Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 218 (Part 1):
‘Senior Helmut doesn’t seem like someone who would fit into the Black Wing Knights.’
For some reason, Charlotte felt that way. His presence was too intense to be confined to any organization.
Michael asked subtly.
“Who among the Greta Academy representatives has the most outstanding skills?”
But before Charlotte could answer, Michael found the answer in her brief hesitation.
“It’s Helmut, isn’t it? Amazing, especially since he’s a commoner. He’s more skilled than even the senior students? And he’s gained your favor.”
Michael’s eyes gleamed with a peculiar light. Charlotte felt a stirring unease.
Now that she thought about it, Helmut knew her mother’s maiden name. She didn’t know how that fact might connect with Michael, but it felt uncomfortable.
She had a premonition that these two should not be connected in any way.
“Could it be you’re interested in him as a man? The commoner, I mean.”
“No.”
Charlotte cut him off firmly. Even though nobles and commoners were treated equally within the academy, that wasn’t the case outside of it.
For the Grand Princess of Renosa to harbor feelings for a commoner would be an inability to understand her position.
Even Michael, who hopes Charlotte lowers herself, would not accept such a thing.
“He’s a diligent and skilled senior. If you want to recruit him, do as you wish. Senior Helmut is impeccable as a knight.”
Charlotte answered as fairly as possible. She didn’t want Michael to hold any ill will against Helmut because of her.
For a commoner like Helmut, the enmity of Renosa’s heir would be too much to handle.
But she soon realized that describing Helmut as an impeccable knight did not quite fit him.
Charlotte had heard how Helmut dealt with a second-year student who had provoked him.
From what she could see, Helmut was not the type to be docile or obedient to anyone.
He should not be involved with someone like Michael. Michael was the type to get what he wanted, which meant they were bound to clash.
Michael shrugged lightly.
“Well, talent isn’t exclusive to Greta Academy. I’ll keep your words in mind.”
Charlotte added firmly.
“Even if His Highness granted you rights over the Black Wing Knights, it’s meant to protect you. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t flaunt it like this.”
Sending the Black Wing Knights was a way for Michael to show off the authority he had gained as an heir.
But the name of the Black Wing Knights was too significant to be used for such purposes.
Also, this way of doing things that she couldn’t refuse was unpleasant.
The mere act of the Black Wing Knights coming en masse to take Charlotte could make others suspicious of her identity.
Though the faculty already knew, it would be difficult to dispel the doubts of the other selected students.
Even though Michael promised to keep it secret, he didn’t guarantee it unconditionally.
Michael’s lips curled into a smile. A cold smile that only Charlotte could see, despite his angelic face.
“That’s my right. Something you don’t have. And I will gain even more in the future. Things you won’t be able to have.”
“Whatever you gain has nothing to do with me.”
“It does have to do with you. By the time you graduate from Greta Academy, you will be kneeling at my feet as a vassal of Renosa.”
Michael was openly wary of other heirs of Renosa.
If he was saying this to establish hierarchy, it meant he wasn’t yet intent on eliminating Charlotte.
If he wanted to eliminate her, it would be better to win her over and make her lower her guard.
But Charlotte never forgot that Michael could turn on her at any moment.
“If you can, do so. By fair means.”
She couldn’t help but dislike his methods, which involved even using their mother.
Sometimes, weakness can be a weapon. Michael knew how to use that well.
Yet, he also had the talent to win everyone’s favor.
That was his greatest talent, surpassing Charlotte’s talent with the sword.
Charlotte’s meal had ended at some point. Michael, who hadn’t touched his food, changed his smile.
He looked at Charlotte with an unreadable expression and spoke.
“I’m glad to see you’re the same as ever. Let’s meet again.”
He waved lightly. As Charlotte stood up, she left a parting remark.
“You haven’t changed either.”
She had no choice but to act as Michael intended once she came this far.
Even though she had tried to remain composed, she couldn’t help but feel emotional.
‘I hope senior Helmut won’t get into trouble because of…this.’
Charlotte hoped Michael wouldn’t take an interest in him.
Michael would be busy. Successfully hosting the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament in Renosa was his task.
At least he wouldn’t cause immediate trouble, which was fortunate.