 Once seated, the empty chair was hard to ignore.

The eldest daughter was absent.

“Where is Rihanna?”

 When Lohengrin Helmut, the eldest son, asked, everyone seized the moment to mock.

“She skipped morning training too.”

“Haha, is our big sister skipping meals now that she’s busy being a proper wife?”

“What kind of blazing night did she have that she can’t even come to breakfast?”

“Isaac Helmut, who seemed so feeble, must’ve shown some real stamina.”

“…….”

Everyone except Alois Helmut cackled, ridiculing Rihanna Helmut and Isaac Helmut.

“The family head is coming.”

At a single word from the attendant, silence fell.

A large man stepped into the dining hall.

His gaze still seemed fixed on the battlefield, as if he had never let down his guard.

 With red hair and a beard like a crimson mane, he took heavy steps toward the head seat. This was Arandel Helmut.

Arandel Helmut frowned at the empty seat of his eldest daughter.

“Where is Rihanna?”

“She hasn’t come. She also missed morning training.”

Upon the quick reply from his eldest son, Lohengrin Helmut, Arandel Helmut's eyebrows twitched.

 Skipping something as simple as breakfast—failing to follow even these light rules—touched upon the authority of the family head.

Creeeeak.

Just then, the door opened, and Rihanna Helmut entered.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

She bowed her head and then took her seat.

 The dishes came out swiftly, but until Arandel Helmut lifted his utensils, everyone remained in their proper posture without the slightest break in form.

Arandel Helmut ddressed his eldest daughter:

“Why are you late?”

It wasn’t a reprimand.

 He knew Rihanna Helmut never created faults like this without reason.

 He genuinely believed there must be some explanation.

Rihanna Helmut, her eyes sunken as if she hadn’t slept, hesitated, unusually unable to answer right away.

She knew that once the words left her mouth, it would all be over. Even after an entire night of deliberation, she hadn’t found a way out of this situation.

“Isaac…”

 She closed her eyes tightly and let out a bitter sigh.

“He wants a divorce.”

****

“Oh-ho? Look at this guy. He’s not messing around.”

It was breakfast time in the Helmut household.

 Though Isaac Helmut bore the Helmut name, he was not permitted to join them at the family table.

The family head deemed he wasn’t qualified.

As a result, Isaac Helmut often ended up eating breakfast alone.

“Wow, for real. Haha, I can’t help but laugh.”

Isaac Helmut, cheeks puffed out, was eating in front of the kitchen.

He popped a seasoned shrimp into his mouth and gasped with delight.

“Haah, this is incredible.”

The kitchen staff, who were taking a short break while their master ate, quietly watched him.

“You know,” said Isaac Helmut, holding another shrimp and waving it around, “I never really missed anything. But if there’s one thing I did miss, it was this food. I couldn’t find cuisine like this anywhere else.”

“‘Missed’ it? You just ate here yesterday,” said Milli, a woman with sun-kissed skin, about Isaac’s age.

 Though she was the youngest in the kitchen, her skills were mature beyond her years. She and Isaac Helmut occasionally exchanged words.

“Ah, a slip of the tongue. I mean I will miss it.”

Brushing off his slip of the tongue, Isaac Helmut began tasting the other dishes. He used to think having meat at breakfast was extravagant, but this was a family of knights skilled with the sword—meat was essential.

“This is really good.”

“I grilled it.” 

“As expected of Milli.”

“Until yesterday, you ate silently and left. Today you seem to be enjoying yourself. It’s like you’re a different person.” 

“I’ve realized how precious these meals are. Sometimes you only recognize the value of something after you lose it.”

“More importantly, what did you mean by saying you ‘will miss it’? Are you going somewhere? I heard some news from the Malidan Barrier, but…” Milli trailed off.

“I’m getting divorced.”

“What?!”

Not only Milli, but even the chefs who were watching Isaac Helmut eat so heartily were shocked.

“Divorce. You know how I’m treated here, Milli.”

“Well, that’s…”

“Not being allowed to join breakfast means I’m not acknowledged as family.”

No one could deny it.

 For the past four years, the word ‘family’ had often been used to tighten the noose around Isaac Helmut’s neck.

Everyone here had seen it firsthand.

“Ahem.”

 A heavyset man approached Isaac Helmut, drying his hands with a damp towel.

It was the head chef. His thick fingers folded together respectfully.

“This evening… is there anything you’d like to eat?”

“Head Chef, are you trying to comfort me?” Isaac Helmut asked.

“C- cough.” The head chef avoided his gaze, short on words.

“I never knew you had this side to you. In that case, let’s go all out with meat. I probably won’t get to eat this quality of food once I leave.”

“I will prepare it to the best of my ability, Isaac Helmut.”

“Honestly, I was thinking of leaving today, but I suppose I should stay for dinner at least.”

Isaac Helmut rose from his seat and offered a polite handshake.

“I’ll never forget the meals I had here, not even years from now.”

It was no exaggeration.

“This is the only reason I would ever miss Helmut.”

And indeed, he wouldn’t forget—he never had before.

Perhaps moved by his words, the head chef and the other cooks struggled to hold back their tears.

“I, sniff… it’s been an honor serving you as well.”

As soon as they shook hands, words of encouragement and comfort poured forth from the kitchen staff:

“Your complexion looks brighter!”

“We never knew you appreciated our cooking that much!”

“Congratulations on returning to bachelorhood!”

“You’re so handsome you’ll find another woman in no time!”

“Haha, you guys…”

Isaac Helmut rubbed his nose and felt a strange warmth in his chest.

 In his previous life, he’d never even managed a proper conversation with anyone here aside from Milli. He’d been too busy running away to care. But now, hearing their support filled him with pride.

Clang!

 If Rihanna Helmut hadn’t entered just then, that touching moment might have lasted longer.

The instant they saw Rihanna Helmut, the cooks’ eyes hardened. It was as if someone had doused them all with cold water, the atmosphere instantly chilling.

 Rihanna Helmut approached Isaac Helmut.

“Father is calling for you.”

“Really? That was quick.”

Even after delivering the message, Rihanna Helmut remained standing there.

 It was a suffocating moment, as if each breath came with a thorn in the throat. The silence pressed down on everyone, intensifying the pressure.

“You’re coming too, right? He’s not just calling me alone.”

“Yes, I’m coming.”

“Then let’s go. The family head must be waiting.”

“You were eating, though. Finish your meal—I’ll wait.”

Was Rihanna Helmut waiting for Isaac Helmut to finish his meal?

 In the old days, it would’ve been unimaginable. Yet there was no time for the onlookers to be astonished.

“…….”

Because now, Rihanna Helmut stood there with her arms folded, staring at the cooks.

-‘She heard everything.’

-‘She definitely heard every word.’

-‘We should’ve kept our mouths shut.’

-‘Mother, I’m sorry. Your son’s life ends here.’

-‘What exactly did I say back then?’

All sorts of regrets and worries swirled in the cooks’ minds. The superior hearing of a Helmut likely let her catch their every whisper outside the door.

“…….”

If that weren’t the case, there’d be no reason for her to glare at them so menacingly.

“I’m already full.”

Thankfully, the torture didn’t last long. Isaac Helmut left some of the food untouched as he stood up and started walking out.

“…All right, then.”

Rihanna Helmut, clearly displeased, followed Isaac Helmut out.

 Before the door closed, Isaac Helmut raised a reassuring thumbs-up behind his back, signaling them not to worry.

Thud.

 The door shut.

The head chef clenched his fist, gazing at the plate Isaac Helmut had intentionally left unfinished to show consideration for them.

“Tonight’s dinner will be truly lavish!”

“Yes, sir!”

As the cooks bustled about, Milli alone stared anxiously at the door through which Isaac Helmut had departed.

****

The study room of the family head.

Located on the highest floor of the Helmut estate, it was filled with books, yet the scent of metal dominated the space.

Arandel Helmut, with his massive frame, rested his arms on a wooden desk that seemed almost too delicate for him, gazing intently at Isaac Helmut.

Personally, Isaac Helmut thought his father-in-law and a study desk made for the world’s most mismatched pair.

“It’s been a long time, Father-in-law.”

They lived in the same mansion, but it had been ages since he last felt Arandel Helmut's eyes upon him.

“I hear you want a divorce.”

No pleasantries—straight to the point.

Isaac Helmut nodded slightly.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I do not permit it.”

As expected.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding, Father-in-law.”

Isaac Helmut gently placed a hand on his chest, as if to calm him.

“I’m not asking for permission.”

The words that left his mouth violated every etiquette, certainly grinding at Arandel Helmut's nerves.

“I’m here to inform you of what I’ve decided. Our marriage isn’t harmonious, and I believe finding new partners would be best for both of us.”

“…….”

“Fortunately, we married young. Even if we divorce now, it’s not too late for either of us to find someone more suitable.”

“…….”

“I know you were uncomfortable taking in a commoner son-in-law. You were right about me—I’ll leave and find my rightful place.”

He didn’t mind belittling himself. He only cared about leaving this place.

Arandel Helmut's gaze shifted to Rihanna Helmut. His look demanded her opinion, and Rihanna Helmut answered quietly,

“I will follow Isaac’s decision.”

“Hm.”

A short sigh. Arandel Helmut looked at his daughter with a mix of pain and regret.

 There was no reason not to allow it now, or so Isaac Helmut thought.

“I do not permit it.”

Arandel Helmut gave the same answer once again.

“And the reason is the Sword festival.”

The Sword festival was a traditional Helmut festival and grand event. It drew not only nearby villagers, but also friendly nobles and even royalty.

“This upcoming Sword festival will also announce Helmut's successor, so many people will come to gauge our family. Not just to celebrate, but to assess who will lead Helmut next.”

To show them a divorce right before this event would be a perfect source of ridicule.

Isaac Helmut didn’t consider it a big problem. After all, the ridicule wouldn’t be aimed at him alone. It was trivial.

“So, if I understand correctly, if I wait until after the Sword festival, the divorce is possible?”

“Yes. If by then you both still feel the same way, I won’t stop you.”

He had secured a promise of divorce, but Isaac Helmut wanted to leave the mansion tomorrow if he could.

“I’m sorry, but I want a divorce right now. So, let me propose an alternative.”

“You plan to negotiate with me?”

The tone implied that negotiation required being equals. Isaac Helmut smiled.

“I’ve heard that due to intensified attacks from magical beasts, the Malidan Barrier has requested aid from the kingdom’s powerful nobles.”

“…….”

“Isaac?”

Arandel Helmutleaned forward with interest, chin on his armrest. Behind him, Rihanna Helmut called his name in disbelief. But Isaac Helmut ignored her and continued.

“I will go. I bear the Helmut name, so my going alone would count as Helmut contributing support.”

In truth, he was a nobody who couldn’t even wield a sword properly.

 But for Helmut, simply sending Isaac Helmut, a family member in name, would fulfill the obligation.

“You want your direct descendants to remain here, preparing for the Sword festival. Many distinguished guests will arrive, and Helmut’s children must display overwhelming martial prowess.”

If Isaac Helmut headed to the Malidan Barrier, he’d spend the preparation period drenched in magical beasts’ blood. He was offering to take on that burden.

He wasn’t asking for something grand.

 He just wanted to leave this place.

 He didn’t want to wait until the festival.

So he would go to the dangerous front lines and spare them the trouble.

“Ha.”

Isaac Helmut wore a sly grin, as if he already knew what Arandel Helmut's answer would be.

‘He had this kind of backbone all along?’

Arandel Helmut secretly acknowledged that his son-in-law was more tenacious than he’d thought.

“Very well.”

He nodded, granting Isaac Helmut permission to leave Helmut.

– – – The End of The Chapter – – –

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