Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 209 (Part 2):
“Geez, so annoying.”
That ignorance brought a feeling of vexation to Asuka.
He kicked a stray stone on the ground and left the place.
The students who saw him do that tilted their heads in confusion.
“At least Asuka doesn’t hit girls.”
“He’s been quiet lately, really mellowed out.”
“Charlotte is brave, talking to a mad dog like him.”
“Judging by his reaction, seems like there was some sort of fight.”
“Do you think Charlotte would pick a fight? With his temper, he’s just making a fuss on his own.”
This time, there were no misunderstandings like with Helmut.
At least, it seemed Asuka’s intentions had been successfully conveyed.
*
A few days later, Charlotte heard someone call her name in front of the dormitory. It was an unfamiliar man.
“You must be Miss Charlotte.”
“That’s right.”
“Here.”
The moment she received the letter sealed with her family’s crest, Charlotte quickly hid it in her bosom, glancing around.
“Very well.”
The man who nodded and left didn’t seem to be from her family, just a mere errand runner.
As soon as Charlotte returned to her room, she took out the letter.
“Why would a letter come from Renosa, and in such an overt manner?”
When she opened it, her eyes widened.
She had expected it to be from her mother, but it was from an entirely unexpected person.
[To my beloved sister, the esteemed Charlotte.]
The moment she read the opening line, Charlotte pursed her lips in shock. But she wasn’t flustered, for this was just how Michael was.
‘Capricious and self-centered as always.’
That was the evaluation only Charlotte had of Michael, who easily won people’s favor with his charm.
The opening greetings written in smooth, affectionate words could almost be mistaken for a letter to a lover.
Whether Michael was being malicious or if his affection for his sister was suddenly welling up, Charlotte couldn’t tell.
Even though she thought Michael disliked her, sometimes she was confused.
Being fraternal twins, Michael was close yet distant to Charlotte.
Everyone was under the illusion that Michael thought specially of her, but Michael readily gave Charlotte the impression that he disliked her.
He mocked and teased her without hesitation.
Charlotte didn’t think it was because she was his only sister whom he felt comfortable with.
Michael felt inferior to Charlotte.
Her healthy body, her talent for the sword. Because she was born with the two things he didn’t have.
Charlotte understood his inferiority complex and yielded many things to Michael.
She had tried to improve their relationship, but it hadn’t worked out.
Michael showed a side to her that he didn’t show to anyone else.
He also monopolized their mother’s love using his weak body as an excuse.
It was only around the time Charlotte entered the academy that she realized it stemmed not just from an inferiority complex, but could be his way of keeping other potential heirs of the family in check.
Michael hated losing what was his and enjoyed taking or possessing others’ things.
Although hidden by his angelic appearance, he was very greedy and competitive.
Charlotte didn’t want the heir’s position. However…
‘If Michael doesn’t consider me his sister, there’s nothing I can do.’
At some point, Charlotte gave up on Michael. But she couldn’t help feeling hopeful at times.
Michael had a very strong, almost magical charm that drew people in.
Even as his sister, Charlotte wasn’t an exception.
Charlotte closed her eyes for a moment and then continued reading Michael’s letter.
He said he heard through his sources at Greta Academy that Charlotte was selected to represent the swordsmanship department.
The news must have reached him through the faculty, since Charlotte was from Renosa.
He congratulated her on achieving such a remarkable feat as a first-year and added that he regretted not seeing her last vacation.
‘I look forward to seeing you in Renosa.’
It was unclear whether Michael truly anticipated it, or if his heart had changed while Charlotte was away at the academy.
It could also be another trick to raise her hopes and crush them. Michael had a cruel side.
Like a child tearing off a butterfly’s wings.
“…Michael.”
Charlotte stared at her brother’s letter with complex emotions.
She wanted to return to Renosa as Greta Academy’s representative, as if to show him.
But now that it was happening, she felt uneasy. She pondered over it.
For now, all she could do was do her best for Greta Academy, having taken the opportunity Asuka gave up.
She put the letter down and decided to head to the training ground immediately.