Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 220 (Part 2):
“Yes, I should do well in Renosa. I must also successfully conclude this swordsmanship tournament.”
“I worry about the heavy responsibilities the Grand Duke has placed on you. I fear for your health.”
“It’s an opportunity to gain the Grand Duke’s recognition. I am the heir of Renosa. It’s my duty.”
The Grand Duke was not a father but the Grand Duke. While he called his mother ‘mother’, he never called his father ‘father’.
The Grand Duke was such an existence. Before being a father, he was the master of the duchy.
Ironically, he was a husband to Margret. If there was anyone who could move the Grand Duke, it was this beautiful noblewoman. Michael knew this well.
The stern father had no choice but to grant Michael the privilege of the Black Wing Knights due to her persuasion.
However, the Grand Duke was not easily swayed.
After listening to a few more of Margret’s worried words, Michael left the parlor and headed straight to the Grand Duke’s study.
First, to his mother, then to the Grand Duke. This was the set order.
“Please enter, Your Highness Michael.”
“I come before Your Highness, the glory of Renosa.”
Michael bowed his head as he entered the office.
The man in the room, backlit by the light, lifted his head.
The pressure was like a mountain crashing down. The gaze that fell upon him was so intense it felt like it could pierce through.
Facing those jet-black eyes, Michael lowered his head.
The Grand Duke of Renosa. With black hair and black eyes, he was still handsome and youthful enough that there was no need to recall his younger days.
His gaze and charisma were fitting for a ruler.
The Grand Duke of Renosa was known as the Iron-Blooded Grand Duke.
As soon as Michael finished his greeting, the Grand Duke spoke coldly.
“Yes, I know you cannot be a lion. But you must know that a fox cannot become the master of Renosa!”
The Grand Duke of Renosa was an exceptional swordsman. His words, filled with authority and power, often overwhelmed others.
Even Michael was no exception to feeling intimidated in his presence.
But Michael managed to smile. He knew he couldn’t show weakness in front of the Grand Duke.
“You are displeased that I mobilized the Black Wing Knights.”
“Only the master of Renosa can command the Black Wing Knights. You do not have that right.”
“I understand.”
“The swordsmanship tournament is imminent. Focus solely on that while you’re in the capital. The Black Wing Knights will not follow you outside the capital.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
Michael responded obediently. Conversations with the Grand Duke were always one-sided.
The Grand Duke never asked about the well-being of Charlotte or Michael. He was someone lacking in parental affection.
Still, if he had to choose, the Grand Duke favored Charlotte. She resembled him more, and although she lacked tact, she had outstanding talent in swordsmanship.
Charlotte was a true swordsman. The Grand Duke liked swordsmen.
Compared to her, Michael was an unsatisfactory child. Though his son, he did not resemble the Grand Duke at all.
Cunning, frail, and lacking in talent with the sword.
However, the Grand Duke recognized Michael’s other talents. His ability to command and manipulate people.
He knew Michael could fulfill his role as the heir of Renosa.
The Grand Duke could think dispassionately for Renosa’s sake That’s why, even though he found Michael unsatisfactory, he considered him as the next master of Renosa due to his other qualities.
‘A child with ambition is better than one without.’
Had Charlotte wanted it, the Grand Duke might have supported her.
But Margret cherished Michael, and Charlotte lacked ambition.
Both father and daughter were swayed by Margret.
Michael knew how to use Margret to get what he wanted.
Using his own mother might seem sly, but it wasn’t something to be criticized. He was a noble.
If the heir of Renosa had been weak, jealous, and incompetent, it would have been a greater problem.
“If you have anything more to say, I will listen.”
Michael knew when to retreat.
He had no more demands from the Grand Duke. Now, he just had to show how well he could perform the tasks given to him.
“The swordsmanship tournament is entirely your responsibility. Make sure it is handled well. You may leave.”
With the Grand Duke’s final words, Michael bowed and left the room.
His eyes were calm as he exited. The boy who had once trembled and couldn’t even speak properly in front of the Grand Duke was no longer there.
Now stood the heir of Renosa.
‘In the end, it will all fall into my hands.’
A cold smile crossed Michael’s lips.
The next day, the Greta Academy group entered the capital.
They were the fourth academy representatives to arrive in the capital.