Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 216 (Part 2):
“It’s fortunate we arrived at our destination without any accidents.”
The road widened further. As they got closer to the Principality of Renosa, Instructor Alan, who had been leading the students on the journey, spoke with relief.
Despite his furrowed brows, there was a hint of relief in his eyes.
He was the person in charge of this group. Once they entered Renosa, they would be under the management of the tournament organizers. His job would become slightly easier.
Most of the Greta Academy students were of noble birth. The journey was prepared to match that standard.
Though it wasn’t luxurious, it was made sure to be comfortable. It wasn’t a task Alan was familiar with.
“We’ll be able to rest once we arrive.”
Instructor Patricia, who had maintained her poise until now, winked and touched his shoulder.
Instructor Alan looked at her with gentle eyes.
In any case, it was thanks to the dean’s consideration that the two of them were traveling together.
Professor Luxen coughed for no apparent reason.
“Ahem! it seems there’s something up ahead.”
He pointed ahead, having scanned the area with a short-range detection spell.
Indeed, there was something ahead. No hostility was felt.
The group was nearing Renosa’s territory. It was likely that those who had come to greet them had received advance notice.
Having sent word that they would arrive today, it was likely they had come to meet them.
The group approached with caution, prepared for any eventuality.
Soon, the figures came into view. They were well-trained elite soldiers.
Lined up along the roadside, they were motionless and exuded a stifling military discipline.
They gave off the impression of swords honed solely for cutting down enemies. Each one was highly skilled.
Black armor. Emblazoned with wings and a sword. The moment they saw them, everyone except Helmut knew who they were.
“The Black Wing Knights of Renosa?”
“They’re here… this is too much just to greet us.”
Nils murmured. Helmut recalled what he knew about the Black Wing Knights of Renosa.
Among the many pieces of information he had gathered, there was information about the Black Wing Knights.
They were one of the few knight orders that could be said to be on par with the Palma Knights of Basor.
While less rough and more refined than the Palma Knights, their skill was comparable.
In one-on-one combat, they might even be better than the Palma Knights.
Renosa had almost no demonic beasts, and these knights fought humans.
Even though Renosa was putting a lot of effort into this swordsmanship tournament, having the Grand Duke’s direct Black Wing Knights to greet the Greta Academy members was excessive.
They likely didn’t greet all the academy groups this way.
Was it a coincidence?
Charlotte’s face noticeably hardened upon seeing them.
‘Why are the Black Wing Knights here… could it be His Highness the Grand Duke?’
As the carriage reached the impressive presence of the knights, one of the Black Wing Knights stepped forward.
With a loud neigh, the carriage came to a halt.
A calm voice rang out.
“We received word that you would be passing through here today. Welcome, members of Greta Academy. I am Karl Vanto of the Black Wing Knights.”
It wasn’t a situation typically warranting the appearance of the Knights’ Commander or Deputy Commander.
But it was clear from his demeanor that he was of considerable rank.
“What brings you out here?”
It wasn’t a greeting for dignitaries. The members of Greta Academy knew they weren’t considered dignitaries.
There were more than just one or two Black Wing Knights. There were dozens of them.
“We are here to escort you to your destination. This is the will of the Grand Duchy of Renosa.”
Charlotte knew who the man in front of her was. She detected subtlety in his words.
He didn’t say it was the will of His Highness the Grand Duke. That meant…
In any case, he did not greet Charlotte directly.
‘Not yet…’
Charlotte closed her eyes slowly, then opened them. She knew there was a high chance she would be revealed despite the academy’s policy.
The faculty also knew who Charlotte was.
But Charlotte felt relieved that it wouldn’t happen immediately. She did not want to reveal her identity. She fervently wished not to.
Maybe it was because she enjoyed the time she spent with the Greta Academy members.
At Greta Academy, Charlotte could just be Charlotte.
A diligent and talented student, liked by everyone. Not a worthless being hated by her brother and ignored by her mother. She didn’t want to destroy that.
Instructor Alan guessed why they had come this far.
“We appreciate the generous treatment. We take it as encouragement to achieve excellent results.”
“And there is one other matter to address.”
His tone suggested it was not so much a request as a statement of something that must obviously be done, almost like a command.
Karl Vanto shifted his gaze to Charlotte.
“The Grand Duchy of Renosa wishes to meet with Miss Charlotte.”
His expression and tone were respectful.
“Would you accompany us?”
Everyone turned to look at Charlotte. Her complexion wavered as if she had been counterattacked.
She knew who wanted to see her.
She hadn’t expected Michael to be able to move the Grand Duke’s direct Black Wing Knights.
‘Is he trying to show me that he has control over the Black Wing Knights?’
The Grand Duke wasn’t a puppet, so it wouldn’t be complete control.
But it was clear Michael had been granted such authority.
Karl Vanto asked Charlotte again, his tone slightly troubled.
“Would you come with us?”
It was an invitation to Charlotte, not a demand to the Greta Academy faculty.
Karl Vanto didn’t bow or lower himself. It wasn’t a request for consent.
His attitude was subtly high-handed. Slightly unpleasant.
But the faculty didn’t point it out.
They were dealing with the Black Wing Knights of Renosa. There was nothing to gain by clashing with them here. They were here to compete.
“It would be difficult for her to act alone, but since Charlotte’s hometown is Renosa, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
In a tone that seemed to grant permission, Instructor Patricia stepped back.
Instructor Alan agreed. But he added one condition.
“Charlotte, what do you think?”
“I want to go.”
There was no intention to avoid it. She would face it.
Determination filled Charlotte’s eyes.